Moving to India

India is a country that is a unique journey for both visitors and those who decide to settle here. It offers diverse landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. In the north, the majestic Himalayas attract the adventurous and the tranquil. In the south, ancient temples testify to a rich history. Each corner of India has its own unique spirit and atmosphere, providing opportunities for exploration.

The unrivaled cultural diversity is manifested in vibrant festivals, colorful bazaars, and ancient crafts. India will give you unforgettable impressions and energy.

India is a country of amazing contrasts, where ancient traditions are cherished and modern metropolitan life is vibrant. If you are considering a move to this amazing country, it is worth looking at the cities that offer the highest quality of life.

Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, holds the palm of the best cities in India to live in. It attracts numerous IT professionals, entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts. In addition to the developed IT sector, Bangalore enjoys a moderate climate, quality infrastructure and a rich cultural life. Renting a 1-room apartment here will cost 20,000-50,000 rupees (250-600 US dollars) per month.

Pune, located in the state of Maharashtra, is a popular student city with an actively developing IT-industry. Modernity and rich historical heritage are organically combined here. Pune attracts residents with an ideal balance of quality of life and relatively low housing prices. You can rent a 1-room apartment for 15,000 - 30,000 rupees (200-400 dollars) per month.

For connoisseurs of large metropolitan areas, the ideal option will be Chennai - a city in the south of India with a strong economy, developed IT-sector and famous educational institutions. Its colorful culture, abundance of attractions and quality infrastructure make Chennai a truly cosmopolitan place. A 1-bedroom apartment here costs Rs 25,000-50,000 ($300-$600) monthly rent.

Hyderabad in Telangana state is a city rich in history and tradition, which has become one of the main IT hubs of India in recent years. Its comfortable climate, developed infrastructure and relatively low cost of living make it an extremely attractive place to relocate to. You can rent a 1-bedroom apartment here for 20,000-40,000 rupees ($250-500 USD) monthly.

Gurgaon, part of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, is rightly considered a modern metropolis with an actively growing economy. The city is known for its IT companies, shopping centers, medical facilities and developed infrastructure. It is a popular place to live for professionals and families willing to pay Rs. 30,000-60,000 (US$400-800) per month to rent a 1-room apartment.

The port city of Kochi on the shores of the Gulf of Kerala is a true gem of southwest India. Centuries-old cultural traditions, stunning natural beauty and a burgeoning modern economy meet here. Rental accommodation in Kochi is quite affordable, ranging from 15,000 - 30,000 rupees (200-400 US dollars) for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Undoubtedly, each of these cities is unique and beautiful in its own way. When choosing a new place of residence, it is worth considering not only financial possibilities, but also personal preferences in terms of climate, cultural environment and career prospects.

To move to India, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa, as stays beyond a specified period of time require regulation by immigration laws. If your purpose is to stay in India for longer than 90 days (or 180 days for those coming for business purposes), you will need to apply for a visa appropriate to the purpose of your extended stay.

However, there are exceptions for citizens of certain countries. For example, citizens of Bhutan and Nepal have special privileges that allow them to travel, reside and work freely in India without time restrictions.

To move to India for a long term, you should contact the Indian diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in your country to obtain a visa that suits your intentions. The options available include work visa for employment, study visa for enrollment in Indian educational institutions, business visa for commercial activities and other visa categories for various long-term purposes.

In addition to obtaining a visa, to legally reside in the country for more than 90 days, you will need to apply to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to register and obtain a residence permit, which is a prerequisite for a long-term stay. This institution is responsible for controlling foreign nationals and coordinating their legal residence in the country.

It is important to note that the process of obtaining a visa and residence permit may involve the application, submission of various documents such as passport, photographs, documents proving the purpose of stay, and payment of the relevant fees. It is always advisable to familiarize yourself with the current requirements and procedures in advance on the official website of the Indian Embassy or Consulate to ensure that the process goes smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

Obtaining permanent residency in India presents many paths depending on your background and financial capabilities. Options:

• OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card: This type of document is for individuals who have held Indian citizenship or are descendants of such individuals. The OCI card provides the right to enter, live and work in India on a permanent basis without hindrance. Holders of this card have access to many of the same rights and services as citizens, except the right to vote and hold public office. To obtain Indian citizenship, you must have lived in the country for at least one year and have held OCI status for at least five years.
• PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card: This status is granted to persons who themselves or whose relatives have a connection with India by descent. It is valid for 15 years and grants the right to work, study and reside in India without the need for a work or study visa. However, since 2015, the PIO program has been largely replaced by the OCI program.
• Foreign Direct Investment Program: This route is suitable for foreign entrepreneurs and investors seeking permanent residency in India. It requires a minimum investment of $1.5 million within the first 18 months of application and the creation of at least 20 local jobs annually.

Each of these pathways has its own peculiarities and requirements. It is advisable to thoroughly research the conditions and options before making a decision and seek advice from a lawyer or migration specialist.

Citizenship by birth: You can acquire Indian citizenship by birth if you fulfill one of the following conditions:

• Born in India after January 26, 1950 and before July 1, 1987, irrespective of the nationality of your parents.
• Born in India between July 1, 1987 and December 2, 2004, and at least one of your parents is of Indian origin.
• Born in India after December 3, 2004, and both of your parents are Indian citizens or one of your parents was an Indian citizen and the other was not an illegal migrant at the time of your birth.

Citizenship by descent: for citizenship by descent you must be:

• Born outside India after January 26, 1950 and before December 10, 1992, provided your father was an Indian citizen at your birth.
• Born outside India after December 10, 1992 and before December 3, 2004, provided one of your parents was an Indian citizen at the time of your birth.
• Born outside India after December 3, 2004; your birth must be registered within one year of your birth at an Indian consulate.

Citizenship by registration: citizenship by registration can be obtained by:

• Persons of Indian origin who have resided in India for seven years before applying.
• Persons of Indian origin residing outside India.
• Persons who are married to an Indian citizen and have resided in India for seven years prior to the application.
• Minor children of Indian citizens.
• Persons one of whose parents was a citizen of independent India and who have resided in India for one year.
• Persons registered as a foreign citizen of India for five years and residing in India for one year before applying.

Citizenship by naturalization: to obtain Indian citizenship by naturalization, one must have lived in India for 11 years out of the previous 14 years and one year before applying. Good character, knowledge of at least one of the languages specified in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and renunciation of previous citizenship are also important requirements.

Dual citizenship is not allowed in India. One must renounce current citizenship before obtaining Indian citizenship.

The cost of living in India does offer affordability that can attract many foreigners and expats. However, it is important to keep in mind that depending on the city, area of residence and individual needs, costs can vary greatly.

Food prices: food in India is available at a variety of prices. Local markets offer fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood at very attractive prices. For example, a kilogram of rice can cost around Rs 40-80 and fresh vegetables can cost between Rs 20 and Rs 60 per kilogram, depending on the season and region.

Eating in restaurants can also be quite inexpensive, especially when it comes to street food or mid-range cafes. Lunch at a low-cost cafe can cost around Rs 150-300 for one person, while dinner at a mid-range restaurant for two will cost around Rs 700-1500, not including alcoholic beverages.

Transportation costs: transportation in India presents a wide range of options, from public transport to private cabs. A bus ticket or metro fare in big cities will generally cost Rs. 10-30 per trip. Trains of different classes also offer different prices, ranging from a few hundred rupees for unreserved seats to several thousand for sleeper seats on long journeys.

Cab hailing apps like Uber and Ola offer a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around cities. A short-distance trip usually costs between Rs. 50 and Rs. 300, depending on the time of day and traffic congestion.

Overall cost of living: the cost of renting a home varies from city to city. In large metropolitan cities such as Mumbai or Delhi, the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood can start at Rs. 15,000 per month and go up to Rs. 30,000 or more. In smaller cities and on the outskirts, rent will be much cheaper. Utility bills including electricity, water and internet for a small apartment can be around Rs 2,500-5,000 per month.

Overall, India offers an affordable standard of living, especially when compared to western countries. However, to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and cover all expenses, you need to plan your budget carefully, taking into account both fixed monthly costs and unexpected expenses. In addition to the basic costs of housing, food and transportation, it is important to consider medical, education (if there are children), entertainment and travel expenses. Taxes and insurance premiums are also worth keeping in mind. Planning your budget with all these factors in mind will help you maintain a comfortable standard of living in India.

India, as a populous country, offers stiff competition in the labor market. The population employed in the agriculture industry is approximately 152 million. This industry, as well as education, healthcare, information technology, construction, engineering and railroads, continue to be in need of talented employees.

There are some important points to consider before moving to India:

Salary: Cost-effectiveness is a key factor taken while deciding to relocate. Salaries in India, as in other developing countries, may not be as high as in more developed countries. However, India's cost of living is relatively low, which makes up for the low salaries.

Job Search: The job search phase can begin even before moving to India. For this, you can use popular Indian websites such as Naukri, Indeed and Monster, which offer job openings and information about potential employers. You can also start researching recruiters in your professional industry, as they can often offer job search and initial interviewing services.

If you are planning to move to India with your pets such as dogs or cats, it is important to prepare in advance and fulfill all the necessary requirements. India has strict animal import regulations to prevent the spread of disease and protect the local fauna.

First of all, your pets must be identified with a microchip that complies with international standards ISO 11784/11785. The microchip must contain a 15-digit code and must not be encrypted. This will allow your pets to be easily identified upon arrival.

Next, you need to get a license to import dogs and cats from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) of India. Without this license, your animals will not be allowed to cross the border. In addition, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Station (AQCS) is required, which must be issued personally by the pet owner.

Regarding health, all animals must be vaccinated against rabies at least 31 days before the trip. For dogs, vaccinations against plague, leishmaniasis, parvovirus and leptospirosis are mandatory. Cats need to be vaccinated against feline enteritis and panleukopenia. The veterinarian must issue an international veterinary certificate for the pet's health.

Keep in mind that animal relocation must take place within 30 days of your move to India. Importation is only possible through designated airports - New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata, either as checked baggage or by cargo flight (New Delhi and Mumbai only). Animals are placed under a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

You will need the following documents upon entry:

• Your passport
• Pet passport
• Your visa
• Return ticket
• Veterinary health certificate in the name of the owner
• Confirmation of the purpose of the visit

Restrictions:

• Foreigners of Indian origin must have an OCI or PIO card to import pets.
• Foreigners moving to India for work/residence for 1 year or more can bring animals without DGTF license.
• Certain breeds of dogs, including pit bulls, mastiffs, bulldogs, Tosa Inu and others, are prohibited from importation.

Carefully study all the requirements, prepare documents and vaccinations in advance. This will allow you and your pets to move to India safely and avoid problems at the border.

Pros:

Low cost of living: compared to many other countries, India is relatively inexpensive to live in, including rent, food, transportation and other expenses.

Rich in culture and diversity: India is known for its colorful and diverse culture, history, traditions, cuisine and festivals which can be very interesting for foreigners.

Growing economy: India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which creates many business, investment and career opportunities.

Improved quality of life: moving to India can improve the quality of life for some expats due to the availability of domestic staff, a more relaxed lifestyle and a favorable climate.

English: English is one of India's official languages and is widely used in business, education and government, making it easy for many foreigners to adapt.

Minuses:

Pollution and sanitation problems: many Indian cities suffer from heavy air, water and garbage pollution, as well as poor sanitation and hygiene, which can cause health problems.

Infrastructure and overcrowding: India's infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and health care systems, is often congested and underdeveloped, especially in large cities with high population densities.

Cultural differences: Indian society can be very different from Western society in terms of values, norms, and hierarchy, which requires adaptation and understanding.

Safety and crime: parts of India have high crime rates and safety issues, especially for women, which can be a concern for expats.

Climate and weather: India's climate ranges from tropical to temperate, with a monsoon season and high temperatures, which can be uncomfortable for some foreigners.

The decision to move to India and obtain a residence permit depends on individual circumstances, goals and readiness to adapt to local realities. It is important to carefully consider all aspects and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.