An Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card is a permanent residency document issued by the Government of India to people of Indian origin and their spouses. It allows the cardholders to live and work in India indefinitely without the need to apply for a visa. OCI cardholders also have several other benefits, such as the right to own property in India and to travel to and from India without restrictions.
German citizens can easily apply for an Overseas Citizen of India Card (OCI) with Visas for Future.
Step 1: Go to Visas for Future and select India OCI then click “Get India OCI Now“
Step 2: Complete the online application form by providing:
- Personal information.
- Place of submission.
- Email.
Step 3: Pay the fee using credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) or debit cards (Visa or MasterCard).
Step 4: Complete the intake form by providing your passport number, travel dates, travel plans, accommodation preferences, and the cities of intended arrival and departure.
Step 5: Thoroughly review your personal information, intake form answers, and uploaded documents before submitting your application to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Applying for an India OCI Card can be made simpler with the assistance provided by Visas for Future. The application process is straightforward; after submission, our service will process your application within two business days, and you can expect to receive your OCI card within seven to eleven weeks. Our dedicated customer support team is always available if you encounter any difficulties or have questions while applying.
What We’re Offering
If you are a German 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.
- Unlimited stay.
- Multiple entries.
- $368 fee (Including Government fee).
Why choose us
Our order forms are easy and simple.
We validate your application.
We answer your questions.
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Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Guidelines for Germans
The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) program allows individuals of Indian origin, who are now citizens of other countries, to stay in India for an extended period without a visa. Germans who qualify can apply for an OCI card, which grants them several benefits, including:
- OCI cardholders enjoy visa-free entry and unlimited stay in India as long as their OCI card and passport are valid.
- Multiple entry to India.
- Business or employment opportunities in India without a separate work visa.
- Ownership of immovable property in India.
- Access to educational institutions in India.
Who is Eligible to Obtain an OCI Card?
The following people are eligible for an India Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card:1
- A foreign national who was a citizen of India on or at any time after 26th January 1950; or
- A foreign resident who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January 1950; or
- A foreign resident who belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August 1947; or
- A child or a grandchild or a great-grandchild of such a citizen; or
- A minor child of such persons mentioned above; or
- A little child whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India
All of the above are eligible to register as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). However, holding Indian and German citizenship simultaneously is not allowed. Additionally, the minor children of such individuals are also eligible for OCI.
A spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizenship of India Cardholder and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application is also eligible for registration as OCI cardholder.
Who is not Eligible to Obtain an OCI Card?
Several categories of individuals are not eligible for an OCI card, regardless of their nationality:1
1. Former citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh: If you, your parents, or grandparents ever held citizenship of Pakistan or Bangladesh, you are ineligible for an OCI card. This is due to the historical context surrounding the partition of India in 1947.
2. Foreign military personnel: Active or retired members of foreign military forces, including their spouses and minor children, are not eligible for OCI cards.
3. Individuals with criminal records: If you have been convicted of a serious offense in any country, you may be ineligible for an OCI card. The specific offenses that bar eligibility are not explicitly defined but are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
4. Individuals with adverse immigration history: If you have previously overstayed your visa or violated any immigration laws in India, you may be ineligible for an OCI card.
5. Individuals residing in India on tourist, missionary, or mountaineering visas: While in India on these specific visa types, you cannot apply for an OCI card. You must be residing outside of India on a non-tourist visa to be eligible.
6. Individuals who hold Indian citizenship simultaneously: Having Indian citizenship automatically disqualifies you from holding an OCI card, as the latter is meant for non-Indian citizens of Indian origin.
7. Individuals deemed a threat to national security: The Indian government reserves the right to deny an OCI card to any individual deemed a threat to national security or public order.
8. Minor PIO children whose one parent is an Indian national and the other is ineligible for OCI.
Restrictions of an OCI Cardholder
While the OCI card offers several benefits, certain restrictions apply to OCI cardholders. Here are some key points to remember:2
Political and Governmental Restrictions
- Voting and holding public office: OCI cardholders cannot vote in Indian elections or hold any elected or appointed office in the government.
- Constitutional posts: They are ineligible for holding high constitutional positions like President, Vice President, or Supreme Court and High Court judges.
Employment and Business Restrictions
- Certain government jobs: OCI cardholders cannot hold certain government jobs, such as those related to defense, security, or sensitive public services.
- Foreign diplomatic missions: They require prior permission to take up employment in foreign diplomatic missions or organizations within India.
Other Restrictions
- Protected/Restricted Areas: OCI cardholders may need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit certain areas considered sensitive for national security reasons.
- Research and certain activities: Research, missionary, mountaineering, and journalism activities may require prior permission from the competent authorities.
- Land ownership: While owning immovable property is permitted, restrictions may apply to agricultural land or specific locations.
General Restrictions
- Registration requirement: Upon arrival in India, OCI cardholders must register with the nearest FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) within a specified timeframe.
- Tax obligations: OCI cardholders may be subject to income tax and other financial liabilities depending on their income and activities in India.
OCI card application requirements for German Adults/Minors
The application requirements for an OCI card differ slightly between German adults and minors.
Requirements for German Adults3
General Requirements
- Completed online application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (50x50mm).
- Original and copies of a current German passport and any previous Indian passport (if applicable).
- Proof of Indian origin, such as birth certificate, parents’ passports, marriage certificate, or PIO card.
- Proof of address in Germany (residence permit, utility bill).
- Application fee paid through prescribed methods.
Additional Requirements for Specific Cases
- Spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder: Marriage certificate and spouse’s Indian passport/OCI card copy.
- Children of OCI cardholders: Birth certificate and parent’s OCI card copy.
- Individuals born before 15th August 1947: Proof of Indian origin of your ancestor born before 15th August 1947.
Requirements for German Minors3
General Requirements
- Completed application form signed by both parents or legal guardian.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (50x50mm).
- Original and copies of the current German passport.
- Proof of Indian origin through parents’ documents mentioned above.
- Proof of address in Germany (parents’ residence permit, utility bill).
- Application fee paid by parents or legal guardian.
Additional Requirements for Specific Cases
- Minors below 6 years: One parent’s signature on the application form is sufficient.
- Minors who cannot sign: Both parents/guardians should sign the application form and thumbprint the minor’s signature box.
OCI Card Processing time
Typically, it takes around two (2) business days for the standard processing of an OCI card. However, the final card is usually received within a period of seven to eleven weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Germany allow dual citizenship with India?
No, Germany does not generally allow dual citizenship with India. If you become a German citizen, you will typically be required to renounce your Indian citizenship and vice versa.
Do OCI holders need a visa in India?
No, OCI cardholders do not need a visa to enter India. The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card essentially functions as a lifelong visa, granting its holder several benefits.
Can I live in India with an OCI card?
Yes, you can live in India with an OCI card.
- Consulate General of India, Frankfurt, Germany. (2020, June 30). Cgifrankfurt.gov.in; Consulate General of India. <https://cgifrankfurt.gov.in/pages/1ff1de774005f8da13f42943881c655f> [↩] [↩]
- OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP OF INDIA (OCI) CARDHOLDER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs). (2021). <https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/OCIFAQs_23072021.pdf> [↩]
- Consulate General of India Munich, Germany. (2022). Cgimunich.gov.in. <https://cgimunich.gov.in/pages/NDcz> [↩] [↩]
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Cite this article
MLA Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Overseas Citizen of India Card (OCI) for Germans 2024." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/oci-card-india-germany/. Accessed on 6 October 2023.
Chicago Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Overseas Citizen of India Card (OCI) for Germans 2024." Visas For Future. October 6, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/oci-card-india-germany/.