🇮🇳 OCI Card (Overseas Citizen of India) – Full Guide
✅ What is an OCI Card?
An OCI Card is a long-term visa for foreign citizens of Indian origin. It allows them to live, work, and travel freely in India without needing a visa each time.
⚠️ OCI is not dual citizenship. It is a lifelong visa/residency status for eligible foreigners of Indian origin.
✅ Eligibility for OCI Card
You are eligible if you:
Were a citizen of India on or after January 26, 1950
Belonged to a territory that became part of India after independence
Are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a person
Are a minor child with at least one parent who is an Indian citizen or OCI holder
Are a spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI holder (married at least 2 years)
NOT Eligible if:
You or your ancestors were citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh
📄 Required Documents
For Adults:
Current foreign passport (with at least 6 months validity)
Copy of old Indian passport or proof of Indian origin (birth certificate, etc.)
Proof of address in the current country
Marriage certificate (if applying as spouse of OCI holder)
For Minors:
Child’s birth certificate
Parents’ passports and OCI cards (if applicable)
Parental consent form
Documents must often be self-attested and uploaded online as PDFs/JPEGs.
📝 OCI Application Process
Step 1: Apply Online
Visit: https://ociservices.gov.in
Fill the Part A & Part B of the online form
Upload photograph, signature, and documents
Step 2: Submit Application
After online submission, take a printout of the form
Submit it along with documents to the nearest:
Indian Embassy/Consulate (if abroad)
FRRO office (if in India)
Step 3: Processing
Takes around 4 to 8 weeks
You will receive the OCI card and a lifelong U Visa sticker (if required) in your passport
💵 Fees
Fresh OCI Card:
$275 (if applying outside India)
₹15,000 (if applying within India)
OCI for Minor/Spouse: Same fees apply
Lost/Damaged OCI Replacement: $100 or ₹5,500
🎯 Benefits of OCI Card
✅ Lifelong visa to visit/live in India
✅ Exemption from registering with FRRO
✅ Can own property in India (except for agricultural land)
✅ Can open a bank account and invest in India
✅ Eligible for NPS (pension), mutual funds, and Aadhar
✅ Work/study in India without special permits
❌ Limitations of OCI
⛔ No voting rights
⛔ Cannot hold government jobs
⛔ Cannot buy agricultural land
⛔ No dual citizenship benefits like an Indian passport
📌 Validity
OCI card is valid for life, but:
For those under 20 or over 50, re-issuance may be required after getting a new passport.
For adults between 21–49 years: No re-issuance needed with passport renewal.
🇮🇳 OCI Card – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an OCI card?
The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card is a lifetime visa/residency document issued to people of Indian origin living abroad. It allows visa-free travel and certain residency rights in India.
2. Is an OCI card the same as dual citizenship?
❌ No. India does not allow dual citizenship. OCI gives you many rights, but not political or constitutional rights like voting or holding public office.
3. Who is eligible for an OCI card?
You’re eligible if:
You were an Indian citizen, or
You have parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents who were Indian citizens, or
You are married to an Indian citizen or another OCI cardholder for at least 2 years
4. Can I apply if my ancestors were from Pakistan or Bangladesh?
❌ No. Individuals whose parents or grandparents were citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh are not eligible.
5. How long does it take to get the OCI card?
Typically between 4 to 8 weeks after document submission, depending on the embassy or FRRO office.
6. What documents are required for OCI application?
Current passport
Old Indian passport or birth certificate proving Indian origin
Proof of current address
Passport-size photograph
Signature (for adults)
Marriage certificate (if applying through spouse)
7. Where do I apply for an OCI card?
You must fill the form online at https://ociservices.gov.in and submit physical documents to the:
Indian Embassy/Consulate (if abroad), or
FRRO (Foreigner Regional Registration Office) in India
8. Do children need an OCI card?
Yes, children of Indian-origin parents can apply for an OCI card. Birth certificate and parents’ OCI/passports are required.
9. What are the benefits of having an OCI card?
Visa-free travel to India
No need to register with FRRO
Can live, work, and study in India
Own property (non-agricultural)
Open bank accounts, invest in India
10. Can I vote or apply for an Indian passport with an OCI card?
❌ No. OCI cardholders cannot vote, hold Indian passports, or run for public office.
11. Do I need to renew the OCI card?
If you’re between 21–49 years, no need to renew after passport renewal.
If you’re under 20 or over 50, you must update your OCI card when you get a new passport.
12. What is the cost of applying for an OCI card?
~$275 (if applying from abroad)
₹15,000 (if applying from India)
~$100 for replacement of lost/damaged card
13. What if I lose my OCI card?
You must report the loss and apply for a duplicate OCI card. This can be done online with a police report and other ID proofs.
14. Can OCI cardholders own property in India?
✅ Yes, but only residential and commercial property.
❌ Not allowed to buy agricultural land.