In recent years, India has become a thriving hub for professionals working in a variety of industries and sectors. Thanks to this, there has been an influx of roles and opportunities available to those who are interested in working in India as an expat, with professionals moving from all over the world. There are challenges associated with any work relocation, and even more so when that relocation is overseas. Here, we outline some of the key things to know about what to expect when moving to India to work.
Working in India
India’s rapidly growing infrastructure has opened the door to much greater foreign investments, transforming the country into a hub for multinational corporations. Thanks to this, many professionals are relocating, and choosing Allied's packing and moving services to help them on their way.
India’s Top Industries
An important question to ask before deciding to work in India as an expat is; will you be able to find work in your desired field?
India has a workforce that spans an array of sectors. Some of the top ones that are attracting international workers include I.T., engineering, and infrastructure, as well as business-oriented roles like sales, marketing, and consultancy. Owing to this, there are many opportunities for corporate relocations to India.
Requirements for Expats Working in India
As with most countries, if you are an overseas citizen and want to work in India, you’ll need to have the correct visa and documentation to do so. For work and travel, there are a range of visas for India, and it’s imperative that you choose and apply for the correct one for your needs, intentions, and circumstances.
Work permits, business visas, and employment visas in India require the applicant to meet stringent criteria. This can include providing proof of a job offer for a role that cannot be filled by an Indian citizen, as well as letters of request and permission letters from your employer, or prospective employer, in India. As the documentation requirements and processing times can take a while to meet, we recommend beginning all of this as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Working Rights and Tax Rates
The same labour laws and working rights apply to all employees in India, regardless of their nationality or country of origin. As such, the salary of a non-resident in India is taxable as long as the employer is based in India. For expats working in India, residency status will dictate the applicable tax rates, so this will vary from person to person.
Living in India when Working as an Expat
India has a distinct culture that is also seen in the workplace. This could take some getting used to for foreign people who relocate to India for work. When assimilating to any new culture, it’s important to keep an open mind, and be enthusiastic about and open to learning the cultural norms.
Workplace Etiquette
Workplaces in India generally follow a strict workplace hierarchy and associated etiquette. There are clear boundaries set between management and superiority levels, making it essential to respect an individual or colleague’s status.
Greeting
When it comes to polite greetings in workplaces throughout India, a handshake is the most appropriate option in most cases. Be sure to use your right hand, as shaking hands or making any kind of gesture or offering with your left hand can be negatively perceived. When greeting women, it is best to follow their lead; if they present their hand to be shaken, it is appropriate to do so, but if not, a head nod will suffice.
Settling into Life as an Expat in India
Life isn’t all about work, and settling in when you move to a new country is equally as important as starting a new job.
Finding your new home
In some cases, your employer may find housing for you and any family members moving with you. In others, they may arrange for temporary accommodation while you find somewhere suitable for the long term, or give you a stipend towards the move.
If you are tasked with finding your own housing, then newspaper adverts are considered one of the best places to start. If a language barrier is getting in the way, then consider working with a local real estate agent who can help in this area.
The cost of housing will differ depending on where in India you relocate to, with Mumbai being the most expensive part, particularly for expats.
Schooling and Healthcare
For professionals who are moving to India to work, and who are bringing their family along with them, there are a number of schooling options for your children. Fee-paying private schools and international schools are the most common choice for children among expatriate parents.
For Indian citizens and foreigners alike, private healthcare is a common choice.
Safety
Cultural and societal norms are quite different in India to many western countries. This can be seen in a number of ways, with some additional precautions necessary for people who are unfamiliar with the country. For example, women in India, whether local or foreign, are recommended to exercise caution when travelling alone, particularly at night.
India, and more specifically its major cities, have heightened safety measures in place to reduce the risk of crime and violence. Security checks and high police presence can be seen in many public places, including hospitals, shopping centres, and anywhere else with a high volume of traffic. This isn’t to cause concern, though, and is a normal part of day-to-day life in India!
Get in Touch
When the time comes to make the move to India for work,
contact the Allied international moving team to help make the transition as stress-free as possible