India Launches e-B-4 Business Visa for Chinese Professionals

India has introduced a new e-Production Investment Business Visa, known as the e-B-4 Visa, allowing Chinese business professionals to travel to India for specified industrial and commercial activities. The move is part of recent people-centric measures agreed upon by India and China to stabilise and gradually reset bilateral ties.

What Is the e-B-4 Visa?

According to an advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Beijing, the e-B-4 Visa was introduced on January 1 and can be applied for entirely online, without visiting the embassy or using intermediaries. The visa is expected to be issued within 45 to 50 days and permits a stay in India of up to six months. It is specifically designed to facilitate production-linked and investment-related business activities.

Permitted Business Activities

The advisory lists a wide range of eligible activities under the e-B-4 Visa. These include installation and commissioning of equipment, quality checks, essential maintenance, production activities, IT and ERP system ramp-up, workforce training, supply chain development for vendor empanelment, plant design and commissioning, as well as visits by senior management and executives. The visa is intended to support operational continuity in industrial and manufacturing sectors.

Application Process for Individuals and Companies

Chinese nationals can apply directly through the Bureau of Immigration’s official portal by selecting the e-Visa option and submitting the required supporting documents. In parallel, Indian companies seeking to invite Chinese professionals under the e-B-4 category must register on the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade’s National Single Window System. Applications can be initiated through the NSWS portal using the ‘Business User Login’ facility.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• e-B-4 Visa is an electronic Production Investment Business Visa.
• It allows Chinese professionals to stay in India for up to six months.
• The visa supports manufacturing, IT, and supply-chain activities.
• Applications are processed fully online.

Significance for India–China Engagement

The introduction of the e-B-4 Visa comes amid efforts by India and China to improve people-to-people and business engagement after prolonged diplomatic strain. By expediting business travel for Chinese professionals involved in critical industrial operations, India aims to balance security considerations with economic pragmatism, particularly in sectors dependent on specialised technical expertise and global supply chains.