Working in Bengaluru

Affectionately referred to as India's Silicon Valley, Bengaluru has a thriving tech industry that plays an important role in the national economy. Expat job hunters will likely find employment opportunities in Electronic City, Bengaluru's IT hub, though the job market is not limited to this sector or area.

Job market in Bengaluru

Bengaluru is known for its fast-growing IT sector. The city hosts some of IT's most recognisable names, and hundreds of tech start-ups have boomed into existence. Those with skills in programming, software development and systems analysis will find that there are plenty of great opportunities in this city. 

Many large global players in the tech sector are based, or have offices, in Bengaluru, including both foreign-owned and Indian-owned companies, such as Amazon, Samsung, Google and Infosys. The major pull factors are relatively low labour costs and a highly qualified workforce. Though locals usually fill mid to lower-level positions, expats are often hired in management, quality assurance and translation posts, among others.

Jobs in transport, travel and tourism, as well as hospitality and design, abound in Bengaluru, often in connection with the tech industry. 

Expats are also known to work in Bengaluru's marketing, banking and call centre sectors. Given the growth of the city in terms of job opportunities and its population, the housing sector has also boomed.

Finding a job in Bengaluru

Many expats relocate to Bengaluru from their home country through an inter-company transfer, but it isn't unheard of for Indian companies to hire promising foreign talent. Bear in mind that the job market is competitive.

Online job portals, such as Placement India, Monster India and Adzuna, are a good starting point, as are company websites, which may contain listings of the latest vacancies. Relocation companies and specialist recruitment agencies can also be a great source of information and tips on how to secure a job in Bengaluru.

Note that, regardless of their country of origin, expats will need the appropriate Indian visa to work here.

Work culture in Bengaluru

On the one hand, Bengaluru boasts technological innovation, is flush with venture capital and abundant in start-ups, all of which seemingly make for a fresh, progressive and exciting business habitat. On the other hand, the work environment may not be quite as progressive as expats are used to. Business culture, especially in start-up firms, has been widely criticised for archaic hierarchies, and other outdated company structures. In many Indian companies, it is reported, morale and employee well being are not prioritised.

Of course, this varies across firms, but expats may need to prepare themselves for the fast pace of work and the pressure of their jobs while trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance.