Moving to India

India's explosive economic growth, booming tech sector, and extraordinarily low cost of living are drawing a new wave of expats — from startup founders and IT consultants to yoga enthusiasts and retirees. Whether you are relocating for work, business, or a fresh start, this guide covers every practical step you need, from visas and registration to housing, healthcare, and daily life.

India at a Glance

Why Move to India in 2026

• Low cost of living: Rent, food, transport, and healthcare are a fraction of Western prices — a single expat can live comfortably on ₹40,000–₹80,000/month in most cities.
• Booming job market: India is a global IT powerhouse; demand for tech, finance, and consulting talent remains strong, especially in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune.
• Startup ecosystem: India ranks among the top 5 globally for startup activity, with deep venture capital funding and government incentive schemes like Startup India.
• Private healthcare is world-class and affordable: An appointment with a top specialist often costs ₹500–₹1,500, and private hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, and Max rival international standards.
• Cultural richness: With 28 states, 22 scheduled languages, and dozens of festivals per year, no two weeks in India feel the same.
• Warm hospitality: Indian culture is famously welcoming — neighbours, colleagues, and even strangers will go out of their way to help newcomers settle in.

Moving Costs to India

Shipping costs vary widely based on origin and volume. India's major ports are Mumbai (JNPT), Chennai, and Mundra.

Component Costs Explained

• International shipping/freight: 50–60% of total cost; sea freight is far cheaper than air.
• Customs clearance: India's customs duty on used personal effects is typically 15–35%, depending on item category. Returning Indian nationals may get exemptions.
• Insurance: 2–4% of declared shipment value, covering loss and damage.
• Packing and crating: ₹20,000–₹60,000 for professional packing of a full household.
• Inland transport (port to door): ₹10,000–₹40,000 depending on city distance from port.
• Visa and documentation fees: ₹5,000–₹15,000 for attestation and document processing.

Visa & Residency Requirements

India's visa system is strict but reasonably straightforward. Almost all nationalities require a visa before arrival. Overstaying is a serious violation of immigration law, so always keep your visa valid.

Finding Housing in India

India's rental market is fast-moving and informal compared to Western standards. There are strong tenant protections in law, but enforcement varies. Most expats rent; buying property is possible but comes with restrictions for foreign nationals (no agricultural land, and approval from the Reserve Bank of India may be required).

Average Rents by Major City (2026)

Rent Terminology and Deposit

• Security Deposit: Landlords typically ask for 2–10 months' rent upfront as a security deposit. In Bangalore, 10 months was historically standard. While model tenancy guidelines suggest a 2-month cap, these are not strictly enforced across Karnataka — always negotiate.
• Maintenance charges: A separate monthly fee for building upkeep, lift, security, and shared utilities. Usually ₹1,500–₹5,000/month in apartment complexes.
• Lock-in period: Most leases have a 6–12 month lock-in period. Breaking it early means forfeiting part or all of your deposit.
• Leave and Licence Agreement: The Indian term for a rental/lease agreement. Must be registered with the sub-registrar's office (stamp duty varies by state) for legal validity.

How to Find Housing

Online Platforms:

• 99acres.com: India's largest property portal; extensive rental listings with photos and verified badges.
• MagicBricks.com: Popular for apartments in gated communities and societies.
• NoBroker.com: Connects directly with owners, avoiding broker fees — saves 1 month's rent in brokerage.
• Housing.com: Clean interface, strong in Mumbai and Bangalore.

Local Resources:

• Real estate agents (brokers): Common and sometimes unavoidable. Expect to pay 1–2 months' rent as brokerage.
• Word of mouth and expat groups: Facebook groups like "Expats in Mumbai," "Bangalore Expats," and InterNations often have housing leads.
• Company housing: Many employers provide housing or a housing allowance — check your package.

Tips for Foreigners Finding Housing

• Always visit in person before signing. Photos can be misleading.
• Verify the landlord's ownership documents (title deed or society NOC).
• Negotiate aggressively — listed prices are almost always higher than what owners expect.
• In gated communities (called housing societies), check for society rules on non-Indian tenants; some societies have restrictions on food habits, guests, or subletting.
• Ask about water supply. Many areas in Indian cities face intermittent water availability, and borewell or tanker water may supplement municipal supply.

Rental Agreement & Legal Protection

• Lease agreements should be written, signed, and registered. Unregistered agreements are difficult to enforce in court.
• Landlords cannot evict without a 15-day notice (most states) and a valid reason under the applicable state Rent Control Act.
• Annual rent increases are typically 5–10%, negotiated at signing.
• Always get rent receipts — these are required for tax deduction claims under Section 80GG of the Income Tax Act.

Warning: Rental Scams

• Never pay a deposit via wire transfer without visiting the property.
• Be wary of "too good to be true" listings — luxury apartments at ₹10,000/month do not exist in major cities.
• Verify ownership through society offices or local property records.
• Avoid deals where a third party (not the owner) collects money without a valid power of attorney.

Healthcare & Insurance

India has a dual healthcare system: a public system (free or near-free but under-resourced) and a world-class private system that is remarkably affordable by Western standards. Most expats rely entirely on private healthcare.

Top Health Insurance Providers for Expats

• ICICI Lombard: One of India's largest private insurers; wide network of cashless hospitals.
• Star Health: Strong cashless claim network; good family floater plans.
• Bajaj Allianz: Competitive premiums with international coverage options.
• Max Bupa (Niva Bupa): Known for comprehensive plans and good claim settlement.
• International plans (Cigna Global, Allianz Care): Recommended for expats who travel frequently or want global coverage including India.

Out-of-Pocket Costs (Private Hospitals)

Banking & Finance

Opening a Bank Account

• When: As soon as possible after FRRO registration. You need a registered address and valid visa.
• Required documents: Passport with valid visa, FRRO registration certificate, passport-size photos, proof of Indian address (rental agreement or utility bill), and PAN card (see below).
• Top banks for expats:
• HDFC Bank: Largest private bank; excellent digital banking, wide ATM network.
• ICICI Bank: Strong online platform, international wire transfers easy to set up.
• State Bank of India (SBI): Largest public sector bank; widest branch and ATM network, especially outside metro cities.
• Axis Bank: Good expat-focused NRI (Non-Resident Indian) account options.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank: Modern app, competitive savings rates.

PAN Card (Permanent Account Number)

• What it is: A 10-character alphanumeric ID issued by the Income Tax Department, mandatory for all financial transactions above thresholds, filing tax returns, opening certain bank accounts, and buying property.
• How to get it: Apply online at the NSDL or UTIITSL portal with passport and visa copies. Processing takes 15–20 working days.
• Why you need it: Without a PAN card, you cannot open a fixed deposit, invest in mutual funds, or buy a car above a certain value.

Aadhaar Card (Biometric Identity Number)

• What it is: A 12-digit unique identity number linked to your biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan), issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is the most widely used identity document in India.
• Eligibility: Expats who have resided in India for 182 days or more in the preceding 12 months can apply.
• Why it matters: Aadhaar is linked to mobile SIM cards, gas connections, government subsidies, and an increasing number of private services. Having one makes daily life far smoother.
• How to apply: Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with your passport and visa. Biometric capture takes about 15 minutes. The card arrives by post in 60–90 days.

Bank Account Features & Costs

• Monthly fee: ₹0–₹500 (most salary and savings accounts are zero-balance or low-minimum)
• Debit card: Free–₹300/year
• Credit card: Available after 6 months of account history; annual fee ₹500–₹5,000
• International transfers: ₹500–₹1,500 per transaction (SWIFT); incoming remittances are generally free
• ATM withdrawal: Free at own bank ATMs; ₹20–₹30 per transaction at other banks (3–5 free per month)

Payment Culture

India has undergone a massive digital payments revolution. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) — a real-time mobile payment system — dominates daily transactions. Apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm let you pay by scanning a QR code or entering a phone number. Card and cash payments are still accepted everywhere, but UPI is by far the most common method. Carrying large amounts of cash is unnecessary in most urban areas.

Cost of Living in India

India is one of the most affordable countries in the world for expats, though major metros like Mumbai and Delhi can be surprisingly expensive for high-end lifestyles.

Monthly Budget Breakdown by City

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Housing:

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre): ₹12,000–₹55,000 depending on city
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre): ₹25,000–₹1,50,000 depending on city
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas): ₹2,000–₹5,000/month
• Internet (50–100 Mbps broadband): ₹700–₹1,500/month

Groceries & Food:

• Weekly groceries (1 person): ₹1,500–₹3,000
• Street food meal: ₹30–₹100
• Casual restaurant meal: ₹150–₹500
• Mid-range restaurant (2 people): ₹800–₹2,500
• Fine dining (2 people): ₹3,000–₹8,000

Transportation:

• Monthly metro/bus pass: ₹500–₹1,500
• Auto-rickshaw (3-wheeler): ₹20–₹30 base fare + ₹12–₹15/km
• Ride-hailing (Ola/Uber): ₹8–₹15/km
• Petrol: ₹95–₹108/litre
• Used car (basic): ₹2,00,000–₹5,00,000

Insurance & Healthcare:

• Health insurance (individual): ₹5,000–₹15,000/year
• Health insurance (family): ₹15,000–₹40,000/year

Leisure & Entertainment:

• Gym membership: ₹1,000–₹3,000/month
• Cinema ticket: ₹150–₹500
• Streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime): ₹149–₹649/month

Comparison with Other Countries

• vs USA: India is approximately 70–80% cheaper across most categories.
• vs UK: India is approximately 65–75% cheaper.
• vs Germany: India is approximately 60–70% cheaper.
• vs Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam): Comparable to slightly cheaper, especially for food and transport.

Language & Culture Tips

Do You Need Hindi?

It depends on where you live. In Delhi, Mumbai, and much of North India, Hindi is the dominant language for daily life. In Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, local languages (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil) are the primary spoken languages, though English is widely understood in offices, malls, restaurants, and among educated urban populations. In corporate India, English is the standard working language.

Bottom line: You can survive with English alone in any major Indian city, but learning basic Hindi (or the local language of your city) will transform your daily experience — from bargaining at markets to connecting with neighbours and domestic staff.

Hindi Survival Phrases

• Namaste — Hello (universal greeting)
• Shukriya / Dhanyavaad — Thank you
• Kitna hai? — How much is it?
• Haan / Nahi — Yes / No
• Theek hai — OK / Alright
• Kripya — Please
• Mujhe Hindi nahi aati — I don't know Hindi

Cultural Norms & Etiquette

Chai Culture:

• Offering and accepting chai (tea) is a fundamental social ritual in India. Refusing chai can be seen as impolite.
• Chai is served at business meetings, when visiting someone's home, at shops, and by vendors on every street corner.
• The standard chai is strong black tea boiled with milk, sugar, and spices (cardamom, ginger, cloves).

Bargaining:

• Bargaining is expected at local markets, with auto-rickshaw drivers (if no meter), and at non-fixed-price shops. Start at 40–50% of the quoted price and negotiate from there.
• In malls, supermarkets, and branded stores, prices are fixed.

Joint Families and Social Structure:

• Many Indian families live in joint families — multiple generations under one roof. Respect for elders is deeply ingrained.
• When visiting an Indian home, remove shoes at the door, accept food and drink offerings graciously, and avoid discussing politics or religion unless invited.

Festivals:

• India celebrates dozens of major festivals. Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of Colors), Eid, Christmas, Pongal, Onam, Durga Puja, and Navratri are just a few.
• Participating in local festivals is one of the best ways to integrate and build friendships.

Head Wobble:

• The Indian head wobble (a side-to-side tilting of the head) can mean "yes," "I understand," "OK," or simply acknowledgment. Context matters — don't be confused; it's almost always positive.

Social Integration

• Join expat communities on InterNations, Internations, or Facebook groups specific to your city.
• Attend cultural events, language exchange meetups, and local community gatherings.
• Consider joining a gym, yoga class, or sports club — these are excellent social connectors.
• Volunteering with local NGOs is a meaningful way to meet people and give back.

Transportation & Getting Around

Domestic Flights

• India has over 40 operational airports. Budget carriers (IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air) offer domestic flights for ₹2,000–₹7,000 one-way between major cities.
• Book 2–4 weeks in advance for the best fares.

Railways

• Indian Railways is one of the largest rail networks in the world. Book through the IRCTC website or app.
• Classes range from unreserved General to AC First Class. For comfort, book AC 2-Tier (2A) or AC 3-Tier (3A).
• Fares are very cheap: Delhi to Mumbai by AC 2-Tier is approximately ₹2,000–₹3,500.

Ride-Hailing and Local Transport

• Ola and Uber operate in all major cities and are the preferred mode for expats. Fares are low: a 10 km ride costs ₹150–₹300.
• Auto-rickshaws (3-wheelers) are ubiquitous. Insist on the meter or agree on a fare before the ride.
• Metro systems exist in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and other cities. Clean, air-conditioned, and cheap (₹10–₹60 per ride).

Driving in India

• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 1 year. After that, you must obtain an Indian driving licence from the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
• Traffic in India's major cities is chaotic, with lane discipline rarely observed. Most expats hire a driver (₹8,000–₹15,000/month) rather than drive themselves.
• Congestion, pollution, and road conditions vary dramatically by city and season.

Safety & Practical Considerations

Pollution

• Air quality in Delhi, Mumbai, and other North Indian cities can be hazardous, especially from October to February (post-monsoon and winter). Delhi's AQI frequently exceeds 300–400 during peak pollution season.
• Invest in a good air purifier (₹10,000–₹25,000) for your home. Wear an N95 mask outdoors on bad days.
• Southern cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad generally have better air quality.

Water Safety

• Tap water is NOT safe to drink in most of India. Use a water purifier (RO + UV) — costs ₹8,000–₹15,000 or rent one for ₹300–₹500/month.
• Bottled water (Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina) is cheap and widely available at ₹20–₹40 per litre.

Personal Safety

• India is generally safe for expats. Violent crime against foreigners is rare.
• Women should exercise caution, especially when travelling alone at night. Use ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked taxis.
• Keep digital copies of all important documents (passport, visa, FRRO certificate) in cloud storage.

Where to Find Tools and Resources

ReloAdvisor Tools:

• Volume calculator
• Video survey
• Moving cost calculator

Official India Resources:

• Bureau of Immigration: boi.gov.in
• FRRO e-Services: indianfrro.gov.in
• Income Tax Department (PAN): incometaxindia.gov.in
• UIDAI (Aadhaar): uidai.gov.in

Expat Communities:

• InterNations India: internations.org
• Expat.com India: expat.com/india
• Facebook: "Expats in Mumbai," "Bangalore Expats," "Expats in Delhi NCR"

Related Guides:

• Moving to Germany
• Moving to the UAE
• Moving to Singapore