Permanent Residency Status for Foreign Investors

India's Permanent Residency Status (PRS) for Foreign Investors is a long-term residency scheme granting qualifying foreign investors and their families multiple-entry residence in India for up to 20 years. Approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2016 to encourage foreign investment and support the Make in India initiative, the scheme targets foreign nationals making substantial Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Indian companies. Investors who meet the investment and employment thresholds first receive a B-1 (Investor) Business Visa, then may apply for PRS, which functions as a multiple-entry visa with no stay restrictions and exempts holders from routine registration requirements.

• Foreign national making FDI in a new or existing Indian company under the applicable FDI Policy
• Minimum investment of INR 10 crore (~USD 1.2 million) within 18 months, or INR 25 crore (~USD 3 million) within 36 months, through the FDI route
• Must generate employment for at least 20 resident Indians in every financial year
• Investment must comply with all FDI Policy conditions, sectoral caps, and approval requirements
• Not available to Pakistani citizens or third-country nationals of Pakistani origin
• Grant of PRS is discretionary and not guaranteed by the Government of India

• Valid passport and visa copies
• Passport-sized photograph
• Proof of residence in India
• Form FC-GPR (Foreign Currency — Gross Provisional Return) filed with the Reserve Bank of India
• Annual Return on Foreign Liabilities and Assets filed with RBI by the Indian investee company, with RBI acknowledgement letter
• Income Tax Returns
• Details of employment generation for resident Indians, certified by the statutory auditor of the investee company

The process starts with a B-1 (Investor) Business Visa valid for 18 months (for the INR 10 crore tier) or 36 months (for the INR 25 crore tier). After meeting investment and employment conditions, PRS is granted for 10 years with multiple-entry privileges and no stay restrictions. PRS can be renewed for another 10 years provided the holder has not come to adverse notice. Total possible residency is 20 years.

Spouse and dependants receive a B-1X Visa co-terminus with the investor's B-1 Visa on the same terms. Upon PRS grant, family members also receive PRS. Dependants with PRS may take up employment in the private sector with FRRO/FRO permission, without the standard minimum salary requirement of INR 16.25 lakh per annum that normally applies to Employment Visa holders. Family members may also study in India without a separate Student Visa. No additional investment requirement applies to dependants.

India taxes individuals based on residential status under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Those present in India for 182 days or more in a financial year are treated as residents and taxed on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on India-sourced income. India has Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with over 90 countries, which may help reduce double taxation.

The process involves two stages. First, the investor applies for a B-1 (Investor) Business Visa, which is issued with multiple-entry privileges, no stay stipulation, and no FRRO/FRO registration requirement. After fulfilling both the investment threshold and the employment generation condition, the investor submits an online application for PRS to the concerned FRRO/FRO along with supporting documentation.

Security agencies, the relevant Administrative Ministry, and the Ministry of Home Affairs have immediate access to the online application. MHA provides clearance based on security agency inputs and the views of the Administrative Ministry. After security clearance, the applicant approaches the Indian Mission or FRRO/FRO for document verification and biometric capture.

Visa fees vary by nationality and are set by the Indian Mission or consulate concerned. No specific PRS fee schedule has been published separately.

PRS holders must submit the following documents annually to the concerned FRRO/FRO:

• Copy of Form FC-GPR and RBI acknowledgement letters
• Annual Return on Foreign Liabilities and Assets filed with RBI by the investee company
• Income Tax Returns filed with the Income Tax Department
• Details of employment generation for resident Indians, certified by the statutory auditor of the investee company

PRS holders are permitted to purchase one residential property in India for dwelling purposes. Upon revocation of PRS, the holder has 3 months to leave India and 1 year to dispose of any acquired property.

The PRS scheme does not lead to Indian citizenship, as India does not offer citizenship by investment. The investment thresholds are substantial, placing this among the higher-threshold investor residency programs globally. Under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, overstaying or violating visa conditions can result in penalties of up to 3 years imprisonment and/or fines of up to INR 3 lakh.