Introduction
If you're a business professional planning to travel to India for business meetings, conferences, client visits, or contract negotiations, the India Business eVisa is the fastest and most convenient way to get authorized travel. This guide walks through exactly what you need to prepare, what documents to upload, and how this online application works—so you can complete it correctly the first time.
This guide specifically covers the online Business eVisa route. It differs from Tourist or Medical eVisas in the documents and information required. Read on to understand what the application will ask of you and what you should prepare before you start.
What Is the India Business eVisa?
The India Business eVisa is an electronic authorization for business travel. It allows business professionals to enter India for legitimate business activities: meetings with clients or partners, conference attendance, contract negotiations, or business development work. It is not authorization for paid employment in India.
The Business eVisa is valid for 1 year from issue and allows multiple entries during that period. You can re-enter India as many times as you need within the 12-month validity window without submitting a new application or paying additional fees, provided your passport remains valid.
Who Can Apply for an India Business eVisa?
Business eVisa eligibility requires:
- A valid passport from a supported nationality
- A legitimate business purpose (meetings, conferences, negotiations, business development)
- Selection of the Business eVisa category in the application (not Tourist or Medical)
There is no automatic approval. Approval depends on your application information matching your travel purpose and your supporting documents being complete and clear.
India Business eVisa Requirements at a Glance
At a high level, you'll need to:
- Provide: Passport details, personal information, occupation/employer details, contact information
- Upload: Passport biographical page, recent color photograph, Business Invitation Letter, Business Name Card
- Pay: The Business eVisa fee (current pricing on visa fees page)
Information You Enter in the Application
The application collects standard personal and professional information. You'll need to provide:
- Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, country of birth
- Passport Details: Passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, place of issue
- Contact Information: Email address, phone number
- Professional Information: Current occupation, employer/company name, company address
Accuracy is essential. Your name, passport number, and dates must match your actual passport exactly. Any discrepancies will require correction before approval.
Business Invitation Letter Requirement
A Business Invitation Letter is a required upload for the Business eVisa. This is a letter from the Indian company, organization, or business contact you're visiting. The letter should state:
- The name and address of the Indian company/organization
- Your name
- The purpose of your visit (business meeting, conference, negotiation, etc.)
How to Get the Letter
Contact your Indian business partner, client, conference organizer, or the Indian company you're visiting. Ask them to write and send you a formal letter on their company letterhead confirming your visit. Many companies have a standard template they use for visa invitations.
File Format and Size
Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF
Maximum file size: 2MB
The file must be clear and readable. If scanning a physical letter, ensure text is legible.
Business Name Card / Company Identification
A Business Name Card (or company identification document) is the second required Business-specific upload. This establishes your business identity and credentials.
What to Upload
- A scan or photo of your business card, OR
- A company ID badge or document, OR
- A company letterhead or official company identification document
Choose whichever most clearly identifies you as a business professional. The uploaded image should show your name and company affiliation clearly.
File Format and Size
Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF
Maximum file size: 2MB
Passport Bio Page Requirements
Your passport biographical page (the first page with your photo and personal details) must be uploaded as a supporting document.
What to Upload
A clear scan or high-quality photo of your passport biographical page containing your photo, name, passport number, date of birth, and expiration date.
File Format and Size
Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF
Maximum file size: 2MB
Quality Requirements
Your passport page must be clearly readable:
- No glare or reflections from the page
- All four corners visible
- Text legible (not blurry or too dark)
- Expiration date clearly visible
- Your photo in the passport visible
Photograph Requirements
A recent color photograph is required for all eVisa applications, including Business.
Photo Specifications
Your photograph must be:
- Recent: Taken within the last 6 months
- Color: Not black and white
- Background: Plain white or light-colored background
- Head size: Your face should occupy 50-70% of the frame
- Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed
- Eyes: Both eyes clearly visible, looking directly at the camera
- No accessories: No glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons)
- Professional quality: Taken in good lighting with sharp focus
File Format and Size
Accepted formats: JPG or PNG only
Maximum file size: 2MB
How the Business eVisa Application Process Works
The online application walks you through a series of steps:
- Select Business eVisa: Choose Business as your visa category from the available options
- Enter Personal Details: Provide your name, date of birth, gender, and contact information
- Enter Passport Details: Input your passport number, issue date, and expiry date
- Enter Professional Information: State your occupation, employer name, and company address
- Upload Passport Page: Submit a scan or photo of your passport biographical page
- Upload Photograph: Submit your recent color photograph
- Upload Business Invitation Letter: Submit the letter from your Indian business contact
- Upload Business Name Card: Submit your business card or company ID document
- Review Details: Review all information and confirm accuracy
- Select Processing Option: Choose Regular (3-4 working days) or Express (48 hours)
- Pay Visa Fee: Complete payment through the secure checkout
- Submit Application: Send your complete application for processing
Once submitted, you'll receive email updates about your application status. The application will process during the timeframe you selected.
Business eVisa Processing Options
You can choose how quickly you need your eVisa approved:
- Regular Processing: Typically 3-4 working days
- Express Processing: Typically within 48 hours
These are estimated timeframes based on normal processing volume. Express processing does not guarantee approval within 48 hours—it indicates priority handling. Plan your application submission accordingly.
India Business eVisa Fees
The Business eVisa fee depends on the visa validity period and processing speed you select. Current fees are available on the visa fees page, which shows:
- Regular processing fees
- Express processing fees
- Any country-specific pricing variations
Fees are paid online through secure checkout once you've completed and reviewed your application. No additional charges are levied after you've submitted your application.
Common Business eVisa Application Mistakes
Avoiding these issues will help your application process smoothly:
Wrong Visa Category
Selecting Tourist or Medical eVisa when your actual purpose is business. This mismatch will be caught during review and may delay approval. Choose Business eVisa.
Unreadable Passport Upload
Uploading a blurry scan, one with glare, or missing the expiration date. Your passport page must be crisp and legible. Re-scan if necessary.
Wrong Photo Format or Quality
Uploading a photo that's too old, black and white, has a colored background, or has you wearing glasses or a hat. Ensure your photo meets the specifications listed above.
File Exceeds Size Limit
Uploading a file larger than 2MB. If your files are too large, compress them using an online image compressor before uploading.
Missing Business Invitation Letter or Business Card
These are required for Business eVisa. If either is missing, your application cannot proceed. Have both prepared before you start the application.
Name or Passport Mismatches
Entering your name or passport number differently than what appears on your actual passport. Any mismatch will be caught during review and may require correction.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Professional Information
Leaving occupation or employer fields blank, or providing inaccurate company details. These fields help establish your business legitimacy.
Business eVisa Documents vs General Application Information
Understanding the difference helps you prepare efficiently:
| Item | Type | Business-Specific? |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Entered in form | No |
| Date of Birth | Entered in form | No |
| Passport Number | Entered in form | No |
| Occupation | Entered in form | Yes—specific to business context |
| Employer Name | Entered in form | Yes—establishes business affiliation |
| Company Address | Entered in form | Yes—part of business profile |
| Passport Bio Page | Uploaded file | No—required for all eVisas |
| Photograph | Uploaded file | No—required for all eVisas |
| Business Invitation Letter | Uploaded file | Yes—Business eVisa only |
| Business Name Card | Uploaded file | Yes—Business eVisa only |
Final Business eVisa Preparation Checklist
Before starting your application, ensure you have:
- ☐ Your valid passport (not expired)
- ☐ Correct passport number and dates of issue/expiry
- ☐ Your full legal name exactly as it appears in your passport
- ☐ Your date of birth (from your passport)
- ☐ A clear scan or photo of your passport biographical page (JPG/PNG/PDF, max 2MB)
- ☐ A recent color photograph taken within the last 6 months (JPG/PNG, max 2MB)
- ☐ Business Invitation Letter from your Indian business contact (JPG/PNG/PDF, max 2MB)
- ☐ Your business card or company ID document (JPG/PNG/PDF, max 2MB)
- ☐ Your occupation and employer/company information
- ☐ Your company address
- ☐ Your email address and phone number
- ☐ Decision on Regular (3-4 days) or Express (48 hours) processing
- ☐ Payment method ready (credit/debit card)
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are specifically required for Business eVisa?
The required uploads are: Passport bio page, photograph, Business Invitation Letter, and Business Name Card. The first two are required for all eVisas; the latter two are specific to Business eVisa. No other business documents (such as business registration, proof of employment, or financial statements) are requested by the application.
Is an invitation letter required?
Yes. The Business Invitation Letter from your Indian business contact is a required upload. Without it, your Business eVisa application cannot be completed.
Do I need a business card?
Yes. Your Business Name Card (or company identification document) is required. This can be a physical business card, company ID badge, or official company identification. The application needs this to establish your business credentials.
What file types can I upload?
For Passport and Business documents: JPG, PNG, or PDF. For photographs: JPG or PNG only. All files must be under 2MB.
What is the maximum file size?
2MB for all uploads. If your file is larger, use an online image compressor or scanner setting to reduce size.
How long does processing take?
Regular processing typically takes 3-4 working days. Express processing is typically within 48 hours. These are estimates based on normal processing volume.
Does Express processing guarantee approval?
No. Express processing means priority handling, not guaranteed approval. Your application still must meet all requirements and be complete to be approved.
Where can I check current fees?
Visit the visa fees page for current pricing. Fees vary by processing option and may include country-specific variations.
Can I use Tourist eVisa for business meetings?
No. If your purpose is business, you must use the Business eVisa category. Using the wrong visa type may result in delays or complications. Select the category that honestly matches your travel purpose.
Ready to Start Your Business eVisa Application?
You now understand exactly what you'll be asked for and what documents to prepare. If you have all items from the checklist, head to our application page to begin. The process typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete.
Need more details about the general eVisa application process? Check our complete guide to India eVisa application or our comprehensive India eBusiness Visa guide.