India Visa · Quick Answer
Can I Work in India on a Tourist Visa?
No. A tourist visa is strictly for tourism, sightseeing and visiting friends or family. Any paid or unpaid work — including volunteering and remote employment for an Indian entity — is not permitted on a tourist visa. Salaried work needs an Employment visa; business meetings need a Business visa.
- Processing time
- n/a
- Cost
- n/a
- Validity
- Per visa
- Eligibility
- Tourist visa holders
- How to apply
- Not permitted
Working on a tourist visa can lead to deportation, a future ban, and refusal of subsequent visa applications. Choose the visa that matches your activity.
If you plan to work, use
- An Employment visa for salaried roles in India.
- A Business visa for meetings, trade and setup (no salary).
- A Project visa for specific project-based skilled work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I volunteer in India on a tourist visa?
Volunteering for pay or with an Indian organisation generally requires an Employment or Entry visa, not a tourist visa.
Can I do remote work for a foreign employer on a tourist visa?
Short remote work for a non-Indian employer is a grey area; for any formal work or long stay, use the correct work visa.