1. Choose the right visa
| Purpose | Visa |
|---|---|
| Employment with an Indian company | Employment visa (E) |
| Business visits, setting up | Business visa (B) / e-Business |
| Spouse/family of an Indian citizen or OCI | Entry (X) visa, then OCI after 2 years of marriage |
| Studying | Student visa |
| Research | Research visa |
| People of Indian origin | OCI card |
Tourist visas and e-Visas can’t be used for work or long-term residence, and can’t be converted.
2. Register with the FRRO (if required)
Under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 and the 2026 amendment to the rules, foreigners who will stay more than 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office before completing 180 days in India. Registration and later services (extensions, exit permits) are handled online through the e-FRRO portal at indianfrro.gov.in. OCI holders are exempt. See our FRRO guide.
3. Pick a city
See where to live in India: compare Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Goa and more.
4. Find a home
Most rentals use an 11-month leave and licence agreement with a refundable security deposit. See renting in India.
5. Banking and payments
Indian banks open accounts for foreigners with a valid visa, FRRO registration (if required), passport, address proof and PAN. Until then, UPI One World bridges the gap.
6. Phone and internet
Get a SIM with your passport and visa; fibre broadband is widely available in cities.
7. Healthcare
Private hospitals in big cities are excellent. Buy international or Indian health insurance.
8. Schools
International schools (IB, Cambridge) are concentrated in the metros; many have waitlists.
9. Daily life
English is widely used in business. Domestic help, delivery apps and services are affordable and everywhere. Expect bureaucracy: patience and good paperwork pay off.
This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source or a qualified professional.
