New Delhi: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to New Delhi in 2026

New Delhi is India's capital, the administrative centre of the vast Delhi metropolitan area with tens of millions of people, government quarters, embassies, universities and the business satellites of Gurugram and Noida. People move here to work for international and Indian companies, embassies and representative offices, and to do business in the fast-growing Indian market. Life for a newcomer can be inexpensive, and English works in business, banks and public offices.

The difficulties are serious: in winter the city is covered by one of the world's worst smogs, summer heat reaches 45 degrees, and a foreigner can buy property only after becoming a resident. Residence in India is tied to a purpose - work, business, study or family - and there is no residence by investment in property.

Cost of living in New Delhi

Prices come from two independent price databases for 2026, converted at the European Central Bank rate of 5 October 2026, about 96.3 rupees per dollar. These are city averages. Houses and apartments for foreigners in Vasant Vihar, Chanakyapuri, Greater Kailash and Golf Links cost several times more, and the lower bound of costs without rent reflects a local rather than a typical expat lifestyle.

Where to live in New Delhi: neighbourhoods

• Chanakyapuri - the diplomatic enclave with embassies, greenery and the most expensive houses.
• Vasant Vihar - quiet area near embassies and international schools, popular with foreign families.
• Greater Kailash and Defence Colony - well-kept residential areas with markets, cafés and clinics.
• Hauz Khas and Saket - the south of the city with malls, restaurants and parks.
• Gurugram - business satellite city with international company offices and high-rise residential complexes.
• Noida - satellite city to the east with tech companies and lower prices.

Delhi traffic is heavy, so housing is chosen near work or a metro station; the metro is one of the largest in the world.

Entry and residence

Russian citizens need a visa; for tourism and short business trips an e-visa can be obtained online in advance. For long-term living a purpose-based visa is chosen: an employment visa through an Indian company with a salary usually of at least $25,000 a year, a business visa, a student visa or a family visa. If you live in India for more than 180 days on a long-term visa, you must register with the foreigners regional registration office within 14 days of arrival.

India does not recognise dual citizenship. People of Indian origin can obtain Overseas Citizen of India status, which gives a permanent right to live and work in the country but no vote or passport. India has no residence for property purchase or investment.

Taxes in India

Since 1 April 2026 India's new Income Tax Act 2025 has applied, with rates almost unchanged. Income tax is progressive from 0% to 30%, and a resident with income up to 1.2 million rupees a year, about $12,500, pays no tax. The standard goods and services tax rate is 18%, the reduced rate 5%, and corporate tax under the concessional regime 22%. Foreign employees contribute 12% of salary to the provident fund. Tax residence arises after 182 days in the country in a tax year or under the 60-day rule for those who come every year. More on the page Taxes in India.

Renting and buying property

A foreigner can buy property in India only after becoming a resident, that is, after living in the country for more than 182 days in the previous year with grounds to stay on. Agricultural land, plantations and farmhouses are not sold to foreigners, and citizens of several neighbouring countries need separate approval from the Reserve Bank of India. A non-resident foreigner can acquire property only by inheritance.

Leases run for 11 months with renewal, the deposit is usually two or three months' rent, and agencies charge a fee of about one month. The lease is registered, and the landlord must report a foreign tenant to the police.

Climate and daily life

From April to June the heat reaches 40-45 degrees, from July to September the monsoon brings downpours, and from November to January it is cold by local standards, around 5-20 degrees, with dense smog over the city. Home air purifiers are a routine expense. The official languages are Hindi and English. Private hospitals are of good quality, and treatment costs much less than in Europe. The metro links the city with the airport, Gurugram and Noida, and taxis are ordered through apps. There are several international schools, and places are booked in advance.

Pitfalls

• Heavy winter smog and summer heat up to 45 degrees.
• Property can be bought only after becoming a resident.
• Foreigner registration for stays over 180 days.
• Tax residence under the 60-day rule for those who come every year.
• A 12% pension contribution for foreign employees.
• Traffic and long distances within the metropolitan area.

Murblz specialists help with employment and business visas, foreigner registration, the company and taxes in India. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.