India maintains 14 day FRRO registration rule for long stay visas

What the FRRO rule actually says

India's 14-day registration window for foreign nationals remains in force, per the Ministry of External Affairs page updated May 4, 2026. Foreigners on visas valid for more than 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office within 14 days of arrival. Those on visas of 180 days or less who later decide to stay longer must register within 14 days after the 180-day mark passes.

Social posts circulating in June claim India scrapped the grace period and now grants extensions only in emergencies. That claim doesn't appear on the MEA, MHA or e-FRRO portals. One verified case-specific advisory does exist: the Indian mission in São Paulo extended certain visas in March 2026 for travelers affected by West Asia disruptions, but that's a targeted measure, not a universal policy shift.

Who carries the registration burden

Tourists and short-stay visitors on visas of 180 days or less generally don't need to register, unless they extend past the half-year mark. Business travelers face a separate trigger: registration kicks in once aggregate stay on a Business Visa exceeds 180 days in a calendar year.

The main group affected is long-stay visa holders, including:

• Employment visa holders
• Student visa holders
• Researchers and missionaries
• Project visa holders
• Expats on dependent visas tied to any of the above

Digital nomads aren't a separate visa category under Indian rules. Obligations track whichever visa the nomad actually holds and whether the stay crosses 180 days.

Filing through e-FRRO

The process starts online through the e-FRRO portal, where applicants submit the form and upload documents. No intermediary is required, per the portal's own guidance. After the online filing, the foreign national must appear in person at the relevant FRRO or FRO with originals.

Documents typically requested include passport and visa copies, proof of residence in India, photographs and visa-specific supporting papers, such as an employer letter, student certificate or project approval. Missing the 14-day window can trigger penalties and complicate later extensions, conversions or exit permissions, all of which the same FRRO offices handle.

Read our full India guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates for changes across other jurisdictions.