The Grey Area: What "Work" Really Means on a Business Visitor Visa


It’s a classic scenario in many Thane corporate offices. Your manager asks you to fly to Germany or the US next month to "help out" with a critical project. The company's travel desk, focused on speed, books you on a B-1/B-2 or Schengen business visitor visa. You're excited for the international exposure, but a nagging question lingers in your mind: Can I actually work on this visa?

This is not just a trivial question; it's one of the most high-stakes and misunderstood issues in global mobility today. The line between permissible "business activities" and forbidden "work" is fine, and crossing it—even unintentionally—can lead to severe consequences for both you and your employer.

This 2025 guide is here to eliminate the guesswork. We will definitively break down what is allowed, what is strictly forbidden, and the serious risks of getting it wrong.

The Golden Rule: No Entry into the Local Labor Market

The entire foundation of a business visitor visa rests on one unwavering principle: you cannot enter the local labor market of the destination country. This visa is designed to facilitate international commerce, not to fill local jobs.

What does this mean in practice?

  1. Your Payroll Stays Home: You must remain employed and paid by your Indian company. You cannot receive a salary, fee, or any form of remuneration from a company or client based in the country you are visiting.

  2. You Cannot Fill a Local Position: The tasks you perform cannot be a role that the foreign company would otherwise hire a local resident to do. You are not there to fill a staff shortage or a vacant position.

Think of it this way: a business visa allows you to be a guest in a foreign office to conduct specific business. It does not allow you to become a temporary employee.

The "Green List": Permissible Business Activities

So, what can you do? Immigration authorities generally permit a range of activities that are commercial or professional in nature, as long as they adhere to the golden rule.

This "Green List" typically includes:

  • Consulting and Attending Meetings: Engaging in discussions with business associates, attending client meetings, or participating in internal company strategy sessions.1

  • Negotiating Contracts: Finalizing the terms of a sale or partnership agreement on behalf of your Indian employer.

  • Attending Conferences and Trade Shows: Participating in industry seminars, exhibitions, or conventions. This also includes being a speaker, provided you are not paid a fee from a local source.

  • Conducting Site Surveys: Visiting a factory or office location for inspection or observation.2

  • Receiving Training: Participating in a short-term, specific training program that is not readily available in India.

  • After-Sales Service (The Tricky One): In very specific cases, a business visa may be used to install, service, or repair commercial or industrial equipment sold by your Indian company. This is usually only permissible if this service is stipulated in the original sales contract and requires specialized knowledge that local technicians do not possess.

The "Red List": Strictly Forbidden Work Activities

This is the line you must never cross. Engaging in these activities is considered unauthorized employment and a direct violation of your visa status.


This "Red List" includes:

  • Hands-On Project Execution: While you can discuss a project, you cannot engage in the actual, hands-on work. This includes activities like writing code, managing a local project team, providing direct technical support, or any other day-to-day operational tasks.

  • "Billable Hours" for a Local Client: If your Indian company is billing a foreign client for your on-site services, you are performing work. This is one of the clearest violations.

  • Filling a Staff Shortage: Stepping in to cover for an employee of the foreign branch who is on vacation or has resigned.

  • Seeking Employment: Actively looking for a job, attending job interviews, or distributing resumes.

The Sobering Reality: Consequences of Violation

The penalties for working on a business visitor visa are not trivial. They can include:

  • Immediate cancellation of your visa.

  • Detention and deportation.

  • A multi-year (or even permanent) ban on re-entering the country.

  • Significant fines and potential debarment for your employing company.

Conclusion: When in Doubt, Don't

A business visitor visa is a powerful tool for global commerce, but it is not a work permit.3 The core distinction always comes down to the nature of your activities and, most importantly, the source of your remuneration. Your purpose is to engage in business on behalf of your Indian employer, not to render services within a foreign labor market.

The stakes are far too high to rely on vague instructions or guesswork. Navigating the complexities of visa compliance requires clarity and expertise, which is why consulting with professionals for specialized visa services is a critical risk-management step for any prudent company. By integrating a clear travel policy with guidance from a knowledgeable travel management firm, you ensure your employees are always compliant, protecting both their futures and your business's global reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. My salary is paid in India, but I am working on a client's project at their office abroad. Is this allowed?

This is a high-risk grey area. If your company is billing the foreign client for your on-site work, it is almost certainly considered unauthorized employment, even if your salary is paid in India. The "source of remuneration" can be interpreted as the client paying for your services. It's best to assume this requires a work permit.

2. Can I receive a 'per diem' or daily allowance for my expenses? Is this considered payment?

Generally, no. Receiving a per diem to cover legitimate living expenses like meals, lodging, and local transport is a standard business practice and is not considered payment for services. However, this amount should be reasonable and clearly defined as an expense reimbursement, not an inflated daily wage.

3. What is the fundamental difference between a business visa and a work permit?

A business visa is for temporary visits to engage in commercial activities without entering the local labor market (e.g., meetings, negotiations).4 A work permit is official authorization to take up paid employment and fill a specific job role within a country for a longer, specified period.5 It is a much more complex and lengthy application process.

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