India is no longer just an emerging market; it is a central pillar of the global economy. From the fintech corridors of Mumbai to the manufacturing hubs of Chennai and the startup ecosystem of Bengaluru, the world is doing business with India.

For international executives, investors, and technical consultants, speed is of the essence. Opportunities do not wait for paperwork. The India Business eVisa was introduced to facilitate this urgency, offering a digital, streamlined entry route for commercial activities.

However, “streamlined” does not mean “relaxed.” The distinction between a Tourist Visa, an Employment Visa, and a Business Visa is strictly enforced by Indian Immigration. Applying under the wrong category or with insufficient documentation is the fastest way to derail a business trip.

We understand that for our clients, a visa is not just a document; it is a meeting schedule, a signed contract, and a business relationship. This guide ensures your entry into India is as professional as your business.

Defining Business vs Employment

The most common point of confusion – and regulatory risk – is the difference between Business and Employment visas.

• Business eVisa: This is for activities where you are not joining the Indian workforce.
  • Attending technical meetings or board meetings.
  • Recruiting manpower.
  • Participating in exhibitions or trade fairs.
  • Buying/selling industrial products or consulting.
  • Crucially: You are paid by your home company outside India, not by the Indian entity.
• Employment Visa: If you are moving to India to take up a role, receiving a salary in INR, or working on a long-term project execution (Project Visa), the eVisa is not valid. Using a Business eVisa for employment is a violation of visa norms and can lead to deportation or blacklisting.

We assess your scope of work during our initial consultation to ensure you are on the right legal footing.

The Critical Documents: Letter and Card

Unlike the tourist category, the Business eVisa requires two specific uploads. These are the primary sources of rejection.

The Business Card

You must upload a digital scan of your business card.

• The Trap: Many applicants upload a generic company logo or a LinkedIn screenshot. This is rejected.
• The Requirement: It must be a classic business card showing your name, designation, company name, and contact details. It validates your professional standing.

The Invitation Letter

This is the most scrutinized document. It must come from the Indian company or organization you are visiting.

• Letterhead: It must be on the official company letterhead.
• Details: It must state the applicant’s name, passport number, and the specific purpose of the visit (e.g., “To discuss the Q4 supply chain contract”).
• Signatory: It must be signed by a senior manager or HR representative in India, with their phone number and email included.
• DU Global Support: We provide verified templates to our corporate clients to send to their Indian counterparts, ensuring the letter meets Ministry of External Affairs standards every time.

Validity and Duration: Planning Your Trip

The India Business eVisa is a powerful tool, typically granted with a validity of 1 Year.

• Entry: It is usually a Multiple Entry visa.
• Stay Stipulation: You can stay for a maximum of 180 days per calendar year.
• Registration: If you plan to stay for more than 180 days continuously (which is rare for business visitors but possible), you must register with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office).

Strategic Advice: Even if your current trip is only for 4 days, we advise applying for the 1-year multiple entry visa. This gives you the flexibility to return for follow-up meetings without reapplying.

The e-Conference Distinction

A specific trap exists for conference attendees.

• Private Conferences: If you are attending a private corporate conference (e.g., a Microsoft or Google summit), the Business eVisa is usually correct.
• Government/Public Conferences: If you are attending a conference organized by a Ministry, a PSU, or a UN body, you must apply for an e-Conference Visa. This requires specific political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs. Applying for a Business Visa for these events will result in entry denial at the venue.

Why Corporate Clients Choose DU Global

For an individual tourist, a rejected visa is a ruined holiday. For a business, it is a lost contract or a damaged reputation.

We offer a Managed Service for Enterprises:

1. Bulk Processing: If you are sending a delegation of 20 people to a trade fair, we manage the entire batch, ensuring consistency in documentation.
2. Compliance Shield: We verify that your activities fall strictly under “Business” to protect your company from regulatory liability.
3. Fast-Track Submission: We monitor the portal 24/7. If the site crashes (which happens), we are ready to submit the moment it is back online, ensuring no time is lost.
4. Payment Certainty: We handle the remittance of visa fees, avoiding the common issue of corporate credit cards being blocked by the Indian payment gateway.

Conclusion

India offers immense rewards for those who engage with its market. The visa process is simply the first handshake.

Let DU Global manage the formalities. We ensure that when you land in Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, your entry is smooth, compliant, and dignified. Arrive ready to do business.

Also Read:

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Indian eVisa

Schengen Visa Guide

Indian visa requirements for Russian citizens

Difference Between Australia Tourist Visa and Visitor Visa