India-EU trade deal to ease mobility for Indian professionals, but work visas will still be required

The proposed India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could make it easier for Indian professionals and businesses to send employees to Europe by simplifying rules for temporary entry and stay. The agreement includes specific provisions covering skilled professionals, company transfers, contractual service suppliers and business visitors.

The trade agreement, whose negotiations concluded on January 27, 2026, is expected to be signed on December 16 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Belgium. However, its mobility provisions should not be mistaken for unrestricted immigration or an automatic right to work and settle in Europe.

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Under the agreement's provisions on the entry and temporary stay of professionals, four main categories of Indian nationals are covered: intra-corporate transferees, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals and business visitors.

What it means for Indian professionals

Intra-corporate transferees are employees moved by a company to its branch or associated business in another country. This could benefit Indian companies sending managers, specialists and other eligible employees to their European offices.

The agreement provides for decisions on complete applications for intra-corporate transfers to be made within 90 days. It also provides for family members of Indian employees transferred to EU countries to receive temporary entry and stay rights under the relevant EU rules.

Contractual service suppliers, meanwhile, are professionals employed by an Indian company and sent to Europe to fulfil a service contract. Independent professionals, who provide services on their own account, are also covered. Their entry and temporary stay will be subject to the sectors, conditions and qualifications specified in the agreement.

Also read:India, EU discuss FTA implementation ahead of December signing

Business visitors will also benefit from provisions intended to facilitate short-term visits for permitted commercial activities. In specified circumstances, they will not need a work permit or similar prior approval.

Will Indians get automatic work visas?

Visa applications will continue to be governed by the relevant immigration procedures and conditions. Applicants must meet the requirements applicable to their category and destination country. The agreement instead seeks to make the process more transparent and predictable. It requires authorities to process complete applications as quickly as possible, provide information on application status and communicate decisions promptly.

The agreement also does not establish a blanket post-study work entitlement for Indian students or guarantee automatic recognition of Indian degrees across Europe.

For Indian professionals considering employment opportunities in Europe, the key change is a more structured framework for temporary business and work-related mobility, rather than a new route to permanent immigration.

The agreement will become legally binding only after India and the EU complete their respective domestic approval procedures.