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Apply for India OCI online

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Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

  • Unlimited stay.
  • Multiple entries.
  • $368 fee (Including Government fee).
  • You can apply for the card in two (2) business days, but receiving it will take 7-11 weeks.
  • Form validation included.
  • We plant a tree for every OCI sold.

1.2 million visas processed and 7 years of experience


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What is an India OCI?

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin and their spouses, allowing them to live and work in India indefinitely. It will give the cardholders a lifetime entry to the country and benefits such as owning land and making other investments.

The Overseas Citizenship of India Act of 1955 is part of the Citizenship Act 1955. It is a provision that allows certain persons of Indian origin to register as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. OCI cardholders are entitled to some rights and privileges in India, but they are not full citizens of India.

India OCI slider

OCI Eligibility Criteria

A foreign national is eligible for registration as an OCI cardholder if he/she:

  • was a citizen of India at the time of or any time after 26th January 1950.
  • was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January 1950.
  • belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August 1947.
  • is a child or a grandchild or a great-grandchild of such a citizen.
  • is a minor child of such persons mentioned above.
  • is a minor child whose parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India
  • is a spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the application’s presentation.

Click here for the Requirements of India OCI

The documents required for an India OCI are as follows:

In case of applications for registration as Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder in lieu of PIO card, only copies of the following documents to be attached:

  1. Valid passport of the applicant
  2. Valid PIO card of the applicant.

In case of a fresh application for registration as OCI Cardholder, following documents are to be attached:

  1. Proof of present citizenship: A Copy of a current valid passport (applicable in all cases) with a validity of at least six months at the time of application submission.
  2. If their Indian origin is claimed as the basis for registration as an OCI Cardholder, evidence of a relationship as a parent/grandparent/great-grandparent is required. The document of the relationship could be a “Birth Certificate” issued from a competent authority mentioning both parents’ names. If a foreign authority has problems with the birth certificate, it must be apostilled or endorsed by the concerned Indian Mission abroad.
  3. If the application is submitted in India, a copy of any type of Visa (other than a Missionary Visa, Tourist Visa, or Mountaineering Visa) or residential permit with three months’ validity as of the date of application must be provided.
  4. Evidence of self or parents or grandparents or great grandparents being a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950 or being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950 or belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August 1947. These could be:
    • Copy of the Indian Passport or
    • Copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the Competent Authority or
    • Copy of Nativity Certificate from the Competent Authority or
    • OCI Card/ PIO card of parents/ spouse along with the documents upon which the OCI/ PIO card was issued or
    • Is there any other proof substantiating the request? Usually, the applicant submits a certificate of residence or place of birth for himself/herself/parents/grandparents from the concerned place’s First Class Magistrate/District Magistrate (DM).
  5. If their Indian origin is claimed as the basis for registration as an OCI Cardholder, evidence of a relationship as a parent/grandparent/great-grandparent is required. The document of the relationship could be a “Birth Certificate” issued from a competent authority mentioning both parents’ names. In case a foreign authority issues the birth certificate, it must be Apostilled or endorsed by the concerned Indian Mission abroad.

In the case of a minor child whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India:

  1. Copy of child’s birth certificate.
  2. Copy of Indian passport of the parents / one of the parents or copy of the Domicile Certificate or Nativity Certificate issued by the Competent Authority in respect of the parents/ one of the parents or any other proof substantiating the status of the parents/ one of the parents as being Indian citizen(s).
  3. If the parents are divorced, a court order of dissolution of marriage specifically mentions that the child’s legal custody is with the parent who is applying for the OCI card.

Evidence as spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI Cardholder:

  1. Registered marriage certificate indicating that the marriage occurred before two years on the date of application. and,
    • In the case of the spouse of an Indian citizen – A copy of the Indian Passport of the spouse or a copy of the Domicile Certificate or Nativity Certificate issued by the Competent Authority in respect of the Indian spouse or any other proof substantiating the status of the spouse as being an Indian citizen, or
    • In the case of the spouse of an OCI Cardholder, a copy of the spouse’s present valid Passport, a copy of the spouse’s OCI Card, and copies of the documents upon which the OCI Card was issued to the spouse.
  2. In case of applications submitted to the Indian Mission/ Post abroad, the OCI registration fee is US$275 (US$100 for conversion of PIO to OCI card) for each application, or an equivalent amount in local currency to be paid by way of Demand Draft (until an online payment facility is introduced).
  3. In case of applications submitted in India, a fee of Rs.15,000/—(Rs. 5500/—for conversion of PIO to OCI card) is payable by Demand Draft drawn in favor of “Pay and Accounts Officer (Secretariat), Ministry of Home Affairs, payable at New Delhi (until an online payment facility is introduced).

Applicant’s image and Applicant’s signature image

  1. Both the images must be in jpeg or jpg format, with a maximum size of 1MB.
  2. The height and width of the Applicant’s Photo must be equal.
    • The minimum dimensions are 200 pixels (width) x 200 pixels (height).
    • The maximum dimensions are 3500 pixels (width) x 3500 pixels (height).
  3. The height and width of the Signature Photo must have an aspect ratio of 1:3
    • The minimum dimensions are 200 pixels (width) x 67 pixels (height).
    • The minimum dimensions are 200 pixels (width) x 67 pixels (height).

Benefits of being a Registered OCI Card Holder

Benefits of being a registered Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholder:

  • Visa-free travel and long-term stay: OCI cardholders can visit India for any purpose and stay for as long as they want without requiring separate visas. This is a significant benefit, especially for those who wish to spend extended periods in India for business, leisure, or to visit family and friends. 
  • Exemption from registration with police: Unlike regular foreign visitors, OCI cardholders are not required to register with the police for their stay in India. This saves time and hassle, especially for those who plan to travel frequently to India.
  • Economic and educational opportunities: OCI cardholders have parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in various financial and academic fields. This means they can invest in property, start businesses, and pursue higher education in India on the same terms as NRIs. 
  • Opening bank accounts: OCI cardholders can open bank accounts in India, which can help manage their finances and investments.
  • Purchasing immovable property: OCI cardholders can purchase immovable property in India, such as houses and apartments. This is a significant benefit for those who want to invest in India or have a place to stay when they visit. 

Other benefits: OCI cardholders are also eligible for several other benefits, such as:

  • Exemption from paying airport departure tax
  • Eligibility for concessional railway fares
  • Ability to apply for a PAN card (a permanent account number required for financial transactions in India)
  • Ability to register for Aadhaar card (a unique identification number for Indian residents)

How to order

Fill out the application form.

Submit payment.

Answer intake questions.

Receive your OCI card within 7 to 11 weeks!


Why Choose an Agent

Our order forms are easy and simple.

We validate your application.

We answer your questions.

We plant a tree!


What are the Types of OCI?

There are two types of India OCI: regular OCI and OCI in lieu of PIO.

  • Regular OCI is for those eligible for OCI based on their own or their ancestors’ citizenship or eligibility for Indian citizenship. They can apply for OCI online or at the Indian consulate or embassy in their country of residence. They must provide proof of their Indian origin, such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate.
  • OCI in lieu of PIO is for those with a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card, a previous scheme for granting visa-free entry to India for people of Indian origin. They can apply for OCI in lieu of PIO online or at the Indian consulate or embassy in their country of residence. They must provide their PIO card and foreign passport.

How we’re different

We’ll plant a tree for every product sold. Our vision is to support communities and the environment by offering services to the public. For every product sold, we’ll plant a tree. We do this with local help to support local economies and communities. This is in opposition to mass tourism, which sucks the soul out of destinations. This also opposes greedy international corporations, whose only concern is shareholder profit.

We do this with the help of One Tree Planted. A portion of every purchase goes to a reforestation or urban forestry project.

We hope that, by succeeding, we can have a future that we hope for, not dread.


What You’ll Get

When you order the India OCI processing service from us, you will receive the following:

India OCI Card

We will give you one India OCI Card for every person you order.

Tree planting certificate

For every order, we will plant a tree. The certificate thanks you for your contribution and details of the reforestation project you supported.

VFF certificate

Cost and Processing Time for OCI

  • It costs a $368 fee (Including a Government fee).
  • You can apply for the card in two (2) business days, but receiving it will take 7-11 weeks.

Duration and Validity of the OCI

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card has no specific duration or validity. It is considered a lifelong visa, meaning you can use it to enter and stay in India for as long as you want, multiple times, as long as the card remains valid.

However, there are a few essential points to remember about the validity of the OCI card itself:

  • The card needs to be renewed every ten (10) years. This renewal process is relatively simple and can be done online or through the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.
  • Failure to renew the card will render it invalid. You will still be eligible to apply for a new OCI card, but the process will be more complex and require additional documentation.
  • While the OCI card grants you an indefinite stay in India, each specific visit is subject to a duration of stay determined by the Immigration authorities at the port of entry. This duration is usually between 180 days and five (5) years, and it’s stamped on your passport upon arrival.

Click here for the Step-by-step process of OCI Online Application

Step 1: Click on “Get India OCI now”

Step 2: Fill out the order form by providing your name, email, phone number, and nationality.

Step 3: Pay the visa fee using a debit, credit card, or PayPal.

  • Review your application details and proceed to payment.

Step 4: Answer intake forms correctly.

Step 5: Upload the required documents.

Step 6: Submit application

  • Carefully review your application once more and submit it.

Step 7: Receive your eVisa

  • If approved, you’ll receive your OCI via email within seven (7) to eleven (11) weeks.
  • Print your OCI and carry it with you during your travel.

What is the Re-Issuance of the OCI Card?

 There are several reasons why you might need to reissue your OCI card:

  • Your card is lost or stolen: If your OCI card is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to the nearest Indian embassy or consulate and apply for a reissue.
  • Your card is damaged: If your card is damaged beyond repair, you must apply for a reissue.
  • Your personal information has changed: If your name or other personal information on your card has changed, you must apply for a reissue.
  • Your card has expired: As mentioned earlier, OCI cards don’t have a specific duration, but they need to be renewed every ten years. This process essentially involves reissuing a new card with updated information and validity.

Click here for the India OCI renewal process

The term “renewal” can be interpreted in two ways for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card:

1. Renewing the validity of the OCI card:

  • While the OCI card is considered a lifelong visa with no specific end date, it requires renewal every ten years to maintain its validity. This process re-issues a new card with updated information and a new validity period.
    • Step 1: Click on “Get India OCI now”
    • Step 2: Fill out the order form by providing your name, email, phone number, and nationality.
    • Step 3: Pay the visa fee using a debit, credit card, or PayPal.
      • Review your application details and proceed to payment.
    • Step 4: Answer intake forms correctly.
    • Step 5: Upload the required documents.
    • Step 6: Submit application
      • Carefully review your application once more and submit it.
    • Step 7: Receive your eVisa
      • If approved, you’ll receive your OCI via email within seven (7)eleven (11) weeks.
      • Print your OCI and carry it with you during your travel.

2. Updating passport details linked to your OCI card:

  • If you have obtained a new passport since your existing OCI card was issued, you can update the passport details associated with the card. This is NOT a complete renewal but rather an update to ensure your travel documentation aligns.
    • Here’s how to update: Apply online through the OCIServices website under “OCI Miscellaneous Service” and select “Passport particulars updation.”
    • Upload your new passport photo, signature, and current OCI card copy.
    • This process is free of charge and takes approximately seven days.

OCI Card Sample


Click here to Know more about Miscellaneous Services for the OCI Card

The Miscellaneous Services for the OCI refer to a specific category within the online portal for OCI cardholders called OCIServices. This category provides options to update or change your OCI card information without applying for a complete renewal. Here are the primary Miscellaneous Services available:

1. Update Passport Details

  • This service allows you to update your passport information linked to your OCI card if you have obtained a new passport since your existing card was issued.
  • It involves uploading a copy of your new passport photo and signature electronically.

2. Change in Personal Particulars

  • This service covers updating your personal information on your OCI card, such as name, father’s name, nationality, etc., due to marriage, adoption, or other legal changes.
  • It requires submitting relevant documentation to support the change.

3. Change in Address/Occupation

  • This service lets you update the address and occupation details associated with your OCI card.
  • You can submit the updated information online and upload relevant documents like utility bills or employment certificates.

4. Urgent Travel

  • If you have urgent travel needs and don’t have a valid passport, you can apply for an appropriate visa through this service.
  • Remember, this is not a substitute for a valid OCI card and is intended for emergencies only.

 India OCI Frequently Asked Questions

Can OCI holders live permanently in India?

Those with OCI status can live permanently in India, but it is essential to note the following details. Firstly, OCI holders are not considered Indian citizens and, therefore, do not have the same privileges.

Can you own a house in India with OCI?

Yes, OCI cardholders can own a house in India. This is one of the critical benefits of the OCI program, allowing individuals of Indian origin and their spouses to invest in property in the country. 

What is the difference between OCI and NRI?

OCI and NRI are both statuses related to individuals of Indian origin residing outside India, but they have significant differences:
OCI: Not Indian citizens: OCI holders hold foreign passports and are not considered Indian citizens. They do not have voting rights or the right to hold public office in India.
NRI: Indian citizens: NRIs are Indian citizens who reside outside India for various reasons like work, education, or business. They retain their Indian citizenship and passports.

Can OCI holders inherit property in India?

Yes, OCI holders can inherit property in India, with some essential points to consider:
OCI holders can inherit residential and commercial properties in India, including houses, apartments, and office spaces.
However, they cannot inherit agricultural land or farmland, as their purchase is prohibited for OCI cardholders.

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