Can I apply for business visa on arrival in India?

No, business visas must be obtained before travel. Only tourist e-visas are available on arrival for limited nationalities.

What if my Indian company contact doesn't have proper invitation letter?

The invitation must be on company letterhead with registration details. Ask your contact to include company GST number, address, phone, and specific meeting dates.

Can I attend conferences on tourist visa?

No, any business activity including conferences requires business visa. Immigration officers check this strictly.

How long can I stay on business visa?

E-business visa allows 180 days total stay with multiple entries. Regular business visa can be issued for up to 5 years with varying stay periods.

How to Get a Business Visa for India

Apply for an Indian business visa online through the official government portal, submit required documents including invitation letter and business registration, and expect processing in 3-5 business days for e-visas or 7-10 days for regular visas.

Choose your visa type. E-business visa for stays up to 180 days with multiple entries, or regular business visa for longer stays. E-visa is faster and cheaper for most business travelers.
Gather required documents. Valid passport (6+ months validity), recent passport photo, invitation letter from Indian company, your company registration certificate, business card, and proof of funds (bank statement from last 3 months).
Complete online application. Fill out the application on indianvisaonline.gov.in for e-visa or through VFS Global for regular visa. Upload all documents as PDF files under 1MB each.
Pay visa fees. Pay online using credit/debit card. E-business visa costs $80 for most nationalities, regular business visa ranges $120-160 depending on your country.
Submit and track. Submit application and note your reference number. Track status online. E-visas are processed in 3-5 business days, regular visas take 7-10 business days.
Print and travel. Print your e-visa approval (required at immigration) or collect passport from VFS center. Carry invitation letter and return ticket when traveling.

Can I apply for business visa on arrival in India?: No, business visas must be obtained before travel. Only tourist e-visas are available on arrival for limited nationalities.
What if my Indian company contact doesn't have proper invitation letter?: The invitation must be on company letterhead with registration details. Ask your contact to include company GST number, address, phone, and specific meeting dates.
Can I attend conferences on tourist visa?: No, any business activity including conferences requires business visa. Immigration officers check this strictly.
How long can I stay on business visa?: E-business visa allows 180 days total stay with multiple entries. Regular business visa can be issued for up to 5 years with varying stay periods.