About India Citizenship and Residency

The government of India has opened a scheme that permits foreigners for permanent residency status, also known as PRS. Permanent Residency Status (PRS) will be granted to foreign investors making investments under the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route subject to relevant conditions as specified in the FDI policy notified by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) from time to time. This would apply to foreign investment in a new company or an existing/ operating company.

This scheme will not be applicable to Pakistani citizens or third-country nationals of Pakistani origin. In respect of citizens of other countries, in addition to the restrictions imposed in the FDI policy, security guidelines issued / as may be issued by the Government from time to time shall also be applicable.

A foreigner can acquire citizenship in India by naturalization. Applicants must have:

• Lived in India for 11 of the last 14 years prior to application.
• Lived continuously in India for a period of 12 months immediately prior to the date of application.

Permanent Residency Status (PRS)

Permanent Residency Status (PRS) will be granted to foreign investors investing in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route subject to relevant conditions as specified in the FDI policy notified by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) from time to time. This would apply to foreign investment in a new company or an existing/ operating company.

Permanent Residency Status (PRS) will be granted to a foreign investor subject to the fulfillment of the following eligibility conditions:

• Invest a minimum of Rs. 10 crores to be brought within 18 months or Rs.25 crores to be brought within 36 months.
• The investment should result in employment for at least 20 Indians.
• The permanent residency status will be granted for 10 years.
• The scheme will be applicable to only foreign investors fulfilling the above-mentioned eligibility conditions, his/ her spouse and dependents. For this purpose, the word ‘dependent’ will have the same meaning as provided in the Income Tax Act, of 1961. The scheme will not be applicable to all Promoters/ Directors of the foreign company making the investment in the Indian company. Top management executives will also not be covered by this scheme and they will have to come on normal Employment Visas.

The foreign investor promising investment as per the aforesaid threshold limit will be granted an initial business visa ‘B-4 Visa (Investor)’ for 18 months or 36 months, as the case may be (depending on the level of investment promised), without any stay stipulation. There will be no requirement for registration with FRRO / FRO concerned. Spouse and dependents of the investor will be granted a ‘B-4X’ Visa co-terminus with the Business Visa of the investor on the same terms and conditions. After fulfillment of the eligibility conditions, the foreign investor and his/ her spouse/ dependents may submit an application for Permanent Residency Status (PRS) online to the FRRO/ FRO concerned.

Benefits Of The India Residency by Investment

1. Serve as a multiple entry visa without any stay stipulation.
2. Will be exempted from the registration requirements with the FRRO/ FRO concerned.
3. Will be allowed to purchase one residential property for dwelling purposes.
4. Spouse/ dependents of the investor who are granted PRS will be allowed to take up employment in the private sector on the basis of the PRS with the permission of the FRRO/ FRO concerned. 
5.  Spouse/ dependents of the investor who are granted PRS can undertake studies in India without a separate Student Visa. 

India Residency Requirements and Qualifications

The requirements and qualifications required to obtain Indian residency or citizenship are listed above in the “About India Citizenship and Residency” section.

Steps And Timeline

Step 1. Apply for a business visa ‘B-4 Visa (Investor)’ for 18 months or 36 months

• Check preconditions for visa
• Passport with at least 2 blank pages and 6 months validity

Step 2. Fill online application

• Populate the required fields in the online form
• Upload photo and passport pages
• Pay prescribed fee
• If required, schedule an appointment

Step 3. Submit your application

• Print and sign the application form
• Approach/ courier to the concerned Indian Visa Application Centre/ Indian mission
• Attached receipt of the visa fee/ postal order

Step 4. Visa processing

• If required, visit the Indian consulate/ mission for an interview
• Some additional information may be sought by the consulate/ embassy

Step 5. Visa granted/ rejected

• If the visa is granted, the passport can be collected:
  • In-person
  • Through courier

After the visa was granted submit an application for Permanent Residency Status (PRS) online to the FRRO/ FRO https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/menufrro.jsp concerned. 

Our Services

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• Find the best solution for your needs.
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• Focus on cutting through the red tape and expediting your process.
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  …. and above all: Offer you legal strategies to provide additional layers of privacy for your identity, while obtaining your residency or citizenship!

Privacy World can also help you with incorporating your company in India, assisting in getting you settled in the country, and coordinating with you so that this experience will be less of a hassle.

Want Privacy World to handle your case? Have any questions? Contact us!

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