Living in Hyderabad: the ultimate expat guide

Hyderabad's economy is powered by Information Technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and financial services. The city hosts Microsoft's largest R&D campus outside the United States and serves as a major hub for Global Capability Centers (GCCs). In 2025, IT job postings in Hyderabad surged by 41.5%, outpacing Bangalore's growth rate.

Key Employment Sectors

The HITEC City and Gachibowli districts form the heart of the IT corridor, housing headquarters of Infosys, Wipro, TCS, Cognizant, and Accenture. The pharmaceutical sector thrives in the Genome Valley, while the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, Insurance) sector continues expanding. Emerging fields include AI/ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics, with high demand for specialists in these domains.

Work Permits for Foreign Nationals

Foreign professionals require an Employment Visa (E-Visa) sponsored by their Indian employer. Key requirements include a minimum annual salary of USD 25,000 (approximately INR 20 lakh), specialized skills or qualifications, and a formal employment contract. Visa holders staying beyond 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival.

Employment Overview

Sources: India Employment Report 2024, Numbeo 2025

Hyderabad is a major educational hub, home to prestigious institutions that attract students from across India and abroad. The city offers diverse programs in engineering, sciences, business, and humanities, with several universities maintaining dedicated international student offices.

Top Universities for International Students

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad ranks 8th nationally in engineering (NIRF 2024) and offers the FIRST@IITH fellowship for international research scholars. The 576-acre campus features futuristic architecture and state-of-the-art laboratories. B.Tech fees total approximately INR 9.06 lakh (USD 10,800) for the four-year program.

The International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad is renowned for computer science education, achieving a 96% placement rate with an average package of INR 33.96 LPA in 2025. Annual tuition for B.Tech is approximately INR 4.5 lakh (USD 5,400).

The University of Hyderabad, a central government institution ranked 25th nationally (NIRF 2024), offers over 86 postgraduate programs. International students can apply year-round, with the deadline for the July academic session being April 15. The university provides hostel accommodation and dedicated support through its Office of International Affairs.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate admission typically requires CUET scores or equivalent qualifying examinations. Postgraduate programs accept GATE, CAT, or CUET-PG scores. International students must provide certified English translations of academic documents, valid passport and visa, medical fitness certificate, and health insurance policy.

Sources: IIT Hyderabad, University of Hyderabad

Hyderabad is emerging as a favorable retirement destination for its affordable healthcare, pleasant climate, and lower cost of living. The city offers world-class medical facilities at a fraction of Western costs, making it attractive for retirees seeking quality of life without financial strain.

Visa Options for Retirees

Foreign retirees typically enter India on a long-term Tourist Visa (validity up to 10 years with multiple entries) or an Entry (X) Visa if joining family members already residing in India. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) enjoy additional privileges, including indefinite stay rights. Visa holders staying beyond 180 days must register with the FRRO.

Healthcare and Living Costs

Hyderabad hosts excellent hospitals including Apollo, CARE, KIMS, and Yashoda, offering treatments at 60–80% lower costs than the US or UK. Comprehensive health insurance for seniors costs approximately INR 30,000–60,000 annually (USD 360–720). Monthly living expenses for a retired couple can range from INR 50,000 to 80,000 (USD 600–960), including comfortable housing, healthcare, domestic help, and leisure activities.

Sources: Numbeo 2025, Ministry of Home Affairs India

Hyderabad offers a wide range of educational options for families, from internationally accredited schools following IB, Cambridge (IGCSE), and American curricula to quality local schools following CBSE and ICSE boards. Over 30 international schools operate across the city, primarily in expat-friendly neighborhoods.

Top International Schools

The International School of Hyderabad (ISH), established in 1981 under ICRISAT trusteeship, serves students from 20+ nationalities from early childhood through grade 12. As a not-for-profit institution, fees contribute directly to education quality. The registration fee is INR 35,000 with a one-time enrollment fee of INR 5,00,000.

The Aga Khan Academy, located on a 100-acre campus near the international airport, offers the full IB program with residential facilities. The Oakridge International School (part of Nord Anglia Education) and Chirec International School are also popular choices among expatriate families.

Fee Ranges and Enrollment

International school fees in Hyderabad range from INR 1.5 lakh to INR 10 lakh per year (USD 1,800–12,000), depending on the curriculum, grade level, and facilities. Most schools begin their academic year in August/September to align with international university admission timelines. Enrollment typically requires the child's birth certificate, previous academic records, proof of residence, passport-size photographs, and a medical certificate.

Sources: International School of Hyderabad, Ezyschooling 2025, Numbeo 2025

Hyderabad's real estate market offers diverse options at prices significantly lower than other major Indian metros. Whether you prefer upscale gated communities or budget-friendly apartments, the city caters to all preferences. Rental agreements typically run for 11 months with a security deposit of 2–3 months' rent.

Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods

Gachibowli and HITEC City are ideal for IT professionals, offering proximity to tech offices, excellent infrastructure, and numerous international schools. Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills are upscale residential areas featuring premium shopping, fine dining, and luxury apartments—popular among senior executives and diplomats. Kondapur and Madhapur provide a balance of affordability and convenience, with easy access to the IT corridor and vibrant nightlife. Kukatpally and Miyapur offer budget-friendly options with good Metro connectivity.

Rental Costs

Furnished 1-bedroom apartments in central areas like HITEC City or Banjara Hills range from INR 14,000 to 30,000 per month (USD 170–360). Outside city centers in areas like Kukatpally, expect INR 7,000 to 17,000 (USD 85–200). Three-bedroom family apartments in prime locations cost INR 35,000 to 75,000 (USD 420–900), while suburban options range from INR 18,000 to 45,000 (USD 220–540).

Sources: Numbeo 2025

Hyderabad offers an extraordinary blend of historical monuments, cultural experiences, natural escapes, and modern entertainment. From UNESCO-worthy architecture to world-class theme parks, the city caters to diverse interests year-round.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

The Charminar, built in 1591 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, stands as the city's most iconic monument. Visitors can climb its minarets for panoramic views. Nearby, the Laad Bazaar offers traditional lac bangles and pearls. The Golconda Fort, an impressive 16th-century citadel, features remarkable acoustics and hosts evening sound-and-light shows. The Salar Jung Museum, one of India's three national museums, houses over 43,000 artifacts including the famous Veiled Rebecca sculpture.

Parks and Nature

The Hussain Sagar Lake, Asia's largest artificial lake, features a monolithic Buddha statue accessible by boat ride. KBR National Park (Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park) provides peaceful walking trails amid 400 acres of greenery. The Nehru Zoological Park houses over 150 species in naturalistic habitats. Ramoji Film City, the world's largest integrated film studio complex, offers behind-the-scenes tours and entertainment.

Modern Entertainment

Theme parks like Wonderla feature over 43 rides for all ages. Multiplexes like PVR, INOX, and AMB Cinemas screen international releases (tickets INR 250–500). The dining scene spans from legendary biryani restaurants to upscale international cuisine in Jubilee Hills. Cultural festivals include Bonalu (July–August) and the Hyderabad Literary Festival, attracting international speakers annually.

Sources: Telangana Tourism, Numbeo 2025

Daily life in Hyderabad blends modern convenience with rich tradition. The city's infrastructure has expanded rapidly, with efficient public transport making commuting straightforward. English is widely spoken, and the cosmopolitan population ensures a welcoming environment for newcomers.

Public Transportation

The Hyderabad Metro Rail, India's second-largest metro network, spans 67 kilometers across three lines (Red, Blue, and Green) with 57 stations. Operating from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, it carries approximately 536,000 passengers per day. Fares range from INR 10 to 60 depending on distance. The smart card system offers discounts and faster entry. Ladies-only coaches are available on all trains.

The city's TSRTC bus network provides extensive coverage, with fares starting at INR 10. The MMTS suburban railway connects major stations to the IT corridor. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are ubiquitous, with affordable rates. Auto-rickshaws remain popular for short distances.

Lifestyle and Culture

Hyderabad maintains a relatively relaxed pace compared to Mumbai or Bangalore. Shopping malls like Inorbit and GVK One offer international brands, while traditional markets like Laad Bazaar specialize in local crafts. The food scene is exceptional—from legendary Hyderabadi biryani at Paradise or Bawarchi to international cuisines in Jubilee Hills. Most IT offices follow standard 9 AM to 6 PM schedules, with flexible work arrangements becoming increasingly common.

Sources: L&T Hyderabad Metro, Numbeo 2025

Hyderabad offers one of the most affordable costs of living among major Indian cities—20–30% lower than Bangalore and significantly cheaper than Mumbai or Delhi. The average monthly cost for a single person is approximately INR 58,000 (USD 700), while a family of four can expect around INR 146,000 (USD 1,750), excluding rent.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo 2025, Ezyschooling