What is an OCI Card?
An OCI Card is an abbreviation of Overseas Citizen of India Card. This is granted by the Government of India to foreign citizens of Indian origin which extensively confer on them most of the benefits that Indian citizens enjoy, except political rights
Documents needed in OCI Card
- Evidence of Current Citizenship – Copy of actual foreign passport (with a validity of at least 6 months)
- Evidence of Indian Origin – Copy of Indian passport (in possession of self/parents/grandparents), Birth certificate indicating place of birth in India, Nativity certificate of competent Indian authority, Citizenship certificate of Government of India and Domicile certificate of Indian authorities
- Relationship Proof (providing via parents/grandparents) – Birth certificate of the applicant with the names of parents and the names of grandchildren/great-grandchildren, birth certificates of all generations.
- In the case of Foreign Spouse of Indian/OCI Holder – Registered marriage certificate (with a minimum of 2 years of validity), Passport/OCI card of Indian spouse
- Self-Attested Copies Passport – size photograph (according to OCI requirements) and Signature/thumb impression of the applicant.
- Additional Documents (case-specific) – In case of application on the foundation of the origin of minor child – parents passports/OCI cards, If applicant had ever Indian passport surrender certificate of Indian passport and In case of a change of name legal name change certificate.
OCI Card Apply
Track Application Status
Official Websit
Benefits
An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card provides long term benefits to Indian origin citizens of other nations and yet they desire to have a good relationship with India. The greatest advantage is that it offers a lifetime multiple-entry visa, therefore, cardholders can travel to India at any given time without having to keep on applying the visa. Unlike regular foreigners, OCI holders do not need to enroll with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office regardless of their length of stay in India and hence travelling and staying in India are very easy. They equally receive comparable privileges as NRIs in most aspects including being entitled to join educational institutions as per NRI quota, opening bank accounts, investing in business and acquiring residential or commercial property in India. OCI cardholders are also able to receive key documents such as PAN, Aadhaar and even Indian driving license that enables them to live and work like Indian nationals in India. They are also allowed to spend indefinite periods of time in India without any limitation which is a great benefit to the individuals who are willing to spend extended periods of time in India. Also, the OCI card will offer them equal treatment in economic, financial and educational opportunities and will assist them merge well into the Indian society without the foreign citizenship. In general, OCI card can be viewed as a connection between India and its diaspora, as the citizens of the Indian origin will have a lifetime residency visa and will also receive certain privileges in India, at the same time being able to enjoy the rights of an international nation