A complete 2026 breakdown of Indian visa, OCI, and citizenship fees.
Overview
India operates a structured immigration system through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Bureau of Immigration. Major routes for foreigners: Employment Visa (E-Visa or paper, employer-sponsored), Business Visa (B-Visa), Investor Visa, OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India — for persons of Indian origin, NOT actual citizenship, but lifelong right to live + work in India), Student Visa, Tourist Visa, Medical Visa, Research Visa. India does NOT allow dual citizenship for adults — OCI is the alternative. Indian citizenship by naturalisation is restrictively granted — 12 months' continuous residence immediately preceding the application plus residence totalling 11 of the preceding 14 years (Citizenship Act 1955, Third Schedule) + Hindi or Indian regional language + cultural integration + renunciation of prior citizenship + good character. Citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) — through Indian-born parents/grandparents. India's tax system: 0-30% progressive personal income tax + GST 0-28% on goods. Major tax differences between Resident and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) status.
Major India Visa Fees (2026)
| Visa | Description | Fee (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | Employer-sponsored | INR 14,000-21,000+ | 1-5 years |
| Business Visa | Business activities | INR 14,000+ | Up to 10 years (multi-entry) |
| Investor Visa | Business establishment | INR 14,000+ | Investment criteria |
| Student Visa | Indian institution | INR 7,000-14,000 | Duration of studies |
| Tourist Visa (eVisa) | Tourism | INR 1,000-7,000 | Multiple entries |
| Medical Visa | Medical treatment | INR 7,000-14,000 | Up to 60 days extendable |
| OCI Card | Persons of Indian Origin | INR 21,000 | Lifelong |
| Citizenship by Naturalisation | Adult | INR 30,000+ | 12 years residence |
| Citizenship by Descent | Foreign-born of Indian descent | INR 30,000+ | Various criteria |
| Citizenship by Marriage | Spouse of Indian citizen | INR 30,000+ | After 7 years marriage |
OCI Card — Indian Origin / Overseas Citizenship
- NOT actual Indian citizenship: India doesn't allow dual citizenship. OCI is lifelong right to live + work in India.
- Eligibility: Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) by ancestry, foreign nationals married to Indian citizens (after 2 years marriage), foreign nationals married to OCI Cardholders (after 2 years marriage).
- Benefits: Multi-entry lifelong visa; can live + work + study in India indefinitely; some restrictions (cannot vote, hold government office, buy agricultural property).
- Fee: INR 21,000 (~USD 275).
- Renewable: Re-issuance required when passport changes.
- Not jus sanguinis transmission: OCI children of OCI parents need to apply for OCI separately.
Other Costs
- FRRO Registration: Required for stay > 180 days. Free.
- PAN Card: Indian tax identification number. Free for Indian residents.
- Aadhaar: Indian biometric ID. Free for residents.
- Apostille of foreign documents: From country of origin. India is Hague Convention member since 2005.
- Translation: Hindi or English for most documents; some require translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Indian citizenship?
Very restrictively granted. Standard naturalisation: 12 months' continuous residence immediately preceding the application + 11 of the preceding 14 years (Third Schedule) + Hindi/regional language + cultural integration + renunciation of prior citizenship + good character + intent. Far more accessible: OCI card (Overseas Citizenship of India — NOT actual citizenship but lifelong right to live + work).
What is OCI?
Overseas Citizenship of India — for Persons of Indian Origin. NOT actual citizenship (India doesn't allow dual). Lifelong visa-free entry, work, study rights. INR 21,000. Open to: Indian-origin foreigners by ancestry, foreign spouses of Indian citizens (after 2 years marriage), spouses of OCI Cardholders.
Does India allow dual citizenship?
No for adults. India prohibits dual citizenship. Foreign nationals naturalising as Indian must renounce prior citizenship. Indian citizens acquiring foreign citizenship automatically lose Indian citizenship. OCI card is the alternative for Indian-origin foreigners.
What's the difference between OCI and Citizenship?
Citizenship = full Indian nationality + voting rights + government office. OCI = lifelong right to live + work in India without all citizen rights (no voting, no government office, no agricultural land purchase). OCI accessible to Indian-origin foreigners; citizenship by naturalisation extremely restrictive.
India Employment Visa cost?
INR 14,000-21,000+ depending on category. 1-5 years validity. Employer sponsorship required.
India tax for foreigners?
Tax based on Indian residence status (Resident or Non-Resident Indian — NRI). Resident: world income taxed. Non-Resident: only Indian-source income taxed. Tax rates 0-30% progressive.
How long for Indian citizenship by descent?
Foreign-born of Indian descent — fast track via citizenship by descent. INR 30,000+. Plus various documentation requirements.
Indian visa e-application?
Yes for tourist + business + some categories. Online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Fast processing.