Arriving
Visas & Arrival, Settling In, Flights & Connections. 7 min read.
01Visas & Arrival
Visas and registration
India's visa rules are the same whichever city you fly into. The process for Mumbai is the same as for any big Indian city. Your employer and IKAN guide you through it from the day you accept your offer.
Visa Types
Employment Visa
For foreign nationals employed by an Indian company or MNC. Requires proof of employment with salary threshold ~USD 25,000/year. Most international cross-border moves to Mumbai arrive on this visa.USD 25,000
Business Visa
For board attendance, establishing operations, due diligence visits. Valid up to 180 days per visit. Suitable for those assessing Mumbai before a full relocation.up to 180 days per visit
e-Tourist Visa
30, 90, or 180-day scouting stays, ideal for school reconnaissance, property viewings, and neighbourhood exploration ahead of your move.
Dependent Visa
For accompanying spouses and children. Requires proof of relationship and the primary visa holder's employment documentation. Dependent-visa holders generally cannot take up employment in India without first converting to their own Employment Visa.
Nationality Rules
Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar and certain other nationalities face additional security clearance requirements and processing times of 4 to 6 weeks beyond standard. Your IKAN consultant will advise on country-specific requirements at your pre-arrival briefing.
Note: There are no Visa or FRRO requirements if you are a returning Indian national or an OCI card holder. Please consult your IKAN relocation advisor for country-specific guidance.
FRRO Registration · Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Registration is mandatory within 14 days of arrival if your visa carries a registration endorsement (employment, student and dependant visas usually do); other long-stay visa holders register before completing 180 days in India. When in doubt, treat 14 days as the deadline. It is usually completed online, though FRRO may still require an in-person or biometric appointment at its discretion. IKAN assists you through the entire FRRO registration process.
Portal: indianfrro.gov.in, complete your online application first. Bring passport, visa, rental agreement, and passport photos.
Portal: indianfrro.gov.in, complete your online application first. Bring passport, visa, rental agreement, and passport photos.
Arriving at CSMIA T2
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), T2 handles all international arrivals
- Immigration queues: 45 to 75 minutes peak hours. e-Visa lanes are faster
- Priority lounge access available for Business Class, full Centurion and Priority Pass lounges in T2
- Travel time to Bandra: 30 to 45 min (off-peak) / 60 to 90 min (peak: 7-10am, 6-10pm)
- Pre-book your transfer, Western Express Highway is among India's most congested corridors at peak hours
Your Arrival Sequence
1
Embassy Visa Application
YouApply at the Indian Embassy or High Commission in your home country. IKAN guides you through the documentation checklist. Processing: 3-10 working days for standard applications.
2
onDay 3 to 4
FRRO Registration · Day 3-4
IKANFRRO is usually completed online, though an in-person or biometric appointment may be required at its discretion, IKAN assists you through the entire process. Complete the online application at indianfrro.gov.in first. Bring passport, visa, rental agreement, and passport photos. IKAN helps negotiate and prepare your Leave & License (the standard Indian lease), so it meets FRRO rules.
3
Mobile SIM Registration
YouBring passport and visa to any Jio or Airtel store. Both offer eSIM in Mumbai. Airtel's network is stronger in South Mumbai; Jio is better value for data. Activation takes 4 to 24 hours, register as soon as possible after landing so banks and the FRRO portal can reach you.
4
PAN Card Application
YouApply on the Protean (formerly NSDL) portal immediately after arrival. Required for banking, investments, and tax compliance. Takes 10-15 working days. Aadhaar is not required for foreign nationals.
5
NRE Bank Account Opening
YouOpen at HDFC, HSBC, or Axis Bank. Bring passport, visa, FRRO acknowledgment, PAN receipt, and rental agreement. Takes 3-5 working days. Essential before salary or investments can be received.
6
Arrange Transport
YouSet up Ola Corporate account, Mumbai Metro app, and suburban rail monthly pass if relevant to your commute. Mumbai's local trains are the fastest way to travel once you learn the network.
7
International Health Insurance
YouEnsure comprehensive international cover is activated before your first medical need. IKAN connects you with specialist brokers who understand Mumbai-specific hospital direct billing arrangements.
02Settling In
Your first 30 days
This turns the arrival steps in the visa section into a plan for your first 30 days. Do these steps in this order. IKAN handles the ones with deadlines, so none of them is missed.
1
onDay 3 to 4
FRRO Registration · Day 3-4
FRRO is usually completed online, though an in-person or biometric appointment may be required at its discretion, IKAN assists you through the entire process within your registration window, 14 days for most endorsement-carrying visas. Complete the online application at indianfrro.gov.in first. Bring passport, visa, rental agreement, and passport photos. Your FRRO registration certificate is needed for school admissions and future visa renewals, and can also serve as address proof for your PAN.
2
Mobile SIM Registration
YouBring passport and visa to any Jio or Airtel store. Both offer eSIM in Mumbai. Airtel's network is stronger in South Mumbai; Jio is better value for data. Both offer international roaming add-ons. SIM activation takes 4 to 24 hours, register as soon as possible after landing.
3
PAN Card Application
YouApply on the Protean (formerly NSDL) portal (onlineservices.proteantech.in) immediately after arrival. Required for banking, investments, salary credits, and tax compliance. Takes 10-15 working days. Aadhaar is not required for foreign nationals, PAN alone is your financial identity in India.
4
Bank Account Opening
YouOpen a savings account at HDFC, HSBC, or Axis Bank. Bring passport, visa, FRRO acknowledgment, PAN receipt, and rental agreement. HDFC and Axis open accounts within 3-5 working days. HSBC has an international client desk in BKC with dedicated relationship managers for expat accounts.
5
Arrange Permanent Transport
YouSet up Ola Corporate account via your employer's travel desk, download the Mumbai Metro app, and register for a suburban rail monthly pass at your nearest Western or Central Railway station.
6
International Health Insurance Activation
YouEnsure comprehensive international cover is active before your first medical need. IKAN connects you with specialist brokers who understand Mumbai's hospital direct billing arrangements. Understand your policy coverage before you need it, especially for families with children in international schools.
Transport Setup
Mumbai Mobility
Ola Corporate · Metro Lines 1 & 3 · Western Railway monthly pass · BEST (South Mumbai) · Rapido for solo hops. During monsoon months: keep waterproof bags, always check train status before leaving. Avoid driving personally for the first 6 months, Mumbai traffic requires local knowledge.
Traffic Reality
Peak Hour Guide
WEH (Andheri-Bandra): 7-10am gridlock. Sea Link approach: 6-9pm. Eastern Freeway: 8-10am. Build your diary around these windows. BKC employers generally allow 9:30am starts, negotiate this early. The local train is faster than any car between Bandra and Churchgate during peak hours.
Expat Community
Build Your Network
American Women's Club of Mumbai · Bandra Expat WhatsApp (ask building or embassy) · Powai Expat Families Facebook Group · Your nationality's consulate or high commission social events
Key Portals
Essential Links
FRRO: indianfrro.gov.in · PAN: onlineservices.proteantech.in · Adani Electricity: adanielectricity.com · BMC: portal.mcgm.gov.in · Mumbai Metro: ridemetro.in · IRCTC: irctc.co.in · Maharashtra state services: aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in
03Flights & Connections
Flights from Mumbai
Mumbai's airport is CSMIA (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport). Its Terminal 2 is India's second-busiest airport (after Delhi) and one of Asia's finest terminals. Direct long-haul flights go to London, New York, Singapore, Dubai and beyond. That makes Mumbai one of the best-connected cities in Asia for people who travel for work.
| Destination | Airlines | Frequency | Duration | Approx Fare (Economy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow | Air India, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic | Daily (multiple) | 9h 30m | ₹55,000 to 90,000 |
| Dubai | Emirates, Air India, IndiGo | Multiple daily | 3h 30m | ₹18,000 to 35,000 |
| Singapore | Singapore Airlines, Air India, IndiGo | Daily | 5h 45m | ₹25,000 to 48,000 |
| New York JFK | Air India (non-stop) | 4×/week | 16h 30m | ₹95,000 to 1,60,000 |
| Frankfurt | Lufthansa, Air India | Daily | 9h 45m | ₹52,000 to 85,000 |
| Tokyo Narita | ANA (non-stop to Narita); Air India (non-stop to Haneda) | Up to daily | 8h 30m to 9h 00m | ₹60,000 to 1,10,000 |
Domestic
Mumbai → Delhi
2h 10m
Air India, IndiGo, 30+ daily
Domestic
Mumbai → Bangalore
1h 45m
IndiGo, Air India, 20+ daily
Domestic
Mumbai → Hyderabad
1h 30m
IndiGo, Air India, 15+ daily
Domestic
Mumbai → Goa
1h 00m
IndiGo, SpiceJet, multiple daily
CSMIA Terminal 2
About Your Airport
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), T2 is the international terminal and one of Asia's most architecturally celebrated aviation buildings, featuring the Jaya He art collection along its walkways. Distance to BKC: 8km / 20 to 45 min. Pre-immigration fast-track available for Business Class. Arrive 3 hours early for international departures, CISF security is thorough. The Western Express Highway can gridlock at rush hour, use Ola's real-time traffic routing to choose the best pickup point.
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