Guide to Work: India

As the fifth fastest growing economy in the world, India’s expanding consumer market and increasing digitisation have created a thriving startup scene.

As the fifth fastest growing economy in the world, India’s expanding consumer market and increasing digitisation have created a thriving startup scene. India can offer a wealth of opportunities for workers.

With English as a primary business language, the mix of traditions, world-renowned cuisine, and natural beauty, make India captivating. Find out more about working in India at PROSPECTS.

Most jobs in India are in the major northern cities of New Delhi and Mumbai, the country’s political capital and financial centre, respectively. However, the southern megacity of Bengaluru is a hub for high-tech jobs, while coastal tourist hotspots like Goa in the west offer many opportunities in the arts, retail, and hospitality sectors.

PROSPECTS, ‘Work in India’, updated in October 2023

Working visa requirements

Foreign Commonwealth office (from UK):

Provides advice on risks of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of rules currently in place. This information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. If you are unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements for India, or you need further assistance, you need to contact the India Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Migration and Mobility Partnership:

A scheme where young British professionals (aged 18-30) can obtain a two-year visa to work in India, with Indian professionals able to do the same in the UK.

Working Visa:

As India’s economy continues to grow, graduate employment opportunities are rising. India issues various types of visas, including transit visas and e-visas (only applicable for UK passport holders). Make sure you get the right one for your purpose and duration of stay.

To work in India, you will typically need an Employment Visa (E) and a work permit. You can apply for these independently if you are a qualified professional, but your future employer will usually arrange the appropriate documentation on your behalf. However, if you apply yourself, you will need a letter from your employer and/or financial sponsor.

If you enter India on the wrong visa, you could be detained on arrival and may be deported and blacklisted, preventing you from entering India again. For full information on Indian visas and immigration for UK nationals, visit the High Commission of India in the UK .

Bureau of Immigration:

Explore what it takes to work in India for at least a year by visiting the Bureau of Immigration.The Citizens of India as well as foreigners are required to obtain Immigration clearance both at the time of arrival as well as departure to/from India.

Job searching links

Securing employment in India is much easier when you’re already in the country, as vacancies are often found through networking and personal referrals. However, you can also find jobs through Indian job websites, international recruitment agencies and national newspapers.

Useful contacts:
Recruitment Agencies:
Job boards and networking sites:
  • Naukri.com – Jobs in India – Popular job board site in India, direct vacancies advertised by companies
  • Adzuna – Job board for Commercial, Administration, Creative & Design, Consultancy, graduate opportunities
  • ClickIndia – Job board commercial A-Z list of industry sectors.
  • Indeed India – Job board commercial, Retail, Fashion Designer, Digital, Creative, Illustrator, Photographer
  • Monster India – NEW section of job vacancies working from home
  • Shine.com – Job board site direct vacancies advertised by companies
  • Teach India – English speaking teachers can easily find voluntary work at international schools in India
  • Glassdoor India – Job board brands, Creative, Digital, Retail
International Brands with Franchisee Companies: 
  • Reliance Brands – Armani Exchange, Burberry, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Brooks Brothers, Canali, Cherokee Global Brands, Dolce & Gabanna, Diesel, Dune London, Emporio Amani, Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, Marks & Spencer London, Thomas Pink, Steve Madden, Tiffany & Co, Pottery Barn US
  • Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd – Forever21, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England, India Pantaloon, Hackett London, American Eagle
  • Tata Group – Inditex Group Zara, Fashion Westside, Trent, Titan Jewellery, Tanishq Jewellery
  • Raymond Group – Raymond, Park Avenue, Colourplus, Parx Ethnix 
India Brands and International Companies: