Global mobility has become an inevitable part of businesses ever since globalization. Employees are very often asked to take up assignments outside their home country. These movements call for various aspects to be taken care of such as tax compliances, immigration-related matters, language barriers etc. Amongst all these considerations, one of the important aspects, which require immediate attention while moving to India, is obtaining a residential permit from the Foreigner Regional Registration office ("FRRO").
Every foreigner who is coming to India on a visa, which is more than 180 days, is required to obtain registration from the respective FRRO office within 14 days of his or her arrival.
As the process of obtaining the registration i.e. Residential Permit is now completely online, here are few important guidelines:-
To initiate the process, an expat is mandatorily required to create his login credentials on the website of e-FRRO. In case expat’s family is also accompanying, the same login credentials will be used for the family members, however, separate application forms will be filed for each member of the family.
Once the login id is created, application form for a fresh/new application to be filled for the requisite service such as registration, registration extension, de-registration, change of address and vi etc.
Documents which are required to be furnished for fresh registration are set out below: -
- Passport (front and back page) along with page bearing last Indian Immigration arrival stamp.
- Indian Visa
- Photo (as per the specification)
- Residence Proof- Copy of Form C generated by Hotel/ Individual house along with the copy of the notarized lease deed/ utility bill
- Employment Contract mentioning designation, Duration of the employment period, Salary break-up etc.
- Request letter to FRRO office for visa-related service
- Undertaking Letter- duly signed by an Indian host/ authorized signatory
The coloured scanned copy of the above documents (in PDF) is required to be uploaded along with the application.
Once the documents are uploaded, the FRRO office will process the application. In case any additional document is required, the FRRO office through email will intimate the same. The processing of the application typically takes 2-5 days in case the documentation is complete and there is no requirement to visit the FRRO office.
In case, there is a change in address, FRRO office should be intimated by filing the necessary form. Also, in case there is a transfer of employment from one state to another (for example-from Mumbai to Delhi), a de-registration is required to be obtained from Mumbai FRRO. Once the Mumbai FRRO Office grants the transfer certificate, an application for a fresh registration required to be filed with the FRRO office in Delhi as per the procedure mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs.
In order for the smooth processing of the application, it is recommended to furnish all the documents as per the instructions mentioned at e-FRRO portal.
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