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India employment visa

Employment visa (E-1)

In short

The employment visa (E-1) covers all employment in India, including intra-company transfers, except for categories with their own visas. The employer must be registered in India, and the contract must be notarised and attested by a chamber of commerce and the Ministry of External Affairs. Fees depend on nationality, visa duration and the Indian mission where you apply.

Apply on Indian Visa Online (Government of India) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Fee
The employment visa fee depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply, which also states how to pay; it is not refunded if the visa is refused.
Processing time
Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
Work
Yes, for the sponsoring employer in India
Family
Spouse and dependants receive entry (X) visas co-terminous with the main visa
Where to apply
Online form on indianvisaonline.gov.in, then submission with passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, in the way that mission specifies

Scope

According to the Bureau of Immigration, E-1 covers all cases of employment, including intra-company transferees, other than those under the E-2 and E-3 visas (such as missionary or religious workers of approved organisations). The employing company or organisation must be registered in India.

Documents

Proof of the Indian employer's registration, your professional or educational certificates and proof of employment, contract or engagement by the company in India. The employment or contract letter must be notarised and attested by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Required documents

Identity

  • Original passport valid at least six months beyond departure from India, with a photocopy of the first pages
  • Proof of residence in the country where you apply; non-nationals add their residence permit

Money

  • Proof of payment of the visa fee, as the mission requires

Work

  • Copy of the Indian employer's registration
  • Employment contract notarised and attested by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the MEA

Study

  • Professional or educational certificates

Other

  • Online visa application form from indianvisaonline.gov.in with uploaded photo, printed and signed
  • Two recent passport-size photographs

Fees

The fee depends on your nationality, the duration of the visa and the Indian mission where you apply. The mission decides the type and duration of the visa regardless of the fee paid, and long-duration visas require at least three years of passport validity.

Arrival card and FRRO registration

Foreigners complete the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival on boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app. Holders of student, employment, medical or missionary work visas valid for more than 180 days must register with the jurisdictional FRRO or FRO within 14 days of arrival; holders of other visas, including business visas, must register if they stay more than 180 days continuously or within a calendar year. Children under 12 are exempt. Extensions and conversions are requested on indianfrro.gov.in while you are in India and before your visa expires.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Sign a contract with a company registered in India and have it notarised and attested by a chamber of commerce and the Ministry of External Affairs.
  2. Fill in the regular visa application on indianvisaonline.gov.in well before travel and upload your photo; handwritten forms are not accepted.
  3. Pay the visa fee in the way the Indian mission where you apply specifies; the amount depends on your nationality and is not refunded if the visa is refused.
  4. Submit the printed, signed form with your passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, or where it directs you, on your appointment day; biometrics may be taken.
  5. Collect the passport once the mission has decided.
  6. Submit the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arriving in India and register with the FRRO if your visa requires it.

Frequently asked questions

Is an intra-company transfer covered?

Yes, E-1 covers all employment including intra-company transferees.

Can my family join me?

Your spouse and dependent family members receive entry (X) visas for the same period as your employment visa.

Do I need to register after arrival?

Yes, holders of employment visas valid for more than 180 days register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for India

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Medical treatment visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Culture, sports and events visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 15 days, single or double entry

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Study and training

  • Student visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Family

  • Family reunification visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: e-Tourist 30 days, 1 year or 5 years (max. 180 days per calendar year for 1- and 5-year visas); e-Business up to 180 days per visit

India visa guide