Country guide · 2026Move to India: Visas, Costs and the Real Logic of Relocation
Bangalore is a major IT hub and Goa is a common short-stay base. India has no dedicated digital-nomad visa. e-Tourist options are 30 days, 1 year or 5 years; holders of the 1- and 5-year options may stay no more than 180 days per calendar year. The eVisa is non-extendable and non-convertible.
Overview
Why Choose India
Bangalore (Koramangala, HSR Layout, Indiranagar) is a world-class IT hub with 1BR from $300–700/month. Goa is the nomad alternative from $400/month.
The e-Tourist scheme offers 30-day, 1-year and 5-year options; the 1-year and 5-year visas allow no more than 180 days in India per calendar year and cannot be extended or converted in-country. Air quality in Delhi can be a serious seasonal risk.
Visas
Visa Routes in 2026
Conditions change regularly. Verify current requirements on official government sources before applying.
| Visa | Duration | Key Requirements | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa | 30 days, 1 year or 5 years; 180 days/year cap on long options | Nationality-specific eligibility | Tourism and short stays |
| e-Business Visa | 1 year, multi-entry | Business purposes | Business activities |
| Long-Term Visa (LTV) | 5 years, limited categories | Specific categories only | Special cases |
Cost of Living
Cost of Living in India
Excludes insurance, visa fees, flights and setup costs.
Top Cities: Bangalore · Pune · Mumbai · Goa · Delhi
Analysis
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Bangalore Koramangala/HSR Layout: world-class IT ecosystem, 1BR from $300–700/month
- Hyderabad, Pune — alternatives to Bangalore with less traffic and lower costs
- Goa (Arambol, Panaji): 1BR from $300–500/month, nomad community and surf
- English is the business language in major cities: IT, healthcare, education
Cons
- e-Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible; long options still cap stay at 180 days per calendar year
- Delhi air quality can be a serious seasonal risk
- Indian bank account for foreigners: complex process, often impossible without residency
- Traffic and noise in Mumbai/Delhi: extreme, especially for the uninitiated
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Official Sources To Verify Before You Pay
Use these official pages for stay length, renewal logic, income proof, permitted activity, dependants and document checks before paying for housing, flights or services.
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