Officially known as the Republic of India, India is a South Asian country and the 7th largest country in the world. India is full of diverse cultures and has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, which is not far-fetched from their investment in industries across different sectors. Due to this, India has become an attractive destination for foreign investors and people seeking permanent residency. Obtaining an Indian permanent residency has many benefits, such as amazing healthcare and employment opportunities. Let’s explore everything you need to know about permanent residency in India.
Benefits of India Permanent Residency
If you’re a foreign national looking to invest, work, or make India your permanent residence, the following benefits can help you solidify your choices.
1. Good HealthCare
India is one of the countries with an affordable and advanced healthcare system globally as people from across the world visit India to get the best treatment. As a permanent resident in India, you can gain access to different healthcare services, including access to the best hospitals and specialists. This ensures that healthcare won’t be a problem in India.
2. Long-Term Stay
You can say goodbye to the hassle that comes with temporary residency, as you don’t have to panic about renewing your short-term visas. With this out of the way, you can focus on building your life while you fully integrate into the Indian community. Making India your permanent residence can also help you think and plan for long-term goals.
3. Business Freedom
One thing India promotes is business and international investment. India offers a great platform for entrepreneurial growth while entrepreneurs gain the skills and network needed. As a foreign national with a permanent residency, you can easily set up your business while tapping into one of the fastest-growing economies worldwide. So, with this, you can solidify your entrepreneurial or investment dreams with India’s thriving market.
4. Property Ownership
If you dream of owning a home or residential property in India, a permanent residency can help you achieve that. With this permanent residency status, you can buy residential and commercial property while making India a stable base for you and your family.
5. Staying Close to Your Family
Many immigrants like to bring their families abroad, which might be difficult due to immigration policies; however, with India’s permanent residency, that won’t be an issue. With this residency status, you can get family reunification benefits that allow you, as the primary holder, to bring in your spouse, children, or other dependents. Also, your dependent can pick up a job, which is usually uncommon in other countries. Likewise, dependents can engage in academic pursuits while in India.
6. Dual Citizenship
You can become an Indian national regardless of your country of nationality. Indian citizenship can afford many things to foreign nationals; however, you must meet the necessary criteria and provide the requested requirements. The main requirement is staying in India for a minimum of 7 years for foreign citizens with Indian roots and 12 years for non-Indian citizens.
Types of Indian Permanent Residency
India offers several pathways to permanent residency based on individual circumstances:
1. Investment-based Residency
Foreign investment is the major way of getting permanent residency status in India. If you’re business-oriented and interested in making a business investment, try your shot at India’s Permanent Residency Status (PRS) scheme. India’s PRS scheme offers very lucrative opportunities. Note that investor-based residency is not open to Pakistani citizens or people of Pakistani origin.
You will be automatically granted permanent residency status if you make a minimum investment of Rs.10 crores within 18 months or Rs 20 Crores to be bought within 36 months under the FDI route. You must also be able to employ a minimum of 20 Indians every financial year. This route will afford you a permanent residency or 10 years, after which you can extend. This pathway is ideal for investors looking forward to residing in India and achieving significant financial growth.
2. Family-based Residency
India values family unity highly, which is evident in the family-based pathway. This option is designed for foreign citizens with Indian roots. This route is called the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Introduced in 2005, OCI has become a bond that glues India and its global diaspora, and it is available to nationals of Indian origin or Indian descendants.
3. Temporary Residency Pathway
With a temporary residence permit like an employment, business, and student visa, you can try your shot at permanent residency. These visas usually last between 2 and 5 years, depending on the category. While the number of years you need to apply for a permanent residency is not stated, you must have stayed in India for 7 years if you’re of Indian origin and 12 years for non-Indian origin to attain citizenship.
4. Refugee Permanent Residency
It’s pretty much possible for refugees and asylum seekers in India to apply for permanent residency. However, refugees must have stayed for a specific period before they can apply. Likewise, being able to apply for permanent residency as a refugee largely depends on the refugee’s case and their reason for seeking asylum in India.
Eligibility Criteria
If you want to apply for permanent residency in India, there are some criteria you must meet, and they include the following:
- You must meet the investment requirements under the PRS scheme.
- Proof of employment, academics, or business deals if you’re going through the temporary residence route.
- Proof of family ties or evidence of Indian origin.
- Zero records of criminal offenses in your country of origin and India.
Documents Required
To apply for India Permanent Residency, you need the following documents as an applicant:
- Error-free application form
- Valid passport
- Residence permit
- Proof of fund showing you can take care of yourself in India
- Proof of investment
- Proof of application fee payment
- Police certificate showing zero criminal record
- Proof of family ties, such as birth and marriage certificates for primary holders bringing their family.
- Health certificate stating that the applicant is free of any contagious diseases.
How to Apply for India Permanent Residency
Here’s a streamlined process for applying for an Indian permanent residency.
1. Determine Eligibility
Determining that you’re eligible for permanent residency in India is the most critical step of this process. Since there are different permanent residency pathways, you need to be sure of the requirements pertaining to the pathway you’re going for. These include meeting investment amounts, employment conditions, family ties, etc. Ensuring you’re eligible will save you stress and unnecessary delays.
2. Collect Necessary Documents
The next step in your application process is gathering all the documents required. This generally involves a valid passport, proof of residence in India, evidence of income or investment, marriage or birth certificates, etc. If requested, ensure that your documents are notarized and certified. Also, make sure all your documents are valid and up to date. You should also ensure that all your details are the same across all your documents to avoid extra scrutiny and delay.
3. Submit Application
Once you gather all your documents correctly, you can submit them to the appropriate Indian government body, the Bureau of Immigration, or the Ministry of Home Affairs. You can submit it online or at the local immigration office in India. Just ensure you submit every document expected of you and complete your application.Â
4. Pay Fees
Normally, a fee ranging between 10,000 and 15,000 INR is needed for this application, which is non-refundable. However, it is important to check for the current fees at the time of your application. Ensure you pay this fee through the right payment channel and keep your receipt, as you might need it later in the application process,
5. Attend Interviews
As a permanent residency applicant, you might need to interview with immigration officials. You might be asked some immigration questions and asked to provide more information about your application and your intention to make India your permanent residence. Also, bring the original version of your documents for verification and to back up your application.Â
6. Wait for Approval
On average, this process might take between 2 and 6 months, from document verification to interviews through final approval. During this phase, all your documents will be verified to confirm that all submitted documents are not arranged documents. Likewise, the interview, health, and background check phase will take another buck of time. The review and other additional steps also contribute to the processing time.
7. Obtain Your Permanent Residency Card
Now that the waiting phase is over and your application has been approved, you will be notified to come for your permanent residency card at the consulate. This permanent residency will serve as your proof of legal status in India. Take note of the renewal requirement and do that when necessary to maintain your residency status.
Tips on Maintaining Your Permanent Residency
Now that you have become a permanent resident in India, it is important to follow the guidelines to avoid immigration violations and losing your status as a permanent resident. Here are some key tips that can help you achieve that:
1. Comply with Residency Rules
Obeying rules is important to keep your permanent residency status intact in India. Follow all rules binding immigrants and general rules for citizens and foreign nationals. One of the rules you should follow as a foreign national is to stay in India for the required number of days each year. Failure to meet this requirement might put your permanent residency status on the line. Note all your entry and exit dates and plan your travels accordingly.
2. Renew Residency as Required
In India, you need to renew your permanent residency once it expires. The permanent residency via investment is valid for 10 years, after which it will need renewal. Keep track of your residency’s validity and plan ahead of expiration. Don’t wait until your permanent residency permit expires before making a move. Apply for renewal or extension months before expiration; this will help you avoid gaps in your status. To renew, you must submit the necessary documents, such as proof of residence, employment, or business activities. On the other hand, investors must continue to meet the investment requirements.
3. Adhere to Legal Obligations
Once you have resident status in India, you need to play by the rules and comply with all obligations. You need to obey all Indian laws from Indian authorities, such as tax regulations, property laws, and other regulations. As a permanent resident in India, once your income meets the taxable threshold, you must file for tax payment. In addition, you must keep yourself up to date with immigration laws in case of any changes. Just stay informed and adhere to what is expected of you.
4. Keep Records Updated
It is very important to keep your personal and professional records up to date with the relevant Indian immigration authorities. If you have a change of home address, marital status, or employment status, you must inform the necessary authorities. This will show the immigration officials that you’re transparent and not trying to hide anything that could make you look suspicious. Not updating your information can lead to delays and even complications when it's time to renew your permanent residency status.
Conclusion
And with this, we've covered everything you need to know about permanent residency in India. You can create a permanent residency checklist to make your application easier. As a permanent resident, you can live, work, study, and invest in India. By following the outlined steps and tips, you’re sure to have a hitch-free process as you enjoy your stay in India.
