In this article, we will discuss the 15 easiest countries to immigrate to from India. You can skip our detailed discussion and see the 5 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to from India.
According to a National Foundation for American Policy analysis of USCIS data, over 1.2 million Indians, including dependents, are waiting in the first, second, and third employment-based green card categories, based on approved I-140 immigrant petitions as of November 2, 2023. According to the numbers quoted by Statista, In 2020, nearly 17.8 million people emigrated from India, while approximately 4.5 million people immigrated to the country. Emigration from India has grown significantly over the last few decades.
READ ALSO: 20 Countries with Highest Indian Population in the World and 20 Best Countries to Study Abroad for English Speakers
Indian Migration Trend
India tops the list of origin countries for the world’s migrants, a trend that has continued for over a century. According to Pew Research Center in 2020, 17.9 million international migrants traced their roots back to India, surpassing Mexico’s 11.2 million and Russia’s 10.8 million. As per The Economic Times Indian migrants are spread worldwide, with the largest populations in the UAE (3.5 million), the U.S. (2.7 million), and Saudi Arabia (2.5 million). Despite being the largest source, India’s 17.9 million migrants in 2020 represented only 1.3% of all Indians born by that year. In contrast, the UK’s 4.7 million migrants made up 7.6% of its population, and Mexico’s 11.2 million migrants accounted for 8.2%.
According to the report by The Hindu, India was the top country receiving remittances in 2010 ($53.48 billion), 2015 ($68.91 billion), and 2020 ($83.15 billion). In 2022, remittances crossed the $100 billion mark, reaching $111.22 billion. As per Migration Policy Institute globally, the United States is the second most popular destination for Indians living abroad, after the UAE (3.5 million). Other top destinations are Saudi Arabia (2.5 million), Pakistan (1.6 million), Oman (1.4 million), and Kuwait (1.2 million). The Economic Times also added that in the U.S., the largest share of Indian immigrants lived in California (20%), followed by Texas (11%) and New Jersey (10%) as of 2015-19. New York and Illinois together had another 13%. The U.S. cities with the most Indian immigrants were the greater New York, Chicago, San Francisco, San Jose, and Dallas metro areas, making up about 35% of Indians in the country.
Indian-Origin Executives Leading Global Giants
Numerous influential Indian figures in tech leadership have made significant impacts on the industry. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), guides the company with creativity and a clear vision, constantly pushing boundaries and fostering innovation. Satya Nadella, a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, leads Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) in reshaping how the world interacts with technology. Parag Agrawal swiftly rose to become CEO of Twitter Inc. (NYSE:TWTR), leveraging the platform’s legacy to drive innovation and connectivity. Since 2007, Shantanu Narayen has been a pivotal leader at Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE), championing creativity and spearheading innovation. Arvind Krishna, a beacon of tech leadership at International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM), utilizes his background from IIT Kanpur to steer the company’s future. These leaders are at the forefront of technological advancement and smart business practices, shaping the world for future generations. Their achievements highlight the global influence of Indian professionals and the growing trend of Indian immigration.
On September 24, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) CEO Sundar Pichai delivered a lecture titled “The AI Platform Shift and the Opportunity Ahead” at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) as part of their President’s Lecture Series (Google Blog). In his talk, Pichai emphasized the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various sectors and highlighted the vast opportunities it presents for innovation and societal advancement.
During the lecture, Pichai discussed how AI is accelerating scientific discoveries, enhancing access to information, and driving economic progress. He also addressed the challenges associated with AI, such as the potential for deepfakes and the importance of implementing balanced regulations to ensure AI benefits are equitably distributed. This event at CMU aligns with Pichai’s ongoing efforts to promote AI education and responsible innovation. Notably, CMU has a longstanding relationship with Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), having hosted the company’s first Pittsburgh office and collaborated on various research initiatives.
While we acknowledge the potential of GOOG as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than GOOG but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
Now, let’s explore our list of the easiest 15 countries for migration from India.
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Methodology
To determine the 15 easiest countries to immigrate to from India, we started with a list from Insider Monkey’s article on the 16 Easiest Countries to Get a Residence Permit. From there, we ranked these countries based on the percentage of Indian expats living in each one derived from data published by the Ministry of External Affairs India. This approach gave us a clear picture of where Indians are successfully moving to and settling down. By combining the ease of obtaining a residence permit with existing Indian communities, we provide a practical and relatable guide for those considering immigration.
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15 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to from India
15. Costa Rica
Overseas Indians: 1,050
Costa Rica is a great option for Indians looking to immigrate because it offers an easy path to getting a residence permit. With just a $150,000 investment in property or business, you can settle down in this beautiful country. If you’re interested in forestry projects, the investment is even lower at $100,000. The initial residence permit is valid for two years and is renewable as long as you maintain your investment. Although the application process takes about nine months, the benefits of living in Costa Rica make it well worth the wait. With its stunning natural beauty, friendly locals, and vibrant culture, Costa Rica provides a welcoming environment for Indian immigrants.
14. Latvia
Overseas Indians: 3,000
Latvia is an excellent choice for Indian immigrants due to its fast and affordable residency program. For a minimum investment of just €60,000 (approximately US $65,400) in a Latvian company that pays €40,000 annually, you can secure a residency permit. This is one of the lowest-cost routes to residency in Europe. The application approval time is quick, taking only 1-3 months, and once approved, you can travel to Latvia within three months to obtain your five-year residence permit. Latvia’s vibrant culture, rich history, and strategic location in Europe make it an attractive destination for Indian immigrants looking for new opportunities and a high quality of life.
13. Cyprus
Overseas Indians: 14,979
Cyprus is a fantastic option for Indian immigrants seeking an easy-to-obtain residence permit. The minimum investment is modest at €300,000 (approximately $327,000), which can be made in property, business, funds, or securities. The application process is one of the fastest, taking only about two months. Beyond the straightforward and quick residency process, Cyprus offers a high quality of life with beautiful weather, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa also makes it an appealing destination for business and travel.
12. Panama
Overseas Indians: 15,000
Panama is an ideal destination for Indian immigrants looking for a quick and straightforward path to residency. It offers two attractive visa options: the Qualified Investor Visa and the Active Investor Visa. The Qualified Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of just US $100,000 in a company with a forest registry under the Ministry of Environment, granting a two-year temporary residence with a processing time of only four months. Alternatively, the Active Investor Visa, or Panama’s Business Investor Residency Permit, requires a US $160,000 investment in a new or existing business, creating at least five full-time jobs for Panamanian citizens and involving the investor in daily operations. With its fast processing times, diverse visa options, and vibrant economy, Panama provides a welcoming environment for Indian immigrants seeking new opportunities.
11. Montenegro
Overseas Indians: 16,000
Montenegro is an appealing choice for Indian immigrants due to its fast-growing economy and enticing residency program. The government encourages investment by offering flexible options with no minimum value specified. You can either acquire real estate or invest in a legal entity. This process involves creating and registering a legal entity in Montenegro, opening a bank account, renting or purchasing office space for business, and securing residential property for personal use. The annual costs for operating the company are estimated to be around US $3,240. With its booming economy, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming environment, Montenegro provides an excellent opportunity for Indian immigrants seeking a new start.
10. Austria
Overseas Indians: 16,500
Austria is an attractive option for investors seeking residency permits due to its well-developed infrastructure and high standard of living. Under Austria’s Residence by Investment program, investors must have €40,000 (approximately US $43,600) in liquid funds, which increases with the size of the family. Additionally, they need to provide proof of a permanent residential property (owned or leased), have private healthcare insurance, and possess documented German language skills. The application process is efficient, typically taking 1-3 months.
9. Greece
Overseas Indians: 35,000
Greece is a popular destination for Indian immigrants, with a significant overseas Indian population of 35,000. Its Golden Visa program is renowned in Europe for its flexibility and affordability. Investors can make various types of investments, starting from as low as €250,000 (approximately US $272,000) in real estate to as high as €800,000 (approximately US $872,000) in corporate or government bonds. The residence permit is renewable every five years, with an application processing time of 2-4 months.
8. Spain
Overseas Indians: 67,592
Spain presents itself as the easiest country for Indians to migrate to, offering a multitude of attractive features. The Golden Visa program stands out, providing a streamlined pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) through real estate investment or other economic activities. Additionally, Spain’s family reunification programs encourage the settlement of Indian families, fostering a supportive environment. With a high quality of life, a pleasant Mediterranean climate, and captivating cultural attractions, Spain offers Indian expats a fulfilling experience. Moreover, the accessibility of the Spanish language, with its similarities to English and opportunities for immersion, facilitates integration and communication, further enhancing the migration process for Indians.
7. Portugal
Overseas Indians: 103,682
Portugal, with an overseas Indian population of 103,682, is known for its easy and flexible Golden Visa Program. Investors can choose from various options, with the minimum requirement being a €200,000 (approximately US $218,000) investment in artistic production or cultural heritage restoration in low-population density areas. The application process usually takes 4-15 months, granting the investor the right to reside, work, and study in the country.
6. Thailand
Overseas Indians: 150,000
Thailand, home to 150,000 overseas Indians, offers the Elite Residency Program, an exceptional option for expats and investors. The program provides four membership options: Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Reserve. The Gold card has the minimum investment requirement of THB 900,000 (approximately US $26,000). This five-year privilege entry visa application can be processed in 1-2 months, making it a quick and affordable route to residency.
5. Italy
Overseas Indians: 206,503
Italy, with 206,503 overseas Indians, offers a lucrative choice for investors due to its large EU market and various investment options. The minimum investment required is €250,000 (approximately US $272,000) in innovative start-ups. The country processes residency applications in 1-2 months, providing a fast and straightforward route to obtaining a residence permit.
4. Mauritius
Overseas Indians: 894,848
Mauritius, with a substantial overseas Indian population of 894,848, offers attractive Residency by Investment programs. The Permanent Residency program requires a minimum investment of US $375,000 in a designated real estate project. Applications are processed in about 2-3 months, granting a 20-year renewable permanent residency permit. For a less costly option, the Active Investor Visa requires a US $50,000 investment in a Mauritius business, with the residence permit being renewable based on business performance.
3. Malaysia
Overseas Indians: 2,914,127
Malaysia beckons with a cozy lifestyle and excellent living standards. Indians, forming the second-largest minority after the Chinese, call Malaysia home, mainly in peninsular Malaysia and primarily of Tamil descent. The primary group of Indian immigrants in Malaysia and Singapore predominantly consists of Tamils. Malaysia hosts the third-largest Indian expatriate community globally. For those seeking a new home away from home, Malaysia is an enticing option.
2. Canada
Overseas Indians: 2,875,954
Indians are moving in record numbers to Canada’s friendly shores as its appeal as a place to immigrate keeps growing. Canada has emerged as one of the top destinations for Indian migrants due to its outstanding quality of life and strong demand for skilled work. With a whopping 2,875,954 overseas Indians now calling Canada home, the majority being persons of Indian origin, it’s no wonder Canada shines bright as a beacon of opportunity and promise.
1. The United Arab Emirates
Overseas Indians: 3,568,848
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands out as a leading developed nation globally, renowned for its abundant job opportunities. Over time, a substantial number of Indians have relocated to this Gulf country, with a steady stream of migrants persisting. Ranking second in hosting Indian migrants, the UAE is a top destination for those considering migration.
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Disclosure: None. 15 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to from India is originally published on Insider Monkey.
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