Bring in Rs 10 cr, get 10-year residency with relaxed visa norms

Foreign investors bringing in at least Rs 10 crore capital will be eligible for residency status, an easier visa regime and employment for family members among other benefits under a new policy approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday to attract more overseas funds.

"A certain threshold if you invest in India, then there will be availability of visa, the availability of the right to purchase assets, the availability of employment for family members, there is a detailed policy that has been approved by the Cabinet today," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said after the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi.

The scheme is expected to encourage foreign investment in India and facilitate the Make in India programme. Under the scheme, suitable provisions will be incorporated in the Visa Manual to provide for the grant of permanent residency status to foreign investors.

An official statement said permanent residency status will be granted for a period of 10 years with multiple entries. This can be reviewed for another 10 years if the holder has not come to adverse notice.

The scheme will be applicable only to foreign investors who fulfill the prescribed eligibility conditions, his/her spouse and dependents.

"In order to avail this scheme, the foreign investor will have to invest a minimum of Rs 10 crore to be brought within 18 months or Rs 25 crore to be brought within 36 months. Further, the foreign investment should result in generating employment to at least 20 resident Indians every financial year," the statement said. 

The permanent residency status will be granted for a period of 10 years initially with multiple entry facility, which can be renewed for another 10 years.

The status will serve as a multiple entry visa without any stay stipulation and holders will be exempted from registration requirements.

This status holders will be allowed to purchase one residential property for dwelling purpose. The spouse/dependents will be allowed to take up employment in the private sector (in relaxation of salary stipulations for Employment Visa) and undertake studies in India.