OCI Services

  • Home ›   Consular ›   Consular Services ›   OCI Services

OCI Services

Who Can Apply?

Any person of full age and capacity who is a citizen of another country and falls into one of the categories below is eligible to apply for OCI registration:

#

Eligibility Category

1

Was a citizen of India at or after the commencement of the Constitution (26.01.1950)

2

Was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.01.1950

3

Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947

4

Is a child, grandchild, or great grandchild of such a citizen

5

Is a minor child of any person mentioned above

6

Is a minor child whose both parents are Indian citizens, or one parent is an Indian citizen

7

Is a foreign-origin spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI Cardholder — marriage must be registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years before application (subject to prior security clearance)

⚠  IMPORTANT

Persons whose parents, grandparents, or great grandparents were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other notified country are NOT eligible for OCI registration. Minors are also ineligible if either parent, grandparent, or great grandparent was/is a citizen of those countries.

 📌 NOTE

Territories that became part of India after 15.08.1947:

  • Dadra & Nagar Haveli — 11.08.1961
  • Goa, Daman and Diu — 20.12.1961
  • Puducherry — 16.08.1962
  • Sikkim — 26.04.1975

Who was eligible to become a Citizen of India on 26.01.1950?

Any person (or either of whose parents or grandparents) who was born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935, and who was ordinarily residing outside India at that time.

Follow all steps in order. Missing a step may result in rejection or delay of your application.

Before starting the application, confirm that you meet at least one eligibility criterion listed in Section A1 above.

Gather all required documents as listed in Section A3. Ensure:

  • Passport has a minimum of 6 months validity
  • All foreign documents are apostilled (if from a Hague Convention country)
  • Documents in a language other than English are accompanied by a certified English translation

Portal: https://ociservices.gov.in/onlineOCI/

  • Create an account or log in
  • Select the appropriate application category
  • Fill in all personal details carefully — errors cause delays
  • Upload scanned copies of all required documents (in the specified format and size)
  • Upload a photograph meeting the specifications in Section A4

Fee: EUR 255 per applicant (payable at embassy counter by cash/card).

⚠  IMPORTANT

The application fee is NON-REFUNDABLE once submitted, regardless of the outcome.

After successful online submission:

  • Print the completed OCI application form
  • Print all uploaded documents (self-attested copies)
  • Attach one photograph as per OCI specifications

Appointment portal: https://appointment.eoiparis.com/

  • New slots are released on the 25th of every month at 09:00 hrs (monthly slots)
  • Additional slots released every Friday at 09:00 hrs (weekly slots)
  • Check the portal regularly around these times

⚠  IMPORTANT

Walk-in submissions are NOT accepted. A prior appointment is mandatory.

Bring the following on appointment day:

  • Printed OCI application form
  • Original passport
  • All supporting documents (originals + self-attested copies)
  • Photographs as per OCI specifications X 1

 📌 NOTE

Spouse Applications (Section 7A(1)(d)):

Both husband and wife MUST be present in person at the time of submission for a mandatory personal interview.

OCI card for Foreign spouse must be renewed in every 5 years

Fingerprints and facial biometrics are mandatory for all applicants.

  • Biometrics may be given at the Mission (at document verification stage)
  • Alternatively, biometrics can be given at Indian Immigration Check Posts on arrival in India
  • Applicants are strongly advised to give biometrics at the Mission stage
  • Biometrics are valid for 5 years from date of enrolment
  • Exemptions: applicants above 70 years OR below 12 years of age

Monitor your application regularly on the OCI portal (https://ociservices.gov.in).

  • Status 'Granted' — application approved; card being printed in India
  • Status 'Received at Mission/FRRO' — card is ready for collection at the Embassy
  • Processing time: approximately 30 days from the date of acknowledgement

Once status shows 'Received at Mission/FRRO':

  • Collection available on any working day
  • Collection hours: 1600 hrs – 1700 hrs
  • Applicant must be present in person, OR an authorised person may collect on their behalf if the applicant is physically present in the country of issuance

The following documents are required. The exact list depends on your category. Always verify on the OCI portal for your specific case.

Document Category

Required Documents

Proof of Present Citizenship
  • Valid passport (min. 6 months validity)
  • Certificate of registration/naturalisation for current nationality
  • Cancelled/surrendered Indian passport + Surrender Certificate (if applicable)

Evidence of Address
  • Electricity or telephone bill in own/parent/spouse name, OR
  • Lease/licence agreement (for tenants), OR
  • Undertaking from relative if bill is in relative's name

 📌 Note: Applicants may be asked to prove residence for the last six months.

Evidence of Indian Origin
  • Copy of Indian passport, OR
  • Domicile/Nativity Certificate, OR
  • PIO/OCI card of parent/spouse with Indian origin proof, OR
  • Any other substantiating proof

Relationship Documents (General)
  • Birth certificate mentioning both parents' names (apostilled if from Hague Convention country)
  • Marriage certificate of parents

Additional — Minor Children
  • Child's birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate of parents (not required for child born out of wedlock)
  • Indian passport/domicile certificate of the Indian parent
  • Court order of custody in case of divorce (translated into English if in a foreign language)

Additional — Spouse Applications
  • Registered and apostilled/attested marriage certificate
  • Declaration from Indian/OCI spouse regarding OCI surrender obligations
  • Both spouses must be present in person for interview at time of submission
  • OCI card for Foreign spouse must be renewed in every 5 years

Shape

Square

Minimum Size

51 × 51 mm

Face Coverage

Minimum 80% of the photo

Background

Plain light-coloured (grey preferred), no border

Pose

Front view, full face and shoulders, face centred

Digital Dimensions

Minimum 200 × 200 pixels; Maximum 900 × 900 pixels

File Format

JPEG / JPG only

File Size

Maximum 200 KB

 

⚠  IMPORTANT

Photographs not meeting these specifications will be rejected and may cause significant processing delays. Ensure photos are taken specifically for the OCI application.

Application Type

Fee (EUR)

Payment Mode

Fresh OCI Application (at Indian Mission/Post abroad)

EUR 255

Online

PIO to OCI Conversion / Loss or Damage of OCI Card

EUR 95

Online

OCI Miscellaneous Services (Renewal / Update / Correction)

EUR 26

Cash or Card at Embassy counter

 

⚠  IMPORTANT

The application fee is NON-REFUNDABLE once submitted, regardless of whether the application is approved, refused, or withdrawn.

A6 — Appointment Booking

How to Book an Appointment

 

STEP 1: Go to the Appointment Portal

Visit: https://appointment.eoiparis.com/

STEP 2: Select the OCI Service Category

Choose 'Fresh OCI Application' or the applicable service type from the menu.

STEP 3: Choose a Date and Time Slot

Slot release schedule:

  • 25th of every month at 09:00 hrs — monthly slots released
  • Every Friday at 09:00 hrs — weekly slots released

 TIP

Check the portal early on slot release days. Slots fill up quickly. Set a calendar reminder.

STEP 4: Confirm Your Appointment

Save the appointment confirmation email/receipt. Bring it on the day of your visit.

⚠  IMPORTANT

The Embassy of India, Paris is no longer associated with VFS for OCI services. All OCI applications must be submitted directly at the Embassy with a prior appointment. Walk-in submissions will NOT be accepted under any circumstances.

What is captured

Fingerprints biometrics

Mandatory for

All applicants

Where to enrol

At the Indian Mission (Embassy) during document verification

Recommendation

Give biometrics at the Mission stage to avoid any issue while travelling to India

Validity

5 years from date of enrolment

Exemptions

Applicants above 70 years of age OR below 12 years of age

Application Status Tracker

Portal Status

What It Means

Submitted

Application received online; pending Mission verification

Acknowledged

Mission has acknowledged receipt; processing has begun

Under Process

Application is being reviewed by authorities

Granted

Application approved; OCI card is being printed in India

Dispatched

Card has been dispatched from India to the Mission

Received at Mission / FRRO

Card has arrived at the Embassy — ready for collection

 

Card Collection — Key Information

When to collect

Only when status shows 'Received at Mission/FRRO'

Collection days

Any working day

Collection hours

1600 hrs – 1700 hrs

Who can collect

Applicant in person, OR authorised representative (if applicant is present in the country)

Applicant abroad

Request collection via the Indian Mission/FRRO at current location

Processing time

Approximately 30 days from acknowledgement date

 

  TIP

Check your application status regularly on the OCI portal. No separate notification is guaranteed — proactive tracking is essential.

 📌 NOTE

All PIO Cardholders with valid PIO Cards as on 09.01.2015 are deemed OCI Cardholders by MHA notification. However, they are strongly advised to apply for a formal OCI Card to avail full benefits.

 Benefits of Converting PIO to OCI

  • OCI Card enables faster immigration clearance
  • Facilitates consular services at Indian Missions abroad
  • Useful for availing a wide range of services in India

 Documents Required for PIO to OCI Conversion

  • Copy of valid passport
  • Copy of PIO Card
  • Proof of residence
  • Attestation from a public Notary for subsistence of marriage — if PIO was obtained through marriage
  • For foreign spouse: personal interview is mandatory (both spouses must be present)

Fee

EUR 95 (Payable at Embassy counter by Cash/Card)

Situation

Action Required

New passport issued (within 90 days)

OCI Miscellaneous — Passport Update (gratis within 90 days)

New passport issued (after 90 days)

OCI Miscellaneous — Renewal / Re-issuance (fee applicable)

Minor — new passport issued

OCI re-issuance required

Minor — age-based update

As per current OCI Miscellaneous Services age criteria

Lost OCI card

Apply for duplicate OCI under Miscellaneous Services

Damaged OCI card

Apply for re-issuance under Miscellaneous Services

Renewal rejected (>90 days delay)

Apply afresh under Miscellaneous Services with all required documents

 

 📌 NOTE

Passport Update within 90 days of new passport issuance is gratis (no fee). Beyond 90 days, the standard Miscellaneous Services fee of EUR 26 applies.

B2 — Step-by-Step Renewal Process

 

STEP 1: Confirm Renewal is Applicable

Check the table in B1 above to confirm which renewal/re-issuance scenario applies to you.

STEP 2: Apply Online via OCI Portal

Portal: https://ociservices.gov.in

  • Log in and select 'OCI Miscellaneous Services'
  • Choose the applicable sub-category (passport update / re-issuance / correction)
  • Fill in all details accurately
  • Upload all required documents (new passport, old OCI card, etc.)
  • Upload photograph meeting OCI specifications

STEP 3: Pay the Fee

EUR 26 — payable at the Embassy counter by cash or card.

STEP 4: Print Application & Book Appointment

After submission:

  • Print the completed application form
  • Print all uploaded documents (self-attested copies)
  • Book appointment at: https://appointment.eoiparis.com/

STEP 5: Attend Appointment at the Embassy

Bring on appointment day:

  • Printed application form
  • Original current passport
  • Old OCI card (if available)
  • All supporting documents (originals + self-attested copies)
  • Photograph as per OCI specifications

STEP 6: Track Status & Collect Renewed Card

Monitor status on the OCI portal. Collect the renewed card once status shows 'Received at Mission'.

  • Collection hours: 1600 hrs – 1700 hrs on any working day

B3 — Lost / Damaged OCI Card

If Your OCI Card is Lost or Damaged

  • File a police report immediately for lost card
  • Apply for duplicate/re-issuance under OCI Miscellaneous Services on the OCI portal
  • Upload evidence of loss (police report) along with application
  • Attend appointment at the Embassy with all original documents

If OCI Card is Delayed or Lost in Transit

Contact the Embassy with:

  • Your OCI file number
  • Passport details

The Embassy will advise on further action (re-issuance or tracing) on a case-by-case basis.

 

Fee for Lost/Damaged OCI

EUR 95 (Payable at Embassy counter by Cash/Card)

B4 — Travel to India During Pending Renewal

  📌 NOTE

You may travel to India even if your OCI renewal is pending.

Apply for a short-term Entry Visa for urgent travel while the OCI renewal is in progress. Continue the OCI renewal application in parallel — do not abandon it.

B5 — Fee Structure for Miscellaneous Services

Passport Update (within 90 days of new passport issuance)

Gratis (no fee)

Passport Update (after 90 days) / Renewal / Re-issuance / Correction

EUR 26 — cash or card at Embassy counter

Lost / Damaged OCI Card

EUR 95 — Payable by cash /card at Embassy counter

Type of Update

Trigger

Key Documents Required

Name / Surname Change

Legal name change (marriage, gazette, court order)

New passport + Proof of name change (gazette/marriage certificate)

Gender Change

Gender updated in passport

Old passport + New passport + Medical certificate (apostilled if foreign)

Correction of Details

Error in OCI record

Relevant proof documents for the correction

Address / Other Personal Details

Change in circumstance

Relevant supporting documents

C2 — Step-by-Step Updation Process

STEP 1: Obtain Updated Passport First

Before applying for any OCI updation, ensure your passport already reflects the updated detail (name, gender, etc.). OCI records are updated based on the new passport.

STEP 2: Apply Online via OCI Portal

Portal: https://ociservices.gov.in

  • Log in and select 'OCI Miscellaneous Services'
  • Select the appropriate update/correction sub-category
  • Fill in all details accurately
  • Upload all required documents as listed in C3 below
  • Upload photograph meeting OCI specifications

STEP 3: Pay the Fee

EUR 26 — payable at the Embassy counter by cash or card.

STEP 4: Print Application & Book Appointment

After online submission:

  • Print the completed application form
  • Print all uploaded documents (self-attested copies)
  • Book appointment at: https://appointment.eoiparis.com/

STEP 5: Submit at the Embassy

Bring on appointment day:

  • Printed application form
  • Original current passport
  • Old OCI card
  • All originals supporting documents + self-attested copies
  • Photograph as per OCI specifications

STEP 6: Await Processing

If documents are found deficient during processing, the Mission/FRRO will inform the applicant by email. Monitor the OCI portal for status updates.

C3 — Required Documents by Update Type

Name / Surname Change

  • New passport reflecting the changed name
  • Documentary proof of name change — official gazette, marriage certificate, or court order
  • Old OCI card

Gender Change

  • Old passport
  • New passport reflecting the updated gender
  • Medical certificate confirming gender change
  • If medical certificate is issued by a foreign authority — must be apostilled or endorsed by the Indian Mission abroad
  • Old OCI card

 📌 NOTE

Where to Submit Documents

Documents must be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post having jurisdiction over the country of the applicant's citizenship, or the country of ordinary residence (if residing outside the country of citizenship). If residing in India, submit to the jurisdictional FRRO/FRO.

Benefit

Details

Lifelong multi-entry visa

Visit India for any purpose without a separate visa

No FRRO registration

Exempt from FRRO/FRO registration for any length of stay (inform FRRO for stays beyond 180 days)

Domestic air fares & entry fees

Parity with Indian nationals at national parks, monuments, and museums

NRI parity (select areas)

Inter-country adoption, NRI seat eligibility, property purchase/sale, select professions (doctors, lawyers, architects, CAs)

Academic positions

Eligible for teaching at IITs, NITs, IIMs, IISERs, IISc, Central Universities, new AIIMS (PMSSY)

Employment in India

Work in India without a separate employment visa

Foreign citizenship retained

OCI status does not affect existing foreign citizenship

 

 📌 NOTE

Activities Requiring Additional Permission:

  • Research activities
  • Missionary / Tabligh / Mountaineering / Journalistic activities
  • Internship in foreign diplomatic missions in India
  • Visits to protected or restricted areas

D2 — Restrictions on OCI Cardholders

OCI Cardholders are NOT entitled to the following:

  • Voting in Indian elections
  • Membership of Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, or Parliament
  • Constitutional posts — President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court, etc.
  • Appointment in public services in connection with affairs of the Union or any State (except as specially notified)
  • Acquisition of agricultural land, farmhouse, or plantation property in India

D3 — Legal Obligations

Indian civil and criminal laws

Applicable for the period the OCI Cardholder is residing or staying in India

'U' visa sticker requirement

Dispensed with from 29 January 2015 — immigration authorities instructed not to insist on it

False information / fraud

OCI registration will be cancelled under Section 7D of Citizenship Act, 1955 — individual will be blacklisted and permanently banned from India

Path to Indian Citizenship

Eligible after: 18+ years of age, minimum 5 years as OCI Cardholder, and ordinarily resident in India for 12 months before application (Central Government may relax by up to 30 days in special cases)

D4 — Travel & Arrival Requirements

e-Arrival Card (Mandatory for ALL OCI Cardholders)

Who must fill

All foreign nationals including OCI Cardholders

When to submit

Within 72 hours before arrival in India

Portal

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/

Mobile App

'Indian Visa Su-Swagatam' official app

Immigration Act, 2025 — Forms II & III

Form

Who is Responsible

Obligation

Form II

Educational Institutions

Must electronically furnish OCI Cardholder enrolment details to the Registration Officer through the designated portal within the prescribed period

Form III

Accommodation Providers (hotels, landlords, etc.)

Must require OCI Cardholders to furnish particulars on arrival and departure; must electronically transmit Form III copy to the Registration Officer within 24 hours of the foreigner's arrival

For further assistance, contact the Consular Section, Embassy of India, Paris

Portal: https://ociservices.gov.in  |  Appointments: https://appointment.eoiparis.com
Go to Navigation