Retirement & Benefits Guide · IndiaRetirement & Benefits Guide in India
Retirement visas, pensions, and healthcare for retirees
Retirement Visa Program
India has no dedicated retirement visa. Expats can use long-term options like OCI for Persons of Indian Origin (lifelong multiple-entry), employment visas, or business visas; standard tourist visas limited to 6 months with extensions possible.
Pension System
PAYG system via Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) and National Pension System (NPS) for formal sector; Atal Pension Yojana (APY) for unorganized sector. Replacement rates typically 30-50% for median earners, low coverage for informal workers (90% workforce).
Pension Adequacy
Low replacement rates (30-50%) fail to meet retiree needs; high elderly poverty due to informal employment. Supplementary private pensions like NPS encouraged but uptake limited.
Healthcare Access
Public healthcare (Ayushman Bharat) free for seniors over 70; quality varies with urban-rural gaps. Private hospitals world-class but expensive; out-of-pocket costs high for expats without insurance.
Cost of Living
Retiree Community
Senior Benefits
Tax Benefits for Retirees
Standard tax rates apply to foreign pensions and income for residents; DTAAs with 90+ countries prevent double taxation. No special retiree tax exemptions like NHR programs.
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