Yes, you can live and work in India indefinitely, and enjoy the same economic, financial, and educational rights as Non-resident Indians. An OCI card is a permanent residency status that allows people of Indian origin and their spouses to live and work in India without any restrictions.1 However, there are some exceptions where you need to obtain a special permit from the authorities before working in India. These include:1
- You don’t need a separate work visa: The OCI card grants you the right to live and work in India indefinitely. However, it doesn’t automatically entitle you to any specific job or field of employment.
- Special permits might be required: Since 2021, OCI cardholders need special permits from the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for certain types of work, including:
- Research activities
- Journalistic activities
- Internships or employment with foreign diplomatic missions or foreign government organizations
- Working in areas that require security clearance, such as defense, atomic energy, and space.
- No restrictions on most other jobs: For most other jobs, you can work without obtaining any additional permits. However, some companies might have internal policies that restrict hiring OCI cardholders.
If you want to work in any of these fields, you need to apply for a special permit from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) in India.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- The type of work matters: Certain professions like agriculture, retail, and some services are restricted to foreigners, including OCI cardholders.
- Taxation: You’ll be subject to the same income tax rates as Indian citizens if you earn income in India.
- Consult official sources: It’s always best to consult the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs or seek professional guidance from an immigration lawyer for the latest and most accurate information on working with an OCI card.
If you want to work in India using an OCI Card, Visas for Future provides that service for you. Our application process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. Eligible applicants should complete an easy-to-follow online application form, pay the required fee, and submit the necessary documents, including a scanned copy of their passport and a passport-size photo.
Our service will process your application within two business days, and your OCI card will be delivered to you within seven to eleven weeks. Moreover, if you encounter any difficulties or have any queries while applying, our dedicated customer support team is always on hand to provide assistance.
What We’re Offering
If you are a foreign national of Indian origin, you may want to consider applying for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, our service will process your application within two business days, after which you will receive your OCI card within seven to eleven weeks.
Why choose us
Our order forms are easy and simple.
We validate your application.
We answer your questions.
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What types of jobs can OCI card holders do in India?
While having an OCI card grants you the right to live and work in India indefinitely, it does come with some limitations regarding job opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of what types of jobs you can and cannot do as an OCI cardholder:
Jobs you can do:3
- Most private sector jobs: This includes a wide range of professions across various industries, such as IT, finance, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and more. As long as the job doesn’t fall under restricted categories, you can work without special permits.
- Self-employment: You can start your own business or be a freelancer in most fields.
- Certain specific jobs with special permits: You can now undertake research activities, engage in journalism, or work for foreign diplomatic missions or foreign government organizations, but you need to obtain a special permit from the FRRO for these roles.
Additional factors to consider:
- Company policies: Even for jobs open to OCI cardholders, some companies might have internal policies limiting the hiring of non-citizens.
- Skill and experience: Your qualifications and pro
What are the restrictions for OCI card holders working in India?
OCI cardholders enjoy the right to live and work in India indefinitely, but there are some restrictions and limitations to be aware of when it comes to employment.
General Restrictions:4
- Government jobs: OCI cardholders cannot hold positions in government agencies, public sector undertakings, ministries, or the armed forces.
- Civil servants
- Public sector employees
- Armed forces personnel
- Police officers
- Judges
- Diplomats
- Certain professions: Some sectors like agriculture, retail trading, and certain services are restricted to foreigners, including OCI cardholders.
- Agriculture
- Retail trading
- Private security agencies
- Legal practice (advocates in Indian courts)
- Medical professions (doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists) in some instances, depending on state regulations.
- Architecture and chartered accountancy in some instances, requiring special permission or specific qualifications.
Specific Job Requirements:4
- Research activities, journalism, and work with foreign diplomatic missions/organizations: While you can engage in these activities, you need to obtain a special permit from the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) beforehand.
Benefits of having an OCI card for working in India
Having an OCI card offers several advantages for working in India, opening doors to exciting career possibilities and a fulfilling professional life. Here are some key benefits to consider:5
Employment Freedom
- Wide range of jobs: Unlike regular visas with restricted job categories, an OCI card grants you the right to work in most private sector jobs across various industries like IT, finance, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. You can leverage your skills and experience without limitations in most fields.
- Self-employment: You can pursue entrepreneurial ventures and start your own business or work as a freelancer in most fields. This allows you to be your boss and build a career on your terms.
Convenience and Flexibility
- No separate work visa needed: Unlike foreigners requiring specific work visas, your OCI card acts as a lifelong work permit, eliminating the need for additional visa applications and paperwork.
- Travel ease: You can seamlessly travel in and out of India for work purposes without facing visa renewal hassles. This flexibility allows you to attend international conferences, collaborate with global teams, and participate in professional development opportunities abroad.
Additional Perks
- Competitive edge: As an OCI cardholder, you understand the Indian cultural context and speak the local language, potentially giving you an edge over foreign candidates in certain job markets.
- Investment opportunities: You can invest in businesses and ventures within India, further strengthening your professional and financial ties to the country.
- Long-term stability: Unlike regular visas with expiry dates, the OCI card provides the security of long-term residency and career prospects in India.
Rules and regulations that apply to OCI cardholders who want to work in India
General Rights and Restrictions:6
- Right to work: OCI cardholders have the right to work in most private sector jobs in India without a separate work visa. However, they are not eligible for government jobs or positions in public sector undertakings, ministries, or the armed forces.
- Certain professions are restricted: You cannot work in sectors like agriculture, or retail trading, and some services are restricted for foreigners.
Special Requirements for Specific Roles:6
- Research activities, journalism, and work with foreign diplomatic missions/organizations: While you can engage in these activities, you need to obtain a special permit from the FRRO beforehand.
Additional Considerations:6
- Company policies: Even for unrestricted jobs, some companies might have internal policies limiting the hiring of non-citizens.
- Taxation: You’ll be subject to the same income tax rates as Indian citizens if you earn income in India.
- Visa registration: For stays exceeding 180 days in a single visit, you need to register with the local FRRO.
- Compliance with FEMA regulations: If your work involves foreign direct investment (FDI), you need to comply with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations.
Requirements and Procedures for OCI card holders to work in India
Having an OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card grants you the significant advantage of living and working in India indefinitely. However, some specific requirements and procedures apply to ensure a smooth and compliant professional journey.6
General Eligibility:
- OCI card: This is the primary document granting you the right to work in India.
- Valid passport: Your passport from the country of your citizenship must be valid for the duration of your intended stay and work in India.
Job-Specific Requirements:
- Most private-sector jobs: OCI cardholders can work in a wide range of professions across various industries like IT, finance, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. No additional permits are required for these roles.
- Special permits: Certain professions like research, journalism, and work with foreign diplomatic missions/organizations require obtaining special permits from the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) before commencing work.
- Government jobs and restricted professions: OCI cardholders are not eligible for government jobs, positions in public sector undertakings, ministries, or the armed forces. They are also restricted from working in sectors like agriculture, retail trading, and some services reserved for Indian citizens.
Can an OCI cardholder register a company in India?
Yes, an OCI cardholder can register a company in India, but with some important points to consider.
OCI cardholders are treated on par with foreign nationals regarding company registration in India.
You can be a shareholder, director, or even the sole proprietor of a company.
Types of Companies
You can register various types of companies, including:
- Private Limited Company (PLC)
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- One Person Company (OPC) (Exceptions apply)
Limitations
- One-Person Company (OPC): OCI cardholders are not eligible to form an OPC in India. This type of company is meant for resident Indian citizens only.
- Certain Industries: Some sectors like agriculture, retail trading, and certain services might have restrictions for foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders.
What are the new rules for OCI card holders in India?
There haven’t been any major updates to the OCI cardholder regulations in India. However, some clarified processes and existing rules should be noted:7
Re-issuing OCI cards for new passports:
You now only need to re-issue your OCI card once when switching to a new passport after turning 20 years old. Previously, re-issuance was required after every new passport change.
Entering India with OCI card and new passport:
If you have a new passport but haven’t re-issued your OCI card reflecting the updated passport info, you can still enter India for up to 180 days with both documents.
Employment with OCI card:
The 2021 requirement for special permits for specific job types (research, journalism, diplomatic work) still applies.
Other existing limitations:
You cannot vote, hold certain constitutional positions, or serve in some government entities like the military.
Certain professions like agriculture and retail might be restricted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in India if I have an OCI?
If you have an OCI card, you can stay in India for as long as you want.
Can OCI holders buy property in India?
Yes, OCI cardholders can buy property in India, with some exceptions and regulations to be aware of.
- Embassy of India, Manila, Philippines. (2022). www.eoimanila.gov.in. <https://www.eoimanila.gov.in/eoi.php?id=oci> [↩] [↩]
- Ministry of Home Affairs. (n.d). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-07/oci-faq.pdf [↩] [↩]
- Ministry of Home Affairs Foreigners Division. (2021). Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Cardholder. <https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/OCIIntroduction_23072021.pdf> [↩]
- Ministry of Home Affairs Foreigners Division. (2019). Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Cardholder. <https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/Introduction_15112019.pdf> [↩] [↩]
- Ministry of Home Affairs Foreigners Division. (2019). Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Cardholder. Frequently Asked Questions. <https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/3OCIcardholder_FAQs_15112019.pdf> [↩]
- Ministry of Home Affairs. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). <https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-07/oci-faq.pdf> [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
- India Law Offices LLP. (2021). New Rules and Restrictions for OCI Card Holders. Indialawoffices.com. <https://www.indialawoffices.com/legal-articles/new-rules-and-regulations-for-oci-card-holders> [↩]
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Written by
Rosalie Santos 
Rosalie is a content writer who loves to learn and share knowledge. She has a background in education and teaching, which helps her write clear, accurate, and engaging content. She writes about travel, culture, and education topics. She also handles Turkey and India visa applications, which she learned from Lei Achumbre, the COO of Visas for Future and a visa expert. She fulfills visa orders and answers customer service questions once a quarter.
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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.
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MLA Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Can I Work in India with an OCI Card?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/oci-card-employment-in-india/. Accessed on 5 October 2023.
Chicago Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Can I Work in India with an OCI Card?." Visas For Future. October 5, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/oci-card-employment-in-india/.