Formal requirements
India does not currently offer a golden visa or citizenship by investment programme
Other investment opportunities
Permanent Residency Status (PRS) through Business Visa (‘B’ Visa)
To obtain PRS, there should be a commitment at the time of application, to invest an investment of INR 100,000,000 (One Hundred Million) within 18 months or INR 250,000,000 (Two Hundred and FiZy Million) within 36 months through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route.
The investment should generate employment for at least 20 resident Indians every financial year.
On successful application a ‘B-4’ Visa (Investor) will be granted to the foreign investor.
Upon meeting the threshold requirements, the foreign investor will have to apply for PRS online to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO)
This is valid for 10 years and renewable for another 10 years on expiry with no stipulation on period of stay
PRS holder will be allowed to purchase one residential property for the sole purpose of dwelling
PRS holder to will have to make certain annual filings with the FRRO/FRO to ensure that the conditions of grant are being complied with
There are relaxations and benefits that are granted unlike other visas.
Spouse and dependents will also be eligible and the grant would be co-terminus with the Foreign Investors/’ ‘B’ Visa/PRS.
Pakistani citizens or third country nationals of Pakistani origin are not eligible for this scheme.
Business Visa ‘B’ Visa and Residence Permit
For grant of a ‘B’ Visa you must,
Be eligible under any of the business activities stipulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs
Be a person of assured financial standing that will be checked thoroughly on application
Not enter business of money lending, petty business/trade or seek full time employment in India
Pay taxes and other liabilities as applicable
The term of the visa ranges based on the country the foreign national is from, maximum period is 10 years.
The visa is granted with the stipulation that the stay is not to exceed continuous stay of 180 days, however they can register with the FRRO/FRO in case the stay does exceed this period. On registration a residence permit will be issued which is valid for the period of stay specified in the visa.
Family members/dependents will be granted dependent visa which is co-terminus with the primary holder or a shorter period.
An e-Business Visa is also available under the same terms.
Document link for further information.
Ministry of Home Affairs document on PRS:
https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/prsforeigninvestors_17042017.pdf
Ministry of Home Affairs document on Types of Visa in India: https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexIII_01022018.pdf Page 15, para 49 for PRS. Page 12, para 40-47 for Business Visa
Ministry of Home Affairs Regulations Applicable to Foreigners in India
https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/Annex%20II_01022018.pdf