For Chinese nationals planning to visit India for business purposes, understanding the visa application process is crucial for a smooth and successful trip. As of 2025, the Indian government has specific provisions for Chinese nationals under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI), Scheme for Promotion of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS), and Electronic Manufacturing Clusters (EMC) 2.0 Scheme.
The business e-visa under the PLI/SPECS/EMC 2.0 Scheme is the only e-visa category currently available for Chinese nationals, as other e-visa categories (e.g., tourist, medical) remain suspended for Chinese passport holders due to diplomatic developments.
This e-visa allows multiple entries for up to 6 months and is designed for business activities related to specific sectors, including:
- Chemicals and Fertilizers
- Commerce and Industry
- Telecom
- Food Processing Industries
- Heavy Industries
- New and Renewable Energy
- Steel
- Textiles
Note: The Electronics and Information Technology sector is currently not operational for this e-visa category.
This visa facilitates activities such as attending business meetings, negotiating contracts, participating in trade fairs, or exploring business ventures with registered entities in India. The process is relatively streamlined compared to the regular business visa, offering quicker processing times for eligible applicants.
1. Eligibility Criteria
Chinese nationals must meet specific criteria to apply for the business e-visa under the PLI/SPECS/EMC 2.0 Scheme:
- Business Purpose : The visit must align with activities related to the specified sectors under the PLI/SPECS/EMC 2.0 Scheme.
- Establishing or exploring industrial/business ventures in India.
- Purchasing/selling industrial, commercial products, or consumer durables.
- Attending technical meetings, board meetings, or providing business services support.
- Recruiting manpower.
- Acting as partners or directors in a business/company.
- Participating in or consulting for exhibitions, trade fairs, or business fairs.
- Transacting business with suppliers, evaluating quality, placing orders, or negotiating supplies.
- Providing short-term technical expertise, monitoring projects, or offering technical guidance.
- Engaging in pre-sales or post-sales activities not involving contract/project execution.
- Undergoing in-house training at regional hubs of multinational companies in India.
- Working as tour conductors, travel agents, or conducting business tours for foreigners.
- Affiliation with Registered Entities : Applicants must be associated with entities registered under the relevant Indian government schemes.
- Valid Passport : The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India and contain at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- No Security Concerns : Applicants must not pose any security risks as per Indian regulations.
2. Step-by-Step Process for Applying for a Business E-Visa
The business e-visa application is completed online, but Chinese nationals must be cautious to use the official Indian e-visa portal to avoid fraudulent websites. Below is the step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Prepare Documents
- Before starting the application, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and gather the required documents. All documents must be in English, or translations must be provided if they are in another language. Required documents include:
- Passport to be valid for a minimum period of 6 months.
- Recent passport-sized face Photograph
- Accommodation details
- Return ticket
- Purpose of travel
- A debit/credit card to make final payments
- Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with photograph pasted at the designated space.
- Copy of the Passport.
- Copy of the Chinese ID.
- Original dispatch letter from the company of Applicant.
- Itinerary (Applicant’s signature required in the Itinerary).
- Original/Fax/Scanned copy of invitation letter from a recognized Indian company.
- Certificate of Incorporation/PAN Card of the Indian company.
- Business license of the applicant’s company and the authenticated translation in English or CCPIT Registration/Certificate of Incorporation of Chinese Company.
- Step 2: Access the Official E-Visa Portal
Visit the official Indian e-visa portal at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Avoid third-party websites
- Step 3: Complete the Online Application
- Fill out the e-visa application form accurately, ensuring all fields are completed.
- Upload the required documents, including the passport scan, photograph, and business-related documents.
- Double-check that all information matches the documents to avoid rejection due to discrepancies.
- The application process typically takes 10–15 minutes.
- Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
- Payment is made online, and updates to the payment status may take up to 2 hours due to technical delays. Wait for confirmation before reapplying.(https://www.cgisf.gov.in/page/e-visa)
- If the payment is deducted but the status is not updated, use the “Verify Payment/Pay Visa Fee” option on the portal.
- Step 5: Submit and Await Processing
- Submit the application online at least 4 days before the intended arrival date, with a window of up to 120 days.
- Processing typically takes 3–4 working days, but applicants should apply well in advance to account for potential delays.
- Once approved, the e-visa is sent via email. Save a digital copy on your mobile device and print a hard copy for travel.
3. Important Considerations
- E-Visa Suspension for Other Categories : As of May 2025, all other e-visa categories (tourist, medical, conference) remain suspended for Chinese nationals. Those with compelling reasons to visit India must apply for a regular paper visa through the Indian Embassy in Beijing or consulates in Shanghai or Guangzhou.
- Non-Convertible and Non-Extendable : The business e-visa is non-extendable and non-convertible, except in rare cases (e.g., marriage to an Indian national or medical emergencies requiring a medical visa, subject to approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs).
- Restricted Areas : The e-visa is not valid for visiting Protected, Restricted, or Cantonment Areas without prior permission from the relevant Civil Authority.
- If your passport is expiring in less than 6 months from the date of entry, then you will be asked to renew your passport. You should have 6 months of validity on your passport.
- You cannot come by road to India, you are allowed entry by Air and Cruise on the India Business Visa.
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