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🇮🇳 India

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card Visa

The OCI card provides persons of Indian origin with a lifelong multiple-entry visa, exemption from FRRO registration, and parity with NRIs in economic, financial, and educational fields. Over 4 million individuals hold OCI cards as of 2025. Eligible applicants include former Indian citizens, their children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren, and spouses of Indian citizens or OCI holders (after 2+ years of registered marriage). OCI holders can own residential property (not agricultural land), invest in Indian markets, and use it as ID for PAN cards, driving licenses, and bank accounts. However, OCI is not full citizenship—holders cannot vote, hold constitutional posts, or possess an Indian passport. India does not permit dual nationality. The new OCI portal launched May 2025 simplifies applications, and Fast Track Immigration e-gates are now at 8 major airports.

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Processing Time

30-60 days via ociservices.gov.in or VFS Global

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Cost

$275 (varies by country and processing center)

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Duration

Lifelong; renewal only when passport is renewed (once after age 20)

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Work Rights

Parity with NRIs in employment; no constitutional posts

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Renewability

Lifelong validity with minimal renewal requirements

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Path to Permanent Residence

Yes

Requirements

  • 1Indian origin (citizen, child/grandchild/great-grandchild of citizen)
  • 2OR spouse of Indian citizen/OCI holder (2+ years marriage)
  • 3Renunciation Certificate (for former citizens)
  • 4Not from Pakistan, Bangladesh, or specified countries
  • 5No criminal record or ongoing investigation
  • 6Valid foreign passport

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