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% |
| Résidence fiscale | après 182 jours — 182 days in fiscal year (Apr–Mar); 60 + 365-in-4-yrs rule only after prior visits |
| Voie de résidence typique | None realistic (business/employment visa only) — No investor residence for non-PIO foreigners; OCI only with Indian origin |
| Passeport | sans visa ou visa à l'arrivée dans 58 pays |
| Economic growth | +6.6% (2025), forecast 6.2% (2026) |
| Type de climat | tropical monsoon · 31° / 33.5° (Mumbai) |
| Guerre & conflits | armed — Kashmir militancy, Maoist & Manipur violence; naval collision with Pakistan Sep 2026 |
| Tous les risques naturels | 8.4/10 |
| Solidité bancaire | 5/10 · BBB |
| Protection de la propriété | 4/10 |
| Logements chauds en hiver | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in India
- Permanent Residency Status (PRS) for Foreign Investors — Investissement CHF 910'000 · open · 2026-10
- Business Visa (B) — entrepreneur · open · 2026-10
- Employment Visa (E) — Revenu / an CHF 20'000 · open · 2026-10
- Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) — ancestry · open · 2026-10
- Entry (X) Visa – family members — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in India to become tax resident?
après 182 jours. 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
Information générale uniquement – pas de conseil fiscal, juridique, migratoire, en investissement ou financier, ni de relation client. Chiffres simplifiés, indicatifs et parfois dépassés. Vérifiez toujours auprès de l'autorité officielle et d'un professionnel agréé du pays concerné avant d'agir. Les liens partenaires éventuels sont signalés et peuvent nous rémunérer.