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Indian OCI Card Application Requirements

To apply for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, you will need to provide two passport-size photographs, a copy of your foreign passport, and a copy of your naturalization certificate (if applicable). If you have acquired foreign nationality through naturalization, then you must submit the original certificate along with a copy. It is important to ensure that all your documents are valid and up-to-date to avoid any unwanted delays. If you are looking for a hassle-free way to obtain your OCI card, Visas for Future can assist you in obtaining it easily.

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These are the complete requirements for an India OCI card Application:1

  • Completed OCI application form: This can be filled out online through Visas for Future
  • Original passport with a validity exceeding six months from the date of application.
  • Two recent passport-size photographs with a white background.
  • Proof of residence in the country of application. This could be a utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement.
  • Documents supporting your eligibility: These will vary depending on your claim of Indian origin. Common documents include:
    • Birth certificate of yourself or your parents/grandparents.
    • Marriage certificate, if applicable.
    • Indian passport of parents/grandparents.
    • PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card, if applicable.
    • Any other document establishing your connection to India.
  • Payment Fee

What We’re Offering

We are offering India OCI processing service. Our service will process your application within two business days, after which you will receive your OCI card within seven to eleven weeks.

  • Unlimited stay.
  • Multiple entries.
  • $368 fee (Including Government fee).

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Requirements and documents needed for an Indian OCI application

Applying for an Indian OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card grants you near-citizen privileges in India, allowing you to live, work, and study in the country. The requirements and documents needed can vary depending on your circumstances, but here’s a general overview:2

Eligibility:

  • You must be a foreign national who meets at least one of the following criteria:3
    • Were a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after January 26th, 1950.
    • Were eligible to become a citizen of India on January 26th, 1950.
    • Belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15th, 1947.
    • A child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a citizen.
    • A minor child of such persons mentioned above.
    • A minor child and both parents are citizens of India or one parent is a citizen of India.

Documents Required:1

1. Completed OCI application form:

You can fill this out online through Visas for Future

2. Original passport with a validity exceeding six months from the date of application:

Ensure your passport has sufficient validity to cover the processing time and your intended stay in India.

3. Two recent passport-size photographs with a white background:

These photos should be of professional quality and meet the specified size requirements.

4. Proof of residence in the country of application:

This could be a utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement with your name and address clearly visible.

5. Documents supporting your eligibility:

These will vary depending on your claim of Indian origin. Some common documents include:

  • Birth certificate of yourself or your parents/grandparents: Original or certified copies are required
  • Marriage certificate, if applicable: This is needed if you’re applying based on your spouse’s Indian origin.
  • Indian passport of parents/grandparents: If your parents/grandparents were Indian citizens, their passports will serve as proof.
  • PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card, if applicable: This card was issued to people of Indian origin living abroad before the OCI scheme came into effect.
  • Any other document establishing your connection to India: Could be land ownership documents, school certificates, or voter ID cards issued before 1950.
  • Minor child whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India:
    • Copy of child’s Birth Certificate
    • Parents must provide a marriage certificate. If not available, reasons must be indicated.
    • Copy of either the Indian passport of the parents or one of the parents, or a copy of the Domicile Certificate or Nativity Certificate issued by the Competent Authority, or any other document that proves the status of the parents or one of the parents as an Indian citizen.
    • In case the parents are divorced, the court will issue a decree of dissolution of marriage, which will clearly state that the legal custody of the child belongs to the parent who is applying for an OCI Card. If the court order is in any foreign language, it must be translated into English or Hindi by an authorized translator and submitted along with the application.

6. Fee payment receipt

Tips for preparing your documents and requirements

Here are some tips for preparing your documents and requirements for an Indian OCI application.

General Tips:

  • Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to gather your documents. Give yourself plenty of time to collect everything and get it organized.
  • Make copies: Make copies of all your documents for your own records and in case you need them later.
  • Organize your documents: Label and categorize your documents in a way that makes sense to you. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
  • Stay updated: Check the OCI Services portal or the nearest Indian embassy/consulate website for any document requirements or application process updates.

Specific Tips for Documents:

  • Original documents: Bring the original documents and copies for verification purposes.
  • Translations: If any documents are not in English or Hindi, you will need to get them translated by a certified translator and have the translations notarized.
  • Photocopies: Ensure your photocopies are clear and legible.
  • Passport validity: Check that your passport has at least six months remaining validity from the date of application.
  • Photographs: Make sure your photographs meet the specified size and format requirements.
  • Proof of residence: Choose a document that clearly shows your current address and has been issued within the past three months.
  • Supporting documents: Double-check that your supporting documents directly link you to the eligibility criteria you are claiming.

Additional Tips:

  • Read the instructions carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions in the application form and the OCI Services portal.
  • Don’t leave anything blank: Fill out all the sections of the application form to the best of your ability. If a section is not applicable, write “N/A” or “Not applicable.”
  • Proofread your application: proofread before submission to ensure no errors or typos.
  • Track your application: Once you submit it, you can track its progress online through the OCI Services portal.

Eligibility and criteria for India OCI application

To be eligible for an OCI application, you must be a foreign national and meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. Indian Citizenship:

  • Were a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after January 26th, 1950.
  • Were eligible to become a citizen of India on January 26th, 1950.

2. Territorial Connection:

  • Belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15th, 1947.

3. Descendants of Indian Citizens

  • A child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a citizen.

4. Minors

  • Are a minor child of such persons mentioned above.
  • Are a minor child and both parents are citizens of India or one parent is a citizen of India.

5. Spouses

  • Spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India
  • Spouse of foreign origin of an OCI cardholder provided their marriage has been registered and subsisted for at least two years immediately preceding the application.

How to Apply for an Indian OCI card?

If you’re planning to apply for an Indian OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, Visas for Future can guide you through the process to make it a smooth experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application:

  • Visit Visas for Future
  • Click on “GET INDIA OCI NOW”
  • Fill out the order form by providing your Name, Email, phone number, Place of submission, and the Mission or embassy for your offline application.
  • Pay the fee
  • Complete the online application form: Fill in all details accurately and upload necessary documents (digital copies).
  • Carefully review your information before submitting your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new rules for OCI card holders in India?

There are no major “new” rules for OCI cardholders in India. However, there have been some recent updates and clarifications to existing regulations that are worth mentioning:
1. Re-issuing OCI cards due to new passports:
If your OCI card is linked to an old passport with a “U” sticker and you have a new passport, you can re-issue your OCI card online by submitting your new passport details. No need to apply for a new one and pay associated fees.

2. Temporary Landing Permit for OCI cardholders:
If you arrive in India with only your OCI card and not your old passport bearing the “U” visa sticker, you may be granted a temporary landing permit for 30 days.
This permit can be extended up to 180 days by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) after verification of your OCI status.
This provides flexibility for OCI cardholders who may have misplaced or forgotten their old passport.

3. Clarification on registration requirements:
For OCI cardholders residing in India for more than 180 days in a year, registration with the FRRO remains mandatory.
However, there have been clarifications that short visits or temporary stays for less than 180 days do not require registration.

4. Ease of applying for Indian citizenship:
OCI cardholders meeting specific criteria can now apply for Indian citizenship through a simplified process.
This includes residing in India for 12 months out of the five years preceding the application and having registered as an OCI cardholder for at least five years.

5. Ongoing development of online services:
The OCI Services portal is continuously being upgraded to provide more online services for OCI cardholders.
This includes features like address change, renewal application initiation, and tracking application status.

How long does it take to apply for OCI in India?

The OCI application processing time is 2 business days and the OCI card will be delivered within 7-11 weeks after the application is processed

Can I travel to India without my OCI?

Carrying your OCI card is recommended for OCI cardholders even if it’s not mandatory for entry. Non-OCI cardholders require a valid visa to enter India, except for citizens of visa-free countries.

Can I stay in India permanently with OCI?

Yes, you can stay in India permanently with an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card. It allows you to reside in the country for an indefinite period. This means you don’t have any specific restriction on the duration of your stay and can essentially consider India your permanent home.


  1. Embassy of India, Manila, Philippines. (2021, April 22). Www.eoimanila.gov.in. https://www.eoimanila.gov.in/eoi.php?id=oci/ [] []
  2. Embassy of India, Manila, Philippines. (2021, April 22). Www.eoimanila.gov.in.<https://www.eoimanila.gov.in/eoi.php?id=oci/> []
  3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2023, from <https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-07/oci-faq.pdf> []

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Wences Orcales
Written by

Wences has been working home-based for 7 years in the Visa industry. As a content writer in Visas for Future, she makes sure the information she provides is useful for her readers. Once a quarter she does visa fulfillment for Turkey and India visas. She makes sure that clients are satisfied with their orders through customer service. She loves learning new things and hates procrastination.

Glen Vidania
Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

Glen Vidania
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MLA Style

Orcales, Wences. "Indian OCI Card Application Requirements." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/india-oci-application-requirements/. Accessed on 5 October 2023.

Chicago Style

Orcales, Wences. "Indian OCI Card Application Requirements." Visas For Future. October 5, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/india-oci-application-requirements/.

Published: 5 Oct 2023 12:40 UTC

Last modified: 23 Mar 2024 7:22 UTC

Reading time: 10 minutes

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