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Experience the freedom to live and work in India with this comprehensive step-by-step breakdown of eligibility, requirements, and the visa application process.
Planning a family getaway while working remotely? The digital nomad visa in India is believed to be your golden ticket to blending work and leisure in one of the world’s most vibrant countries. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or entrepreneur, India’s digital nomad visa is believed to open doors to long-term stays, cultural immersion, and seamless work-from-anywhere experiences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the application process, eligibility criteria, required documents, and insider tips to make your Indian adventure hassle-free.
Does India Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
The short answer is: No.
As of 2026, the Government of India has not launched a dedicated “Digital Nomad Visa” or a specific temporary residence permit for remote workers.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t live and work remotely in India. Thousands of digital nomads operate in the country by utilising existing visa categories that offer long-term stay options. It is important to understand the distinctions to ensure your stay is legal and hassle-free.
The Best Alternatives for Remote Workers
Since there is no single “Nomad Visa,” most location-independent professionals choose one of the following options based on their intent:
1. e-Tourist Visa (The Most Popular Choice)
Best for: Digital nomads planning a “workcation” where tourism is the primary purpose, and work is incidental (e.g., checking emails, managing foreign clients).
Validity: Available in 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year variants.
Stay Limit: Typically allows a continuous stay of up to 90 days (for most nationals) or 180 days (for UK/US/Canadian citizens) per visit.
The Rule: You cannot work for an Indian company or receive payment in Indian Rupees (INR).
2. e-Business Visa (The Professional Choice)
Best for: Entrepreneurs and business owners coming to India to explore business opportunities, attend meetings, or set up potential collaborations.
Validity: Typically 1 year with multiple entries.
Stay Limit: Allows a continuous stay of up to 180 days.
The Rule: This visa requires legitimate business intent (often an invitation letter from an Indian company or proof of business setup).
⚠️ Critical Legal Note: Regardless of which visa you choose, you are strictly prohibited from seeking employment with an Indian company or earning a salary in India. Your income must be sourced entirely from outside the country.
Eligibility Criteria for Remote Workers in India
Since you will be utilising existing visa categories, eligibility depends on whether you are entering as a tourist (incidental work) or a business visitor (client meetings/setup).
General Requirements (All Applicants):
Passport Validity: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of arrival.
Blank Pages: You must have at least two blank pages in your passport for immigration stamps.
Return Ticket: Proof of a return or onward journey ticket (often asked for at the airport).
Financial Sufficiency: Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay (rarely checked, but good to have).
Specific Visa Eligibility:
1. For the e-Tourist Visa (Best for Digital Nomads/Freelancers)
You are visiting friends, family, or exploring India while managing your remote work incidentally.
You do not have a physical office or employer in India.
Pro Tip for US, UK, & Canadian Citizens: You are eligible for a continuous stay of up to 180 days per visit, making this the closest equivalent to a “nomad visa” for these nationalities. (Most other nationalities are limited to 90 days).
2. For the e-Business Visa (Best for Entrepreneurs/Consultants)
You are visiting to set up a business venture, attending client meetings, or recruiting manpower.
You have a specific business intent or a local contact in India.
You are not seeking employment with an Indian company (local salary is prohibited).
Required Documents for Your Application
The documentation for Indian e-visas is simpler than most “Digital Nomad Visas” globally. You generally do not need to provide criminal record checks or health insurance policies for the visa application itself.
1. Documents for e-Tourist Visa (The “Workcation” Route)
Passport Bio Page: A clear, colored scan of the first page of your passport (PDF format, max 300 KB).
Digital Photograph: A recent front-facing photograph with a white background (JPEG format, max 1 MB).
Note: No invitation letter or proof of accommodation is usually required for the application itself.
2. Documents for e-Business Visa (The Professional Route)
Passport Bio Page: Clear scan (PDF).
Digital Photograph: White background (JPEG).
Business Card: A scan of your visiting card showing your name, the foreign company name, and your designation.
Invitation Letter: A letter from the Indian company/partner you are visiting (or an internal letter from your own company if opening a branch) stating the purpose of the trip.
There are no restrictions based on nationality, making India an attractive destination for global digital nomads.
⚠️ Important Format Rule: India’s visa portal is strict about file sizes. Ensure your photo is square (aspect ratio 1:1) and under 1 MB, and your passport scan is a clear PDF under 300 KB.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the digital nomad visa India is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Complete the online application form: Visit the official visa portal and fill in your details.
- Upload required documents: Attach scanned copies of your passport, proof of work, accommodation, insurance, and other supporting paperwork.
- Pay the visa fee: The application fee is typically around $500 for the first year (may change; consider referring to the official Indian visa portal of the Government of India).
- Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for biometric data collection.
- Attend the visa interview: Be prepared to discuss your work, travel plans, and accommodation.
- Wait for approval: Processing times vary but generally take 2-4 weeks.
- Receive your visa: Once approved, you’ll receive the alternative of your digital nomad visa to enjoy India travel via email or post.
Tips for a Successful Application
Maximise your chances of approval with these expert tips:
- Start the application process early to avoid last-minute delays.
- Double-check all documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Ensure your health insurance covers medical emergencies in India.
- Provide detailed information about your remote work and income sources.
- Be honest and transparent during the visa interview.
Living in India as a Digital Nomad
Once you have your digital nomad visa for India, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—work and leisure. India offers:
- World-class coworking spaces in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi
- Stunning beaches, mountains, and cultural landmarks for weekend getaways
- A vibrant expat community for networking and support
- Delicious cuisine and affordable living costs
Whether you’re exploring the Taj Mahal, relaxing on Goa’s beaches, or working from a café in Jaipur, India has something for everyone.
Family-Friendly Features of the Indian visa for Digital Nomads
The Indian visa for digital nomads (e-tourist or e-business), as discussed in the variations above, can also allow you to bring your family along. Accompanying spouses and children can join you on your adventure, making it ideal for family Sundays filled with exploration and relaxation. Many cities offer international schools, family-friendly accommodations, and activities for all ages.
Conclusion: Start Your Digital Nomad Journey in India
As a digital nomad, your India visa is the gateway to a unique blend of work and leisure in one of the world’s most diverse countries. Whether you’re a solo traveller or a family seeking adventure, this visa offers flexibility, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences. Don’t wait—start your visa application today and turn your family dreams into reality.
Ready to explore India as a digital nomad? Visit our Indian Destinations page for more travel inspiration and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Most remote workers choose the e-Tourist Visa or the e-Business Visa, depending on their intent:
1. Choose the e-Tourist Visa if you are primarily travelling, visiting cultural sites, or on a “workcation” where work is incidental.
2. Choose the e-Business Visa if you are an entrepreneur attending meetings, setting up a local branch, or exploring business opportunities.
A: No. You are strictly prohibited from taking up employment with an Indian company, consulting for Indian clients for a fee in Rupees (INR), or earning a local salary. Your income must come entirely from foreign sources into a foreign bank account.
A: This depends on your nationality and visa type:
1. US, UK, Canadian, and Japanese citizens: Can often stay up to 180 days continuously on a valid e-Tourist visa.
2. Most other nationalities: Are limited to 90 days continuously.
3. e-Business Visa holders: Can typically stay up to 180 days regardless of nationality. Always check the specific stamp on your passport upon arrival.
A: Generally, no, provided you do not become a “Tax Resident.”
The 182-Day Rule: If you stay in India for 182 days or more within a single financial year (April 1 to March 31), you may be considered a tax resident and liable to pay taxes on your global income. Most nomads avoid this by staying fewer than 182 days per financial year.
A: Yes. India has one of the cheapest and most extensive 4G/5G networks in the world.
Major Cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru): High-speed fibre (100Mbps+) is standard in hotels and Airbnbs.
Remote Areas (Goa, Himalayas): Connectivity is good, but power cuts can occur. It is highly recommended to carry a local SIM card (Jio or Airtel) as a hotspot backup.
A: e-Visas are generally non-extendable and non-convertible. To stay longer than your stipulated 90 or 180 days, you typically must exit the country (e.g., a quick trip to Sri Lanka, Nepal, or Thailand) and re-enter, provided you have a multiple-entry visa.
A: Yes, but they must apply for their own visas. There is no “dependent” visa for e-Tourist or e-Business holders. Your spouse and children should apply for their own e-Tourist Visas to accompany you.