How to Apply for an e Business visa for India: A Complete Guide
Are you a business owner looking to start a venture in India? Then the first thing that you will require for this journey is an e Business visa for India. This will work as your permit to start something new or invest in an existing venture in the country. Getting this visa is pretty easy once you get the hang of the process.
So, if you want to come to India for business then you should first understand the different things related to getting this visa. This way you will be able to ensure that you do not face any issues during the process.
Understanding an Indian Business Visa
We believe that the best way to carry out a process is to have the basic information about it. Let's get to it.
What is an Indian Business Visa?
An e Business visa for India is just like any other visa. This is used by any foreign national who is traveling to the country for a certain time. That being said, this visa is only issued to those people who are visiting the country for any reason related to the business category.
An Indian business visa stays valid for 3 months to 1 year, based on the type of entry that you choose. However, the maximum stay period is not more than 180 days. In case you feel the need to extend this, then you can apply for an extension through the visa application website for up to 5 years.
This visa helps you in the process of visiting a meeting, business fair, and even starting some new business. For instance, if an individual wishes to carry out business-related activities like starting or investing in a business then they can apply for this on the government Immigration website of the country.
Plus, you can also use this visa if you are coming to the country to buy a product or attend a cultural event. Well, irrespective of what your reason is behind coming to the country, you should specify that clearly on the application form. This helps in proving the authenticity of your cause.
You can also visit the embassy in your country to get your business visa approved. There are multiple Indian embassies all around the world and you will get all the information about them on the Indian Immigration Directory website.
Difference Between Business and Tourist Visas
Well, one can think why not get a tourist visa instead of an e business visa to India? This is why it is important to clear up this confusion before you make the wrong choice.
Business visa
This is one created solely for foreigners who are visiting the country for business-related reasons. This includes buying or selling a business, negotiating a deal, attending any meeting or conference, or anything that deals with trade and commerce. You can use this visa for both tourist and business purposes. This will not stop you from traveling freely in the country.
Tourist visa
This is designed for people who are coming to the country for anything related to travel and tourism. This involves visiting the country for sightseeing, visiting a family member or friends, or even attending any non-commercial event. It is important to note that you cannot engage in any business or employment-related work when you visit the country with this visa.
Who Needs an e Business visa for India?
Business visas are only given to foreigners who want to explore the industrial and business possibilities of the country. They would have to provide documents related to the cause to prove their eligibility.
Given below are some of the situations for which you can apply for an e Business visa for India:
- Starting a new business venture.
- Buying/selling an industrial product.
- Attending meetings like that of a general meeting, board meetings, or technical meetings.
- Sports person coming to pay or coach.
- Employing manpower.
- Taking part in an exhibition, or trade and business fair.
Indian Business Visa Requirements
You need to meet a few criteria in order to get the visa application accepted. This is why you should arrange these things prior to applying for the e Business visa to India. Some of these requirements are:
Documents Required
Applying for an Indian e business visa will require you to provide a couple of necessary documents. These are things that work as your identity proof when you enter the Indian Border. Some of these documents are:
Valid Passport
A passport is definitely the most important thing that you need to travel to India for any reason. This proves your identity and links you to your country. So, make sure you bring a passport that comes with a 6 months validity and at least two blank pages.
Photographs
The visa application process requires you to provide passport-size pictures. These come with proper size specifications which you can find on our website. The format of this varies depending on whether you are applying for it online or at the embassy. For the online application, you will have to provide scanned copies and for the latter hard copies will be enough.
Letter of Invitation
It is essential to attach a copy of the letter of invitation with your application. This letter should be sent to you from the business/organization that you are visiting/associated with. Clearly state the reason for your visit.
Proof of Financial Stability and Business Credentials
Visiting India for some time will incur a few costs. Depending on where you stay and what you do, this can cost somewhere around Rs. 3000 to 5000 in a day. This is why travelers are required to provide bank statements. This shows that they will be able to meet the living costs.
Additional Requirements Based on Nationality
There are some countries that might be required to follow a few requirements. These should be fulfilled by certain countries to increase their chances of approval.
Visa-exemption
There are some countries that do not require a visa to enter India. This includes countries like Nepal, Barbados, Bhutan, and others that are listed on the visa exemption list.
Countries that face delay
Countries like Pakistan often face a delay getting an e Business visa for India. In this case, consult the HelpDesk after a few days.
What is the right way to obtain an e-business visa to India?
Getting an e business visa to India is pretty simple. However, it does include a few steps which sometimes makes it tough for people who are getting it for the first time. Given below are some of the steps that you will need to follow in this process:
Application:
The first step of this process is to visit our website. After that, pick the business visa type. From there, you will be able to find the application form.
Submitting the form:
The next part of the process is to fill out all mandatory and general areas of the form. Avoid making mistakes; that can result in delay and even rejections. Keep all the necessary documents at hand. Applications through the embassy will require you to provide hard copies of everything.
Fee payment:
The last step of this process is to pay the amount required for the application process. Applicants are allowed to use both debit and credit cards for this process. Pick whichever payment method suits you the best.
Approval:
The processing period takes somewhere around 3 to 7 days depending on the country that you are from. Most people receive the approval within 3 days. Remember to get your business visa printed when you receive the approval email. You will have to carry this at the time of your arrival.
Need to get an e Business visa for India?
Well, getting an Indian e business visa can be pretty simple when you know the right way for it. You will just have to remember to bring all your documents and never make any mistakes on the form. That being said, if you ever face any difficulty then you can simply contact the HelpDesk.
Check your eligibility for Online Indian Visa and apply at least a week before your scheduled trip to India. Citizens of many countries including Austrian citizens, Croatian citizens, Korean citizens, Cypriot citizens and US citizens are eligible for India e-Visa.