Can you move to India?

India does not permit dual citizenship, so full naturalization requires renouncing any other nationality and generally at least 12 years of lawful residence in India (including the year immediately before applying). For most foreign nationals of Indian origin, the practical route is Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status rather than full citizenship — OCI grants a lifelong multiple-entry visa and most economic/residential rights (though not voting rights or the ability to hold government jobs). The Citizenship (Amendment) Rules 2026 (gazetted 30 April 2026) digitized the OCI application/renunciation process (all Section 7A filings now electronic, including an e-OCI digital card) and added a fairer review procedure for rejected naturalization applications under Section 15A. Anyone who is, or whose parent/grandparent/great-grandparent was, a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh is excluded from OCI eligibility.

India does not currently operate a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa programme. Foreign nationals intending to work remotely while staying in India should ensure that their activities are permitted under their visa conditions and comply with Indian immigration and tax laws. Individuals wishing to remain in India for extended periods should obtain the immigration status appropriate to their purpose of stay.

India does not operate a broad permanent residency programme comparable to many other countries. Long-term residence is generally based on the visa category granted, while certain specialised schemes and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status provide additional long-term rights for eligible individuals. OCI status is not equivalent to Indian citizenship but provides a range of long-term travel and residency benefits for qualifying applicants.

Processing times for Indian visas vary according to the visa category, nationality of the applicant, security checks and the completeness of the application. Applications requiring additional verification may take longer to process. Applicants should ensure all documentation is complete before submission and avoid making irreversible relocation plans until official approval has been granted.

Documentation requirements depend on the visa category, purpose of travel and the applicant's individual circumstances. Additional documents may be requested by Indian immigration authorities where necessary. Foreign-issued documents may require legalization, apostille or certified translation depending on the issuing country and applicable requirements.

India does not currently provide a dedicated retirement visa for foreign nationals. Individuals wishing to reside in India after retirement must qualify under another immigration category recognised under Indian immigration law. Applicants should ensure that the visa they hold permits their intended length and purpose of stay.

India offers multiple visa categories for foreign nationals travelling for employment, business, study, research, medical treatment, tourism and long-term residence. Applicants must obtain the visa category that matches the purpose of their visit before travelling to India unless exempt under applicable rules. Long-term residence options depend on the visa category and compliance with Indian immigration regulations. Certain foreign nationals may also be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status under applicable law.

India's main work-authorization route is the Employment Visa (E-Visa), for highly skilled professionals sponsored by an India-registered company, a multinational's Indian entity, or on an inter-company transfer. Applicants generally need a specialized skill not readily available in India's local labour market and a gross annual salary above roughly INR 16.25 lakh (~USD 25,000) — with salary-floor exceptions for ethnic cooks, language instructors, performing artists, sports coaches, and NGO workers (minimum Rs. 10,000/month). The Employment Visa ties the holder to a single sponsoring employer: changing jobs requires exiting India and applying for a fresh visa naming the new employer, not an in-country transfer. Visas valid over 180 days require mandatory registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) after arrival.