India Employment Visa

The India Employment Visa is an official authorization granted to foreign nationals seeking to undertake skilled employment with an Indian employer. This visa permits lawful entry, stay, and work in India, subject to compliance with prescribed eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. It is issued following detailed verification by the authorities to ensure the authenticity of the job offer and the applicant’s professional credentials. A well-prepared application improves the efficiency and success of the India Employment Visa process.

What is an India Employment Visa?

An India Employment Visa is a special visa granted to foreign nationals who seek to enter India for the purpose of gainful employment. This visa is issued primarily to highly skilled and qualified professionals who are employed or contracted by Indian companies, organizations, or industries. The Employment Visa allows foreign employees to legally work and reside in India for the duration of their contract or employment period. Typically, the visa is issued to individuals holding senior, technical, or managerial positions, and who meet specified salary criteria as mandated by the Indian government.

In simpler words:

An India Employment Visa is for skilled foreign professionals hired by Indian companies to work in senior or specialized roles. It lets them live and work in India legally for as long as their job contract lasts.

Types of Employment Visa in India

India’s Employment Visa (E-Visa) is categorized into specific sub-types to accommodate various professional roles, ensuring foreign nationals can legally engage in gainful employment with Indian entities. These categories distinguish between general employment, intra-company transfers, NGO work, and project-specific roles in key sectors. Dependents of primary visa holders receive corresponding ‘X’ sub-types for accompaniment.

E-1 Visa

The E-1 category covers general employment cases for highly skilled professionals, excluding intra-company transferees and NGO workers. It targets foreign nationals taking up roles in Indian companies, requiring proof of qualifications and a minimum salary threshold, typically exceeding Rs. 16.25 lakhs annually. This sub-type supports technical, managerial, or specialized positions.

E-2 Visa

E-2 is designated for intra-company transferees, allowing employees of multinational firms to transfer to their Indian branches or subsidiaries. Applicants must demonstrate prior employment with the foreign entity and relevant expertise for seamless operations. This facilitates global talent mobility within corporate structures.

E-3 Visa

The E-3 sub-type applies to employment with recognized non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India. It requires endorsement from the relevant Ministry or Department confirming the NGO’s status and the role’s alignment with its objectives. This category supports humanitarian, developmental, or charitable work by foreign professionals.

E-4 Visa

E-4 targets specialists executing projects in India’s power and steel sectors, often linked to contracts for installation, commissioning, or technical support. Validity aligns with project duration, up to five years or the contract period. Exemptions from standard salary norms may apply for such short-term, high-expertise roles.

E-X Visas (Dependents)

Sub-types E-1X, E-2X, E-3X, and E-4X are issued to spouses and dependent children of primary Employment Visa holders. These allow family accompaniment without work rights, mirroring the principal visa’s validity and extendable accordingly. Documentary proof of relationship is mandatory.

Who is eligible for India Employment Visa?

You can apply for an India Employment Visa if you fall under any of the following categories:

• Consultants on contract receiving a fixed remuneration from an Indian company (monthly salary not mandatory).
• Foreign artists performing regularly for hotels, clubs, or similar establishments under an employment contract.
• Coaches hired by Indian sports teams, clubs, or organizations.
• Foreign sports professionals contracted by Indian clubs or organizations for a specific period.
• Self-employed professionals providing highly skilled services such as engineering, medical, accounting, legal, or similar consulting work.
• Foreign language teachers or interpreters.
• Specialist chefs employed by Indian establishments.

Eligibility for IT / ITES Workers (Highly Skilled Professionals)

If you are applying as a skilled or highly skilled professional in the IT or IT Enabled Services (ITES) sector, your employer must:

• Declare that they are an IT / ITES company, and
• Confirm that they are an EOU, STPI unit, or an IT unit delivering services from an SEZ.

Eligibility for Family Members

Dependents of an Employment Visa holder can receive an E-dependent visa, valid for the same duration as the principal applicant’s visa, provided they meet all visa conditions.

Special Note

Applicants from Afghanistan, China, and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin must apply at least 60 days before their intended travel date for timely processing. Employment Visas are not issued to nationals of Pakistan.

Minimum Salary Requirement for India Employment Visa

The standard minimum gross annual salary requirement for an India Employment Visa is INR 16.25 lakhs (approximately USD 25,000), applicable to highly skilled professionals in most sectors. This threshold ensures the employment of qualified foreign talent and is calculated pro-rata for visas shorter than one year. Exemptions and lower limits apply to specific categories, as outlined below.

Exemptions from INR 16.25 Lakhs Threshold.

Certain roles bypass the standard salary floor:

• Ethnic cooks employed by foreign missions in India.
• Language teachers, cultural tutors, or ethnic cooks (with prior approval).
• Faculty in Central Universities (CUs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), or Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), where the minimum is INR 9.10 lakhs per annum.
• NGO workers under E-3 category, often with ministry endorsement and no fixed salary minimum beyond role justification.

Special Cases and Lower Thresholds

• Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and spouses/children of Indian citizens/PIO/OCI cardholders (non-OCI registered) require a minimum of INR 3.60 lakhs per annum.
• Nationals of Bangladesh married to Indian nationals (non-OCI eligible) need INR 9.10 lakhs per annum.

Documents Required for Employment Visa in India

To apply for an Employment Visa for India, applicants must submit the online application and provide the following documents at the BLS Centre:

1. Application Documents

• Completed online India employment visa application form from the official portal and a signed printout.
• Two recent passport-size photographs (51 mm x 51 mm).

2. Passport & UAE Residency Proof

• Original passport and a photocopy.
• Copy of UAE residence visa.
• Non-UAE passport holders must show evidence of staying in the UAE for more than two years to qualify as country of domicile.

3. Employer-Related Documents

• Proof that the employing company/organization is registered in India.
• A salary certificate issued by the Indian employer.
• Contract, appointment letter, or engagement letter showing the applicant’s role and terms.
• Proof that the job position cannot be filled by a qualified Indian.

4. Applicant’s Professional Documents

• Documentary proof of educational qualifications.
• Proof of professional expertise relevant to the job.

5. Legal & Compliance Requirements

• Applicant must follow all Indian legal requirements, including tax compliance.

How to Apply for Employment Visa in India from Dubai?

Foreign nationals in Dubai can apply for an India Employment Visa through the online portal and BLS International centers, as outsourced by the Consulate General of India (CGI), Dubai. The process requires prior securing of a job offer from an Indian employer meeting salary and skill criteria.

Step 1: Secure Employment Offer

Obtain a formal job offer or contract from an Indian company/organization registered in India, specifying role, the employment visa India minimum salary (minimum INR 16.25 lakhs annually or exemptions), and duration. Ensure the position requires foreign expertise unavailable locally, with employer providing proof of registration and applicant’s qualifications/experience. Non-UAE passport holders must show UAE residence visa for over two years.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all the required documents.

Step 3: Fill Online Application

Register and complete the Employment Visa form on, selecting ‘Employment’ category. Pay fee online, print signed form with reference number. Schedule appointment at BLS via their official website.

Step 4: Submit at BLS Center

Take the printed, signed application form to the nearest BLS Center in the UAE along with all supporting documents.

Step 5: Track and Collect Visa

BLS will accept your documents, process your file, and you can track your visa status online.

India Employment Visa Processing Time

The processing time for an India Employment Visa from Dubai typically ranges from 5 to 15 working days after submission at BLS centers, excluding weekends and UAE holidays, though it may extend to 3-4 weeks for cases requiring additional verification, security clearances, or from specific nationalities like Afghan, Chinese, or Pakistani-origin applicants who should apply 60 days in advance.

Applicants are advised to track status online via BLS or CGI portals and apply at least 30 days before travel to account for potential delays.

India Employment Visa Fees from Dubai

The fee for an India Employment (E) Visa depends on the duration of stay. And the employment visa India costs,

• Up to 6 months (Single or Multiple Entry): USD 445
• More than 6 months and up to 1 year (Multiple Entry): USD 735
• More than 1 year and up to 5 years (Multiple Entry): USD 1105

Additional BLS service charges may apply.

Conclusion

Applying for an India Employment Visa from Dubai requires careful preparation, proper documentation, and a clear employment contract from an India-based employer. Understanding the eligibility rules, required documents, fees,and application steps will make the immigration process smoother and help you avoid delays.. Since the visa is issued only after thorough verification, ensure that all details you provide are accurate and complete.

For the most updated information and online application, visit the official Government of India visa portal.