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Dual Citizenship FAQs

What are the eligibility requirements for Overseas Citizen of India or OCI?

A foreign national,
  • who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 01/26/1950: or
  • who was a citizen of India on or at any time after 01/26/1950; or
  • who belonged to a territory that became part of India after 08/15/1947;
AND, his/her children and grandchildren are eligible for registration as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or other, under the local laws. Minor children of such persons are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.

What are the benefits of OCI?

An OCI card holder gets the following benefits:
  1. A multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India;
  2. Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India;
  3. Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields; except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties; and
  4. OCI can be used as identity proof for application of PAN Card and driving license as well as for opening a bank accounts if the OCI card holder is residing in India.

What benefits an OCI Card holder is not entitled to?

The OCI Card holder is not entitled:
  1. to vote;
  2. to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council of any state or member of the Parliament of India;
  3. to hold Indian constitutional posts such as the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc. and
  4. he/she usually cannot hold employment in the Government sector.

Under what conditions should one apply for New OCI Card and Sticker?

  1. In case of issuance of new passport.
    1. For an applicant who is 20 years of age or younger, OCI documents must be re-issued each time a new passport is issued.
    2. For an applicant who is 21 to 49 years of age, there is no need to re-issue OCI documents each time a new passport is issued. However, if the applicant desires, he/she can request that the OCI document be re-issued so that the OCI document reflects his/her latest passport number.
    3. For an applicant who is 50 years of age or older, OCI documents must be re-issued once after the issuance of a new passport.
  2. In case there is a change in personal particulars.
  3. In case of loss/damage of passport and/or OCI booklet.
  4. For correcting personal particulars entered wrongly while submitting online applications e.g. name, father’s name, date of birth, etc.

Are Minor children eligible for OCI Card?

Minor children are eligible for OCI Card if even one parent is of Indian origin.

Is an applicant who had held nationality of Pakistan or Bangladesh, eligible for OCI?

No, if the applicant has ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.

Can a person renounce OCI?

Yes. He/she has to declare his/her intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Indian Mission/Post where OCI registration was granted. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission/Post shall issue an acknowledgement in Form XXII A. A separate application form is available for this purpose.


The information contained on this site is offered only for general informational and educational purpose and does not constitute a legal advice or opinion. All efforts are being made to keep this information current, but it may not be guaranteed that it applies to your specific case, and should not be relied upon or acted without seeking the advice of qualified attorney.