India introduced new electronic business visa category for Chinese nationals, aimed at facilitating industrial, manufacturing, and investment-linked activities. The move is widely seen as a practical step towards easing business mobility and supporting gradual improvement in India–China trade and people-to-people engagement.
The new visa category is called e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4) and became effective from 1 January 2026.
What is e-B-4 Visa?
The e-B-4 Visa is a fully digital business visa introduced specifically for Chinese business travellers visiting India for defined industrial and commercial purposes.
Key Features
- Visa category: e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4)
- Effective from: 1 January 2026
- Eligible nationality: Chinese nationals
- Application mode: Completely online
- Embassy visit: Not required
- Processing time: ~45–50 days
- Maximum stay: Up to 6 months
Applicants do not need to visit the Indian Embassy or rely on intermediaries or agents.
Permitted Business Activities under e-B-4
The visa is designed to support operational continuity in industrial and manufacturing sectors. Permitted activities include:
- Installation and commissioning of machinery/equipment
- Quality inspection and quality checks
- Essential maintenance activities
- Production-related work
- IT systems and ERP ramp-up
- Workforce training
- Supply chain development and vendor empanelment
- Plant design, plant commissioning and bring-up
- Visits by senior management and executives
This scope clearly distinguishes the e-B-4 from generic short-term business visas.
Application Framework
For Indian Host Companies
- Indian companies inviting Chinese professionals must register on the National Single Window System (NSWS)
- Registration is done as a Business User
- Invitation letters are uploaded digitally through the NSWS portal
The NSWS is managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
For Individual Applicants
- Chinese nationals apply through the official Indian e-Visa portal under the e-Visa category
- Mandatory supporting documents must be uploaded online
- Biometric capture is completed on arrival in India
The end-to-end digital process is designed to:
- Reduce procedural delays
- Improve transparency
- Ensure traceability of industrial and investment-linked travel
Why e-B-4 Visa Matters
Economic and Industrial Significance
- Supports manufacturing, electronics, machinery, and industrial supply chains
- Facilitates installation, commissioning, and technical continuity in Indian plants
- Helps Indian companies manage dependencies on specialised technical personnel
Trade and Diplomacy Context
- Seen as a confidence-building economic measure amid cautious India–China engagement
- Focuses on business and industrial cooperation, without altering broader visa policies
- Signals India’s intent to balance economic pragmatism with regulatory oversight
What is NSWS?
- A digital platform launched to simplify and integrate approvals and clearances for investors
- Operates as a single interface for multiple ministries and departments
- Plays a key role in Ease of Doing Business reforms
What is DPIIT?
- A department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Responsible for:
- Industrial policy
- FDI promotion
- Startup ecosystem
- Investment facilitation