India has launched a new electronic business visa category, the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4), to facilitate regulated and purpose-driven business travel for Chinese nationals. The initiative aims to support legitimate investment and production-linked activities while contributing to the gradual normalisation of people-centric exchanges between India and China.
The e-B-4 Visa can be applied for entirely online through India’s e-Visa system, eliminating the need for embassy visits. It is specifically designed for production, investment, and technical business engagements rather than general commercial travel. The visa is typically processed within 45–50 days and allows a stay of up to six months in India.
Under this visa category, permitted activities include installation and commissioning of machinery, production and plant setup, IT and ERP system implementation, staff training, quality inspections, supply-chain development, vendor empanelment, essential maintenance work, and visits by senior management. This structured framework ensures business cooperation while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Applications are managed by the Bureau of Immigration through the Indian e-Visa portal. In addition, Indian companies inviting Chinese professionals can register through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) via the National Single Window System (NSWS), enhancing transparency and inter-agency coordination.
Overall, the e-B-4 Visa reflects India’s effort to balance economic engagement with security and regulatory considerations, particularly in sectors linked to manufacturing, technology, and industrial cooperation.
