Visa Programs

The most common US work visa for skilled professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Subject to an annual lottery with a 65,000 cap plus 20,000 for US master's holders.

Primary visa for international students pursuing full-time academic programs at SEVP-certified US universities and colleges. Includes Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization.

For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. No annual cap or lottery. Premium processing available.

For employees of multinational companies transferring to a US office. L-1A for managers/executives, L-1B for specialized knowledge workers. No annual cap.

Direct path to US permanent residency through investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Available through Regional Centers or direct investment.

The B-1/B-2 visa is for temporary visitors to the United States for business (B-1) or tourism, medical treatment, and family visits (B-2). It is the most commonly issued US nonimmigrant visa.

Points-based immigration system for skilled workers. Candidates are ranked by Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on age, education, work experience, and language ability.

Allows international students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Includes on-campus and off-campus work eligibility during studies.

For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. Requires support from a designated Canadian organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator).

Provinces and territories nominate candidates based on local labor market needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points in Express Entry, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.

Canada's visitor visa (TRV) allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for tourism, family visits, or business. Citizens of visa-exempt countries need only an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead.

UK's main work visa for sponsored employees in eligible skilled occupations. Points-based system requiring job offer, sponsor, and minimum salary threshold.

For international students accepted onto a course at a licensed Student Sponsor in the UK. Includes the Graduate Route allowing 2-3 years of post-study work.

For experienced entrepreneurs wanting to set up an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. Requires endorsement from an approved body.

For leaders and potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology. No job offer required. Endorsed by relevant sector body.

The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows entry for tourism, visiting family, attending business meetings, or receiving private medical treatment. Most nationalities require this visa to enter the UK.

Points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or state. Requires occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

For international students enrolling in registered full-time courses in Australia. Allows part-time work during studies and full-time during breaks.

Provisional visa for business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs. Multiple streams including Business Innovation, Investor, and Significant Investor streams.

Employer-sponsored temporary work visa for skilled workers to fill positions that cannot be filled by Australian workers. Replaced the former 457 visa.

Australia's Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows entry for tourism, visiting family, or business purposes. Eligible passport holders may instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601) via the Australian ETA app.

EU-wide work permit for highly qualified professionals. Germany is the top EU Blue Card issuer. Requires a recognized degree and a minimum salary offer.

Germany's Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) allows qualified professionals to enter Germany for up to 1 year to search for a job. Points-based system introduced in 2024.

For international students admitted to German universities. Many public universities charge no tuition fees, making Germany extremely popular for Indian students.

For self-employed freelancers and independent professionals. Particularly popular for IT consultants, designers, writers, and other creative professionals working remotely.

A Schengen short-stay visa issued by Germany for tourism, business visits, family visits, or attending events. Grants access to all 27 Schengen countries with Germany as the primary destination.

Singapore's primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. Uses the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) points-based system since 2024.

For mid-level skilled workers in Singapore. Subject to a quota (employers limited to 10-18% of workforce as S Pass holders) and a levy system.

For foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a new business in Singapore backed by venture capital or with innovative technology.

For international students enrolling in full-time studies at approved Singapore educational institutions. Must be enrolled in an approved program.

Singapore grants visa-free entry of 30-90 days to citizens of many countries. Nationals requiring a visa must apply online through the Singapore Electronic Visa (e-Visa) system or through a local contact.

Long-term residence visa for investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists, and outstanding students. No employer sponsor needed, allows 100% business ownership.

Self-sponsored 5-year residence visa for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors without needing an employer or sponsor. Provides greater flexibility and autonomy.

For remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE. Allows living in Dubai or other emirates while working remotely. One of the Middle East's most popular digital nomad schemes.

For international students enrolled in UAE-accredited educational institutions. Dubai and Abu Dhabi host campuses of many international universities popular with Indian students.

The UAE offers tourist visas for visitors to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. Many nationalities receive visa on arrival for 30-90 days; others must apply online or through airlines and hotels.

Japan's primary work visa for foreign professionals in engineering, IT, humanities, and international services. Most common visa for Indian IT professionals in Japan.

Points-based visa for highly skilled foreign professionals. Offers fast-track permanent residence (1-3 years) and preferential treatment including longer stay periods and family benefits.

For international students enrolled in Japanese universities, language schools, or vocational institutions. Part-time work of up to 28 hours per week is permitted.

For foreign nationals who want to establish or manage a business in Japan. Several municipalities offer Startup Visa programs with relaxed initial requirements.

Japan's Temporary Visitor visa covers tourism, business meetings, visiting friends/relatives, and attending conferences. Citizens of 68 countries enjoy visa-free entry for 15-90 days; others must apply at a Japanese Embassy.

Points-based residence visa for skilled workers. Candidates submit an Expression of Interest and are selected based on points for age, qualifications, work experience, and employment in NZ.

For international students enrolled in approved New Zealand education providers. Allows part-time work during studies and full-time work during scheduled breaks.

For experienced business people who invest at least NZD $3 million in New Zealand over 4 years. Provides a pathway to permanent residence.

New Zealand requires a Visitor Visa from most nationalities, while visa-waiver nationals need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Both allow entry for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips.

Multi-year residence permit for skilled workers, researchers, artists, investors, and startup founders. France's flagship visa for attracting global talent across multiple categories.

Long-stay student visa equivalent to a residence permit for international students enrolled in French higher education institutions. France has the 2nd-largest number of Indian students in Europe.

French implementation of the EU Blue Card for highly qualified workers. Provides enhanced mobility within the EU after 12 months and faster PR path.

The Schengen Visa (Type C) allows entry to France and free movement across all 27 Schengen Area countries for tourism, business, or family visits. France is the main entry point when it is your primary destination.

Portugal's visa for remote workers and freelancers earning income from outside Portugal. Live in one of Europe's most affordable and welcoming countries while working remotely.

Fast-track visa for tech professionals employed by certified Portuguese companies, startups, or technology centers. Part of Portugal's strategy to become a European tech hub.

For international students enrolled in Portuguese higher education institutions. Portugal offers affordable tuition and a high quality of life.

Residence visa for individuals with passive income (pension, rental income, investments, dividends). Does not require employment in Portugal. Popular with early retirees and investors.

Fast-track work permit for highly skilled workers employed by a recognized sponsor. One of Europe's most popular skilled worker visa programs with the 30% ruling tax benefit.

One-year residence permit for recent graduates of Dutch or top-ranked international universities to search for employment or start a business in the Netherlands.

For innovative entrepreneurs who want to launch a startup in the Netherlands. Requires partnership with a designated facilitator who mentors the startup.

Ireland's premier work permit for highly skilled workers in critical shortage occupations. Provides a faster path to residency and does not require a labor market test.

For non-EEA students enrolled in full-time courses on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.

For innovative entrepreneurs with a high-potential business idea and at least EUR 50,000 in funding. Provides residency to build a startup in Ireland.

Spain's visa for remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies or freelancers with international clients. Introduced under Spain's Startup Law in 2023, offering favorable Beckham Law tax treatment.

Residence visa for individuals who can support themselves without working in Spain. Ideal for those with savings, passive income, or planning to live off investments. Does not permit employment in Spain.

For international students enrolling in accredited Spanish educational institutions. Spain offers affordable tuition and is the gateway to the Spanish-speaking world.

South Korea's work visa for foreign professionals with specialized skills in designated occupations. Covers IT, engineering, natural sciences, and professional services.

For international students enrolled in bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs at Korean universities. South Korea offers generous government scholarships (KGSP).

South Korea offers the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) for citizens of visa-exempt countries, and the C-3 Short-Term Visit visa for others. Both cover tourism, business, and family visits.

Thailand's 10-year visa for wealthy global citizens, retirees, remote workers, and highly skilled professionals. The Work-from-Thailand category targets digital nomads and remote workers.

For international students enrolled in Thai educational institutions, language courses, or vocational programs. Thailand offers affordable education and low cost of living.

Thailand offers visa-free entry for 30-90 days to citizens of 93 countries, and a Tourist Visa (TR) for nationals who require one. Thailand is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations with over 35 million annual visitors.

Malaysia's digital nomad visa under the Malaysia Digital (MD) initiative. Targeted at IT professionals and digital workers who want to live and work remotely from Malaysia.

Work permit for foreign professionals, executives, and skilled workers in Malaysia. Categorized into EP I, EP II, and EP III based on salary and contract duration.

Malaysia offers visa-free entry for citizens of many countries (14-90 days). Others can apply for an eVISA online or receive a Visa on Arrival at select entry points. Malaysia is a major tourism hub in Southeast Asia.

Turkey's work permit for foreign professionals. Applied for by the employer through the Ministry of Labor. Turkey offers affordable living and a strategic location bridging Europe and Asia.

Turkey's equivalent of a Green Card for highly qualified foreign professionals, investors, scientists, and athletes. Provides indefinite work and residence rights.

Turkey offers an easy-to-obtain e-Visa for citizens of over 100 countries, covering tourism and business visits. The entire application process is completed online in minutes through the official e-Visa portal.

One of the first digital nomad visas in Europe, launched by Estonia in 2020. For remote workers employed by or running a company registered outside Estonia.

For founders of early-stage startups who want to build their company in Estonia's thriving digital ecosystem. Estonia's e-Residency program complements this visa.

Switzerland's work permits for third-country nationals. L permit is short-term (up to 1 year), B permit is longer-term (up to 5 years). Highly restrictive with annual quotas.

Residence permit for students at recognized Swiss educational institutions. Switzerland hosts world-renowned universities like ETH Zurich and EPFL.

Sweden's work permit for non-EU workers. No points system — tied to a specific employer. Sweden has no minimum salary law but conditions must match collective agreements.

For non-EU students accepted at Swedish universities. Sweden offers generous scholarships through the Swedish Institute and universities.

Italy's new digital nomad visa (introduced 2024) for remote workers employed by non-Italian companies. Live in Italy while working remotely with a favorable tax regime.

For non-EU entrepreneurs who want to establish innovative startups in Italy. Fast-track entry with support from Italia Startup Hub and access to the Italian startup ecosystem.

Indonesia's visa for remote workers, particularly popular for living in Bali. Allows working remotely for foreign companies while enjoying Indonesia's tropical lifestyle and low cost of living.

Indonesia offers Visa on Arrival to citizens of 90+ countries at major airports and seaports. The e-VOA (electronic Visa on Arrival) can be obtained online before travel, avoiding queues at immigration. Popular for visits to Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta.

South Africa's visa for professionals with skills in critical shortage occupations. No job offer required — can enter and look for employment with the visa.

South Africa requires a visitor visa for nationals of many countries, while over 70 nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for 30-90 days. The visa covers tourism, visiting family, attending conferences, and short business trips.

Brazil's visa for remote workers employed by non-Brazilian companies. Live in vibrant cities like Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Florianopolis while working remotely.

Brazil's visitor visa (VIVIS) is required for nationals who do not have a visa-exemption agreement. Brazil offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries for 90 days. For others, an e-Visa system simplifies the application process.

Finland's residence permit for specialists, experts, and skilled workers. Finland consistently ranks among the world's happiest countries and is a hub for gaming and tech.

For entrepreneurs with an innovative and scalable business idea. Requires a positive eligibility statement from Business Finland. Known for strong startup ecosystem (home of Slush conference).

Vietnam's work permit for foreign professionals. Vietnam's rapidly growing economy makes it an increasingly popular destination for Indian professionals, especially in IT and manufacturing.

Vietnam's e-Visa is available to citizens of all countries and territories, allowing single-entry visits for tourism, business, and visiting relatives. Vietnam eliminated most visa-exempt schemes and unified under the e-Visa system.

Croatia's visa for remote workers who earn income from companies or clients outside Croatia. Live on the Adriatic coast while working remotely, with no Croatian income tax.

Barbados was among the first countries to launch a remote work visa in 2020. Live and work remotely from this Caribbean island with no local income tax on foreign earnings.

Mexico's temporary resident visa can be used by remote workers and freelancers with sufficient foreign income. Popular among digital nomads for its proximity to the US and low cost of living.

Costa Rica's visa for remote workers earning income from outside the country. Live in one of Central America's most stable and nature-rich countries while working remotely.

Colombia's visa for remote workers earning income from foreign sources. Offers affordable living in vibrant cities like Medellin, Bogota, and Cartagena.

Hungary's residence permit for remote workers and digital nomads. Budapest has become a popular European hub for remote workers with affordable living and great infrastructure.

Czech Republic's trade license (Zivnostensky list) combined with a long-term visa allows freelancers and remote workers to live in Prague and other Czech cities legally.

Greece's visa for remote workers employed by non-Greek companies. Offers 50% tax reduction for up to 7 years for those who become tax residents. Live in Athens, Thessaloniki, or Greek islands.

Mauritius' long-stay visa for remote workers and retirees. Live on this tropical island while working remotely for non-Mauritian employers. No local income tax on foreign earnings.

Malta's residence permit for remote workers employed by non-Maltese companies. Live in the EU's smallest member state with English as an official language and a favorable tax regime.

Denmark offers several work permit schemes. The Fast-track scheme is for certified companies, and the Pay Limit scheme is for high-salary positions. Both provide quick processing.

Norway's residence permit for skilled workers with a concrete job offer. Not an EU member, so separate from EU Blue Card system. Known for exceptional work-life balance.

Poland's combined residence and work permit for foreign workers. Poland has emerged as a major tech hub in Central Europe with a growing startup scene and competitive salaries.

Hong Kong's scheme for top talent from the world's leading universities or high-earning professionals. No job offer required — can enter and search for opportunities.

Taiwan's combined work permit, residence visa, and re-entry permit for foreign professionals in key fields. Single card replaces 4 separate documents.

Philippines' primary work visa for foreign professionals with pre-arranged employment. Requires an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) alongside the visa.

India's e-Tourist Visa allows citizens of 160+ countries to visit India for tourism, recreation, sightseeing, visiting friends/relatives, and casual business. The entirely online process has made visiting India significantly easier.

Egypt offers an e-Visa for citizens of 74 eligible countries, allowing entry for tourism and business. The application is completed entirely online through the official Egypt e-Visa portal, making it easy to visit the pyramids, Nile, and Red Sea resorts.