Moving to India

India is a country that represents a unique journey for both visitors and those who decide to settle here. It offers diverse landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. In the north, the majestic Himalayas attract lovers of adventure and tranquility. In the south, ancient temples testify to a rich history. Every corner of India has its own unique spirit and atmosphere, providing opportunities for exploration.

The unmatched cultural diversity is manifested in vibrant festivals, colorful bazaars, and ancient crafts. India will give unforgettable experiences and a charge of energy.

India is a country of amazing contrasts, where ancient traditions are carefully preserved, and the life of modern metropolises beats at full speed. If you are considering moving to this amazing country, you should take a closer look at the cities that offer the highest quality of life.

Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, confidently holds the top spot among the best cities in India for living. It attracts numerous IT specialists, entrepreneurs, and high technology enthusiasts. In addition to a developed information technology sector, Bangalore enjoys a moderate climate, quality infrastructure, and a vibrant cultural life. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment here will cost 20,000 - 50,000 rupees ($250-600 USD) per month.

Pune, located in the state of Maharashtra, is a popular student city with a rapidly developing IT industry. It seamlessly combines modernity with a rich historical heritage. Pune attracts residents with an ideal balance of quality of life and relatively low housing prices. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment can cost 15,000 - 30,000 rupees ($200-400 USD) per month.

For those who appreciate large metropolises, Chennai is the perfect choice - a city in the south of India with a strong economy, developed IT sector, and famous educational institutions. Its colorful culture, abundance of attractions, and quality infrastructure make Chennai a truly multinational place. The cost of renting 1-bedroom housing here is 25,000 - 50,000 rupees ($300-600 USD) monthly.

Hyderabad in the state of Telangana is a city with a rich history and traditions, which has become one of the main IT hubs of India in recent years. Its comfortable climate, developed infrastructure, and relatively low cost of living make it extremely attractive for relocation. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment here can cost 20,000 - 40,000 rupees ($250-500 USD) monthly.

Gurgaon, part of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, is rightfully considered a modern metropolis with a rapidly growing economy. The city is known for its IT companies, shopping centers, medical institutions, and developed infrastructure. It is a popular place to live for professionals and families willing to pay 30,000 - 60,000 rupees ($400-800 USD) per month for renting a 1-bedroom apartment.

The port city Kochi on the shores of the Kerala Gulf is a real gem of South-West India. Here, centuries-old cultural traditions, stunning natural beauty, and a developing modern economy meet. Renting housing in Kochi is quite affordable and costs 15,000 - 30,000 rupees ($200-400 USD) for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Undoubtedly, each of these cities is unique and beautiful in its own way. When choosing a new place to live, it is worth considering not only financial possibilities but also personal preferences in terms of climate, cultural environment, and career growth prospects.

To move to India, you need to obtain the appropriate visa, as staying in the country beyond the established period requires regulation by immigration law. If your goal is to live in India for more than 90 days (or 180 days for those coming for business purposes), you will need to obtain a visa corresponding to the purpose of your long stay.

However, there are exceptions for citizens of some countries. For example, citizens of Bhutan and Nepal have special privileges that allow them to move freely, live and work in India without time restrictions.

For long-term relocation to India, you should contact the Indian diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in your country to obtain a visa that matches your intentions. Possible options include a work visa for employment, a student visa for enrollment in Indian educational institutions, a business visa for conducting commercial activities, and other visa categories designed for various long-term purposes.

In addition to obtaining a visa, for legal residence in the country for more than 90 days, you will need to contact the Regional Registration Office for Foreigners (FRRO) for registration and obtaining a residence permit, which is a mandatory condition for a long stay. This institution is responsible for controlling foreign nationals and coordinating their legal residence in the country.

It is important to note that the process of obtaining a visa and a residence permit may include submitting an application, providing various documents such as a passport, photographs, documents confirming the purpose of the stay, as well as paying the relevant fees. It is always recommended to familiarize yourself with the current requirements on our website in advance so that the process goes smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

Obtaining permanent residency in India involves multiple avenues, depending on your origin and financial capabilities. Options:

• OCI Card (Overseas Citizen of India): This type of document is intended for individuals who had Indian citizenship or are descendants of such persons. The OCI card provides the right to enter, reside, and work in India on a permanent basis. Holders of this card have access to many rights and services similar to those of citizens, except for the right to vote and hold public office. To obtain Indian citizenship, one must have lived in the country for at least one year and have held OCI status for at least five years.
• PIO Card (Person of Indian Origin): This status is granted to individuals who themselves or whose relatives are connected to India by origin. It is valid for 15 years and grants the right to work, study, and reside in India without the need for a work or study visa. However, since 2015, the PIO program has been largely replaced by the OCI program.
• Direct Foreign Investment Program: This path is suitable for foreign entrepreneurs and investors wishing to obtain permanent residence in India. It requires an investment of at least 1.5 million dollars within the first 18 months after filing the application and the creation of at least 20 jobs for local residents annually.

Each of these paths has its own characteristics and requirements. Before making a decision, it is advisable to carefully study the conditions and seek advice from a lawyer or migration specialist.

Citizenship by birth: you can obtain Indian citizenship by birth if you meet one of the following conditions:

• Born in India after January 26, 1950, and before July 1, 1987, regardless of the nationality of your parents.
• Born in India from July 1, 1987, to December 2, 2004, and at least one of your parents is of Indian origin.
• Born in India after December 3, 2004, and both of your parents are citizens of India or one of the parents was a citizen of India and the other was not an illegal migrant at the time of your birth.

Citizenship by descent: to obtain citizenship by descent you must be:

• Born outside India after January 26, 1950, and before December 10, 1992, provided that your father was a citizen of India at the time of your birth.
• Born outside India after December 10, 1992, and before December 3, 2004, provided that one of your parents was a citizen of India at the time of your birth.
• Born outside India after December 3, 2004; your birth must be registered within a year from the date of birth at an Indian consulate.

Citizenship by registration: citizenship by registration can be obtained:

• By persons of Indian origin who have resided in India for seven years prior to applying.
• By persons of Indian origin living outside India.
• By persons married to an Indian citizen and who have lived in India for seven years prior to applying.
• By minor children of Indian citizens.
• By persons, one of whose parents was a citizen of independent India and who lived in India for a year.
• By persons registered as a foreign citizen of India for five years and who have lived in India for a year prior to applying.

Citizenship by naturalization: to obtain Indian citizenship by naturalization, it is necessary to have lived in the country for 11 years out of the previous 14 years and one year prior to application. Also, an important requirement is good character, knowledge of at least one of the languages listed in the eighth schedule of the Constitution of India, and renunciation of previous citizenship.

India does not allow dual citizenship. Before obtaining Indian citizenship, it is necessary to renounce your current citizenship.

Cost of living in India indeed offers affordability that can attract many foreigners and expatriates. However, it is important to take into account that depending on the city, living area, and individual needs, expenses can vary significantly.

Food prices: Food in India is available at various prices. At local markets, you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood at very attractive prices. For example, a kilogram of rice can cost about 40-80 rupees, and fresh vegetables — from 20 to 60 rupees per kilogram, depending on the season and region.

Eating out in restaurants can also be quite inexpensive, especially when talking about street food or mid-range cafes. Lunch in an inexpensive cafe can cost about 150-300 rupees per person, while dinner in a mid-range restaurant for two will cost about 700-1500 rupees, excluding alcoholic beverages.

Transportation costs: Transportation in India offers a wide range of options, from public transport to private taxis. A bus ticket or subway ride in big cities generally costs 10-30 rupees per trip. Trains of various classes also offer different prices, ranging from a few hundred rupees for unreserved seats to several thousand for sleeping berths on long journeys.

Ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Ola, offer a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around cities. A ride for short distances usually costs from 50 to 300 rupees, depending on the time of day and traffic congestion.

Overall living costs: The cost of renting accommodation varies from city to city. In large metropolises like Mumbai or Delhi, the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood can start from 15,000 rupees per month and reach 30,000 rupees and above. In smaller cities and outskirts, rent will be significantly cheaper. Utility bills, including electricity, water, and internet, for a small apartment can amount to about 2,500-5,000 rupees per month.

Overall, India offers an affordable level of living, especially when compared to Western countries. However, to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and cover all expenses, it is necessary to carefully plan your budget, considering both fixed monthly costs and unexpected expenses. In addition to basic expenses for housing, food, and transportation, it is important to consider expenses for healthcare, education (if there are children), entertainment, and travel. It is also worth remembering about taxes and insurance contributions. Budget planning taking into account all these factors will help maintain a comfortable level of living in India.

India, as a populous country, offers tough competition in the labor market. The population employed in the agricultural sector is approximately 152 million people. This sector, as well as education, healthcare, information technology, construction, engineering, and railways, continue to need talented employees.

Before moving to India, some important points should be considered:

Salary: Cost-effectiveness is a key factor taken into account when deciding to move. Salaries in India, as in other developing countries, may not be as high as in more developed countries. However, the cost of living in India is relatively low, which compensates for the low salaries.

Job search: The job search phase can start even before moving to India. For this purpose, you can use popular Indian sites such as Naukri, Indeed and Monster, which offer vacancies and information about potential employers. Additionally, you can start exploring recruiters in your professional field, as they often can offer job search services and conduct initial interviews.

If you are planning to move to India with your pets, such as dogs or cats, it is important to prepare in advance and meet all the necessary requirements. India has strict rules for importing animals to prevent the spread of diseases and protect local fauna.

First of all, your pets must be identified with a microchip that meets the international standards ISO 11784/11785. The microchip must contain a 15-digit code and not be encrypted. This will allow your pets to be easily identified upon arrival.

Next, you need to obtain a license for the import of dogs and cats from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) of India. Without this license, your animals will not be allowed across the border. Additionally, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Station (AQCS), which is issued by the pet owner personally, is required.

Regarding health, all animals must be vaccinated against rabies no later than 31 days before the trip. For dogs, vaccinations against distemper, leishmaniasis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis are mandatory. Cats need to be vaccinated against feline enteritis and panleukopenia. The veterinarian should issue an international veterinary health certificate for the pet.

Keep in mind that the relocation of animals must take place within 30 days of your move to India. Import is possible only through certain airports - New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata, either as registered baggage or by cargo flight (only New Delhi and Mumbai). Upon arrival, the animals are placed in a 14-day quarantine.

Upon entry, you will need the following documents:

• Your passport
• Pet passport
• Your visa
• Return ticket
• Veterinary health certificate in the owner's name
• Confirmation of the purpose of the visit

Restrictions:

• Foreigners of Indian origin must have an OCI or PIO card to import pets.
• Foreigners moving to India for work/permanent residency for 1 year can import animals without a DGTF license.
• The import of some dog breeds, including pit bulls, mastiffs, bulldogs, tosa-inu, and others, is prohibited.

Carefully study all the requirements, prepare documents and vaccinations in advance. This will allow you and your pets to move to India safely and avoid problems at the border.

Pros:

Low cost of living: compared to many other countries, it is relatively inexpensive to live in India, including rent, food, transport, and other expenses.

Rich culture and diversity: India is known for its colorful and diverse culture, history, traditions, cuisine, and festivals, which can be very interesting for foreigners.

Growing economy: India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, creating many opportunities for business, investment, and career growth.

Improving quality of life: moving to India can improve the quality of life for some expats thanks to the availability of domestic staff, a more relaxed lifestyle, and a favorable climate.

English language: English is one of the official languages of India, widely used in business, education, and government, which facilitates adaptation for many foreigners.

Cons:

Pollution and sanitary issues: many Indian cities suffer from severe air, water, and waste pollution, as well as poor sanitation and hygiene, which can cause health problems.

Infrastructure and overcrowding: India's infrastructure, including roads, public transport, and healthcare systems, is often overloaded and underdeveloped, especially in large cities with high population density.

Cultural differences: Indian society can differ significantly from the Western in terms of values, norms, and hierarchy, which requires adaptation and understanding.

Safety and crime: in some parts of India, there is a high level of crime and safety issues, especially for women, which can cause concern for expats.

Climate and weather conditions: the climate in India varies from tropical to temperate, with a monsoon season and high temperatures, which can be uncomfortable for some foreigners.

The decision to move to India and obtain a residence permit depends on individual circumstances, goals, and readiness to adapt to local realities. It is important to carefully study all aspects and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.