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India Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in India? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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New Delhi

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Indian Rupee

(

₹

)

Timezone

IST

(

GMT +5:30

)

Payroll

Monthly

Employment Cost

16.75%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Hiring Foreign Talent in India: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in India? Navigating India’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in India, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers must be registered with the Ministry of Home Affairs to sponsor foreign workers.

The work permit process generally takes 2 to 6 weeks.

Common work visas include the Employment Visa and the Tourist Visa for business purposes, with fees starting from ₹10,000.

Independent contractors must follow a separate process and generally do not require employer sponsorship.

Work permits are location-specific and job changes may require approval from the Ministry.

Who Needs a Work Permit in India

Any foreign national (non-citizen) seeking employment in India requires a valid work permit or visa. Employers are responsible for initiating and supporting the work visa application process. This includes ensuring employees meet the necessary criteria and providing relevant supporting documentation, which we’ll unpack in more detail below.

Types of Work Visas in India

India offers various types of visas depending on the nature of work and duration of stay. Some of the most common types of work visas include:

Visa Type	Description
Employment Visa	This type of visa is issued to foreign nationals with specialized skills or qualifications employed by an Indian company. Typically valid for the length of the applicant’s work contract, between 6 months and 5 years.
Business Visa	Issued to foreign nationals who want to visit India for business meetings, set up a business, or conduct consultations. It can be valid for a period between 30 days and 5 years.
Project Visa	Issued to workers hired for specific Indian government projects, generally valid for the duration of the project.
Intern Visa	For foreign nationals interning with Indian companies. Valid for up to one year.

Common Hiring Scenarios for India

When hiring talent in India, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in India. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (approximately 2 to 6 weeks), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in India.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in India

Independent professionals in India can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Indian Rupee (INR) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in India.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to India

Transferring an existing team member to India? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Asia, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in India? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements for a Work Permit in India

To apply for an employment visa or work permit in India, foreign workers must typically provide the following documents:

A valid passport.
A completed visa application form.
An employment contract from an employer in India, in English, that details the length of employment and work conditions.
Proof of educational qualifications and experience relevant to the job.
Passport-sized photos.
A copy of their CV or resume in English.
Proof of residency (required when registering with the Foreign Regional Registration Offices).
Supporting documents from their employer.

India Work Permit Application Process

The visa application process typically involves the following steps:

Submit a new visa application: Complete the application on the Indian government’s visa website and schedule a visa appointment with the local embassy or consulate. Print a copy of the application once complete.
Gather necessary documents: Collect all required documents as outlined previously.
Attend physical visa appointment: Submit original documents, passport, and pay the visa fees. The visa is typically issued within two weeks.
Collect the visa: Return to the embassy to collect the passport with the visa stamp or have it mailed.
Post-arrival in India: Register with the Foreign Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) within 14 days if the visa is valid for more than 180 days.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in India

Employers in India must ensure their foreign hires have the proper work authorization. According to the Foreigner’s Act, illegal immigrants can be fined, imprisoned, or deported. Employers are also responsible for assisting with the work visa application process and supporting the employee during FRRO registration once they arrive in India.

Employers should provide documents such as:

A copy of the company registration.
A letter of undertaking, on company letterhead, stating responsibility for the employee’s activities and conduct.
An employment contract detailing salary and employment period.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in India

Work visa fees in India vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the length of the visa.

Visa Type	Application Fee
Employment Visa	$200 - $400
Business Visa	$150 - $250
Project Visa	$300 - $500
Intern Visa	$100 - $200

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in India, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in India

Processing times vary depending on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. On average, work visas take between 2 to 6 weeks to process, though Employment Visas can take up to 5 months. Employers should account for potential delays due to missing documentation or high application volumes.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in India

Work visas in India can be renewed based on the nature of employment. Typically, Employment Visas can be renewed annually, with a total stay not exceeding five years from the initial issuance date. Employers must support their employees in the extension process by providing updated employment contracts and proof of continued employment. The renewal process should begin well before the current visa’s expiration to avoid any disruptions.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in India

Currently, India does not offer a specific digital nomad visa. Foreign nationals who wish to work remotely from India, even for an employer located abroad, must obtain an appropriate visa, such as a Business Visa or Employment Visa, depending on the nature of their work. Working remotely while on a tourist visa is not permitted.

Employers should ensure that their remote employees understand the visa restrictions and apply for the correct visa category. Violating visa conditions can lead to penalties, deportation, or bans on future travel to India.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in India

Employers in India often face several challenges in the recruitment process. These challenges include shortages of qualified talent, high application volumes, and the need to implement fair hiring practices. Here are some common challenges and tips to address them:

Shortage of Qualified Talent: Certain industries lack candidates with the necessary skills, creating intense competition among employers.
High Volume of Applications: Sorting through a large number of applicants can be time-consuming. Using recruitment technology can help streamline this process.
Diversity and Inclusion: Implementing fair hiring practices requires addressing biases and promoting inclusivity.
Technological Adaptation: Ensuring recruiters are trained in new recruitment technologies can improve efficiency.
Candidate Integrity: Misrepresentation of qualifications can complicate hiring decisions. Conduct thorough background checks to verify credentials.
Retention of New Hires: Providing growth opportunities and a positive work culture can help retain talent.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in India

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in India?

Yes, Playroll can sponsor work visas in India. As the legal employer, we manage the full visa process with local authorities — from documentation to approvals — ensuring your hire is compliant and ready to work. Whether you're relocating a team member or hiring in India, our experts will guide you step by step.

Want to get started? book a demo and we’ll walk you through the process.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in India?

A work visa in India grants foreign nationals permission to enter the country for employment purposes. A work permit, typically linked to the work visa, refers to the authorization required to engage in employment activities. In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, with the Employment Visa serving both purposes.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in India?

The processing time for a work permit or visa in India varies by visa type. On average, most work visas take between 2 to 6 weeks. However, Employment Visas can take up to 5 months, depending on the complexity of the application and the applicant's nationality.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in India?

Employers sponsoring a work permit or visa in India must provide several key documents. These include the company's registration certificate, an employment contract detailing the job role and salary, a letter of undertaking assuming responsibility for the employee, and proof that the employee meets the eligibility criteria for the visa.

What types of work permits and visas are available in India?

India offers several types of work-related visas, including the Employment Visa for skilled foreign workers, the Business Visa for business activities, the Project Visa for government-related projects, and the Intern Visa for internships. Each visa type has specific eligibility requirements and validity periods.