FRRO Services
Foreigners/Expatriates looking to visit or come to India for employment, business or any other purpose would need to fulfil the requisite Entry/Exit requirements. Apart from Visa, Indian authorities require an additional requirement of availing an additional registration with Foreigners Regional Registration Office in certain circumstances.
Entry Requirements
Visas Requirement
A visa is an official document or endorsement placed in a passport or travel document by the government of a country. It grants the holder permission to enter, stay, or leave that country for a specified period and for a particular purpose.
Apart from Visa, the foreign nationals, in many cases including those coming for employment or business, are also required to have an additional registration with the FRRO office.
What is e-FRRO?
FRRO stands for "Foreigners Regional Registration Office." It manages various aspects of immigration, including visa registration, visa extension, exit permits, and other related services.
Here is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the e-FRRO requirement and process.
Who needs to apply for e-FRRO?
All foreigners who are coming to India on an Employment Visa have to register in India within 14 days of Arrival and All foreigners who come to India on other than Employment Visa need to register if their stay in India is for 183 days or more.
How do I register my visa with the FRRO?
Visa registration can be done by submitting the required documents, including passport, visa, and a completed registration form online only.
There is no requirement of taking appointment and visiting FRRO/FRO office unless specifically called upon by the FRRO/FRO concerned. Intimation would be sent through sms/email on the registered mobile/email-id.
RC/RP, Exit Permit etc would send by email mentioned in the online application form
What is the process for visa extension, and what documents are needed?
To extend the visa, one needs to submit an application before the expiration date of older e-FRRO. Required documents may include a valid passport, visa extension form, proof of financial means, and other supporting documents.
Exit Formalities
Apart from the requirement of filing FRRO at the time of entry, there is a requirement for an exit permit as well. Non-compliance of the same can lead to potential penalties including fines, deportation, or restrictions on future entry.
A Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India oversees the stay and registration of foreign nationals in the country. The foreign nationals, holding long-term visas (such as employment visas), when they plan to leave India permanently, are required to complete Exit formalities with the FRRO.
Please note that specific procedures may vary depending on the location and the latest regulation updates.
How can I obtain an exit permit from the FRRO?
To obtain an exit permit, one needs to submit the application along with the passport, visa, and other relevant documents to the FRRO. Ensure that your visa status allows for an exit permit.
NOC from the Income Tax department
Apart from above, the expatriates leaving India are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or an Income Tax Clearance Certificate (ITCC) from the Income Tax Department stating that all due taxes in India till the date of leaving are taken care off. Below procedure is generally followed for the purpose:
Contact the Local Income Tax Office:
Reach out to the local Income Tax Office or relevant tax authority in your area. You may need to visit the tax office in person or check their official website for information on the process of obtaining an NOC for an exit visa.
Documentation:
Inquire about the specific documents required for obtaining an NOC for an exit visa. Typically, you may need to provide proof of tax compliance, such as tax return filings, payment of taxes, and any other relevant documentation.
Tax Clearance Certificate:
Some countries may require a tax clearance certificate as proof of tax compliance. This certificate may be issued by the tax authorities and can be submitted along with your visa application.
Submit Application:
Fill out the necessary forms or applications for obtaining an NOC from the Income Tax Department. Submit these forms, along with the required documents, to the designated tax office.
Payment of Dues:
Ensure that all outstanding taxes are paid before applying for the NOC. Some countries may require individuals to clear any pending tax dues before they can obtain the NOC for an exit visa.
Verification Process:
The tax authorities may conduct a verification process to ensure that you are in compliance with tax regulations. This process may involve reviewing your tax records and confirming that all tax-related obligations have been met.
Issuance of NOC:
Once the verification is complete, and you have fulfilled all requirements, the tax authorities may issue the NOC. This document is then submitted as part of your exit visa application.
How can we help?
AKM Global has been helping MNCs and expats in India manage these compliances/requirements. Our partner, Mr. Amit Maheshwari, is the author of the first book published in India specifically for the compliances applicable to Expatriates coming and working in India.