asia Updated January 20, 2026 Work Remotely from India: Complete Guide
Everything about working remotely from India for US/EU companies - visas, taxes, cost of living, and best cities for digital nomads in 2026.
Updated January 20, 2026 • Verified current for 2026
Yes, you can work remotely from India for US/EU companies, though India doesn’t have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Most remote workers use e-Tourist Visa (up to 180 days total across multiple entries per year) or Business Visa. India offers the lowest cost of living in Asia ($500-1,200/month), excellent timezone overlap with Europe (perfect for EU teams), diverse landscapes, and rapidly improving digital infrastructure. Main challenges are visa bureaucracy, inconsistent internet quality outside major cities, and cultural adjustment. India is ideal for budget-conscious nomads seeking adventure and authentic cultural immersion.
Visa Options
India’s visa system can be bureaucratic, but several options exist for remote workers:
e-Tourist Visa
- Duration: 60 days per entry (previously 30 days), can enter twice per calendar year
- Total stay: Up to 180 days total per year
- Cost: $10-80 USD depending on nationality (Americans pay most)
- Application: Online at indianvisaonline.gov.in, processed in 3-5 days
- Work status: Technically for tourism, not work - but remote work is gray area
- Requirements: Passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, accommodation proof
- Extension: Cannot extend in-country - must exit and re-enter (visa runs to Nepal, Sri Lanka common)
- Best for: Most digital nomads - affordable, easy to get, flexible
e-Business Visa
- Duration: 180 days, multiple entries
- Cost: Similar to e-Tourist visa
- Purpose: Business meetings, trade, conferences - not employment
- Can you remote work?: Gray area - technically for business activities, not remote employment
- Requirements: Business invitation letter, company registration
- Better for: Freelancers meeting Indian clients, entrepreneurs
Employment Visa
- Requirements: Job offer from registered Indian company, salary minimum
- Duration: Up to 5 years, linked to contract
- Process: Requires company sponsorship, more complex
- Reality: Only for those actually employed by Indian companies
- Not for: Typical remote workers for foreign companies
Long-term Tourist Visa
- Duration: Up to 5 years, multiple entries, 90 days per stay
- Availability: Limited nationalities, must apply at embassy/consulate (not online)
- Best for: Those with strong ties to India (family, heritage)
OCI Card (Overseas Citizen of India)
- For: People of Indian origin, former Indian citizens
- Benefits: Lifetime visa-free travel, can stay indefinitely
- Work: Still need work permit for formal employment, but remote work is flexible
- Best for: Indian diaspora wanting permanent connection
Practical Reality
- Most digital nomads use e-Tourist visa for 60-day stays, exit to Nepal/Sri Lanka/Thailand, then return
- Immigration officers rarely question remote workers on tourist visas (unlike Singapore)
- Stay under 183 days to avoid tax residency
- Keep proof of foreign employment, accommodation bookings, return tickets
Visa Application Tips
- Apply 4-7 days before travel (not earlier - visa starts from approval date)
- Use only official website (many scam sites exist)
- Have hotel bookings ready (can cancel later)
- Print visa approval - immigration may ask for paper copy
Tax Implications
India’s tax system is complex, but manageable for short-term remote workers:
Tax Residency Rules
- 182+ days in financial year (April 1 - March 31) = resident
- OR 60+ days in current year + 365+ days in previous 4 years = resident (stricter rule)
- Residents taxed on worldwide income
- Non-residents only taxed on India-sourced income
Income Tax Rates (for residents)
- Progressive: 0% to 30%
- First ₹2.5 lakh (~$3,000) exempt
- New tax regime (default): simpler, fewer deductions
- Old regime: more deductions available (80C, HRA, etc.)
- Effective rate for most: 10-20%
For Remote Workers (Under 182 days)
- Not tax resident = no tax on foreign income
- Must ensure you stay under 182 days
- Foreign income earned while in India may be exempt if employer is foreign
- Keep documentation proving foreign employment
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- 5-28% on goods/services (18% is most common)
- Included in prices you pay
- Affects cost of living but no personal obligation
TDS (Tax Deducted at Source)
- Indians face automatic withholding on many transactions
- Less relevant for short-term foreign visitors
- May affect bank withdrawals, large purchases
PAN Card (Permanent Account Number)
- Required for any financial transactions, bank accounts
- Difficult to get as tourist/short-term visitor
- Foreign nationals can apply but process is lengthy
- Most short-term nomads operate without PAN
Banking and Remittances
- Difficult to open bank account without long-term visa
- Use international cards, Wise, ATMs
- Cash is still king in many places
Recommendations
- Stay under 182 days to avoid tax residency
- Keep record of entry/exit dates
- Maintain foreign bank accounts (don’t route income through India)
- Consult CA (Chartered Accountant) if staying 6+ months
- US citizens must still file US taxes (use FEIE)
Best Cities
India is vast and diverse - city choice dramatically affects experience:
Bangalore (Bengaluru)
- Best for: Tech workers, startup scene, modern amenities
- Cost: $600-1,500/month
- Pros: India’s Silicon Valley, excellent coworking spaces, best weather, large expat community, good infrastructure
- Cons: Traffic is horrendous, increasingly expensive, water shortages, Kannada language barrier
- Internet: Best in India (100-200 Mbps common)
- Coworking: 91springboard, CoWrks, WeWork, IndiQube
- Vibe: Most “Western-friendly” Indian city, startup culture
Goa (North Goa: Anjuna, Vagator; South Goa: Palolem)
- Best for: Beach lovers, digital nomad community, relaxed lifestyle
- Cost: $500-1,000/month
- Pros: Beach paradise, huge nomad community, cafes with WiFi, laid-back, scooter-friendly
- Cons: Very hot pre-monsoon, monsoon season (June-Sept) is tough, party scene can be overwhelming, power cuts
- Internet: Improving (50-100 Mbps in main areas, use backup 4G)
- Vibe: Southeast Asia vibes in India - backpackers, yoga retreats, trance parties
- Peak season: Nov-March (best weather)
Delhi (Hauz Khas, Saket, Greater Kailash)
- Best for: History, culture, accessibility to North India
- Cost: $500-1,200/month
- Pros: Capital city, cultural attractions, great food, good connectivity, international airport hub
- Cons: Extreme weather (freezing winter, 45°C summer), severe air pollution, chaotic traffic
- Internet: Good (100+ Mbps)
- Note: New Delhi is manageable; Old Delhi is intense
Mumbai
- Best for: Bollywood, finance, cosmopolitan vibe
- Cost: $800-2,000/month (most expensive Indian city)
- Pros: Most cosmopolitan, ocean views, 24/7 culture, best nightlife, English widely spoken
- Cons: Very expensive by India standards, monsoon flooding, overcrowded, long commutes
- Neighborhoods: Bandra (trendy, cafes), Powai (tech, lakes), Colaba (historic, touristy)
- Vibe: NYC of India
Pune
- Best for: Students, culture, proximity to Mumbai
- Cost: $500-1,000/month
- Pros: Cooler than Mumbai, educational hub, good IT scene, accessible to Western Ghats (mountains)
- Cons: Less international than Bangalore/Mumbai, traffic issues
- Vibe: University town meets tech hub
Rishikesh
- Best for: Yoga, spirituality, mountains, nature
- Cost: $400-800/month
- Pros: Himalayas foothills, Ganges River, yoga capital of world, peaceful, affordable, nature access
- Cons: Limited coworking, internet can be unreliable, very touristy, conservative culture
- Best for: Spiritual nomads, yoga teachers, writers seeking peace
Jaipur
- Best for: Culture, history, Rajasthani experience
- Cost: $400-900/month
- Pros: Pink City architecture, affordable, rich culture, good food
- Cons: Very hot summer, conservative, fewer nomads, internet inconsistent
Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj
- Best for: Tibetan culture, Himalayas, mountain lovers
- Cost: $400-800/month
- Pros: Beautiful mountain setting, Dalai Lama’s residence, peaceful, cool climate, hiking
- Cons: Remote, limited infrastructure, winter is very cold, slow internet
Emerging: Hyderabad (tech hub), Kochi (Kerala backwaters), Udaipur (lakes, romance)
Timezone Overlap
India (GMT+5:30) offers unique timezone advantages, especially for EU:
With US Teams
- East Coast (EST/EDT): -9.5 to -10.5 hours
- West Coast (PST/PDT): -12.5 to -13.5 hours
- Overlap: 7-10 PM India = 9:30 AM-12:30 PM EST
- Workable: Evening shift in India = morning US time
- Challenge: Requires significant schedule shift or early morning calls
- Best for: Async-friendly companies or those willing to work India evenings
With EU Teams
- UK (GMT/BST): -4.5 to -5.5 hours
- Central Europe (CET/CEST): -3.5 to -4.5 hours
- Overlap: Excellent - 2-7 PM India = 9:30 AM-2:30 PM CET
- Perfect: 4-5 hours of prime collaboration time
- Best setup: Normal India work hours (10 AM-6 PM) align beautifully with EU mornings
- Why India works for EU: This is THE reason many EU remote workers choose India
With Australian Teams
- Sydney: +4.5 to +5.5 hours
- Overlap: Morning India = afternoon/evening Australia
- Moderate: Some overlap but requires flexibility
India’s Timezone Superpower
- Perfect for EU companies: Best timezone overlap of any affordable destination
- India’s tech industry thrives on UK/EU time overlap
- Work normal daylight hours in India, sync with EU mornings
- Afternoons in India = morning EU, evenings in India = afternoon EU
Why This Matters
- Unlike East Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan), you don’t sacrifice sleep schedule for EU teams
- Unlike Southeast Asia, you get meaningful overlap, not just marginal
- India has been the remote tech hub for Western companies for 20+ years for this reason
Typical Schedule for EU Teams
- 9 AM India: Check messages, deep work
- 2 PM India (9:30 AM EU): Team sync, meetings
- 5 PM India (12:30 PM EU): Wrap-up, async updates
- Evening free for exploring India
Moving to India Checklist
- 1 Apply for e-Tourist Visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in (3-7 days before travel)
- 2 Get comprehensive travel health insurance (Indian healthcare variable)
- 3 Vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, routine vaccines up to date, consider rabies
- 4 Book initial accommodation (Airbnb, hostel, or hotel for first week)
- 5 Download essential apps: Ola/Uber (transport), Zomato/Swiggy (food), Paytm (payments)
- 6 Get Indian SIM card at airport (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone) - $5-10/month with data
- 7 Install VPN before arrival (some services geo-blocked)
- 8 Bring universal adapter (India uses Type C, D, M plugs)
- 9 Pack stomach medication (Pepto, Imodium - adjustment period common)
- 10 Learn basic Hindi phrases (hello, thank you, numbers)
- 11 Research neighborhoods and book longer-term accommodation
- 12 Download offline maps (Google Maps offline, Maps.me)
- 13 Bring enough cash USD/EUR to exchange initially (ATMs abundant but bring backup)
- 14 Join Facebook groups: Digital Nomads India, [City] Expats, Couchsurfing
- 15 Respect cultural norms: dress modestly, remove shoes, understand left-hand taboo
- 16 Download WhatsApp (primary communication in India)
- 17 Research coworking spaces in your city
- 18 Bring portable WiFi hotspot device or plan for backup 4G
- 19 Keep toilet paper/tissues (not always available)
- 20 Prepare for culture shock - India is intense, beautiful, and transformative
Frequently Asked Questions
Is India safe for solo travelers and remote workers?
Generally yes, but with caveats. India is safe in terms of violent crime (rates are relatively low), but challenges include: petty theft (watch bags/phones), scams targeting tourists (fake guides, overcharging), traffic safety (roads are chaotic), and sexual harassment (particularly for solo women, more in North than South). Safety tips: avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, use registered taxis (Ola/Uber), don't flash expensive gear, trust your instincts, dress conservatively. Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Goa are generally safe. Solo female travelers should research specific safety considerations. Millions of foreigners visit/work remotely from India safely each year.
Will I get sick from the food and water?
Likely initially, but you'll adjust. 'Delhi belly' affects most foreigners in first 2-4 weeks. Prevention: drink only bottled/filtered water (₹20-40/liter), avoid street food initially, eat at busy restaurants (high turnover = fresh), skip raw vegetables/salads at first, carry hand sanitizer, bring stomach meds. Once adjusted (2-4 weeks), you can eat street food more safely. Indian food is incredible - part of the experience. Pro tip: Start with cooked foods, gradually introduce street food, watch where locals eat. Probiotics help. Most nomads adjust and enjoy the food immensely after initial period.
How is the internet really?
Highly variable. Major cities (Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi): 100-200 Mbps fiber available, reliable for most work. Smaller cities/towns: 20-50 Mbps DSL, more outages. Goa: Improving but inconsistent (50-100 Mbps, but power cuts affect it). Backup essential: Get high-data 4G plan (Jio, Airtel) - ₹500-1,000/month for 2GB/day. 4G coverage excellent in cities. Always have backup: pocket WiFi, 4G hotspot, coworking space membership. Test internet before signing long-term accommodation. Video calls usually work, but have backup plan. Bangalore has best internet in India.
What about culture shock?
India is intense and will challenge you. Culture shock is real: overwhelming crowds, poverty visibility, different concepts of personal space, noise, pollution in cities, aggressive vendors, bureaucracy, and sensory overload. However, India also offers: incredible kindness, spiritual depth, amazing food, rich history, and transformative experiences. Tips: Start in easier cities (Bangalore, Goa), give yourself adjustment time, connect with other expats initially, take breaks to nature/quieter places, embrace the chaos gradually, learn basic Hindi/local language, respect cultural norms. Most nomads say India changes them profoundly - it's not easy, but incredibly rewarding.
How do I handle money and payments?
India is increasingly digital but still cash-reliant. System: ATMs widely available (₹10,000-20,000 withdrawal limits), international cards work (Visa/MC), but cash needed for street food, auto-rickshaws, small shops. Digital payments growing: Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay (but require Indian bank/number for full use). Wise card works well. Credit cards accepted at malls, restaurants, big stores. Tips: Carry ₹500-2,000 cash daily, use ATMs in bank branches (safer), notify your bank, use Wise for currency exchange (better than banks), small bills essential (₹10, 20, 50 notes). PAN card (tax ID) needed for bank account but hard to get as tourist.
What's the best time to visit/work from India?
Depends on region. Best overall: October-March (post-monsoon, cooler). North India (Delhi, Jaipur): Oct-March (avoid May-July heat 40-45°C). South India (Bangalore): Year-round (Bangalore has best climate in India). Goa: Nov-March (peak season, best weather; avoid June-Sept monsoon). Mountains (Rishikesh, Dharamshala): March-June, Sept-Nov (avoid winter snow, monsoon). Monsoon (June-Sept): Romantic but challenging for digital nomads (power cuts, flooding, internet issues). Festive season (Diwali in Oct/Nov, Holi in March) is magical but crowded/expensive. Consider visa timing (e-Tourist allows 180 days total/year) and plan around work needs + weather.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from India for a US company?
Yes, you can work remotely from India for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in India.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from India?
It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter India visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.
What's the cost of living for remote workers in India?
The cost of living in India is relatively affordable, with monthly budgets of $1,200-2,000 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.
Does India have a digital nomad visa?
Check the visa section above for India's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.
What are the best cities for remote work in India?
The best cities for remote workers in India typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.
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