India Business Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Online e-Business visa available for most nationalities
- Valid for meetings, trade fairs, and setting up businesses
- Multiple entry options usually granted for 12 months
- Allows continuous stay of up to 180 days in some cases
- Processing time as fast as 72 hours for e-Visas
- Applicable for technical specialists on short-term projects
- No physical interview required for the e-Visa route
Processing time
3-5 working days for e-Visa; 2-4 weeks for sticker visa
The e-Business visa is usually processed very quickly, while physical sticker visas at an embassy can take several weeks depending on jurisdiction.
Estimated cost
$82.50 - $185.00+
- Consular Fee (e-Visa)$80 - $160 (depending on nationality)
- Payment Processing Fee$2.50 - $25.00
- Regular Sticker Visa Fee (Varies)Approx. $100 - $200
Requirements
- Passport must have at least six months validity from date of arrival
- Passport must have at least two blank pages for stamping
- Applicants must have a return or onward travel ticket
- The visit must be for legitimate business or professional purposes
- A formal invitation letter from an Indian company is mandatory
- Applicant must not be a persona non-grata to the Government of India
- Sufficient funds to support the stay in India must be demonstrated
- The applicant's business card must be uploaded for the e-Visa application
- Digital photo must have a plain white background and no borders
Documents you'll need
- Scanned copy of passport bio page (PDF format)
- Digital passport-sized photograph (JPEG format)
- Business card of the applicant
- Letter of Invitation from the host Indian company
- Business cover letter from the employer (for sticker visas)
- Certificate of Incorporation of the host company (if requested)
- Proof of residential address in home country
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Determine Visa Category
Determine if you are eligible for an e-Business Visa or if you require a traditional sticker visa from the Indian Embassy.
- 2
Gather Documentation
Scan your passport bio page, prepare a digital photo, and obtain a business card and invitation letter from your Indian host.
- 3
Fill Online Application
Complete the official online application form with accurate personal, professional, and travel details.
- 4
Upload Documents
Upload the required PDF and JPEG files, ensuring they meet the specific file size and resolution requirements.
- 5
Payment of Fees
Pay the visa fee using a credit card, debit card, or authorized payment wallet. Save the receipt for your records.
- 6
Await Processing
Monitor your email for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). If applying for a sticker visa, wait for the passport collection notice.
- 7
Print Authorisation
Once approved, download and print the ETA. You must carry this physical copy with you when you travel to India.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure the name on your application exactly matches the machine-readable zone of your passport.
- The invitation letter should be clear and mention the specific dates and purpose of your visit.
- Avoid using blurred or low-quality scans of your business card or passport.
- Do not apply too early; the e-Visa application window usually opens 120 days before travel.
- Check that your passport has no observation remarks that might invalidate its use for e-Visas.
- If you have dual nationality, ensure you apply with the passport you intend to travel with.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.