Consulate General of India

Munich

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Updated on 22.03.2022

Visa Types

Foreign nationals travelling to India for following purposes are advised to apply ONLY for e-Visa not regular paper visa. e-Visas for the following categories may be applied at the following link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html 

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Brief Information on various types of visas and documentary requirement are as follows:

1.Tourist Visa (‘T’ Visa) –

This visa is meant for foreigners whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, meeting friends or relatives, attending a short term yoga programme (not exceeding 6 months duration and not issued with a qualifying certificate/diploma etc.), short duration medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine, short term courses in local languages, music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, medicine etc. which should not be a formal or structured course/programme (courses not exceeding 6 months duration and not issued with a qualifying certificate/diploma etc.) and voluntary work of short duration (for a maximum period of one month, which does not involve any monetary payment or consideration of any kind in return) etc. and no other purpose/activity.

Tourist visa is non-extendable and non-convertible (except under certain conditions for which Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) may be contacted).

Note:  There should be a gap of at least two months between two visits to India on a Tourist Visa on re-entry of nationals of Afghanistan, China, Iraq, Sudan, foreigners of Pakistan origin and Stateless persons.

Documents required: -

• Signed copy of the print-out of the application form filled at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html One photograph should be affixed at the specified place on the print-out.
• Original Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
• Copy of city registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• Copy of receipt/ proof of fee payment
• A self-addressed envelope for returning the passport with Indian visa is required to be attached with the documents. Stamp of Euro 4.50 may be affixed on the envelope.

2. Long Term Business Visa (‘B’ Visa): –

Foreigners traveling to India for business purposes may apply for e-Business visa online at the portal www.indianvisaonline.gov.in e-Business is valid for One- year (365 days) from the date of grant and a foreign national can travel to India multiple times. However, continuous stay during each visit shall  not exceed 180 days.  If the intention is to stay for more than 180 days, foreign national shall register with FRRO/FRO concerned within two week after the expiry of 180 days.

However, in case they have travelled to India several times in the past 12 months (more than 4 times or have stayed in India for more than 180 days in the past 12 months), they may apply for Long Term Business Visa.  Duration of long-terms visa will be decided by the Consulate on the merit of each case.

It ma be noted that long term Business Visa is granted to a foreign national who visits India regularly and/or is in the process of establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture or wants to purchase/sell industrial products in India. 

Business visa holders are required to register themselves with the FRRO/FRO in case the aggregate stay in India exceeds 180 days during a calendar year.

Foreigners intending to visit India for employment purposes may note that in cases where they are paid salary/remuneration outside India, they would be granted Business Visa.

Documents required:-

• Signed copy of the print-out of the application form filled at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html One photograph should be affixed at the specified place on the print-out.
• Original Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
• Letter from the company in Germany explaining the nature of business and duration of visit.
• Proof of financial standing and expertise in the field of intended business.
• Letter of Invitation from an Indian company stating the purpose and duration for which visa is requested.
• Proof of registration of the inviting Indian Company.
• Copies of previous business deals, Bill of Lading, Invoices, Proof of previous payments etc.
• Copy of city registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• Copy of receipt of fee payment
• A self-addressed envelope for returning the passport with Indian visa is required to be attached with the documents. Stamp of Euro 4.50 may be affixed on the envelope.

Note: Visa for Air Crew Members

Business Visa for appropriate duration is granted to crew members of scheduled/non-scheduled flights operated by scheduled airlines, non-scheduled and chartered flights operated by non-scheduled airlines and special flights.

3. Journalist Visa (‘J’ Visa)–

Single entry visas are given to professional journalists and photographers for up to three months. Journalists, editors/writers/crew of television networks and radio stations are required to apply for visas along with a copy of their Media Accreditation Card and/or a document from their organization describing the nature of their work and whether they are travelling on work. Visa is granted for a period up to three months. For longer-term visas, please apply in advance with full justification.

In case, a Journalists is traveling to India for any other purpose including for tourism purposes, he/she shall apply for "J" Visa.

Note:- All applications for “J” visa are required to contact the Press Officer of the Consulate at email Id: com.munich@mea.gov.in& culture.munich@mea.gov.in after preparing their visa applications.

Documents required:-

• Signed copy of the print-out of the application form filled at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html One photograph should be affixed at the specified place on the print-out.
• Original Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
• Letter from the Employer stating the purpose of travel.
• Other documents, as advised by Press Officer of the Consulate
• Copy of city registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• Copy of receipt of fee payment
• A self-addressed envelope for returning the passport with Indian visa is required to be attached with the documents. Stamp of Euro 4.50 may be affixed on the envelope.

4. Film Visa (‘F’ Visa) –

“’F” visa is issued for the purpose of shooting a feature film/reality TV & Web Shows/Series, Commercial TV Serials/Shows and Web Shows/Series in India. The application for such cases will be processed only after approval from the Consulate.

Film visa processing time may be longer depending upon the case. Approval for documentary filming may take up to 8 weeks from the date of submission of application complete in all respects.

No registration will be required with Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)/ Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) if the stay during each visit does not exceed 180 days. If the intention of the foreigner on Film visa is to stay for more than 180 days, he/she should get himself/herself registered with the FRRO/FRO concerned within two weeks after the expiry of 180 days. Further, if the aggregate stay in India on Film Visa exceeds 180 days in a calendar year, the foreigner will have to get registered with the FRRO/FRO concerned.

Note: All applications for “F” visa are required to contact the Press Officer of the Consulate at email Id: com.munich@mea.gov.in and culture.munich@mea.gov.in  after preparing their visa applications.

Documents required:-

• Signed copy of the print-out of the application form filled at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.htmlOne photograph should be affixed at the specified place on the print-out.
• Original Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
• Four copies of the detailed shooting script in case of feature film and detailed concept in case of TV show/TV serials, details of visiting film crew and location of film shooting.
• A letter of Intent regarding the shooting of the film in India, mentioning the production schedule or the dates of shooting, particulars of the cast and crew coming to India for the purpose of the shoot/production, chosen location, list of filming equipment (if any) that is being brought into the country and other relevant details.
• Other documents, as advised by Press Officer of the Consulate
• Copy of city registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• Copy of receipt of fee payment
• A self-addressed envelope for returning the passport with Indian visa is required to be attached with the documents. Stamp of Euro 4.50 may be affixed on the envelope.

5. Student Visa (‘S’ Visa) –

‘S’ visa is given to bona fide students to pursue on-campus, full time (structured) courses at educational institutions duly recognized by statutory regulatory body and have acquired statutory authorization to conduct the course(s) complying with GST regulations for regular studies at recognized institutions in India and to persons going for studying Yoga, Vedic Culture, Indian systems of dance/music/Buddhist studies, etc. The visa is valid for the period of study up to a maximum period of five years.

Registration with FRRO/FRO having jurisdiction over the place where the foreigner intends to stay is required within 14 days from the date of arrival if visa is issued for more than 180 days.

S Visa is also granted to those intending to pursue internship in Indian companies/educational institutions/NGOs/foreign Missions or Posts in India/foreign Government organisations sponsoring the foreign national/Indian and foreign media organizations valid up to a period of one year.

S Visa will be granted (a) at any time during the course of study ; or (b) after completion of graduation/ post graduation but the gap between completion of graduation/post graduation and the commencement of the internship should not be more than two years.

In case the internship is with a Company, the Internee should draw a minimum remuneration of INR 3,60,000 per annum. There will be no minimum salary limit in the case of internship in educational institutions and NGOs. Earnings from internship with Indian Companies/Educational Institutions/NGOs will be subject to the Indian Income Tax regulations.

Registration with Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)/Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) is required within 14 days of arrival in India if continuous stay is for more than 180 days.

Documents required:-

• Signed copy of the print-out of the application form filled at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.htmlOne photograph should be affixed at the specified place on the print-out.
• Original Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
• Letter of admission from a recognised Indian educational institution with duration of the course.
• Invitation letter from the company/organization/agency based in India sponsoring the applicant for the internship programme.
• A letter from the concerned institute in Germany.
• Proof of registration of the institute/organisation in India.
• A letter of financial support from parent/guardian.
• No objection letter from parents/guardians to study abroad for applicants below 18  years.
• Copy of city registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• Copy of receipt of fee payment
• A self-addressed envelope for returning the passport with Indian visa is required to be attached with the documents. Stamp of Euro 4.50 may be affixed on the envelope.

Note:- Grant of visa for the purpose of internship in NGOs will be subject to prior clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Please apply for the visa well in advance, as the process can take time.

S Visa is also granted for Research work up to a maximum period of three years.

The Visa can also be issued to foreign professors, teachers and scholars who are invited as visiting faculty on an invitation from a Central educational institution or publicly funded State University.

Grant of S Visa to the members of Botanical, Scientific, Anthropological etc., expedition would be subject to approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The applicants are advised to apply at least four months in advance, giving full information on the following points :

(A): Name, nationality and bio-data of the persons forming the party ; (b) the areas which the party desires to visit in India ; (c) the purpose of the expedition ; (d) the proposed duration of stay in India ; (e) details of the manner in which the expedition is proposed to be financed ; (f) if any foreign organization is sponsoring the expedition, full background material about the sponsor ; and (g) the name of the Indian collaborator/institution, if any, connected with the organization of the expedition. 

(B): Members of the expedition may be required to take with them a liaison officer deputed by the agency concerned of the Government of India. Approval of the designated agency of the Government of India will also be necessary to take out of India any specimens collected during the expedition as per conditions prescribed by the Ministry of Science & Technology and other agencies concerned. 

(C): Such expeditions will NOT be permitted to visit any protected, restricted, or tribal area without the specific permission of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

Registration with FRRO/FRO having jurisdiction over the place where the foreigner intends to stay is required within 14 days from the date of arrival if visa is issued for more than 180 days.

Additional documents required for Research related work

• Submission of subject of research project, details of places to be visited, previous visits, whether the scholar has secured admission to a recognized or reputed institution and evidence of financial resources along with the application.
• Letter of admission from the Indian institutions.
• In cases which involve research on subjects related to the foreigner’s own country, the research scholar will be required to furnish a brief synopsis of the research proposal in about 150 words and giving full justification (including the benefit he/she would get) for doing the research in India.
• Invitation letter for foreigners who are invited as visiting faculty.
• A self-addressed envelope for returning the passport with Indian visa is required to be attached with the documents. Stamp of Euro 4.50 may be affixed on the envelope.

6. Entry Visa (‘X’ Visa)–

Entry Visa is mainly given to a person of Indian origin and spouse & children of an Indian citizen/person of Indian origin/OCI cardholder or for specific purposes as decided by the Mission/Consulate. Registration is required within 14 days of arrival in India if the stay is more than 180 days.

Documents required:-

• Signed copy of the print-out of the application form filled at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.htmlOne photograph should be affixed at the specified place on the print-out.
• Original Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
• Printout of the online application form duly signed.
• Proof of Indian Origin(Copy of last Indian Passport/Copy of Marriage Certificate along with copy of valid Indian passport of spouse in case of foreign spouse; Copy of Birth Certificate along with copy of passport of both the parents for children of Indian origin parents) as the case applicable
• Copy of city registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• Copy of receipt of fee payment
• A self-addressed envelope for returning the passport with Indian visa is required to be attached with the documents. Stamp of Euro 4.50 may be affixed on the envelope.

7. Employment Visa (‘E’ Visa) –

Employment visa is granted to a skilled/highly skilled foreigner for taking up regular employment in India.  The salary of the foreign national should not be less than INR 16,25,000 per annum.  Exemption from the salary is granted to the applicants of following category:-

(a) Ethnic cooks

(b) Foreign language teachers

(c) Staff working for foreign diplomatic Missions

(d) Teaching faculty employed in the South Asian University & the Nalanda University, and

(f) Circus artists sponsored by Indian Circus Federation.

• Persons of Indian origin and spouse/children of an Indian citizen/Person of Indian origin/OCI cardholder (other than those who are registered as OCI cardholder) must draw a minimum salary of INR 3,60,000 per annum for being eligible for taking up employment.
• There is no minimum salary requirement for grant of Employment visa for execution of projects in the power and steel sectors.
• Registration with FRRO/FRO having jurisdiction over the place where the foreigner intends to stay is required within 14 days from the date of arrival if visa is issued for more than 180 days.

Note: Employmeny visa will be issued ONLY when the foreigner is paid salary/remunaration in India. In cases where the foreigner is paid salary/remunaration outside India, he/she may apply for Business visa.

Documents Required:- 

• Signed copy of the print-out of the application form filled at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html One photograph should be affixed at the specified place on the print-out.
• Original Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
• Employment contract between visa applicant and Indian company with detailed terms & conditions clearly enumerating the liabilities/responsibilities of each party including payment of taxes payable to Government of lndia.
• Proof of registration/Certificate of incorporation of the company/organisation in India.
• Copy of city registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• Copy of receipt of fee payment
• A self-addressed envelope for returning the passport with Indian visa is required to be attached with the documents. Stamp of Euro 4.50 may be affixed on the envelope.

Visa for Honorary work:

All foreign nationals intending to travel to India to take up honorary/volunteer work are required to apply for Employment-3 (E-3) category of Visa.  In such cases, foreign nationals are not allowed to receive any salary.  However, foreign national can draw a monthly remuneration not exceeding Rs. 10,000/- per month for honorary work.

8. Transit Visa (TR) –

• Transit visa is granted for travel through India to any third country.
• Transit is valid for entry within 15 days of date of issue for a maximum stay of 3 days. For a stay in India beyond 3 days, an appropriate visa should be obtained.
• A foreign national (other than a Pakistani national) on Transit visa will be allowed to avail facilities provided under Tourist Visa. However, if the foreigner intends to perform some work or business in India, irrespective of the duration of his/her proposed stay, he/she should obtain a visa of the appropriate category.
• A person who desires to make two entries into India in transit in the course of the same journey can be granted a Transit Visa valid for two entries and for stay in transit for a period not exceeding 3 days for each journey.
• A Transit visa is not required by a foreigner passing through, in direct transit by air, and travelling onward through India, provided he/she does not leave the specified precints of the airport.
• A Transit visa is not required by a foreigner who does not leave the ship while it halts at an Indian port.

Documents required:-

• Signed copy of the print-out of the application form filled at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html One photograph should be affixed at the specified place on the print-out.
• Original Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
• Valid travel documents for the country of destination and the countries en route.
• Evidence of onward travel outside India - confirmed air ticket for onward journey.
• Copy of city registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• Copy of receipt of fee payment
• A self-addressed envelope for returning the passport with Indian visa is required to be attached with the documents. Stamp of Euro 4.50 may be affixed on the envelope.

9. Visas for Afghanistan passport holders–

Documents required:-

• Government of India has introduced a separate sub-category of “e-Emergency X-Misc. Visa”specially for Afghan nationals desirous of travelling to India. Applications can be submitted online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in.
• Visa of six  months duration (Double entry) may be granted under this scheme.

10. Transfer of long-term visa –

If the passport on which visa has been endorsed lapses, the visa will still be valid if the old passport is carried along with the new passport. However, for transferring a long-term visa from an old passport to a new passport, applicants are required to submit the old passport which holds the valid Indian Visa and the current valid passport.

Documents required:-

• Signed copy of the print-out of the application form filled at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html One photograph should be affixed at the specified place on the print-out.
• New Original Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages
• Old Passport containing valid/existing visa.Copy of city registration (Meldebescheinigung)
• Copy of receipt of fee payment
• A self-addressed envelope for returning the passport with Indian visa is required to be attached with the documents. Stamp of Euro 4.50 may be affixed on the envelope.

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