India Visa Guide
India Business Visa - Guide to the Indian Business e-Visa
The India business visa is for meetings, trade, setting up a venture, attending conferences, and consulting - but not for employment. The e-Business Visa is issued online at indianvisaonline.gov.in in 72 hours to 4 business days, is valid for 1 year with multiple entry, and costs USD 120 for most passports (USD 25 to 415 depending on nationality).
- Processing time
- 72 hours to 4 business days (e-Business)
- Cost
- USD 120 for most passports (by nationality, up to USD 415)
- Validity
- 1 year, multiple entry; up to 180 days per stay
- Eligibility
- Citizens of 170+ e-Visa eligible countries with a business purpose
- How to apply
- Online e-Visa portal or sticker visa via embassy
Business visit or employment? The line that matters
Needs an Employment visa instead
- Taking a salaried job with an Indian company
- Working as staff on a long project paid in India
- Any role where an Indian entity is your employer
Allowed on an e-Business visa
- Meetings, negotiations and site visits
- Buying, selling and trade
- Setting up a business or industrial venture
- Trade fairs, exhibitions and sales tours
- Recruiting staff
- Expert visits for an ongoing project
The e-Business visa is valid for one year with multiple entries, and each visit can last up to 180 days. It is decided online in the usual 72-hour to 4-business-day window — but the fee depends heavily on your passport.
| United Arab Emirates | USD 415 |
| United Kingdom | USD 242 |
| Australia / Saudi Arabia | USD 215 |
| Thailand / Ireland | USD 200 |
| France | USD 165 |
| United States | USD 140 |
| Most nationalities | USD 120 |
| Japan | USD 25 |
Source: Government of India e-Visa fee schedules (e-Tourist 8 Sep 2026; e-Business/e-Medical 15 Apr 2026), indianvisaonline.gov.in. A 3% bank charge is added to every fee.
Which business visa fits your trip
| e-Business | Regular Business visa | Employment visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to apply | Online | Embassy / visa centre | Embassy / visa centre |
| Validity | 1 year, multiple entry | Longer validity possible | Tied to the job contract |
| Stay per visit | Up to 180 days | As granted | As granted |
| Salary from India | Not allowed | Not allowed | Required |
| Typical decision | 72h–4 business days | Weeks | Weeks |
Source: Government of India e-Visa rules, indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Preparing a business trip that clears first time
- Get an invitation letter from the Indian company — On letterhead, signed, naming you, your role, dates and the purpose.
- Have your business card ready — Uploaded as a PDF; company name must match the form.
- Apply for the e-Business visa — At least 4 days before arrival; pay immediately.
- File the e-Arrival Card — Within 72 hours before landing.
- Carry the invitation letter on the trip — Immigration can ask what you are in India to do.
What a good invitation letter contains
- The Indian company’s full registered name, address and contact person.
- Your full name exactly as in your passport, your employer and your job title.
- The purpose of the visit and the dates.
- Who pays for the trip.
- A signature from an authorised person, on company letterhead.
Step-by-step process
- Select e-Business Visa on the e-Visa portal.
- Fill in personal, passport and business details.
- Upload passport bio page, photo and a business card or Indian company invitation.
- Pay the fee online.
- Receive the e-Business Visa by email and print it for travel.
Requirements
| Passport | 6 months validity, 2 blank pages. |
|---|---|
| Photo | White background JPEG, 10 KB to 1 MB. |
| Business proof | Business card or an invitation/letter from the Indian host company. |
| Purpose statement | A short note on the business activity planned. |
| Funds | Proof of sufficient funds for the trip. |
Common mistakes
- Using a business visa for salaried employment in India
- No invitation letter or business card uploaded
- Applying for employment - that needs an Employment visa, not Business
- Mismatched business name across documents
Expert tips
- An Employment visa is different - use it if you will be salaried in India.
- Carry the invitation letter to show at immigration if asked.
- The e-Business is multiple entry for 1 year; each stay up to 180 days.
- For long-term business residence, apply for a sticker business visa.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in India on a business visa?
No. A business visa allows business meetings, trade and setup, but not salaried employment. Employment needs a separate Employment visa.
How long is the India business e-Visa valid?
The e-Business Visa is valid for 1 year with multiple entries; each stay is up to 180 days.
What documents prove a business purpose?
A business card, a letter from the Indian host company, or an invitation to a trade fair or conference.
Is the business e-Visa faster than the sticker business visa?
Yes - the e-Business issues online in 72 hours to 4 business days; sticker visas via the visa application centre / embassy take 5 to 15 working days.