Indian Busines e-Visa vs. Regular Business Visa

The India business visa is an official travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to visit the country for business purposes. It can be issued as an e-Visa or a regular visa. Both are multiple-entry visas and allow visa applicants to travel to India to conduct business-related activities.  

Learn about the e-business visa and traditional regular visas for conducting business activities in the guide below.

Overview of e-Visa and Regular Visa

The e-Visa is a more convenient option for eligible business travelers, as it can be applied online and does not require visiting an Indian embassy or Consulate.   

The regular business visa for India has a longer duration. This is beneficial for individuals who wish to stay for a longer period or are unable to obtain the e-Visa.  

India’s Business eVisa enables international entrepreneurs and investors to engage in trade, consultations, and business-related activities within the country, fostering global collaborations and economic exchanges..

Grounds for Granting Indian Business Visas

The business visa is for international visitors coming to India for commercial or profit-making purposes. It includes both e-visas and regular visas. These purposes can include the following:  

• Selling or buying goods and services in India  

• Attending business meetings, such as technical meetings or sales meetings  

• Setting up industrial or business ventures  

• Conducting tours  

• Delivering lectures  

• Recruiting workers  

• Participating in trade and business fairs and exhibitions  

• Coming to the country as an expert or specialist for a commercial project  

e-Business Visa vs. Regular Business Visa

The comparison between the e-business visa and a regular visa for business is as follows:  

Purpose of Visit and Entry Type 

For both e-Visa and Regular Visa:  

• Both are issued if applicants are traveling to India for business purposes. Indian business visas allow multiple entries to business travelers. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an Indian business visa, visa applicants must meet the following criteria:  

• Be a citizen of one of the 171 countries eligible for the business e-Visa (for e-Visas only). For a regular visa, ask the nearest embassy about the requirements because relations between countries can change.  

• Have a valid passport and blank pages for stamping 

• Have sufficient funds to support their stay in India  

• Be able to show a return or onward ticket  

• Provide proof of business activities  

Note:  

Please note the requirements for a regular business visa are more stringent. It may include additional documents such as a letter of invitation from an Indian company and a letter detailing business activities.  

The consular officer may request additional documentation as considered at the time of the interview. Additionally, the e-Visa for business cannot be extended. It cannot convert to any other type of visa (such as the tourist visa or the medical visa) during the visa holder's stay in India. 

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, a pivotal global entry point, welcomes a myriad of visitors to India each day, accommodating both tourists and business travelers. The airport is equipped with the India eVisa system for entry.

Duration of Stay

e-business Visa  

• One year (365 days) from the date of grant of ETA.  

Regular Visa for Business  

• The Business visa can be issued for up to five (5) years or a shorter period, depending on the requirements.  

Stay in India

e-business Visa  

• Continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 180 days. If the intention is to stay for more than 180 days, e-Visa holders must get registered with the FRRO/FRO concerned within two weeks after the expiry of 180 days.  

Regular Visa for Business  

• Stay Stipulation: A maximum stay of six (6) months per visit is established by the Indian Mission. The duration is based on the nature of the business activities.  

• Endorsements for Stay: If a maximum stay of six months per visit is decided, the visa should have a clear endorsement: "Each stay not to exceed six months and registration not required."  

• If no specific stay duration is decided, a simple endorsement should be made: "Registration within 14 days."  

Special Provision for the Citizens of the United States

Indian Missions can grant a 10-year Business Visa with multiple entry facilities to US nationals. The stay in India during each visit with this visa must not exceed six (6) months.  

Citizenship and Residency

Multiple entry business e-Visa 

• Applicant must be a citizen of one of the 165 countries eligible for the Indian e-Visa. Please note some nationalities are banned from acquiring the business e-visa due to security concerns. 

Regular Visa for Business  

• Issued from the home country or country of residence of the applicant (if residing there for more than two years).  

• A personal interview, review of documentation, and prior clearance are required if living in a country for less than two years.  

Restrictions

Business e-Visa   

• The Indian eBusiness Visa cannot be converted or extended once issued.  

• An individual can only apply for a maximum of two e-Business Visas within one calendar year.  

• Applicants must have sufficient funds in their bank accounts to support themselves throughout their stay in the country.  

• Visitors must always carry a copy of their approved Indian eBusiness Visa during their stay in the country.  

• At the time of application, the applicant must be able to show a return or onward ticket.  

• The applicant must possess a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in the country and has at least 2 blank pages.  

• Applicants with International Travel Documents and Diplomatic/Official Passport holders are not eligible to apply for the business e-Visa for India.  

• Applicants can enter India through one of the 28 designated Immigration Check Posts (airports) or 5 seaports. 

 Regular Visa for Business 

• No money lending, running a small business, or full-time employment allowed.  

• Applicants must comply with all other requirements, including tax payments.  

• Documents/papers pertaining to the proposed business activity will be thoroughly checked.  

• Visa issuance is subject to any instructions issued by the Indian government based on reciprocity with other countries.  

Processing Time

e-Visa  

Applicants are advised to apply for their e-Visa applications at least 4 to 7 days before their desired entry date. The business e-visa process typically takes 2 to 7 business days to complete. Faster processing is available with Natvisa.

Business Visa 

The Consulate will process the application within 15 business days of receiving it.  

Some Popular FAQs on India Business Visas

Q. Can foreign nationals coming to execute projects in India be granted business visas?   

A.No. A foreign national coming to execute projects/contracts will have to come only on an Employment Visa.  

Q.How long does it take to acquire an e-Business visa for India?  

A.The e-Visa system is the quickest way to obtain a business visa to India. It is advisable to apply at least 4 business days before the visit date, but it is possible to get the visa approved in 24 hours (although rare).  

Processing Steps

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Online Application

Form is received and reviewed.

Receive Document

Receive the approved document.

Arrive in India

Present the document upon arrival.

Natvisa for Business Travelers

Natvisa offers a convenient and streamlined process for obtaining an India business e-Visa. To apply for either type of visa, travelers will need to submit a visa application form, contact, travel, passport, and personal details. That's it! The Natvisa team will get your Business e-Visa expedited right away. 

Benefits of Getting Your India eVisa with Natvisa

• Fully Compliant: Natvisa’s team checks all your answers to ensure they meet Indian government standards.
• Easy Form: Instead of navigating complex questions on the Indian e visa website, Natvisa offers a straightforward form.
• Your Safety Matters: Natvisa prioritizes your data protection with a robust security system. Your information is in safe hands.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Our team is available 24/7 and ensures that your India visa application is handled efficiently and professionally.

Have questions?

Contact a Natvisa expert right away

Conclusion

A business visa is a requirement for foreign nationals who wish to visit India for commercial purposes. The application process and requirements vary depending on whether an applicant is applying for an e-Visa or a regular visa. The processing time and validity of the visa for business will also vary.  

India business e-Visa is the best choice for business travelers who need a quick and easy visa. At the same time, a regular business visa is more suitable for those who need a longer stay or are not eligible for an e-business visa.