Your move to India: relocation services built on 93 years
India is a country of extraordinary scale and diversity; from the corporate hubs of Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi to the tech corridors of Hyderabad and Chennai. Each region brings its own language, climate, housing market and rhythm of daily life. A move here is never a simple point-to-point shipment; it is a coordinated project involving strict import customs rules, port logistics and careful settling-in support.
That complexity is exactly why careful planning matters. India's Transfer of Residence customs regime, mandatory owner presence at clearance and tiered duty structures reward preparation and punish improvisation. With 93+ years of experience, Gosselin Moving's teams anticipate these hurdles before they become delays. Moving to India is one of the most rewarding, and most complex, international relocations you can undertake, and Gosselin has guided expats, diplomats and corporate families through it for decades.
Before the move: a few things to keep in mind
Foreign nationals moving to India require the appropriate visa category. most relocating professionals travel on an Employment Visa, while others hold Business, Research or dependent visas. Your visa class directly affects your customs status and eligibility for Transfer of Residence concessions, so confirm it before you ship.
Once in India, foreign nationals must complete FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) registration, and a copy of this is among the documents required for customs clearance of your household goods. Always verify current rules and processing times on the official Bureau of Immigration and FRRO portals rather than relying on second-hand advice.
India's rental market varies enormously by city and neighbourhood. In major metros, landlords commonly request several months' rent as a security deposit, and lease terms, brokerage fees and registration requirements differ by state. Many expats secure temporary accommodation first, then choose a permanent home once they understand local commute patterns.
You will need a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card for financial and tax matters. A copy is also required for customs clearance. Opening a local bank account, arranging remittances and understanding the tax implications of your assignment are best handled early, ideally with guidance from your employer's mobility team or a local advisor.
India offers a large private healthcare sector with internationally accredited hospitals in the major cities, alongside a public system. Most expats and relocating families rely on comprehensive private international health insurance to access private hospitals and clinics.
Arrange your health cover before arrival and confirm it is valid in India, including provisions for medical evacuation if relevant to your posting. Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations and any preventative medication well ahead of departure, and check current health entry guidance on official Indian government channels.
India has a well-established network of international schools in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, offering IB, British, American and other curricula. Places at the most sought-after schools fill quickly, so begin applications as early as possible.
Fee structures, admission timelines and waiting lists vary significantly between schools and cities. If your relocation is time-sensitive around an academic year, factor school placement into your overall move planning; it often shapes which neighbourhood you ultimately choose to live in.
India is a major destination for corporate assignees, with strong demand in technology, engineering, finance, pharmaceuticals and consulting. Most foreign professionals arrive on an employer-sponsored Employment Visa tied to a specific role and organisation.
Spouses and dependents should check the employment conditions attached to their visa category, as the right to work is not automatic. For current, authoritative rules on work eligibility and visa conditions, always refer to the official Indian government immigration website rather than informal sources.
Moving to India with Gosselin
Overseas transport for your move to India
Overseas transport for your move to India is built around two proven modes: sea freight for the bulk of your household goods, and air cargo for the essentials you need immediately. Which combination suits you depends on your volume, your timeline and your budget, and your Gosselin move coordinator builds the itinerary around exactly those factors.
Sea freight is the mainstay of intercontinental moves to India. A full container (FCL) is the most cost-effective choice when you are shipping the contents of a whole home, giving you exclusive use of the container from origin to an Indian port of entry such as Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Chennai or Mundra. For smaller volumes, shared-container groupage lets you pay only for the space you use, sharing the container with other consignments, a smart option for apartments or partial shipments.
Air cargo is the fastest route and ideal for a small selection of essentials; clothing, documents, a few valued items, arriving at DEL, BOM or MAA. It costs more per cubic metre, so it is best used selectively alongside a sea shipment rather than for a full household.
Because import clearance in India is thorough, typically 1.5 to 2.5 weeks, your coordinator plans your departure and delivery windows with that timeline built in, and keeps you informed at every stage.
Professional packing
Professional packing is what protects your belongings across a long intercontinental sea voyage and the handling of an Indian port, and it is where Gosselin's crews make the difference. Goods travelling by container endure weeks of movement, temperature swings and multiple lifts, so every item must be packed to survive the journey and arrive intact. A detailed, accurately valued inventory is not just good practice for a move to India, it is a customs requirement. Our teams prepare it as they pack, so your clearance is not slowed by missing or vague documentation.
Our packing teams handle the full range of a household with care and method:
WHY GOSSELIN?
Top-tier international moving services
We are FIDI-FAIM certified; the international moving industry's gold standard, which fewer than 10% of movers worldwide qualify to hold, and a member of the IAM (International Association of Movers), giving us a vetted global network and shared standards. Our quality management is ISO 9001 certified.
In India, that global standard is delivered through an established partner network at the key ports and cities, so your shipment is handled by teams who know local customs officers, port procedures and clearance realities first-hand.
What marks out a reliable international mover for a move like this:
G.U.E.S.T.
Plan your move to India today
You can start your move to India from your sofa. With Gosselin's G.U.E.S.T. remote survey technology, there is no need to wait for an in-home visit. Book a digital survey at a time that suits you and walk through your home on a video call using your smartphone.
Book your online G.U.E.S.T. survey in a few clicks. Record your household goods room by room by smartphone video, guided by our surveyor. Receive a fast, accurate and personalised quote based on your actual volume.
It is the quickest way to an accurate quote. No guesswork, no waiting.
Customs clearance
Our team guides you step-by-step through all the requirements
Moving Insurance
By taking out an All-Risk insurance, you are protected from the risks of loss or damage of your goods
Professional packing
We provide full service packing and moving services for local, long-distance, and international relocations
Handyman services
Handyman support can be arranged before packing, on moving day or after delivery in your new home
Overseas or long distance shipping
There are multiple ways to transport your goods internationally: sea, air, truck, or even rail
International car shipping
Cars can be shipped overseas in a container or by roll on / roll off shipping
Art transport services
Gosselin provides high-quality art transportation for museums, galleries, institutions, collectors, and traveling exhibitions
Storage services
A safe, flexible solution for your belongings when your moving timeline doesn’t go exactly as planned
Custom crates
These crates provide optimal security for fine art, antiques, oversized furniture, motorcycles and other valuable or fragile items
Guided Survey
A guided survey led by relocation professionals to understand your household, destination and timing so your move is planned correctly from day one.
With Gosselin, your move includes:
- Eco-Friendly packing materials
- Storage service
- Flexible scheduling
- Transport insurance coverage
Client experience: relocating to India with Gosselin
We were extremely impressed by how quickly and efficiently the entire moving process was handled. From the initial packing through to delivery and customs clearance, everything was well organised, professionally managed, and carried out with great care.
Saigon Van was an excellent choice of partner, and Mrs. Kim was extremely helpful, responsive, and supportive throughout the process. The packing was particularly impressive. Everything was carefully and systematically packed, and we were delighted to find that all of our crockery arrived completely intact. The zero-damage result at destination is a true reflection of the excellent quality and attention to detail of the packing team.
The move was well supervised from start to finish, and the customs clearance was handled quickly and smoothly. We also appreciated how proactively the entire process was managed, with the Gosselin team and their partners in Vietnam and India always keeping us informed and ready to assist whenever needed.
Your FAQs answered
Get Your Free Moving Quote To India Today
Start your journey by getting a free, no-obligation quote for your move. Our team is ready to assist you with every step, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in India. Fill out the form below and start planning your move to India today.