OCI card: the basics

For members who have taken another citizenship, or whose children were born abroad.

India does not allow dual citizenship. If you take another country's citizenship, you give up your Indian passport. The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card keeps a lifelong link to India.

WHO CAN GET IT

Foreign citizens of Indian origin, and their children
Foreign spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders (after at least two years of marriage)

WHAT IT GIVES YOU

A lifelong multiple-entry visa for India
No need to register with the police in India
Parity with NRIs in many economic and educational matters

WHAT IT DOES NOT GIVE YOU

It is not citizenship: no voting, and limits on buying agricultural land and on some government jobs
Visits to some protected areas still need a permit

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at ociservices.gov.in, then follow your embassy's process.
If you are giving up Indian citizenship, you will also need to surrender your Indian passport (renunciation).
When you get a new foreign passport, check on ociservices.gov.in whether you need to update your OCI details. The rules were simplified in 2021.

General information only. Check ociservices.gov.in and your embassy for current rules.

Join NRIClub: a free community for Indians abroad. Our team checks every new member.

OCI card: the basics

WHO CAN GET IT

WHAT IT GIVES YOU

WHAT IT DOES NOT GIVE YOU

HOW TO APPLY

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