OCI Card for NRIs – Frequently Asked Questions
OCI Card FAQs for NRIs – Eligibility & Benefits
Short Answer: A lifelong visa for people of Indian origin.
Long Answer: The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a document that allows foreign citizens of Indian origin (except Pakistan and Bangladesh) to live, work, and travel to India indefinitely without needing a separate visa.
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Short Answer: People of Indian origin and their families.
Long Answer: You are eligible if you were a citizen of India on or after January 26, 1950, or if your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Indian citizens. Spouses of Indian citizens or OCI holders may also apply under certain conditions.
Short Answer: Visa-free travel and Indian rights.
Long Answer: OCI holders get multiple-entry, lifelong visa-free travel to India, can work and study in India without restrictions, and enjoy parity with NRIs in economic, financial, and educational fields (except political rights and certain agricultural land ownership).
Short Answer: Apply online via the Indian government portal.
Long Answer: Applications must be submitted on the official Ministry of Home Affairs OCI portal. You will need a scanned copy of your passport, proof of Indian origin, photographs, and other relevant documents. After online submission, originals must be verified at the Indian embassy or consulate.
Short Answer: Yes, but with some restrictions.
Long Answer: OCI holders can purchase residential and commercial properties in India but are not allowed to buy agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses.
