NRI and family desk
OCI card: what to do, and when.
An Overseas Citizen of India card is a lifelong visa for people of Indian origin who hold a foreign passport. Most problems come from not updating it after a new passport.
Last updated: Reviewed by IndiaDigital editorsSources
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What to know, in order
- Apply only on the official OCI services portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs, then submit papers at the Indian Mission or its outsourced centre where you live.
- New passport after age 20: the OCI card is re-issued once. Other new passports: upload the new passport and a photo on the portal; no new card.
- OCI gives multiple entry for life and no police registration for any length of stay.
- OCI does not give the right to vote, government jobs or the right to buy farm land, a farm house or a plantation.
- You need a special permit for research, mission or religious work, mountaineering, journalism and visits to protected or restricted areas.
Questions people ask
My child got a new passport. Do we need a new OCI card?
Below 20, update the new passport details on the OCI portal each time. Re-issue of the card is needed once, when the first new passport is issued after the age of 20.
Can an OCI cardholder buy a flat?
Yes, residential or commercial property. Not agricultural land, a farm house or a plantation, except by inheritance.
Is OCI dual citizenship?
No. India does not allow dual citizenship. OCI is a lifelong visa with some rights.
Sources
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