When it comes to obtaining a visa for India, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office plays an important role. FRRO offers a range of visa services that ensure a smooth and hassle-free process for foreign nationals — whether you’re applying for an initial visa or need an extension.

FRRO visa services in India cover various Types of Visas, including Tourist, Business, Student, Employment, X Visa, Dependent Visa, Medical Visa, and more. FRRO guides applicants through the visa application process, providing assistance and clarifying queries along the way.

1. Indian Visa Extension

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issues visa extensions to foreign nationals. Not all visa types are eligible for extension, so it’s important to understand your visa type and consult an immigration expert. Most e-visas cannot be extended in India, except medical visas (with doctor’s recommendation).

2. Indian Visa Registration

Foreign nationals staying in India for an extended period are required to complete FRRO registration to comply with regulations. This ensures their stay is legal and well-documented.

3. X Visa Conversion

An X Visa is issued by FRRO to individuals of Indian origin or those married to an Indian citizen. It has a validity of 1 to 5 years with multiple entries. This visa is not for business or employment purposes in India.

As per the Government of India, an Entry (X) Visa is issued to the following individuals:

• A person of Indian origin — foreign citizens (except nationals of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal) who previously held an Indian passport, or whose parents/grandparents/great-grandparents were born in India and held an Indian passport.
• Foreigners married to an Indian citizen, and children of an Indian passport holder or OCI cardholder.
• Dependents of foreign citizens visiting India for business, employment, study, research, or medical purposes.
• Anyone of Indian origin holding a Surrender/Renunciation Certificate or a cancelled Indian passport.

4. OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) Card

An OCI Card is issued by the Government of India to foreign citizens married to an Indian national, or those of Indian origin. OCI cardholders can study, do business, work, and travel in India for an indefinite period.

Benefits of an OCI Card:

• Multiple entries and a multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit India
• Relaxation on reporting to police authorities regardless of stay length
• Freedom to work, study, do business, and travel long-term in India
• No need to register every 180 days

5. Change of Address

When a foreign national changes their address in India, they must inform the local police station and file an application for a change of address on the FRRO portal.

6. Change of Passport

If your foreign passport is renewed due to expiry or loss, you must file an application on the government FRRO portal.

7. Exit Permit

An Exit Permit is issued by FRRO to individuals who overstayed their visa, lost their passport or visa, or have a newborn child needing to travel outside India. Business visa holders typically also require an exit permit to leave the country.

8. New Indian Visa

FRRO also issues new visas to individuals of Indian origin who were born abroad or surrendered their Indian passport. This visa has a validity of 1 to 5 years with multiple entries.

If you need any of these visa services while in India, FRRO — or a professional consultant — can help guide you through the necessary steps and ensure compliance with regulations.

Types of Visas Offered by India

Foreign nationals can apply for an e-Visa online through the e-Visa portal (processing takes 2–3 working days), or apply for a regular visa at the nearest Indian High Commission (processing takes 1–2 weeks).