Almost every task of your move asks for the same short stack of papers and photos. Assemble it once, properly, and everything downstream is fast. Here's the kit, the photo spec, and exactly which document each process needs.
FRRO, your PAN, a bank account, a SIM, a driving licence, a school place, they all draw on the same handful of documents. The single best thing you can do before you fly is build one complete kit: the originals, photocopies, passport photos, and a phone scan of each. Do it once and you'll breeze through week one instead of chasing papers.
6
Core documents to gather
6-8
Passport photos to bring
2
Sets, paper + cloud scan
All
For each dependent too
Do this before you fly
Build one folder, physical, plus a clear phone scan of every page in the cloud. Put in your passport & visa, a stack of passport photos, your employer letter, proof of address, financial proof, and any apostilled personal certificates. Apostille takes weeks, so start it at home, early. Carry the folder to every appointment in week one.
The core kit
What to gather
Passport & visaPlus photocopies of the photo page & visa sticker
Passport photos6 to 8 prints, white background, see the spec below
Employer letterContract + bona-fide / undertaking letter
Proof of addressHome-country proof + your India lease or FRRO permit
Apostilled certificatesMarriage & birth, for dependent visas & school
Financial proofRecent bank statements or salary slips
Get it right once
The passport-photo spec
Plain light backgroundWhite or off-white, evenly lit, no shadows
Full face, neutralLooking straight on; avoid glare on glasses
Bring both sizes2″×2″ (51×51mm) and 35×45mm
Keep a digital copyA high-res file on your phone for online forms
Recent (within ~6 months). Indian shops can print more cheaply on arrival, but land with a set so nothing waits on a photo.
The cheat sheet
Which process needs what
Read down each column to see what to bring to a given task. ● needed ○ sometimes - not needed
Document
FRRO
PAN
Bank
SIM
Driving
School
Passport
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Visa
Needed●
Sometimes○
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Sometimes○
Passport photos
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Proof of address
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Needed●
Employer letter
Needed●
Not needed-
Sometimes○
Not needed-
Not needed-
Sometimes○
Apostilled certificates
Sometimes○
Not needed-
Not needed-
Not needed-
Not needed-
Needed●
Indicative, exact requirements vary by city, bank and school. Your IKAN consultant gives you the precise list for each task.
Good to know
A few practical notes
Keep copies everywhere
Cloud + an offline phone folder + paper. You'll be asked for copies constantly in week one.
Apostille early
Legalising certificates abroad takes weeks. Start before you fly, it can't be rushed on arrival.
Guard the originals
Hand over copies, not originals, unless an official insists. Keep passports especially safe.
A set per person
Each dependent needs their own documents & photos, build a folder for everyone.
Your support
How IKAN helps
We give you the exact document checklist for your visa, city and each task
We tell you what to apostille before you fly, so nothing stalls later
We help prepare employer letters & undertakings in the right format
We carry copies to every appointment and handle the paperwork with you
Document kit · quick checklist
One folder assembled, paper + a cloud scan of each page
Passport, visa & photocopies + 6 to 8 passport photos
Employer letter, proof of address & financial proof
Apostilled certificates started at home (marriage, birth)
A full set for each dependent travelling with you
Your FRRO Residential Permit / registration certificate filed here once it’s issued
Go deeper
The full step-by-step
Want every form, fee, document and pitfall? These deep-dive guides carry the complete detail.
Where expertise meets empathy, supporting your move to India, every step of the way. Document requirements vary by visa, city and provider and change over time; your consultant confirms the exact list for each task.
