In recent times India has developed rapidly with a low living cost, attracting many people who want to reside in India completely. As a result, India has become a major country housing a large number of expatriates
Need of visa
Anyone who wants to come to India will need an India Visa through which they can stay in India for 90 days and in case of a business visa, they can stay up to 180 days. Countries such as Nepal and Bhutan are exempt from this law and enjoy ‘freedom of movement’.
For staying more than 90 days in India legally you need to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and apply for a residence permit.
How to obtain a Permanent Residency in India?
Individuals who are interested in staying in India permanently have three options to do so:
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card: This card helps those Indian citizens who resided in another country after giving up their Indian citizenship before or whose parents or grandparents were of Indian origin. If you have been an OCI holder for about five years and have stayed in India for at least one year before applying then you are eligible for Indian citizenship. This card provides a lifelong visa and allows multiple entries into India.
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Card: People who have Indian passports or whose parents or grandparents were residents of India can obtain a PIO card and can legally stay and work in India for 15 years.
- Overview of Permanent Residency Status in India: It is a scheme introduced by the Indian government to attract foreign investors who invest at least 10 crores INR through the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route. This investment must generate employment for at least 20 residents of India in each financial year. This scheme grants foreign investors an entry visa for an initial period of 10 years without any stay stipulation. Furthermore, this period can be extended under certain circumstances.
Countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh are exempt from the above-mentioned policy as they are not allowed to hold Overseas Citizen of India cards.
