Moving to India

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the Indian visa and residence permit system requires careful attention, as requirements vary significantly based on your nationality. For example, citizens from EU countries may have different processes compared to those from non-EU nations. The most common routes for long-term stays include:

• Employment Visa: For those moving to India for work, typically sponsored by an Indian employer.
• Family Visa: For spouses and dependents of individuals already residing in India on a long-term visa.
• Student Visa: For individuals enrolled in recognized educational institutions in India.
• Research Visa: For academics and researchers undertaking projects in India.
• Entry (X) Visa: A broader category that can cover various purposes, sometimes used for those of Indian origin or their spouses.

It is absolutely crucial to verify the most current and specific requirements directly with the official Indian government immigration portal or your nearest Indian embassy/consulate well in advance of your planned move. Visa types, eligibility criteria, required documentation, and application procedures can change, and relying on outdated information can lead to significant delays or refusal.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in India can be an exciting, albeit sometimes challenging, part of your relocation. The process often involves a mix of online research, local real estate agents, and word-of-mouth recommendations.

• How to Find Housing:
  • Online Portals: Websites dedicated to real estate listings are a good starting point, offering a broad overview of available properties in different cities and neighborhoods.
  • Real Estate Agents (Brokers): Engaging a local agent is highly recommended, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. They have local knowledge, access to unlisted properties, and can assist with negotiations and paperwork. Be prepared to pay a commission, typically one month's rent.
  • Company Assistance: If you are relocating for work, your employer might provide assistance with housing search or have corporate tie-ups.
• Typical Rental Process: Once you find a suitable property, you'll typically sign a Leave and License Agreement (rental agreement). This document outlines the terms and conditions, rent, duration, and responsibilities of both parties. Ensure you read and understand it thoroughly, ideally with legal assistance if needed.
• Deposits: A security deposit is standard, usually equivalent to 2-3 months' rent, which is refundable at the end of the tenancy, subject to the property's condition. Some landlords may also request an advance payment of the first month's rent.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many expatriates opt for temporary accommodation (serviced apartments or short-term rentals) upon arrival to allow time to explore neighborhoods and find a long-term home that truly fits their needs.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to India is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively, though exact figures will always come from a personalized quote.

• Volume of Goods: The more items you ship, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic feet or kilograms. Decluttering significantly before your move can reduce this expense.
• Distance: The origin and destination points play a major role. Moving from a distant continent will naturally cost more than moving from a neighboring country.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (often summer months or end-of-year periods) can see higher demand and potentially higher prices for shipping and related services.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Difficult access for moving vehicles (e.g., narrow streets, high-rise apartments without service elevators) can incur additional charges for shuttle services or extra labor.
• Mode of Transport: Air freight is significantly faster but more expensive than sea freight. The choice depends on your urgency and budget.
• Insurance: While an additional cost, insuring your belongings against loss or damage during transit is highly recommended for peace of mind.
• Additional Services: Services like professional packing, unpacking, dismantling and reassembling furniture, storage, and specialized handling for delicate or oversized items will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it's essential to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth international move. Here’s a checklist-style guide, typically spanning 4-8 weeks before your move:

• 8+ Weeks Out: Declutter & Research
  • Begin decluttering your home. Decide what to sell, donate, discard, or take with you.
  • Research visa requirements and start the application process.
  • Obtain multiple quotes from international movers.
  • Start researching neighborhoods and potential housing in India.
• 6 Weeks Out: Official Notifications & Documents
  • Confirm your moving date with your chosen relocation company.
  • Gather and organize all essential documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, visa documents, driver's license, financial statements. Make multiple copies and digital backups.
  • Notify your landlord (if renting) or begin preparing your home for sale.
  • Arrange for pet relocation, if applicable, understanding India's specific regulations.
• 4 Weeks Out: Utilities & Services
  • Notify utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone) of your move-out date.
  • Cancel or transfer subscriptions and memberships.
  • Arrange for mail redirection.
  • Start using up perishable food items.
• 2 Weeks Out: Packing & Final Touches
  • Begin packing non-essential items if you're self-packing. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Pack a "survival kit" or "first-night box" with essentials you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents).
  • Confirm travel arrangements (flights, temporary accommodation).
  • Withdraw necessary local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival.
• 1 Week Out: Confirmations & Last-Minute Tasks
  • Confirm arrival times and access details with your relocation company.
  • Ensure all important documents are in your carry-on luggage.
  • Empty and clean out the refrigerator.
  • Do a final walk-through of your home.

For a precise estimate and tailored moving plan, request a free quote on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to India: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to India can be an exciting adventure, and understanding the customs and import regulations for your personal belongings is key to a smooth transition. This guide will help you navigate the process, ensuring your move is as stress-free as possible.

If you're relocating as a new resident or returning resident

Indian nationals, foreign nationals, and those of Indian origin transferring their residence to India, or coming on employment, can import personal effects and household goods under the "Transfer of Residence" (TR) scheme. This typically applies if you've lived overseas for at least two years and haven't visited India for more than 180 days in the preceding two years.

What you'll need

• Original Passport (may be held by your agent until clearance)
• Authority Letter (sample provided by your agent)
• Baggage Declaration Form (provided by your agent)
• Detailed inventory with valuation of each item
• Purchase invoice copies for electronic or brand-new items
• Indian Customs Declaration Form (provided by your agent)
• Bill of Lading
• Copy of Employment or Transfer Letter
• FRRO Registration (mandatory for foreign nationals, especially for sea shipments outside Delhi Port; for air shipments, the registration application form may suffice)
• PAN card copy
• Proof of final destination local residence address
• Copy of your India arrival ticket

Good to know

• Goods must be shipped from the origin country within one month of your arrival in India (within 15 days for air shipments).
• Vehicles can be shipped within six months of arrival; delays may require customs condonation.
• Your presence is often required during customs clearance, especially in Kolkata and Kochi for both air/sea shipments. For Chennai, it's a must for air shipments and recommended for sea shipments to avoid demurrage/detention charges.
• All containers (unless diplomatic) are offloaded at the Port of Entry (POE) or Terminal of Entry (TOE) and reloaded into vans.
• While most household goods and personal effects are dutiable, concessions may be available under the TR rule if items have been in your possession and used for at least one year.
• Note that TR benefits for foreign nationals are generally not allowed at Chennai and New Delhi customs.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats benefit from duty exemptions for their personal effects and household goods, provided they have the necessary certifications.

What you'll need

• Authority Letter (sample provided by your agent)
• Baggage Declaration Form (provided by your agent)
• Copy of Passport, visa, and Diplomatic ID, duly attested/certified
• Duty-free Exemption Certificate issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, through your Diplomatic Mission in India
• Bill of Lading
• Inventory List

Good to know

• The packing list, passport, Bill of Lading, and Inventory List must be sealed and signed by the Embassy/Consulate.
• Limited quantities of alcohol can be imported if mentioned on the Duty Exemption Certificates and within the allowance set by the Diplomatic Mission/Embassy.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing vehicles into India is complex, conditional, and generally subject to high duties. It's strongly advised to consult with your local agent before planning such a shipment.

• Diplomatic vehicles can be imported duty-free with a Duty Exemption Certificate from the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Private personal cars can be imported under Transfer of Residence terms, but must meet specific criteria: right-hand steering and controls, speedometer in kilometers, photometry of headlamps for "keep left" traffic, not older than three years from manufacture, Euro-III compliant, and registered for at least one year in your name.
• You'll need the original manufacturing invoice and a relevant insurance certificate.
• Customs duty for private cars is approximately 164% on the assessable value.
• Left-hand drive cars are not permitted.
• Only Euro V Standard vehicles are allowed for import.
• Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are not allowed.
• Import of cars, bikes, or any other vehicles is not allowed in Bangalore or Hyderabad.
• Duties vary significantly based on whether the vehicle is new, completely knocked down (CKD), or already registered, ranging from approximately 103.39% for new vehicles in completely built-up form to 105% Basic Customs Duty plus other taxes for already registered vehicles.
• The value for duty assessment is CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight). For used vehicles, depreciation is applied quarterly.

Pets

You can import two pets (cats or dogs) per passenger without an import license, provided you are under the Transfer of Residence scheme and your assignment is for a minimum of two years.

• You will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from veterinary authorities and other health documents before your pet's arrival at the airport.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are strictly prohibited or restricted for import into India. Do not pack these items under any circumstances, as they will be confiscated, and fines may be levied.

• Prohibited: Firearms, weapons, ammunition of any type, narcotics, obscene literature, pornographic material, wildlife items (like ivory, horns), and drones.
• Dutiable/Restricted: Firearms (exceeding 50 cartridges), cigarettes (exceeding 100 sticks), cigars (exceeding 25), or tobacco (exceeding 125 gms), gold or silver (other than ornaments), flat panel TVs (duty at 38.05%), new articles (duty at 38.05%).
• A concessional duty rate of 16.5% is allowed on the first unit of specific electronic appliances (e.g., still camera, music system, AC, refrigerator above 300 liters, microwave oven). If you have two or more of any such appliance, or the combined value exceeds Rs. 500,000 (US$10,000), a duty of 38.05% will be charged on additional units/value.

Alcohol & tobacco

Import duties on alcohol and spirits are very high (approximately 182%), and on beer and wines (approximately 150%).

• Cigarettes exceeding 100 sticks, cigars exceeding 25, or tobacco exceeding 125 gms are dutiable.
• It is advisable to contact your local agent regarding specific allowances and duties for alcohol and tobacco.

Frequently asked questions

What is the "Transfer of Residence" rule?
This rule allows individuals moving to India to import personal effects and household goods with potential duty concessions, provided they meet criteria such as living overseas for at least two years and limited visits to India in the preceding two years.

Do I need to be present for customs clearance?
Yes, your presence is often required, especially for air or sea shipments in certain ports like Kolkata and Kochi. For Chennai, it's mandatory for air shipments and highly recommended for sea shipments.

Are all my household goods duty-free?
No, most old and used household goods and personal effects are dutiable. However, concessions may apply under the Transfer of Residence rule if items have been in your possession and used for at least one year.

Can I import my car or motorcycle?
Importing vehicles is highly restricted, complex, and subject to very high duties (approx. 164% for cars, 100% for new motorcycles). Specific conditions regarding vehicle age, steering, and emission standards apply, and it's not allowed in Bangalore/Hyderabad.

What are the allowances for personal baggage upon arrival?
The free allowance for Indian residents returning to India is Rs. 50,000. For foreign nationals, it's Rs. 15,000. Specific limits apply to jewelry for men and women residing abroad for over a year.

What items are strictly forbidden?
Firearms, weapons, ammunition, narcotics, obscene literature, pornographic material, wildlife items (like ivory), and drones are strictly prohibited.

For personalized assistance and the latest information tailored to your specific relocation, please contact relocation123.com.

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