India is located in South Asia and is the 7th largest country by area and the 2d most populous one. The county shares a common border with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
India is a federal republic and is divided into 29 states and 7 union territories. The country has a population of over 1.2 billion people. The capital is New Delhi and Mumbai is the most populous city.
There are 22 different languages that have been recognized by the Indian Constitution, of which Hindi is an official language and the most widely spoken one. English is also widely spoken and usually business is conducted in English as well.
Moving to India: Visa
Depending on the purpose of your move and the length of your stay, Indian government offers a range of visas and you may also have to register with local authorities, usually within a period of 14 days of arrival.
Visa Categories
Business Visas are suitable for entrepreneurs who are engaged in commercial activities or would like to set up a new business.
Employment Visa is granted for a maximum period of two years, or one year for voluntary work with an Indian-registered NGO.
Project Visa is granted to foreigners who are involved in projects in the power and steel industry.
Professional journalists and photographers may apply for a Journalist Visa for up to three months.
Research Visa must be accompanied by a research proposal upon application and is valid for a maximum period of three years.
You can get to know the exact requirements, you can go to the nearest to you embassy.
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There has been a slight grow in the GDP, which was almost US$1.973 billion for 2013, compared to the US$ 1.825 billion for the year 2012. Per capita income is about US$1592 for the year of 2013.
India is one of the leading exporters with its value of export coming at US$297 billion for the year 2012.
The agricultural sector employs around half of work force in India and generates some 17% of the national GDP. Besides the modern agricultural industries, there are also many traditional village farms. Indian farmers cultivate tea, rice, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, and vegetables.
The largest employer in India is the Indian Railways, employing over a million people.
The industrial sector creates jobs for about 20% of people working in India and generate 18% of the GDP. India is said to be a leading cement manufacturer. Other industries that create many jobs include textiles, transport equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, software, and machinery.
The service sector contributes some 65% to the GDP, employing about 30% of the active population. Information technology and IT-enabled services, telecommunications, social, cultural, and recreational services are of great importance for the local economy.
Transport
India’s transport network might seem to you quite challenging. Roads in big cities and metro areas are usually congested. Public transport is not really reliable in terms of punctuality and there is a lack of good connections to hospitals or other facilities in smaller towns and in rural areas. Whilst major Indian cities can offer rickshaws and crowded buses as a means of transport, expats often prefer to catch a taxi to travel within the city.
Taxation
Generally, expats living and working in India are subject to Indian taxation laws. Tax rates differ based on the annual income, the gender and age. Women and elder pay lower taxes. Generally if you are male resident and:
If your annual income is below US$3000, you are exempt from paying taxes.
If you earn above US$3000 up to US$8200, your tax rate is 10% of the amount by which the total income exceeds US$3000.
If you earn above US$8200 up to US$13 260, your tax rate is 20% of the amount by which the total income exceeds US$8200.
If you earn more than US$13 260, your tax is $1500 plus 30% of the amount by which the total income exceeds US$13 260.
Foreign investors and companies or employees working in India who do not have resident status can benefit from two government agreements for avoiding double taxation. There are over 80 Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements with many countries that provide bilateral relief.
Expats who are on contracts not exceeding 183 days in one financial year and whose salary is not paid by an Indian company will be taxed in their country of residence rather than in India.
Considering the fact that government is not quite efficient in their effort to implement a strict policy regarding social security, many employers who should pay contributions for their employees fail to do so. Moreover, a huge part of the population has neither health insurance, nor a pension scheme. (internations.org)
There are two major social security programs in India, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The EPFO runs a pension and an insurance schemes, which are supposed to grant EPFO members benefits for old age, disability, and survivors in case the primary breadwinner dies.
The ESIC provide low-earning employees with basic health care and social security schemes.
Health care
Generally, there are many public medical facilities, but most of them are not very well maintained and lack in advanced medical equipment. However, there are plenty of private clinics and hospitals which can offer excellent service, where treatments are not covered by public health insurance. So, it’s worth it to research private health insurance companies before your arrival.
Before moving to India, you should consult your doctor regarding some health risks – vector-borne, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases may occur during your stay. Usual immunizations include hepatitis A/B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and typhoid fever. As a rule of thumb, to keep health risks to minimum, take precautions against mosquito bites and pay special attention to food and body hygiene.
Moving to India: Where to live
Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural miracles of Rajasthan. The palace is located on the banks of Lake Pichola and comprises 11 wonderful palaces, which were built by different rulers. The City Palace is a marvelous blend of Medieval, European and Chinese architecture.
New Delhi was built to serve as a capital for the former British Indian Empire. The city is mostly home to government institutions and other organizations.
Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and is the third most populous city in India. It is usually referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India”, because of its significant role in the IT industry.
Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and was the capital city of India until New Delhi was claimed as a capital. The city is sometimes regarded as the ‘cultural capital’ of India.
Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is the capital of Maharashtra and is said to be the wealthiest city in India. Mumbai is also known as the home of the “Bollywood” film industry. The city’s harbor is important trading center which makes Mumbai the commercial capital of India.
Interesting facts about India
The national flower of India is the Lotus. Although it grows in mud, the Lotus Flower flourishes beautifully, untouched by the impurity. This flower is said to symbolize the purity of the heart and mind.
The name‘India’ originates from the name of the River Indus, which valleys were home of the earliest settlers.
Taj Mahal is situated on the bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. This mausoleum was built in 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the name of his love to her wife who died after giving birth to their child.
Chess was invented in India.
India has the largest number of Post Offices in the world.
Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to mankind. The Father of Medicine, Charaka, consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.
The value of “Pi” was first calculated by the Indian Mathematician Budhayana.
The home country of yoga is India. Yoga has existed for over 5,000 years.
The Bengal Tiger, which is an endangered species, is a national symbol.
The wettest place in the whole world is Mawsynram, Meghalaya, India, with 11,873 mm (467 in) of rain per annum. Actually, Meghalaya means ‘land of the clouds’.
The ‘Indian Saree’ is a traditional clothing that is typical for Indians from all social classes. There are different types of sarees, depending on the occasion.
India has the world’s largest film industry. More than 1,100 movies are produced, on average, each year – that’s twice as many as the American film industry and ten times as many as Britain produces. However, India comes only sixth in terms of cinema box office receipts – behind the USA, China, Japan, UK and France. (BBC.com)
India is the world’s biggest producer and consumer of mangoes.
It is illegal to take Indian currency (rupees) out of India.
Cows can be found freely wandering the Indian streets. They are considered sacred and will often wear a tilak, a Hindu symbol of good fortune.
Shipping your household items to India
If you are shipping your household items and personal effects (excluding jewelry) to India, generally, you can take them duty-free in case they have been possessed and used for at least 12 months. You can as well import 200 Cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams tobacco duty-free. Alcoholic liquor or wines in excess of 2 litres, gold or silver any form, other than ornaments and Flat Panel (LCD/LED/Plasma) TV are dutiable.
If you are shipping your vehicle (including boats) to India, you will have to pay taxes and you will have to sign a statement that you are not going to sell your car for a certain period of time.
Generally, you must be present at the time of the customs clearance to sign a declaration of contents.
You can talk to your Indian moving company and ask for advice. Movers should be able to acquaint you with the procedures you have to follow. More information on how to prepare for Indian customs can be found at the Central Board of Excise and Customs – www.cbec.gov.in
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