Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Services

 FAQs for OCI Card

1. Who is eligible for an OCI Card?

A foreign national, who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.1.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.1.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.8.1947 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 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. Who was eligible to become Citizen of India on 26.1.1950?

Any person who or either of whose parents or any of whose grand-parents was born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 (as originally enacted), and who was ordinarily residing in any country outside India was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.1.1950.

3. Which territories became part of India after 15.8.1947 and from what date?

The territories, which became part of India after 15.8.1947 are:

4. Can the spouse of the eligible person apply for OCI?

Yes, if he  /she is eligible in his / her own capacity.

5. Can children of parents, wherein one of the parents is eligible for OCI, apply for OCI?

Yes. They are eligible.

6. In what form should a person apply for OCI and where are they available?

A family of spouse and up to 2 minor children can apply (together) online.  For registering online please visit the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi at http://mha.nic.in  Visit “Citizen Services” box and view OCI information under “Foreigners Division”.  Please use Internet Explorer for doing Online Registration. Other browsers may have a problem saving the data in the application.  The OCI form can also be filled up offline (click here for the form). 

7. Can application form be filled and submitted online?

Yes, registration is online. Once registered, application form(s) should be printed and its hard copy (one set) with  photo affixed thereon,  should be handed over in person at the Counter of  the Embassy of India, Brussels on any working day between 0930hrs and 1130 hrs.  Please do keep a copy of  the OCI application (also note down the reference number) before submitting  the OCI application at the Embassy. 

8. Is prior appointment required for submission of OCI application?

No. OCI application can be submitted on any working day of the Embassy of India, Brussels between 0930 hours and 1130 hours.

9. What documents have to be attached with the application?

The following documents shall be enclosed with each application:

(1) Proof of present citizenship (Copy of passport and Copy of resident card of Belgium / Luxembourg).

(2) Evidence of self or parents/grandparents/great grandparents :-

    (a) Being eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January, 1950; or
    (b) Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947; or
    (c) Being citizen of India on or after 26th January, 1950.

    These could be:-

    (i) Copy of the Indian passport; or
    (ii) Copy of the domicile certificate issued by the Competent authority; or
    (iii) Any other proof.        

(3) If the applicant was himself / herself holding an Indian passport, copy of surrender certificate from an Indian mission is to be enclosed with the application.  If a surrender certificate has not been taken previously please present the Indian passport for cancellation and for acquisition of a surrender certificate (click here for form for surrender certificate) before applying for an  OCI Card.   In addition, if foreign nationality has been acquired on or after 1st June, 2010, a declaration of renunciation of Indian citizenship is required to be submitted (click here for form for declaration of renunciation of Indian citizenship) before applying for an OCI Card.  If the applicant who was previously holding an Indian passport has not taken a surrender certificate from any Indian mission in the past and is unable to present the last held Indian passport due to any reason (lost or misplaced or surrendered to an Indian mission without getting a surrender certificate etc. ),  he / she is required to submit an affidavit in the prescribed proforma (available at the Counter of Embassy of  India, Brussels) before applying for an OCI Card.  Similarly, if an applicant never possessed an Indian passport (eg. a minor born outside India), he / she or the minor’s parent is required to submit an affidavit in the prescribed proforma (available at the Counter of Embassy of India, Brussels)

[Erstwhile Indian nationals, who have not collected a surrender certificate from any Indian Embassy in the past may do so on payment of € 25 + € 3 ICWF surcharge, if foreign nationality was acquired prior to 1st June, 2010. If foreign nationality was acquired on or after 1st June, 2010, surrender certificate and declaration of renunciation of Indian citizenship may be taken on payment of € 183 + €3 ICWF surcharge, (see under “Certificates issued on the basis of a valid passport”) Affidavits mentioned above are to be submitted on payment of € 12 + € 3 ICWFsurcharge]

(4) Evidence of direct link to parent / grand parent, if their Indian origin is claimed as basis for grant of OCI Card (Copy of  passports, birth certificates etc.)

(5) Hard copy of the OCI application form already registered online (please register online for speedy process of OCI applications) or duly completed form offline  (click here for the form).  One photo to be pasted (not stapled) on the application form and an additional photo to be given (not to be stapled / pasted).

(6) A PIO Card holder, seeking conversion of PIO Card to an OCI Card, should submit a copy of his / her PIO Card.

10. How many copies of application have to be submitted?

A single copy of the application has to be submitted.

11. Whether applicant(s) have to go in person to submit the application(s)?

Yes. The applicant(s) based in Belgium / Luxembourg have to submit the application(s) in person at the Counter of Embassy of India, Brussels on any working day between 0930 hrs and 1130 hrs.  The applicant(s) based in Luxembourg have the option of  applying online and submitting  the hard copy of their application with the Honorary Consul General of India, Luxembourg.  The applicant(s) based in Antwerp have the option of  applying online and submitting  the hard copy of their application with Antwerp Indian Association.

12. Can a person apply in the country where he is ordinarily residing?

Yes.

13. What are the consequences of furnishing wrong information or suppressing material information?

All applications will be subject to pre or post enquiry, depending on whether any information is available, pointing to false material is provided. If the Government comes to 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 banning his/her entry into India.

14. What is the fee for application for registration as OCI?

The fee for an applicant is € 216 + € 3 ICWF surcharge, to be paid in cash at the counter of Embassy of India, Brussels. For conversion of a PIO Card into an OCI Card, the fee is:

€ 20 + € 3 ICWF surcharge, for adults; and,

€ 114 + € 3 ICWF surcharge, for minors (less than 18 years).

Fee is payable in cash only.

15. What is the time taken for registration as OCI?

Within 30 days of the application, if there is no adverse information available against the applicant. In case any adverse information is available against the applicant, the decision to grant or otherwise is taken within 4 months from the date of receipt of the application. Once the online status shows as “granted and reached Embassy of India, Brussels” (also the file number will be updated in Arrival details of OCI Card) please enquire over telephone (02-6451850 Ext 129) for collection of the OCI Card on any working day of the Embassy of India, Brussels, during collection hours (1645 hrs to 1715 hrs).  

16. What documents are required to be presented before collection of the OCI Card?

(i)  A valid passport

(ii) PIO Card (if any)

(iii) Old OCI Card and old passport (if applying for OCI Miscellaneous service)

17. How can an OCI Card be collected?

An OCI Card can only be collected in person from the Embassy of India, Brussels on presentation of the documents listed at Serial No. 16 of the FAQs for OCI Card.

18. If the registration as OCI is not granted, what amount will be refunded?

An amount of € 25 will be charged as processing fee, and the balance amount of € 191 shall be refunded.

19. Can a PIO cardholder apply?

Yes, provided he / she is otherwise eligible for grant of OCI like any other applicant.

20. Will the PIO Cardholder be granted OCI registration gratis?

No.

21. Will the PIO card be honoured till the time they are valid even after acquisition of OCI?

No. The PIO card will have to be surrendered to Indian Mission / MHA for grant of OCI registration certificate (i.e. OCI Card) and OCI ‘U’ visa sticker.

22. What will be issued after registration as OCI?

A registration certificate in prescribed format (i.e. OCI Card) will be issued and a multiple entry, multi-purpose OCI Universal “U”  Visa  Sticker will be pasted on the national passport of the applicant.   

23. Will a separate OCI passport be issued?

No. 

24.  Is carrying of OCI Card sufficient for entry into India?

No.  The OCI Card holder must carry the following documents:-

25. Will a duplicate certificate of registration as OCI be issued?

Yes. Please see the procedure for OCI Miscellaneous services.

26. Will a new OCI visa sticker be issued on the new national passport after the expiry of the old passport?

Yes, it is mandatory for those under 21 and above 50.  For details,  please see under “OCI Miscellaneous services”

27. Will the applicant lose his / her citizenship after registering as OCI?

No. Only citizens of the country, which allows dual citizenship under the local laws in some form or the other, are eligible for applying for registration as OCI.

28. Can a person holding OCI travel to protected area / restricted area without permission?

No. He / She will be required to seek Protected Area Permit (PAP)/ Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for such visits.

29. Would the Indian civil/criminal laws be applicable to persons registered as OCI?

Yes, during the period that the OCI holder is living in India.

30. Can a person registered as OCI be granted Indian citizenship?

Yes.  A person registered as OCI (i.e. having an OCI Card) is eligible to apply for grant of Indian citizenship under section 5(1)(g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 if he / she is registered as OCI  for five years and has been residing in India for one year out of the five years before making the application.

31. Will OCI be granted gratis to certain categories of people?

No.

32. Can OCI be granted to foreign nationals who are not eligible for OCI, but married to persons who are eligible for OCI?

No.

33. Will foreign born children of Persons of Indian Origin be eligible to become OCI?

Yes, provided one of the parents is eligible to become OCI.  If both parents are Indian passport holders or if one parent is an Indian passport holder and the other parent is not eligible for an OCI Card,  then the children of such parents are  not eligible for OCI Cards.

34. What are the benefits of an OCI Card?

Following benefits will be allowed to an OCI Card holder:-

35. Will any other benefit be granted to the OCI?

Any other benefits to OCIs will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under Section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

36. Can an OCI be entitled to apply for and obtain a normal Indian Passport, which is given to a citizen of India?

No, an Indian Passport is only given to an Indian citizen.  The Constitution of India does not permit the facility of holding Indian Citizenship simultaneously with a foreign citizenship.  The OCI Card holder would therefore not be entitled to vote, be a member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament, cannot hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court etc. and he / she cannot normally hold employment in the Government. 

37. If a person is already holding more than one nationality, can he / she apply for OCI?

Yes, as long as the local laws of at least one of the countries allow dual citizenship in some form or other.

38. What are the advantages of OCI when compared to PIO cardholders?

(i)      An OCI is entitled to life long visa free travel to India (new OCI Card and “U” visa sticker is required for those under 21 and above 50 years – please see under OCI miscellaneous services for details) whereas for PIO cardholder, the period of visa free travel is 15 years.

(ii)    A PIO cardholder is required to register with local Police authority for stay exceeding 180 days in India on any single visit whereas an OCI is exempted from registration with Police authority for any length of stay in India.

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39. Can a person renounce OCI?

Yes. He / She has to declare intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Indian Mission / Post where OCI registration was granted. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission / Post shall issue an acknowledgement in Form XXIIA.

  Checklist for OCI Card

(1)    Copy of Surrender of Indian passport Certificate / Renunciation Declaration / Affidavit(see Sl. No. 9 of FAQs – OCI Card)

(2)    Duly filled in OCI form, alongwith enclosures, in duplicate (see Sl. Nos.6, 7, 9 & 10 of FAQs – OCI Card)

All columns to be typed or handwritten legibly, preferably in capital letters.

(3)    Signatures / thumb impression (for non school going applicants) to be affixed within the signature box in the first page of the OCI form.

(4)     Where applicable, evidence of direct link to the person of Indian origin (copies of passports / birth certificates / OCI cards or PIO Cards).  For a minor (below 18 years), copy of birth certificate and copies of passports of parents are mandatory.        

(5)    Copy of current passport.

(6)    Copy of Resident Card of Belgium / Luxembourg

(7)    Prescribed fee for an OCI Card (€ 216 + € 3 ICWF surcharge, or € 20 + € 3 ICWF surcharge, or € 114 + € 3 ICWF surcharge – see Sl. No. 14 of FAQs)

(8)     Prescribed fee for Surrender Certificate (€ 25 + € 3 ICWF surcharge)  / Renunciation Declaration (€ 183 + € 3 ICWF surcharge) / Affidavit (€ 12 + € 3 ICWF surcharge) (see Sl. No. 9 of FAQs – OCI Card).  The fee is not to be paid in case the applicant  is already in possession of a Surrender Certificate / Renunciation Declaration / Affidavit.

(9)    For collection of OCI Card,  (see Sl. Nos. 16 & 17 of FAQs – OCI Card)

Processing time for issuance of an OCI Card

Ordinarily it takes 30 working days for issuing an OCI Card. Please see Sl. No. 15 of FAQs – OCI Card.

OCI Miscellaneous Services

FAQs – OCI Miscellaneous Services

1. Who can avail the OCI Miscellaneous services?

Only a registered Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) can avail the OCI Miscellaneous Services.  

2. Under what circumstances can the 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:

(i) In case of issuance of new passport.
(ii) In case of change of personal particulars viz. nationality etc.,
(iii) In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa.
(iv) In case of filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting online applications viz. name, father’s name, date of birth etc.,
(v) In case of manually filled in applications where mistake(s)  has / have been committed by the Embassy.
(vi) In case of change of address/occupation  

3. How to avail the services?

The services can be availed by applying Online and submitting one hard copy of the application along with the requisite fee and enclosures as mentioned in the application to the Embassy of India, Brussels. However, in case of change of  address/occupation, hard copy of the application need not be submitted.  

4. Whether a family can apply in the same form?

No. Each person has to individually apply online for availing the services.  Please visit the website of Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi at http://mha.nic.in  Visit “Citizen Services” box and view OCI information (see OCI Miscellaneous Services)  under “Foreigners Division”.  Please use Internet Explorer for doing Online Registration. Other browsers may have a problem saving the data in the application.  The OCI Miscellaneous form can also be filled up offline (click here for the form). 

5. How many copies of the application have to be submitted?

Only one copy should be submitted.

6. Whether the applicant has to go in person to submit the application?

Yes. The applicant(s) based in Belgium / Luxembourg have to submit the application(s) in person at the Counter of Embassy of India, Brussels on any working day between 0930hrs and 1130 hrs.  The applicant(s) based in Luxembourg have the option of  applying online and submitting  the hard copy of their application with the Honorary Consul General of India, Luxembourg.  The applicant(s) based in Antwerp have the option of  applying online and submitting  the hard copy of their application with Antwerp Indian Association.

7. What is the fee for availing the services?

The fee is € 20 + € 3 ICWF surcharge, for re-issuance of OCI documents (on issuance of new passport or for change of any particulars as mentioned at Sl. No. 2 of FAQs for Miscellaneous Services). In case of issuance of duplicate OCI documents (for loss/damage of old documents), the fee is € 79 + € 3 ICWF surcharge.  

8. Whether the fee would be refunded in case the requisite service(s) are not granted?

No.  

9. Is prior appointment required for submission of OCI Miscellaneous application?

No. OCI Miscellaneous application can be submitted on any working day of the Embassy of India, Brussels between 0930 hours and 1130 hours.

10. What documents have to be enclosed along with the application?  

(i) Copy of OCI Card and visa

(a) In case of issuance of new passport, copy of U-visa pasted on the old passport along with copy of OCI Card has to be enclosed. If the old passport is not returned by the concerned authorities while issuing new passport and copy of the U-visa had not been taken prior to the surrender of old passport, they may not be enclosed. A copy of new passport also to be enclosed.

(b) In case of loss of OCI Card and/or Visa, copy of the complaint lodged with Belgian / Luxembourg Police authorities and copy of visa and OCI Card to be enclosed. If a copy of the OCI Card and/or visa was not taken prior to the loss, they may not be enclosed.

(c) In case of change of personal particulars (due to change by the applicant or wrong filling of particulars by the applicant or Indian Mission/Office), copy of the document (s) relevant for affecting the requisite changes to be enclosed.  

(ii) Fees  

(a) € 20 + € 3 ICWF surcharge, for re-issuance of OCI documents in case of issuance of new passport, change of personal particulars, wrong filing of particulars.

(b) € 79 + € 3 ICWF surcharge, for issuance of duplicate OCI documents in case of loss/damage.

11. How to verify the status of the application?

The status of the application can be verified from the Online Status Enquiry.  

12. What will be issued after availing the services?

A new OCI Card and Visa would be issued after surrender of the old OCI documents.  

13. Whether both OCI Registration Certificate and Visa would be issued afresh?

Yes. Both OCI Card and Visa shall be issued in respect of any/ all service(s).  

14. Whether the applicant has to go in person to the Indian Mission/Post/ Office for obtaining the new OCI documents?

Yes.  

15. Whether OCI documents have to be re-issued each time a new passport is taken?

OCI Card and visa have got to be re-issued each time a new passport is issued up to the completion of 20 years of age and once after completion of 50 years of age.
Re-issuance of OCI Card and visa is not mandatory, each time a new passport is issued between 21-50 years of age. Thus, those between  21-50 years of age have the option of travelling to India on the basis of 3 documents, viz. the OCI Card, the old passport which has the “U” Visa affixed on it and the new passport.  However, if the applicant wishes to obtain new set of OCI documents,  he/she can apply for the same.  

16. What should be done for issuance of duplicate OCI documents in case of loss of OCI Card and/or U-visa?

In case of loss of OCI documents, file a complaint with the Belgian / Luxembourg Police authorities and enclose a copy of the complaint with the hard copy of the application.  

17. In case of loss/damage of OCI documents, what is the procedure for grant of duplicate OCI documents?

The duplicate OCI documents shall be granted only after personal interview by the Embassy on the appointed day / time.

18. What is the time period for grant of the requisite service(s)?

The grant or otherwise of the service(s) sought shall be ordinarily decided in one month from the receipt of hard copy of the application.

Please enquire over telephone (02-6451850 Ext 129) for collection of the new OCI Card (Miscellaneous Service) on any working day of the Embassy.

19. What documents are required to be presented before collection of the OCI Card?

(i)  New passport
(iii) Old OCI Card and old passport with “U” Visa on it (not applicable in case of Loss of OCI Card and / or Visa)

20. How can an OCI Card (Miscellaneous Service) by collected?

An OCI Card can only be collected in person from the Embassy of India, Brussels on presentation of the documents listed at Serial No. 19 of the FAQs for OCI – Miscellaneous Services.

Checklist for OCI Miscellaneous Services

(1)    Copy of Surrender of Indian passport Certificate / Renunciation Declaration / Affidavit
(see Sl. No. 9 of FAQs for OCI Card). 

(2)    Duly filled in OCI Miscellaneous form – only one copy is required.    All columns to be typed or handwritten legibly, preferably in capital letters.

(3)    Signatures / thumb impression (for non school going applicants) to be affixed within the signature box in the first page of the OCI Miscellaneuos form.

(4)    Copy of old OCI Card and Visa (See Sl. No. 10 of FAQs for OCI Miscellaneous  Services).  For a minor (below 18 years), copy of birth certificate and copies of passports of parents are mandatory.        

(5)    In case of loss of OCI Card and / or Visa, Police Report filed in Belgium / Luxembourg.
(See Sl. No. 10 of FAQs for OCI Miscellaneous Services)

(6)    Copy of current passport

(7)    Copy of Resident Card of Belgium / Luxembourg

(8)    Prescribed fee for an OCI Miscellaneous Card (€ 20 + € 3 ICWF surcharge, or € 79 + € 3 ICWF surcharge – see Sl. No. 10 of FAQs for OCI Miscellaneous Services)

(9) Prescribed fee forSurrender Certificate (€ 25 + € 3 surcharge) / Renunciation Declaration (€ 183 + € 3 surcharge) / Affidavit (€ 12 + € 3 surcharge)
(see Sl. No. 9 of FAQs for OCI Card). The fee is not to be paid in case the applicant is already in possession of aSurrender Certificate / Renunciation Declaration / Affidavit.

(10)   For collection of OCI Card,  see Sl. Nos. 19 & 20 of FAQs for OCI Miscellaneous Services.


Processing time for issuance of an OCI Card (Miscellaneous Services)

Ordinarily it takes 30 working days for issuing an OCI Card (Miscellaneous Services). Please see Sl. No. 18 of FAQs  for OCI Miscellaneous Services.