Move to India

Endless diversity of food, faiths and landscapes in one vast country

India has no digital nomad visa. The practical option is the e-Tourist visa (30 days, 1 year or 5 years): up to 90 days per visit (180 for US, UK, Canadian and Japanese citizens) and no more than 180 days a year. Living in India longer generally requires a job, business, study, family ties or Overseas Citizen of India status.

Routes we checked: 2
Digital nomad visa: Not in our data
Language: Hindi, English
Currency: INR
Last checked: 30 October 2026

Work permit Student visa

Ways to live in India

These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.

Programme details are shown in English.

Work permit Work permits →

Employment visa

For skilled foreigners hired by a company or organisation in India.

What you need: An employment contract with an Indian employer and a gross salary above $25,000 a year (a few roles such as ethnic cooks and non-English language teachers are exempt), company registration papers and your qualification certificates.
Income: from about $2,080 a month
How long: for the contract term, up to 5 years
Renewable: Yes
How to apply: Online application at indianvisaonline.gov.in, then submission at an Indian embassy or consulate
Family: Family members can come with you

Official page

Student visa Student visas →

Student visa

For foreigners admitted to a full-time course at a recognised Indian university or institution. Work is not allowed.

What you need: An admission letter for a full-time course, a fee receipt, proof that you or your family can cover tuition and living costs, and health insurance for the whole stay.
How long: for the length of the course, up to 5 years
Renewable: Yes
How to apply: Online application at indianvisaonline.gov.in, then submission at an Indian embassy or consulate

Official page

Cost of living

Monthly amounts in US dollars.

Room in a shared flat	$150
One-bedroom flat	$450
Two-bedroom flat	$1,200
Bills	$70
Typical local salary	$450

Cities to consider

Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.

What life is like

Programme details are shown in English.

Why people move

Every region has its own language, cuisine and festivals, from Himalayan towns to tropical beaches. Goa draws remote workers and beach lovers, Bengaluru and Mumbai offer big-city careers, and Rishikesh and Kerala attract those seeking yoga and calm.

Day to day

Trains and cheap domestic flights connect the country, and ride-hailing apps work in cities. Private hospitals in major cities are excellent. UPI mobile payments are used almost everywhere, mobile data is cheap, and English is widely used in business.

Trade-offs

Air pollution in northern cities is severe, especially in winter. Crowds, noise and traffic can be overwhelming. Bureaucracy is complex, and food- and water-borne illness is common for newcomers.

Before you move: visa-free entry

Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:

Visa rules for every passport

Questions

Does India have a digital nomad visa?

Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.

How can I move to India?

The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa.

When was this information checked?

The residence routes for India were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.

Sources and last check

Residence routes for India were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.

This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.