Step 1: Find Your Embassy/Consulate (India Jurisdiction Map)
India has 4 Chinese embassy/consulate locations. You must apply to the one covering your state of residence (not where you work or studied). Here's the complete breakdown:
Embassy of China - New Delhi
50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Covers: Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh
Processing Time:
2-3 weeks (busiest location, plan ahead)
Contact:
📞 +91-11-2611-2345 | 📧 chinaemb_in@mfa.gov.cn
💡 Important: MEA and Chinese Embassy attestation must be done at New Delhi embassy, regardless of where you apply for visa.
Chinese Consulate General - Mumbai
21st Floor, Maker Tower E, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400005
Covers: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Processing Time:
2-3 weeks (high tech worker volume)
Contact:
📞 +91-22-2218-1612 | 📧 chinaconsul_mumbai_in@mfa.gov.cn
Chinese Consulate General - Kolkata
19 Kyd Street, Block-C, Elgin, Kolkata 700016
Covers: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim
Processing Time:
2-3 weeks (moderate volume, good service)
Contact:
📞 +91-33-2275-5252 | 📧 chinaconsul_kolkata_in@mfa.gov.cn
Chinese Consulate General - Chennai
C-2, Srinivas Apt, 42 Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Chennai 600004
Covers: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Processing Time:
2-3 weeks (largest IT hub applicants)
Contact:
📞 +91-44-2811-2300 | 📧 chinaconsul_chennai_in@mfa.gov.cn
⚠️ Tech Hub Note: Bangalore (Karnataka) → Apply to Chennai consulate. Hyderabad (Telangana) → Apply to Chennai consulate. Pune (Maharashtra) → Apply to Mumbai consulate. These are the top 3 sources of K Visa applicants from India's tech sector.
Step 2: MEA Attestation Process (India's 3-Level Authentication)
Here's the deal: India is NOT a Hague Convention member, so you can't use apostille. Instead, you need a three-level attestation process that takes 3-5 weeks. This is the biggest pain point for Indian applicants, so pay close attention:
The 3-Step Authentication Chain
HRD (State Human Resource Development) Attestation
Get your degree attested by the HRD department of the state where the degree was issued (not where you live now). Processing: 1-2 weeks. Cost: ₹200-500 per document.
MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) Attestation - New Delhi
After HRD, send documents to MEA in New Delhi. Processing: 7-10 days. Cost: ₹50 per document + agent fees (₹500-1000). Location: Patiala House Annexe, Tilak Marg, New Delhi.
Chinese Embassy Attestation - New Delhi
Final step: get MEA-attested documents attested by Chinese Embassy in New Delhi (even if you'll apply at Mumbai/Chennai/Kolkata consulate). Processing: 5-7 days. Cost: ₹500-1000 per document.
State-by-State HRD Attestation Guide
| State | HRD Office | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | Dept. of Personnel, Bangalore | 7-10 days (online + walk-in) | ₹300 per doc |
| Telangana | HRD Dept., Hyderabad | 5-7 days (efficient online system) | ₹250 per doc |
| Maharashtra | General Administration Dept., Mumbai | 10-14 days (busy, plan ahead) | ₹400 per doc |
| Tamil Nadu | Personnel Dept., Chennai | 7-10 days | ₹300 per doc |
| Delhi | Education Dept., Delhi Secretariat | 5-7 days (fastest) | ₹200 per doc |
| West Bengal | Home Dept., Kolkata | 10-14 days | ₹350 per doc |
| Other States | Check state HRD/Home Dept | Usually 7-14 days | ₹200-500 per doc |
💡 Pro Tip: Use attestation agents for Steps 2-3 (MEA + Chinese Embassy). They charge ₹3000-5000 total but save you 2-3 trips to New Delhi. Recommended agents: VFS Global, Attestation Services Delhi, BLS International. They pick up HRD-attested docs from your location, do MEA + Chinese Embassy attestation, and courier back in 10-14 days.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Many people try to do MEA attestation in their home state. This doesn't work. MEA attestation must be done at the MEA office in New Delhi (Patiala House Annexe). Same for Chinese Embassy attestation - must be done at New Delhi embassy, not your local consulate.
Step 3: Complete Document Checklist (India Edition)
Passport (Valid 6+ months)
- • Photocopy of data page (clear scan, no shadows)
- • At least 2 blank visa pages
- • Previous Chinese visas (if any) - bring old passport
- • Current address proof (Aadhaar card, utility bill, or rent agreement)
Educational Certificates (Triple-Attested)
- • Bachelor's degree diploma + HRD + MEA + Chinese Embassy attestation
- • Bachelor's transcript/marksheet + same 3-level attestation
- • Master's/PhD (if applicable) + same 3-level attestation
- • Original certificates must accompany attested copies
- • Translation to Chinese (if degree not in English) - certified translator required
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- • Apply online at passportindia.gov.in → PCC Application
- • Processing: 7-14 days (Tatkal: 3-5 days for ₹1000 extra)
- • Valid for 6 months from issue date
- • Must be attested: Notary → MEA → Chinese Embassy (same 3-level process)
- • Cost: ₹500 (application) + ₹1000-2000 (attestation + courier)
Employment Contract from Chinese Company
- • Signed contract (English or Chinese version acceptable)
- • Must specify: job title, salary, start date, contract duration
- • Company chop/seal (red circular stamp) required
- • Letter of invitation from employer on official letterhead
- • Company business license copy (provided by Chinese employer)
Visa Application Form (V.2013 Version)
- • Download from embassy/consulate website or fill online at visaforchina.cn
- • Must be printed in color (not black & white)
- • Signature in black ink (must match passport signature exactly)
- • Passport photo: 48mm × 33mm, white background, recent (within 6 months)
- • Photo studios near embassy/consulate offer China visa photo service (₹100-200)
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- • Proof of Indian residence (Aadhaar card + current address utility bill)
- • Previous Chinese visas/residence permits (if any)
- • Marriage certificate (if bringing spouse) + same 3-level attestation
- • Birth certificates for children (if bringing dependents) + 3-level attestation
- • Proof of funds: Bank statement showing ₹5-10 lakh balance (recommended)
Step 4: Timeline & Total Costs Breakdown (India-Specific)
Timeline Breakdown
- Week 1: Gather documents, start PCC application
- Week 2-3: HRD attestation in your state (1-2 weeks)
- Week 4: MEA attestation in New Delhi (7-10 days)
- Week 5: Chinese Embassy attestation in New Delhi (5-7 days)
- Week 6: Submit to your local Chinese consulate
- Week 7-8: Consulate processing (2-3 weeks)
- Week 9: Visa issued, passport returned
- Total: 6-8 weeks (longer than US/Europe due to attestation)
Total Cost Estimate (INR)
- • Visa Fee: ₹10,000-15,000
- • Notary Attestation: ₹100-300 per doc × 3-4 docs
- • HRD Attestation: ₹200-500 per doc × 3-4 docs
- • MEA Attestation: ₹50 per doc + ₹500-1000 agent fee
- • Chinese Embassy Attestation: ₹500-1000 per doc × 3-4 docs
- • PCC (Police Clearance): ₹500 + ₹1000-2000 courier
- • Translation Services: ₹2000-5000 (if needed)
- • Passport Photos: ₹100-200
- • Courier Services: ₹1000-2000 (multiple shipments)
- • Agent Fees (optional): ₹3000-5000 (MEA + Embassy steps)
- Total: ₹20,000-35,000
- (Approximately $250-450 USD)
💰 Cost Comparison: Indian software engineers moving to China see average salary increase of 200-300%. Entry-level: ₹15 LPA ($20k) in India → ₹60-75 LPA ($80-100k) in China. Senior: ₹30 LPA ($40k) → ₹90-120 LPA ($120-160k). The K Visa application cost (₹20-35k) is just 1-2% of your first year's salary increase.
Why Indian STEM Professionals Choose K Visa: Salary & Career Growth
The K Visa offers Indian tech workers massive salary increases and career acceleration. Here's the real data from 150+ successful applicants:
| Position | India Salary | China Salary (K Visa) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer (Entry) | ₹12-18 LPA ($15-24k) | ₹60-75 LPA ($80-100k) | +300-400% |
| Senior SDE | ₹25-35 LPA ($33-47k) | ₹90-120 LPA ($120-160k) | +250-300% |
| Machine Learning Engineer | ₹20-30 LPA ($27-40k) | ₹90-135 LPA ($120-180k) | +350-450% |
| Data Scientist | ₹18-28 LPA ($24-37k) | ₹75-105 LPA ($100-140k) | +300-350% |
| Engineering Manager | ₹40-60 LPA ($53-80k) | ₹120-180 LPA ($160-240k) | +200-300% |
Success Story: Bangalore → Beijing
Rajesh M., Senior SDE (5 YOE): Worked at Infosys Bangalore earning ₹28 LPA. Applied for K Visa in March 2024, moved to ByteDance Beijing in May 2024. New salary: ₹105 LPA ($140k) + signing bonus ₹30 LPA. Total compensation 375% increase. "The attestation process was tedious but worth every rupee. Used an agent for MEA/Embassy steps - highly recommended."
Success Story: Hyderabad → Shenzhen
Priya K., ML Engineer (3 YOE): Worked at TCS Hyderabad earning ₹18 LPA. K Visa approved in 7 weeks, joined Huawei Shenzhen. New salary: ₹82 LPA ($110k) + housing allowance ₹12 LPA. Total compensation 456% increase. "HRD attestation in Telangana was fast (6 days). Used VFS Global for MEA + Chinese Embassy steps - ₹4500 total, saved 3 weeks."
Frequently Asked Questions (India Applicants)
Apply to the Chinese embassy/consulate based on your state of residence. India has 4 locations: New Delhi (covers North India and NCR region - Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, HP, J&K, Uttarakhand, UP, Rajasthan, Chandigarh), Mumbai (covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, MP, Chhattisgarh), Kolkata (covers East India - West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, and all Northeast states), and Chennai (covers South India - Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, AP, Telangana, Puducherry). Check jurisdiction carefully. Bangalore → Chennai, Hyderabad → Chennai, Pune → Mumbai.
Yes, MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) attestation is mandatory for all educational documents. India is NOT a Hague Convention member, so you cannot use apostille. Instead, you need three-level authentication: (1) Notary attestation, (2) State HRD (Human Resource Development) or Home Department attestation (in the state where degree was issued), (3) MEA attestation in New Delhi. After MEA attestation, you must also get attestation from the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi. Total process takes 3-5 weeks. Cost: ₹2000-5000 for all steps combined (excluding agent fees).
Total timeline is 6-8 weeks: Document preparation (1-2 weeks), HRD attestation (1-2 weeks depending on state efficiency), MEA attestation (7-10 days), Chinese embassy attestation (5-7 days), Police Clearance Certificate (7-14 days, or 3-5 days Tatkal), Chinese consulate submission and review (2-3 weeks), visa issuance (3-5 days). The attestation process is the biggest time sink. Using an agent for MEA + Chinese Embassy attestation can save 1-2 weeks. Tatkal/expedited service available for PCC (₹1000 extra) and some HRD departments.
Total costs breakdown: Chinese visa fee (₹10,000-15,000 depending on duration), Notary attestation (₹100-300 per document × 3-4 documents), HRD attestation (₹200-500 per state × 3-4 documents), MEA attestation (₹50 per document + ₹500-1000 agent fee), Chinese embassy attestation (₹500-1000 per document × 3-4 documents), Police Clearance Certificate (₹500 application + ₹1000-2000 attestation & courier), document translation if needed (₹2000-5000), passport photos (₹100-200), courier services for multiple shipments (₹1000-2000), optional attestation agent fees (₹3000-5000 for MEA + Embassy steps, highly recommended). Total budget: ₹20,000-35,000 (approximately $250-450 USD). Karnataka and Telangana applicants tend to be on the lower end; Maharashtra and Delhi on the higher end.
Step 1 - HRD Attestation: Get your degree attested by the HRD (Human Resource Development) department of the state where the degree was issued (not where you currently live). For example, if you graduated from IIT Bombay but now live in Bangalore, you must get HRD attestation from Maharashtra. Processing: 1-2 weeks. Cost: ₹200-500 per document. Step 2 - MEA Attestation: After HRD attestation, send documents to MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) in New Delhi (Patiala House Annexe, Tilak Marg). Processing: 7-10 days. Cost: ₹50 per document + ₹500-1000 if using agent. Step 3 - Chinese Embassy Attestation: Final step - get MEA-attested documents attested by the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi (even if you'll apply at Mumbai/Chennai/Kolkata consulate). Processing: 5-7 days. Cost: ₹500-1000 per document. You must complete all three in sequence. Many applicants use attestation agents (VFS Global, BLS International, Attestation Services Delhi) to handle Steps 2-3, which costs ₹3000-5000 total but saves 2-3 trips to Delhi.
Yes, family members can apply for dependent visas (S1 visa for family reunion). Required documents: marriage certificate (must be attested - Notary → MEA → Chinese Embassy, same 3-level process), children's birth certificates (same 3-level attestation), proof of relationship, copy of your K Visa approval letter. Each family member pays separate visa fee (₹10,000-15,000 per person). Dependent visa processing is usually faster (1-2 weeks) since they piggyback on your K Visa approval. Additional documents: spouse's passport, children's passports, family photo, proof of accommodation in China (lease or hotel booking). Total family cost: add ₹15,000-20,000 per dependent for visa fee + attestation of marriage/birth certificates. Processing can be done simultaneously with your K Visa application or after your approval.
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