Hong Kong staff going to India need the right visa for the work. Business visas suit meetings and short visits, not employment. An employment visa is for skilled work for an Indian entity, with a salary floor of USD 25,000 a year, and a foreign national staying over 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office within 14 days. Eligibility and processing differ by passport: staff holding a Hong Kong SAR passport and staff holding other passports are treated differently, and citizens of land-border countries face extra security scrutiny. Confirm the category with the Indian Consulate General in Hong Kong before purchase of tickets.
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Key facts
| Employment visa | For skilled work with an Indian company; minimum salary USD 25,000 a year, with exceptions; apply through the Indian mission or portal |
|---|---|
| Business visa | Meetings, negotiations, audits; not for productive work |
| Registration | FRRO registration within 14 days for stays over 180 days |
| Dependants | Dependant visa linked to the employment visa |
| Security | Land-border country citizens face Ministry of Home Affairs clearance; confirm how it applies to your passport |
| Tax | See the employees guide for the day-count test, EPF and MPF |
| Proof | Appointment letter, company documents, qualifications and tax proof of the sponsor |
| Exit | Tax clearance may be sought for long stays; plan the exit with the Indian subsidiary |
Choosing the visa
| Purpose | Visa category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Attend meetings, negotiate, tour a plant | Business visa | No productive work; stays limited by the visa |
| Install or commission machinery for a short period | Business or employment, depending on work | Check the categories and limits; the specialist purpose matters |
| Work for the Indian subsidiary | Employment visa | Salary floor USD 25,000 a year; letter of appointment |
| Family joining | Dependant visa | Linked to the main visa; proof of relationship |
| Short project assignment | Project visa where the rules permit | Applies to specified project sectors |
Process
- Decide the real purpose and tax plan. See Hong Kong employees in India.
- Prepare the Indian sponsor's documents: appointment letter, incorporation papers, tax proof.
- Apply for the visa through the Indian Consulate General in Hong Kong or the online route if the passport qualifies.
- On arrival, register with the FRRO within 14 days if staying more than 180 days.
- Open payroll, EPF and tax deduction on arrival. See hiring in India.
Security clearance
Citizens of countries sharing a land border with India, including the People's Republic of China, face additional scrutiny for visas and for board appointments. How this applies to Hong Kong SAR passport holders is a case-by-case question; confirm with the Indian mission before committing to a start date.
Families and practicalities
- Dependant visas follow the main visa.
- Plan housing, schools and healthcare before arrival; Indian cities vary widely.
- Check the foreign exchange rules for personal remittances back to Hong Kong.
- Keep Hong Kong tax residence and MPF positions in mind with your Hong Kong adviser.
Leaving India
When the assignment ends, close the FRRO record, settle provident fund and tax, and cancel local registrations. Equity incentives and bonuses can create tax in both places, so check the timing.
Official sources
Check the rules at the primary sources: Income Tax Department (India), Reserve Bank of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Inland Revenue Department (Hong Kong), Companies Registry (Hong Kong) and the Ministry of External Affairs (India).
Frequently asked questions
What visa does a Hong Kong employee need to work in an Indian subsidiary?
An employment visa, with a minimum salary of USD 25,000 a year and an appointment letter from the Indian company. A business visa does not allow productive work.
Do Hong Kong staff need to register in India?
A foreign national staying more than 180 days must register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival.
Can I use a business visa to run the Indian subsidiary?
No. A business visa covers meetings and negotiations, not employment or management work.
Do dependants get a visa?
Yes. Dependant visas follow the employment visa with proof of relationship.
Does security clearance apply to Hong Kong passport holders?
Citizens of land-border countries face extra scrutiny. How it applies to a Hong Kong SAR passport holder should be confirmed with the Indian mission.
How long do visas take?
Processing varies. Apply well before the start date and confirm the requirements with the consulate.
Do I need tax clearance on exit?
Not in every case, but long stays and large equity payouts should be planned with a tax adviser.
Related guides
Hong Kong Employees in India: Salary Tax, the MPF Position and EPF for International Workers
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How India's Press Note 3 applies to a Hong Kong parent: the March 2026 government statement that Hong Kong-registered firms still need prior approval, the 10% passive-ownership easing for other investors, the approval route, and planning for regional headquarters.
Read the guide →Twelve Common Mistakes Hong Kong Companies Make in India and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistakes of Hong Kong companies entering India: skipping Press Note 3, thin hub structures, late FEMA filings, weak treaty paperwork, secondment tax errors, stale apostilles, unstamped contracts and ignoring the Indian calendar.
Read the guide →Sources
Last updated 26 October 2026. General information only, not legal or tax advice. Indian and Hong Kong rules change often; confirm current requirements before acting.