The requirements for obtaining permanent residency in India vary depending on the specific category of permanent residency you are applying for. Here are the general requirements for some of the most common categories: Employment-based permanent residency: You must have a job offer from an Indian employer, and the employer must have applied for your permanent residency on your behalf. You must have lived and worked in India for a certain period of time, typically five years. Investment-based permanent residency: You must invest a certain amount of money in India, typically several million dollars. You must also have lived in India for a certain period of time, typically two to five years. Family-based permanent residency: You must be married to an Indian citizen or have an Indian parent or child. You must also have lived in India for a certain period of time, typically two to five years. Refugee-based permanent residency: You must have been granted refugee status by the Indian government. In addition to these requirements, you will also need to meet certain character and health requirements, and you may need to pass a language proficiency test. It is important to note that obtaining permanent residency in India can be a lengthy and complicated process, and it is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified immigration lawyer to assist you with your application.
Answer By AnikDear client, 1. Employment-based Permanent Residency: This is typically available for individuals with specialized skills or qualifications in demand in India. It falls under the Employment Visa category. The applicant generally needs to hold a job in an Indian company or have a substantial business presence in India. 2. Investor Visa: Under the Start-up India program and other initiatives, foreign investors can obtain permanent residency by investing a specified amount in an Indian business. The applicant must prove that their investment will generate employment opportunities for locals. 3. Family-related Permanent Residency: Foreigners married to Indian citizens or those with Indian ancestry may apply for permanent residency based on family connections. 1. Visa Type: Depending on the category, the foreign national must first obtain a relevant visa (e.g., employment, business, spouse visa) that allows for conversion to permanent residency. 2. Stay Duration: The applicant generally should have resided in India for a certain number of years (usually 5 years) with a valid visa before applying for permanent residency. This period may vary based on the visa category. 3. Proof of Employment/Investment: Employment visa applicants must show evidence of employment, a valid work contract with an Indian company, and other related documents, while investors need to present proof of their investment and its impact on India’s economy. 4. Legal Residency: The applicant must maintain legal residency in India during their stay and must not overstay their visa or violate any visa conditions. 5. Skill Level: For employment-based residency, a recognized skill set or degree in several sectors may be necessary. The skills demanded must typically fill a gap in the local labor market. 6. Security Clearance: Permanent residency applications usually undergo a security clearance by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which evaluates the applicant’s background, including criminal records, financial stability, and potential threats to national security. 7. Health and Fitness: Health screenings may be required to ensure applicants do not carry communicable diseases that could pose a public health risk. 1. Filing Application: The process typically begins by submitting an application form along with the required documents, including proof of residency, employment, investment details, and any other supporting documents. 2. Document Verification: The application is subjected to scrutiny by immigration authorities. This may include interviews, background checks, and verification of documents submitted. 3. Approval and Issuance: Upon approval, a Permanent Resident Permit (PRP) is issued, allowing the individual to live and work in India indefinitely. We hope this clarifies your query. Please feel free to reach out for further assistance. Thank you.
Answer By Ayantika MondalDear client, 1. Permanent Residency Status (PRS) for Foreign Investors Introduced to encourage foreign direct investment, the PRS allows eligible investors and their families to reside in India for 10 years, renewable for another 10 years. Eligibility Criteria: • The foreign investor must make a minimum investment of ₹10 crore (approximately USD 1.2 million) within 18 months or ₹25 crore (approximately USD 3 million) within 36 months. • This investment must generate employment for at least 20 Indian nationals. • PRS is not available for citizens from countries sharing a land border with India (e.g., Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, etc.). Benefits of PRS: • Long-term residency (10 years, extendable). • Exemption from registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). • Right to purchase residential property (excluding agricultural land). 2. Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Although not technically permanent residency, the OCI scheme grants lifetime permission to live and work in India without the need for repeated visas. Eligibility Criteria: • Individuals of Indian origin (up to the fourth generation) who are citizens of other countries (except Pakistan and Bangladesh). • Spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders (with a marriage duration of at least 2 years). Application Process: • Apply through the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs or Indian embassies abroad. • Submit proof of Indian origin (e.g., parents' or grandparents’ Indian citizenship). Benefits of OCI: • Multiple-entry, lifelong visa for any purpose. • No need to register with FRRO. • Eligibility to work and own property (excluding agricultural land). 3. Long-Term Visa (LTV) This option is primarily for specific groups, including refugees and people of Indian origin facing persecution in neighboring countries. Eligibility Criteria: • People of Indian origin from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, etc. • Spouses of Indian nationals under special circumstances. Conditions for LTV: • Periodic renewal required. • Must register with the FRRO if staying for more than 180 days. 4. General Visa Categories Foreign nationals may also reside in India long-term through work visas, business visas, and employment-related visas. These visas require sponsorship by an Indian employer or business entity. We hope this clarifies your query. Please feel free to reach out for further assistance. Thank you.
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