Overseas Citizen of India

A foreign national who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26 January 1950, was a citizen of India on or after that date, or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15 August 1947 may be eligible to apply for an OCI Card. Certain descendants of such persons may also be eligible, subject to the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Yes. A foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or an OCI Cardholder may be eligible to apply for OCI registration, subject to the conditions prescribed under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the rules made thereunder..

Yes. Minor children may apply for OCI registration if they satisfy the eligibility criteria under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

OCI applications are submitted online through the designated OCI portal of the Government of India. Applicants are required to upload the prescribed documents and submit the application as per the instructions applicable at the time of filing.

The documents required may vary depending on the category of application. Generally, applicants are required to provide:

• Proof of current nationality and citizenship
• Proof of Indian origin or eligibility
• Documentary evidence establishing the relationship with the eligible parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, where applicable
• Recent photographs and signatures

Any additional documents prescribed by the Government of India

Documents such as Indian passports, birth certificates, domicile certificates, citizenship records, educational records, or other official documents demonstrating Indian origin may be accepted, subject to verification by the competent authority.

Only one Set of Application has to be submitted for each applicant.

OCI applications are submitted online through the designated OCI portal. Depending on the jurisdiction and category of application, applicants may be required to visit the Indian Mission/Post, FRRO, or outsourced service provider for document verification or biometric requirements.

Applications should be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post having jurisdiction over the applicant’s country of citizenship or ordinary residence. Applicants residing in India should apply through the designated Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the prescribed authority.

Yes. A person may apply for OCI registration in the country where they are ordinarily residing, subject to the applicable jurisdictional requirements.

Providing false information or suppressing material facts may result in rejection of the application or cancellation of OCI registration under the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Additional legal and immigration consequences may also apply.

Processing times may vary depending on the category of application, verification requirements, and the jurisdiction where the application is submitted. Applicants should refer to the relevant Indian Mission/Post or OCI portal for current processing timelines.

Yes. In the event of loss, theft, or damage, an applicant may apply for re-issuance or replacement of the OCI card in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

No. OCI is not a grant of Indian citizenship. An OCI cardholder continues to retain their foreign citizenship.

No. OCI cardholders are required to obtain the necessary Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP), wherever applicable.

Yes. OCI cardholders are subject to the laws of India during their stay in India, including civil, criminal, taxation, and other applicable laws.

Yes. Subject to the conditions prescribed under the Citizenship Act, 1955, an OCI cardholder may be eligible to apply for Indian citizenship through registration or naturalization.

An OCI cardholder is generally entitled to:

• A multiple-entry, lifelong visa for visiting India.
• Exemption from registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for any length of stay in India.
• Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in specified economic, financial, and educational matters, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
• Eligibility to purchase residential and commercial properties in India, subject to FEMA regulations.
• Access to various services and facilities extended to OCI cardholders by the Government of India from time to time

No. An Indian passport can only be issued to an Indian citizen. OCI status does not confer Indian citizenship.

Yes. Subject to the conditions prescribed under the Citizenship Act, 1955, an OCI cardholder may be eligible to apply for Indian citizenship.