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What is an OCI Card (Overseas Citizenship of India)?

The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is an important document for people of Indian origin who want to live and work in India. If you want to learn more about OCI Card, keep reading this article. We'll elaborate on the meaning, list the benefits, and help you understand the simple steps to obtain this card. We're here to provide you with all the information and support you need. Get your India OCI now with our assistance and simplified application process.

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OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) is not a citizenship of India. It is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin and their spouses which allows them to live and work in the country indefinitely. The OCI card is a documentation conferring Overseas Citizenship of India status upon individuals eligible due to their Indian origin. It is not full citizenship, but a form of permanent residency that allows some rights and privileges in India, such as visa-free travel, work and study opportunities, and property ownership.1

If you’re planning to get an OCI Card, consider applying for an Indian OCI here at Visas for Future. The online application process is simple – just click here, fill out the form, pay the fee, and submit all required information. Our team of experts will then review your application on your behalf. Beyond the quick processing of your Indian OCI, you can also contribute to the environment by planting a tree.  For every OCI we sell, we’ll plant a tree in your name.


What We’re Offering

We offer a processing service for 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.

  • Grants unlimited stay in India.
  • Multiple entries.
  • $368 fee (Including Government fee).
  • Form validation included.
  • We plant a tree for every OCI sold.

Why choose us

Our order forms are easy and simple.
We validate your application.
We answer your questions.
We plant a tree!

Who is eligible to obtain the OCI Card?

Eligibility criteria for OCI card:2

  • A foreign national who was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e., 26th January 1950; or
  • A foreign national who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January 1950; or
  • A foreign national 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 minor child whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India.

Requirements for Issuance of the OCI Card 

The documents required for an India OCI are as follows:3

  • Proof of present citizenship.
  • Evidence of address of the place of application.
  • In case the application is submitted in India, a copy of any long-duration Visa is required.
  • Evidence of self or parents or grandparents or great grandparents.
  • Evidence of relationship as parent/ grandparent/great-grandparent, if their Indian origin is claimed as basis for registration as OCI Cardholder.
  • In the case of a 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
    • Marriage Certificate of parents (if no marriage certificate is available, reasons for same to be indicated)
    • 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).
    • If the parents are divorced, the court orders the dissolution of marriage, which specifically mentions that the legal custody of the child is with the parent who is applying for the OCI Card. If the court order is in any foreign language, translation in English or Hindi by an authorized translator is to be enclosed.
  • Evidence as spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign.
  • Origin of an OCI Cardholder.

How to apply for an OCI card online? 

To apply for an India OCI, you will need to:

  1. Go to Visas for Future website then click the ‘’Get India OCI Now’’ button.
  2. Fill out the order form by giving your personal details, email address, and nationality
  3. Pay the $368 fee. You can pay the OCI fee using a credit card or debit card.
  4. Answer the Intake form correctly by providing your travel details and passport information.
  5. Upload a passport-size photograph ensuring that it complies with government guidelines, along with a copy of your passport. Please ensure that the photograph is in JPEG format.
  6. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email. You should keep this email for your records.

Fees, Validity, and Processing time of the OCI Card

OCI Card Fees

The fees for an OCI card here at Visas for Future is $368, inclusive of the government fee.

OCI Card Validity

An OCI card is valid for a lifetime with multiple entries to India.2

OCI Card Processing Time

The processing time for an OCI card is typically 2 business days; however, it will take 7-11 weeks to receive the finalized card.

What are the benefits of obtaining an OCI card?

OCI cardholders enjoy a range of benefits, including:

  1. Unrestricted Travel to India: OCI cardholders possess a lifetime, multiple-entry visa, granting them unlimited access to India for any purpose.
  2. Freedom from Local Police Registration: OCI cardholders are exempt from registering with local police authorities for any duration of stay in India.
  3. Equal Opportunities with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): OCI cardholders are treated on par with NRIs in terms of economic, financial, and educational opportunities. This includes access to banking services, property acquisition (except agricultural or plantation properties), educational admissions, and participation in government housing schemes.
  4. Identity Proof for Various Applications: OCI cards can be used as valid identity proof for applications such as PAN cards, driving licenses, and bank account openings for OCI card holders residing in India.

The Limitations of the OCI Card

Here are some of the limitations of the OCI card:

  1. Voting Rights: OCI cardholders cannot cast their votes in Indian elections.
  2. Political Office: OCI cardholders are not eligible to hold positions in the Indian Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, or Parliament.
  3. Constitutional Positions: OCI cardholders cannot hold constitutional offices such as the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court, or High Court, etc.
  4. Government Employment: OCI cardholders are generally not eligible for employment in the Indian government.
  5. Certain Activities: OCI cardholders require prior permission from the Indian government to engage in missionary work, mountaineering, or journalism.
  6. Restricted Areas: OCI cardholders, like other foreign nationals, need Protected Area Permits (PAP) or Restricted Area Permits (RAP) to visit areas designated as Protected or Restricted by the Indian government.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I stay in India with OCI?

OCI cardholders can stay in India for an unlimited time.2

What is the difference between an OCI card and an Indian visa?

An OCI card is a permanent residency status granted to individuals of Indian origin and their spouses, while an Indian visa is a temporary authorization granted to foreign nationals to enter and stay in India for specific purposes. OCI cardholders enjoy a lifetime multiple-entry visa for India, allowing unlimited travel and stay in the country. They are exempt from registration with local police authorities and treated on par with non-resident Indians (NRIs) in financial, economic, and educational spheres. Indian visas, on the other hand, have varying durations depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. Indian visa holders typically enjoy the right to stay in India for the authorized period and engage in activities permitted under the visa category.

Can I travel to India without an OCI card?

Yes, you can travel to India without an OCI card, but you will need to obtain a visa depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. 


  1. Embassy of India, Manila, Philippines. (2022, June 12). Www.eoimanila.gov.in. https://www.eoimanila.gov.in/eoi.php?id=oci/ []
  2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-07/oci-faq.pdf [] [] []
  3. Embassy of India, Manila, Philippines. (2021, April 22). Www.eoimanila.gov.in. https://www.eoimanila.gov.in/eoi.php?id=oci/ []

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Jenilyn Samortin
Written by

Jenilyn Samortin is an Environmental Science graduate and a content writer at Visas for Future, a company that supports reforestation and urban forestry projects. She is an expert at e-visas and travel documents, such as India e-visa and Turkey e-visa, which she handles and assists customers every quarter. She loves helping people with their international travel needs and providing them with the latest information, tips, and guidance on how to apply online.

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

Samortin, Jenilyn. "What is an OCI Card (Overseas Citizenship of India)?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/what-is-oci-card-for-india/. Accessed on 10 October 2023.

Chicago Style

Samortin, Jenilyn. "What is an OCI Card (Overseas Citizenship of India)?." Visas For Future. October 10, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/what-is-oci-card-for-india/.

Published: 10 Oct 2023 9:08 UTC

Last modified: 23 Mar 2024 6:36 UTC

Reading time: 7 minutes

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