Moving to India: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in India: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 5 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In India the top income tax rate is 39%, dividends are taxed at up to 35.9% and companies pay 25.2% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in India you need at least 182 days a year (182 days in fiscal year (Apr–Mar); 60 + 365-in-4-yrs rule only after prior visits). The typical route is None realistic (business/employment visa only): No investor residence for non-PIO foreigners; OCI only with Indian origin There are 5 open residence programmes in India — see the list below.
Living there
Mumbai has a tropical monsoon climate with winter highs around 31 °C and summer highs around 33.5 °C. The economy grew +6.6% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 6.2% for 2026. Its passport opens about 58 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Kashmir militancy, Maoist & Manipur violence; naval collision with Pakistan Sep 2026.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 39% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 35.9% |
| Corporate tax | 25.2% |
| Tax residence | after 182 days — 182 days in fiscal year (Apr–Mar); 60 + 365-in-4-yrs rule only after prior visits |
| Typical residence route | None realistic (business/employment visa only) — No investor residence for non-PIO foreigners; OCI only with Indian origin |
| Passport | visa-free or on arrival to 58 countries |
| Economic growth | +6.6% (2025), forecast 6.2% (2026) |
| Climate type | tropical monsoon · 31° / 33.5° (Mumbai) |
| War & conflict | armed — Kashmir militancy, Maoist & Manipur violence; naval collision with Pakistan Sep 2026 |
| All natural hazards | 8.4/10 |
| Banking strength | 5/10 · BBB |
| Property protection | 4/10 |
| Warm homes in winter | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in India
- Permanent Residency Status (PRS) for Foreign Investors — Investment CHF 910'000
- Business Visa (B) — entrepreneur
- Employment Visa (E) — Income / yr CHF 20'000
- Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) — ancestry
- Entry (X) Visa – family members — family
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in India to become tax resident?
after 182 days. 182 days in fiscal year (Apr–Mar); 60 + 365-in-4-yrs rule only after prior visits Newcomers usually RNOR (foreign income untaxed) for ~2–3 yrs
How much tax will I pay in India?
In India the top income tax rate is 39%, dividends are taxed at up to 35.9% and companies pay 25.2% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does India offer?
Permanent Residency Status (PRS) for Foreign Investors (CHF 910'000); Business Visa (B); Employment Visa (E); Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI); Entry (X) Visa – family members
What is the usual way to move to India?
None realistic (business/employment visa only). No investor residence for non-PIO foreigners; OCI only with Indian origin
Compare with nearby countries
Afghanistan · Armenia · Australia · Azerbaijan · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Cambodia · China · Fiji · Georgia · Hong Kong · Indonesia
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