Moving to or
from India

Moving to
or from
India

Emigrating to India

India is a vibrant country known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. As the world’s seventh-largest country, its capital, New Delhi, and major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata are highly urbanized. While these bustling cities are home to millions, India also offers quieter rural areas with breathtaking views and deep-rooted traditions.

India's history is one of the oldest and richest in the world, contributing to its diverse cultural tapestry. Ancient civilizations flourished here, and the country has been influenced by numerous empires, including the Maurya, Gupta, Mughal, and British Empires. This mix of influences contributes to India’s unique cultural identity, where various languages, religions, and traditions coexist harmoniously.

India is a multilingual nation, with Hindi and English as its official languages, and over 1,600 regional languages and dialects spoken across the country. This linguistic diversity reflects the broader cultural diversity that is central to Indian identity.

Moving to India from the UK

At Deliver1, we understand the importance of having your belongings with you to make your new house feel like home. With our thirty years of international moving experience and our reliable Indian partners, we ensure a smooth transition for you and your possessions. Our extensive knowledge of customs and visa requirements in each Indian state means we can assist with every aspect of your move from the UK to India.

Transit Options

There are several options for transporting your items to India, depending on how quickly you need them. Planning ahead can help you avoid the higher costs of air freight. Most of our customers prefer container shipping for its safety and affordability.

You can choose between a 20ft or 40ft container, depending on the volume of your belongings. For smaller shipments, a shared container is an economical choice. Regardless of the method, we ensure your shipment is cost-effective and handled with care, so your goods arrive in excellent condition.

Indian Imports

When moving to India, you can bring your personal and household goods duty-free, provided they are not new. This includes antiques, appliances, books, clothes, furniture, hobby tools, jewelry, linens, musical instruments, private collections (such as coins, stamps, or art), silverware, and gifts valued under a certain amount. We will guide you through the necessary documentation to ensure your goods are cleared smoothly by Indian customs.

Indian Customs Restrictions

Be aware of certain restrictions when bringing belongings into India. Items that could pose a threat to the country or its residents are not allowed. These include:

• Leased or rented items
• Items purchased en route to India
• Vehicles for business use
• Farm equipment
• Construction, contracting, or manufacturing equipment
• Alcohol and tobacco

By partnering with Deliver1, you can focus on starting your new life in India while we handle the logistics of your move.

Indian Visas and Permits

Employment Visa

India offers an Employment Visa for foreign nationals who are coming to India for the purpose of working in an organization. To qualify, applicants must have an employment contract, meet certain salary criteria, and have relevant skills or qualifications. The Employment Visa is typically issued for a period of one to two years, depending on the duration of the employment contract.

Business Visa

A Business Visa is granted to foreign nationals who wish to explore business opportunities in India. The applicant must demonstrate that they have a credible business background and that their proposed activities are genuine and profitable for the Indian economy.

Student Visa

India provides a Student Visa for individuals wishing to study in recognized educational institutions. The visa is granted based on admission to a full-time course and is generally valid for the duration of the course.

OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card

For those of Indian origin, the OCI Card provides a lifetime visa, allowing them to live and work in India indefinitely. It also grants certain rights and privileges similar to those of Indian citizens, though OCI holders cannot vote or hold public office.

Tourist Visa

A Tourist Visa is available for those wishing to visit India for leisure, tourism, or to visit friends and family. It is typically valid for six months, but multiple-entry and longer-term visas are also available under certain conditions.

Additional Visa Options

India offers a variety of other visa options for researchers, journalists, conference attendees, medical treatment seekers, and more. For the most current information regarding your specific situation, consult the Indian Bureau of Immigration or your local Indian embassy.