General Information about Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)
The OCI Scheme was introduced in August 2005 through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955. It allows Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to register as Overseas Citizens of India, provided they were citizens of India on or after January 26, 1950, or were eligible to become citizens on that date. However, this is not applicable to current or former citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country specified by the Indian Government via official notification.
An individual who is registered as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) is granted:
- A life-long, multiple-entry, multipurpose visa for visiting India.
- Exemption from registration with the Foreign Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreign Registration Officer (FRO), regardless of the duration of stay in India.
- Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in most economic, financial, and educational areas except for the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
For further reference, applicants are encouraged to download the Indian Government’s official OCI brochure.
Applicants must ensure they apply through the correct Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) based on their jurisdiction. For assistance, refer to the “How to Apply” or “Jurisdiction” sections.
A consular surcharge of EUR 3 is applicable to all OCI services. This must be paid along with the OCI fee and service fee, as listed in the Fees Details section.
Appointments are mandatory. Applicants must schedule an appointment and appear at the ICAC strictly at the designated date and time. Walk-in applicants without prior appointments will not be entertained.
Payments at the ICAC are accepted in cash only.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to carry all necessary supporting documents, as outlined in the Documents Checklist. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
During the application process, applicants will receive SMS updates at different stages. To track progress, applicants should regularly check the “Track Application” page.
Processing Time
- For Persons of Indian Origin: Approximately 8-10 weeks from the date the complete application is submitted at Du Digital ICAC.
- For Foreign Spouse applicants: There is no specific timeline; processing depends on the receipt of clearances from various Indian authorities.
Eligibility Criteria
A person is eligible for OCI if they:
- Are a citizen of another country but were an Indian citizen or eligible to be one on or after 26.01.1950,
- Are a minor child of such an individual,
- Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 08.1947,
- Are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a person,
- Are a minor child whose one or both parents are Indian citizens,
- Are the foreign-origin spouse of an Indian citizen or an existing OCI cardholder, with a registered marriage that has subsisted for at least 2 years before applying.
Not Eligible:
- Anyone who is or has been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, or whose parents/grandparents/great-grandparents were.
- Foreign military or police personnel, whether active or retired.
Biometric Requirements
- Biometric capture (fingerprints & facial scan) is mandatory at the time of application submission at Du Digital ICAC.
- If biometrics cannot be provided at the time of application, applicants must submit a written explanation.
- Applications are acknowledged in the online system only after biometrics are uploaded.
- Captured biometrics are valid for 5 years from the date of enrollment.
- Individuals over 70 years or under 12 years are exempt from biometric capture.
- Applicants without fingerprints or with fewer fingers will undergo facial scan only or submit available fingerprints.
Guidelines for Re-issuance of OCI Cards
An OCI card must be re-issued once when a new passport is issued after the age of 20. The OCI cardholder must apply under OCI Miscellaneous Services and pay the applicable fees (see Fees Details section). A screenshot guide is also available for help.
For applicants:
- Below 20 years or above 50 years, a re-issuance is not required. Instead, they must upload a copy of their new passport (with photo) and latest personal photo on the online portal within 3 months of receiving the new passport. This update is free of charge.
For foreign spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders:
- They must upload the new passport and recent photo each time a new passport is issued.
- Additionally, they must submit a declaration confirming their marriage is still subsisting, along with copies of:
- Indian passport of the Indian spouse, or
- OCI card and passport of the OCI cardholder spouse.
Once uploaded, an automated email will confirm receipt of the documents. Another email will be sent once the updated details are officially recorded.
During this interim period (between receiving the new passport and final acknowledgment), OCI cardholders can still travel to/from India without restriction.
OCI Miscellaneous Services
OCI cardholders can use these services for the following reasons:
- Change in personal details, such as name or nationality
(except if the new nationality is Pakistan or Bangladesh) - Loss or damage of OCI card
- Incorrect information provided during initial application
- Change in address or occupation
Follow the below steps in order to apply for OCI
- Register
Create an account on the Du Digital Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website.
👉 [Click here to register]
- Apply Online
Log in to the Indian Government’s Online OCI Services portal and follow these steps:
- Select the type of service required
- Complete the application (Part A & Part B)
- Upload self-attested documents, photograph, and signature
📌 Photo Guidelines:
- Size: Not less than 51×51 mm
- 80% face coverage, light background (not white), no border, front view
- Dimensions: Min 200×200 px, Max 900×900 px
- Format: JPEG/JPG, Max size: 200 KB
📌 Signature Guidelines:
- Format: JPEG/JPG, Max size: 200 KB
- For minors unable to sign: left-hand thumb impression
- Book Appointment
Schedule your visit on the Du Digital ICAC website by selecting a suitable date and time.
👉 [Click here to book your appointment]
- Visit ICAC
- Bring all required documents as per the Documents Checklist
- Go to the correct ICAC based on your jurisdiction (details in your appointment letter)
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Submit Application & Pay Fees
Submit your documents and pay the applicable fees. Check the Fee Details section for exact charges.
- Enroll Biometrics
Provide fingerprints and facial biometrics at ICAC, if required.
- Done!
Your OCI application is now submitted. You may opt for our Courier Service to receive your OCI card at your home.
- Track Application
Track your OCI application status anytime.
👉 [Click here to track your application]
Documents Checklist
- Printed copy of the duly filled application form at
http<Du Digital Global portal> . The application should be signed by the applicant at appropriate places. - 02 recent photographs of size 51mm x 51mm. application forms with photo of wrong specifications would be rejected. Photo specifications can be checked at
http<Du Digital Global portal> - Copy of Proof of Current address in Germany (City Registration/ Meldebesatigung / Anmeldung / personalauweis).
- Copy of the Certificate for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship/Surrender of Indian Passport issued by Indian Embassy/Consulate/RPO.
- Copy of the last Indian passport.
- Copy of Nationality Certificate (Einbuergerungsurkunde).
- Copy of present foreign passport.
- Additional Documents (if Applicable)
- Self-attested copies of the marriage certificate and spouse passport (In case spouse name is not mentioned in the surrendered Indian Passport)
- In case change of name, Name change certificate issued by concerned government authority.
- Incase of Change in appearance – Declaration to be provided
- Print and enclose duly filled checklist. Click hereto download.
- Print and enclose the Applicant Consent Form. Click Hereto download the Application Consent Form.
Note:
- Kindly note that the applicant must submit his/her application in-person at the concerned ICAC centre and sign the application in front of the ICAC Counter Staff. Applications through Post will not be accepted for this service.
- The applicant must bring all the original of the requisite documents for verification.
Note: If any additional documents is required based on the application, the applicant have to provide the same.
Fees Details
Note:
If fingerprint or facial biometrics—or both—are not required for the selected service, the corresponding biometric charges will be deducted from the total fees payable by the applicant.
| Service | OCI Fee | ICWF Fee | Du Digital Service Fee | Fingerprint Biometric Fee | Facial Biometric Fee | Total Fee |
| Fresh OCI Card for Adult who earlier held Indian passport | EUR 251.00 | EUR 3.00 | EUR 4.53 | EUR 0.01 | EUR 0.01 | EUR 258.55 |
Disclaimer: The Indian Embassy and Consulates in South Korea reserve the right to update fees in accordance with directives from the Indian Government, without prior notice. While efforts are made to publish the latest and correct fees, discrepancies may occur. In such cases, applicants may be required to pay the difference, even after submitting their applications.
