OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) is a lifelong visa and residency status for foreign citizens of Indian origin. It offers several rights and benefits in India but is not dual citizenship.
New OCI Registration (Fresh application)
OCI Card Reissuance / Renewal (due to new passport, address change, etc.)
OCI Miscellaneous Services (lost/damaged card, corrections, update of details)
Conversion of PIO to OCI (for those who previously held a PIO card – phased out now)
Renunciation of OCI
Former Indian citizens (held Indian citizenship on or after 26th January 1950)
Descendants of Indian citizens (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren)
Minor children with at least one Indian citizen parent
Spouse of an Indian or OCI cardholder (married for at least 2 years and marriage registered)
Not eligible if the applicant or their parents/grandparents were citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
You can apply anytime after becoming eligible. For foreign spouses, only after completing 2 years of registered marriage.
Proof of Indian origin (passport, birth certificate, etc.)
Self-attested passport copy
Passport-size photograph (as per specification)
Proof of relationship (if applying as a descendant or spouse)
Current visa/residence proof
Marriage certificate (for spouse-based application)
Apply online via ociservices.gov.in
Submit originals & documents to the FRRO office (if in India)
If abroad, submit documents to the Indian Mission/Consulate in your country
Lifelong visa-free entry to India
No need to register with FRRO for any length of stay
Same rights as NRIs for economic and educational opportunities
Can own property (non-agricultural)
OCI cardholders cannot vote, hold government jobs, or buy agricultural land in India.
For children below 20 and adults above 50, OCI card does not need reissuance with each new passport.
For ages 20–50, reissuance is required when the passport is renewed.
Need expert support with your OCI process? WhatsApp: +91-9810756191
