OCI Card for Adults

General Information on OCI

1. The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme was introduced by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955 in August 2005. The Scheme provides for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) of all Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on 26th January, 1950 or thereafter or were eligible to become citizens of India on 26th January, 1950 except who is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify.
2. A registered Overseas Citizen of India is granted multiple entry, multipurpose, life-long visa for visiting India, he/she is exempted from registration with Foreign Regional Registration Officer or Foreign Registration Officer for any length of stay in India, and is entitled to general ‘parity with Non-Resident Indians in respect of all facilities available to them in economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties’. 
3. For more details, you can view & download the Indian Government’s brochure for OCI.
4. Know your correct jurisdiction before applying, and ensure you apply at the correct Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC). For more details, refer to the “How to Apply” section or “Jurisdiction” section.
5. Consular surcharge of EUR 3 shall be levied on all OCI services and must be paid along with OCI fee and service fee, as specified in the fee details section.
6. Applicants coming to the Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) for application submission must have a prior appointment, and must visit the ICAC at the designated date and time only, as per the appointment letter. Applicants coming in without an appointment will not be entertained.
7. Fees submission at the Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) can be made through cash.
8. Applicants must ensure that they have all the supporting documents, as mentioned in the “Documents Checklist” section. Incomplete applications will not be accepted at the Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC).
9. Applicants will receive periodic SMS alerts during differeny stages of the application process. Applicants are advised to use the “Track Application” page to know the current status of the application process.

Processing Time:

1. For persons of Indian Origin: 8-10 weeks from the date of the submission of the completed application at Alankit ICAC.
2. Foreign Spouse Category: There is no fixed timeline for processing of OCI applications under Foreign Spouse category as processing time depends on receipt of clearances from various authorities in India.

Eligibility:

1. Citizen of another country but was citizen / eligible to become citizen of India on or after 26.1.1950.
2. OR Minor child of above person.
3. Citizen of another country but belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947; OR
   who is a child / grandchild / great grandchild of above person; OR
4. Minor child whose both / one of the parents are / is a citizen of India; OR
5. Spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India / OCI cardholder and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than 2 years immediately preceding the presentation of the application.
6. NO PERSON WHO OR EITHER OF WHOSE PARENTS/GRANDPARENTS/GREAT GRAND PARENTS IS OR HAD BEEN A CITIZEN OF PAKISTAN OR BANGLADESH SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION AS AN OCI CARDHOLDER.
7. FOREIGN MILITARY OR POLICE PERSONNEL EITHER SERVING/RETIRED WILL NOT BE REGISTERED AS OCI CARDHOLDER.

Biometrics:

1. Capturing of biometrics of fingerprints & face in case of OCI card applicants is mandatory. The applicants are required to give biometrics at Alankit ICAC at the application stage itself, i.e. document verification stage, and if for any reason the applicant is not able to give the biometrics at the application stage, this may be given in writing to Alankit ICAC.
2. In all cases where biometrics are captured at the application stage, the applications for registration as OCI cardholders would be acknowledged on the online module only after the biometrics are captured and uploaded on the system.
3. Biometrics captured would be valid for next 5 years from the date of enrolment. Applicants with no fingerprints or poor fingerprints will be exempted and only facial traits would be captured for them. Applicants with less number of fingers shall give fingerprints of existing fingers only. Applicants above 70 years of age or below 12 years of age would be exempted from biometric capturing.

Guidelines for Re-issuance of OCI Cards:

1. An OCI cardholder is required to get OCI card re-issued ONLY once when new passport is issued after completion of 20 years of age. For this purpose, the OCI cardholder should submit an application under OCI miscellaneous services with the required fee, as mentioned in the Fees Details section. Click Here to see the screenshot for assistance.
2. In other cases, an OCI cardholder may upload a copy of the new passport containing the photo of the passport holder and the latest photo on the online portal each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. These documents may be uploaded by the OCI cardholder within 3 months of receipt of the new passport. This service is provided gratis.
3. In the case of those who have been registered as OCI cardholder as spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or an OCI card holder, the OCI card holder is required to upload a copy of the new passport containing the photo of the passport holder and also the latest photo on the online system under OCI miscellaneous services each time a new passport is issued. In such cases, the OCI cardholder and his/her Indian spouse or OCI cardholder spouse are required to give a declaration that their marriage is still subsisting. Copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse/passport and OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse are required to be also uploaded in such cases. These documents may be uploaded by the OCI cardholder foreigner spouse within 3 months of receipt of his/her new passport. This service is provided gratis.
4. Immediately on uploading the required documents, an email will be automatically sent to the OCI cardholder confirming that the documents have been successfully acknowledged. Subsequently, upon clearance from the concerned Indian authority, an acknowledgment through email will be sent automatically to the OCI cardholder informing that the updated details have been taken on record.
5. There will be no restriction on the OCI cardholder to travel to/from India during the period from the date of issue of new passport till the date of final acknowledgment of his / her documents in the online system.

OCI Misc services can also be availed by OCI cardholders for the following reasons:

1. Change of personal particulars. (In case of change of nationality, he / she can be permitted to enter / exit on the strength of the OCI Card and valid passport of the new nationality provided the new nationality is not of that of Pakistan or Bangladesh)
2. Loss / damage of OCI card.
3. Filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting online application.
4. Change of address / occupation of the OCI cardholder.

Follow the below steps in order to apply for OCI:

1. Create an account (Register yourself) on Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website. Click Here to register.
2. Login to the Indian Government’s Online OCI Services portal. Follow these steps:
   1. Select the type of service required
   2. Complete the application online (Part A and Part B).
   3. Upload documents (self-attested), photograph, [not less than 51×51 mm with 80% coverage of face, light colour background (not white), without border, front view, minimum dimensions are 200 x 200 pixels and maximum dimensions are 900 pixels x 900 pixels] and signature [in case of minors who cannot sign, left-hand thumb impression is required]. Photograph and signature must be in JPEG/JPG format with max size 200 KB.
3. Book your appointment online at Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website. You can choose a convenient date and time to visit the Alankit ICAC for your application submission. Click Here to book your appointment online.  
4. Ensure that you carry all your documents, exactly as per the “Documents Checklist” section. 
5. Visit the Alankit ICAC, as per your jurisdiction. The address and location of the ICAC will be clearly mentioned in the appontment letter. 
6. Kindly ensure you reach Alankit ICAC 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. 
7. Submit your application and deposit your fees at Alankit ICAC. You can check the fee for this application under the “Fee Details” section. 
8. Enroll for Biometrics at Alankit ICAC, if required.
9. Your application submission process is now complete! You can avail our Courier service to get your OCI card delivered to your doorstep!
10. While your application is in process, you can track your application to know the current stage of your application process. Click Here to track your application online.  

You can refer to the below Step-By-Step diagram to understand and follow the application process.

Documents Checklist

• Printed copy of the duly filled application form at https://ociservices.gov.in/ . 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 https://ociservices.gov.in/
• 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 here to download.
• Print and enclose the Applicant Consent Form. Click Here to 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

FAQ’s for OCI Services

1. Who is eligible to apply for OCI card?
   • A foreign national, who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 and his/her children and grand children, provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or other under the local laws, is eligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such person are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.
2. I am a person of Indian origin as my parents were born in undivided India before partition. After partition, they briefly held Pakistani citizenship before moving to foreign country. Am I eligible for an OCI card?
   • No. If the applicant, or his/her parents or grand-parents have ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for an OCI card.
3. Is a Renunciation Certificate compulsory before I apply for an OCI Card? What is the procedure to apply for a Renunciation Certificate? How long does it take to issue it?
   • Yes, a Renunciation Certificate is compulsory before applying for an OCI card. You can apply for renunciation certificate through the website. Click Here for procedure of Renunciation/Surrender Certificate
4. My spouse is a foreign national of non-Indian origin. I hold an OCI Card. Is my spouse entitled to an OCI Card? What about my children?
   • Yes, the spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A 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, can apply for an OCI card. Minor children whose both parents are citizens of India or one of whose parents is a citizen of India are eligible to apply for an OCI Card.
5. Are foreign military personnel of Indian origin eligible for OCI cards?
   • No, foreign military personnel either in service or retired are not entitled for grant of OCI. No person who has earlier served in a foreign military organization is eligible for an OCI card.
6. What are the benefits available to an OCI Card holder?
   • An OCI card holder gets the following benefits:
     • A multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India.
     • Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.
     • Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields as per the relevant Acts, except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
     • OCI can be used as identity proof for application of PAN Card and driving license as well as for opening a bank account if the OCI card holder is residing in India.
7. What are the benefits to which an OCI card holder is NOT entitled to?
   • The OCI Card holder is not entitled:
     • to vote
     • to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India
     • to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc
     • OCI cardholder shall also require Protected Area Permit (PAP) / Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit any place which falls within the Protected/Restricted Area notified by the Government as in the case of any other foreigner.
     • He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government to undertake any Missionary work, Mountaineering and Journalism without prior permission of the Govt. of India
     • OCI cardholder shall also require Protected Area Permit (PAP) / Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit any place which falls within the Protected/Restricted Area notified by the Government as in the case of any other foreigner
8. Can foreign nationals, who are not otherwise eligible for OCI, get OCI if they are married to persons who are eligible for OCI?
   • Yes, the spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A 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.
9. Are Minor children eligible for OCI Card?
   • Yes, minor children whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India are eligible for OCI Card.
10. Whether civil Govt. servant working in Ministry of Defense as IT engineers/civil contractors entitled for OCI?
    • No
11. I have recently acquired a new passport; do I need to re-issue my OCI card?
    • OCI Card renewal is only required once after acquiring a new passport after turning 20 years of age.
12. If I do not have to reissue OCI card do I need to register my new passport on OCI portal?
    • Yes. Your are required to update the OCI database within 3 months of the issue of a new passport. Once the application has been submitted, you will receive an automated email  to your registered email id, confirming that the database has been updated. It normally takes about 4 weeks.
13. I have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. Is there any minimum validity specified for my foreign passport?
    • You will be allowed entry into India if you have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. You do not need to carry the old passport on which your “U” (OCI) Visa was stamped, if that happens to be different from your current passport.
14. Can an OCI Card holder renounce his OCI status?
    • Yes, he/she has to declare their intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Indian Mission/Post where OCI registration was granted.
15. Can I travel to India with just my OCI Card, or should I also carry the passport which contains the ‘U’ Visa (OCI Visa)?
    • No need to carry the passport which contains the U visa, Vide circular No. 26011/06/2015-OCI dated 29th January, 2015 of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has decided that, all immigration authorities in India will not insist on production of the foreign passport containing the ‘U’ Visa Sticker in the case of OCI Cardholders while they enter/exit India and the immigration clearance will be granted based on production of just the valid OCI card, accompanied by a valid passport (which may not have the U visa sticker).
16. What are the miscellaneous services available to the OCI card holder at Alankit ICAC?
    • The following miscellaneous services are available at Alankit ICAC:
      • Reissue of OCI card in case of issuance of new passport after completing 20 years of age.
      • Reissue of OCI card in lieu of Loss/damaged OCI card
      • Reissue of OCI card due to change of personal particulars like Change of name,  viz. name, father’s name, nationality etc.
17. Who can avail the OCI Miscellaneous services?
    • Only a registered Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder can avail the OCI Miscellaneous Services.
18. Under what circumstances can the OCI Miscellaneous services be availed?
    • OCI Miscellaneous services can be availed for re-issuance/issuance of duplicate OCI Registration Certificate and Visa in the following category of cases:
      • In case of issuance of new passport (refer to the condition according to one’s age)
      • In case of change of personal particulars viz. nationality etc.
      • In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa.
      • If wrong personal particular is filled in the online application viz. name, father’s name, date of birth etc.
      • In case of manually filled in applications (discontinued now) mistakes have been committed by the Indian Mission/Post/Office while entering the personal particulars.
      • In case of change of address/occupation
19. What should be done for issuance of duplicate OCI Card in case of loss of OCI Card?
    • In case of loss of OCI documents, file a complaint with the Police authorities. Apply online for reissue of OCI under lost category.
20. What are the consequences of furnishing wrong information or suppressing material information?
    • All the applications will be subject to pre or post enquiry depending on whether any adverse information is voluntarily reported in the application or not. If the Government comes to the know that any false information was furnished or material information was suppressed, the registration as OCI already granted shall be cancelled by an order under section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The persons will also be blacklisted thereby banning his/her entry into India.
21. Can a person registered as an OCI Cardholder travel to protected area/restricted area without permission?
    • No. He / she will be required to obtain Protected Area Permit / Restricted Area Permit for such visits.
22. Do the Indian civil / criminal laws apply to persons registered as OCI?
    • Yes, for his / her period of stay in India.
23. Can a person registered as an OCI be granted Indian citizenship?
    • Yes. As per the provisions of section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a person who is registered as an OCI for 5 years and is residing in India for 1 year out of the above 5 years, is eligible to apply for Indian Citizenship.