Expatriation to India: Things to know before you go  

On paper, moving to India sounds fairly simple. You obtain a suitable visa (for work, family, study, etc.) and register within 14 days of your arrival at the official registration office in your region.

But what is life like there? Where should you settle? What budget should you set?

And what questions should you ask when thinking of moving to this vibrant country.

All will be explained in this complete guide to expatriation in India! 

The pros and cons of living in India  

Pros

• India is the world’s 6th largest economy. From 2025 to 2026, GDP grew by 7.7%. 
• The cost of living is one of the lowest in Asia.
• It is a country of 1,001 wonders, with architectural heritage, traditions, natural riches and more to discover.
• The job market is dynamic, with many professional opportunities for skilled expats. 

Cons 

• Pollution is a major problem and some overcrowded areas sometimes lack hygiene
• Driving can be quite confusing for a foreigner, so say the least. While traffic drives on the left like the UK, the highway code is not always respected and the infrastructure sometimes leaves something to be desired.
• The humidity level in the air is quite high, although the climate varies from region to region. 

Administrative procedures for moving to live in India  

1. Apply for a visa 

To settle in India, all future expats must obtain a suitable visa. The main ones are the following: 

• Tourist Visa : The tourist visa is usually valid for 30 days, with multi-entry visas available for one or five years. These have a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
• Employment Visa : Intended for people who have an employment contract with a company based in India. Note that as an expat, you must receive at least €18,000 per year to be eligible for this visa. In general, your employer will take care of the procedures.
• Business Visa : For those who want to invest in India or explore professional opportunities.
• Project Visa : Reserved for professionals involved in specific projects in the energy or steel sector.
• Student Visa : For students who want to pursue their higher education in India.
• Research Visa : For researchers. 

Since 2015, India has also offered an online visa application (e-visa). This is available only for Tourist, Business, and Student visas.

The request is made directly on the official website.

2. Register with the FRRO within two weeks of arrival 

After obtaining your visa and arriving in India, it is mandatory to register with the Foreign Regional Registration Office, FRRO, to be eligible to stay for more than 6 months.

You have 14 days to check in after your arrival. Once this step is completed, the FRRO will issue you with a residence card that formalizes your residency in India. 

Top cities to stay in India  

Mumbai (Bombay) 

Renamed Mumbai in 1995, this metropolis attracts thousands of expats every year. It’s not only the most populous city in India with more than 21 million inhabitants, but also the economic lung of the country. It offers many professional opportunities, a rich cultural scene, and a large community of expatriates, especially English-speaking ones.

The most popular neighbourhoods are: 

• To the south : Malabar Hill, Breach Candy, and Kemps Corner
• To the north : Bandra, Juhu, and Powai  

New Delhi 

New Delhi is the federal capital of India. It is also an economic hub, with a great historical heritage. Expatriates who settle there often work for multinationals based in the capital.

The city also attracts many students thanks to several renowned universities such as the University of Delhi, or the Jawaharlal Nehru University. 

Kolkata (Calcutta) 

This city is considered the cultural centre of India. It is preferred by expats who are looking for a less frenetic pace of life than in cities like Mumbai.

The neighbourhoods to the south are the most sought after, including Alipore, New Alipore, and Ballygunge. 

Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Renamed Puducherry in 2006, this city was a French colony until 1954. Its French imprint is still very present, with typical colonial architecture and a culture mixing French and Indian traditions. Its location on the south-east coast of the country allows you to enjoy a beautiful coastline. The most popular areas are to the east of the canal.

How to find good accommodation in India

To find accommodation in India, we advise you to ask for help from your colleagues (if you are coming for work) or local residents if you have contacts. Word-of-mouth can make your search much easier. 

You can also consult specialized websites or go through real estate agencies. The latter option involves costs, but it usually allows you to find accommodation quickly. 

Never hesitate to visit a property before committing, as scams are common, especially online. 

Cost of living in India

On paper, the cost of living in India is one of the lowest in the world. Compared to the UK, life is more than 75% cheaper. A person living alone needs a monthly budget of €400, and a family of four will need €1,500 per month, including rent.

In fact, the cost of living can quickly become much higher for expats, depending on the city and their spending habits. For example, it is not uncommon to pay more than €1,000 per month for an apartment in the centre of Mumbai, while the national average for the country is around €300.

If you’re interested in the topic, check out our guide to the cost of living in India.  

Getting around India

Public transport

In India, there is no shortage of transport. First of all, expats can take advantage of a metro network of more than 900 km, present in 23 different cities, including Kolkata and Mumbai.

All cities are served by taxis and buses, as well as rickshaws, a kind of small motorcycle that can carry two passengers. 

For long-distance journeys, India has the fourth largest rail network in the world. 

The car 

It is of course possible to get around by car. Some foreign driver’s licenses are valid for one year, such as the UK license, but then it is mandatory to have an Indian or international driver’s license to be able to drive.  

India’s road fatality rate is one of the highest in the world, due to the state of the roads and non-compliance with traffic rules. So be careful. 

Useful platforms

Here are some sites that can make your travel in India easier: 

• Ixigo – To check timetables and book train seats.
• RedBus – To book your bus tickets and see the available routes.
• Uber or Ola Cabs, its Indian counterpart – For taxis.

Working in India  

If you have a Business or Employment visa and are registered with the FRRO, you can work in India. Expats are often highly qualified and hold positions of responsibility. There are also many digital nomads. 

Some sectors are thriving than others, including: 

• The pharmaceutical industry
• Energy
• Computer science 
• Textiles 
• Automotive
• Education 

Important : Fluency in English is essential to work in India!  

If you are looking for a job, you can check out the offers on professional platforms such as LinkedIn, or local platforms such as Naukri or Indeed India. 

The health system 

The healthcare system in India relies on both the public and private sectors. The care offered in the public sector remains accessible, but it generally has limitations.

Waiting times are often long and the quality of medical services varies greatly from region to region. In some cases, you may experience poor hygiene and rudimentary infrastructure.

This is mainly where the private sector comes into play. Large cities have excellent quality hospitals such as:

• All India Institute of Medical Science (Delhi)
• Medanta, The Medicity (Gurgaon) 
• Apollo Hospitals (Nationwide)

On the other hand, some regions lack reliable medical infrastructure, particularly in the north of the country. 

This is why many expats turn to private coverage and choose to take out international health insurance, which offers them benefits adapted to their lifestyle. This type of insurance gives you:  

• Valid health coverage in India and around the world,
• Access to quality care,
• Freedom to choose your medical provider,
• Reduced waiting times. 

Safety in India 

According to UK travel advice, India is considered a relatively safe country. However, the terrorist threat remains present in a few States, although it mainly affects the security forces.  

Tensions also exist with certain border peoples. Here are the areas to avoid:  

• The north-eastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim
• The Kashmir Valley and the border areas with Pakistan
• The Ladakh region and the Himalayan mountains 

In New Delhi, there are also areas to avoid, including Paharganj and Nabi Karim, which have a high crime rate. 

Indian family life  

Indians are very attached to the family, and it’s not uncommon to see several generations living under the same roof. If your expatriation project is family-oriented, the living environment offered in the big cities is ideal. 

First of all, there is no shortage of reputable schools. Among them, we can mention: 

• The Doon School
• Mayo College
• The Lawrence School 

Children learn English from an early age, as it’s the second official language in India. 

There are also many activities to do with the family, with cultural outings, large green spaces, and playgrounds everywhere.  

Not to mention local services that make parents’ daily lives easier, such as nannies, domestic help, and home deliveries (very popular in India!).