General Information
1. The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card is a multiple entry life-long visa which enables the holder to have unlimited travel and stay in India. OCI card is a life-long visa for entry into and stay in India with a number of other major benefits attached to it which are not available to other foreigners.
Eligibility Conditions
2. A foreign national is eligible to apply for an OCI card if he/she:
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Was a citizen of India on or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution; or
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Was eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of the commencement of the Constitution; or
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Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947; or
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Is a child or a grandchild or a great grandchild of such a citizen mentioned above; or
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Is a minor child of a person mentioned above; or
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Is a minor child and whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India; or
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Is a 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 under this section.
Important Note:
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The applicant will not be eligible for OCI, if the applicant/their parents, grand/great grandparents had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
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Foreign Defence/Military/Police personnel and the persons working with security agencies and the persons who have retired from these organisations are also not eligible for OCI card.
3. It has been decided to compulsorily capture the biometrics of OCI applicants during registration as OCI cardholders. All applicants are therefore advised to kindly give their biometrics at the time of submission of their applications at Embassy of India. However, if the applicant cannot come to Embassy for any specific reason acceptable to Embassy of India, capturing of biometrics can be waived and be submitted during immigration at the time of arrival in India.
4. All applicants who are applying for OCI card on spouse basis (a foreigner spouse of an Indian citizen, or foreigner spouse of an OCI cardholder) under section 7A(1)(d) of Citizenship Act, 1955 need to come to the Embassy for a personal interview. Such applications will be accepted only after personal interviews and recommendation of the concerned Embassy official.
5. To simplify the process for updation of OCI, a person who is registered as an OCI cardholder prior to attaining the age of 20 years will have to get the OCI card re-issued only once, i.e. immediately after being issued with new passport following his/her completing 20 years of age. If a person has obtained registration as OCI cardholder after attaining the age of 20 years, there will be no requirement of re-issue of OCI card.
6. With a view to updating the data regarding new passports obtained by the OCI cardholder, he/she shall upload a copy of the new passport containing his/her photo and also a latest photo on the online OCI portal (https://ociservices.gov.in/onlineOCI/) 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 three months of receipt of the new passport.
7. 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 cardholder, the person concerned will be required to upload on the system a copy of the new passport containing the photo of the passport holder, and also a latest photo along with a duly notarized declaration that their marriage is still subsisting (Declaration of Subsistence of Marriage duly notarized by public notary). This is required to be done each time a new passport is issued. These documents may be uploaded within three months of receipt of his/her new passport.
8. On updation of details on the system, an auto-acknowledgement through e-mail will be sent to the OCI cardholder informing that the updated details have been taken on record. 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 acknowledgement of his/her documents in the web-based system.
9. All the above services of uploading documents will be provided on gratis basis to the OCI cardholders.
Re-Issue of OCI Card
10. OCI Card re-Issue is for applicants currently holding an OCI card which needs to be renewed for the following reasons:
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Change in the passport (once after attaining 20 yrs.)
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Change in personal particulars like nationality, name, father’s name, and address
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Loss or damage of OCI card
Conversion of PIO into OCI Card
11. Merger of PIO Card and OCI Card (clarifications for the PIO Card holders):
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Advantage of obtaining an OCI card in lieu of the PIO Card. OCI card is a smart card which will facilitate quicker immigration and consular services.
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PIO card holders can now submit OCI card application at their place of normal residence. This is in modification of the earlier instructions that they should apply only at the location where the PIO card was issued.
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Foreign national spouse of an Indian national who is no more will be eligible for OCI card provided he/she has not married again.
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Foreign national children of an Indian national who is no more will also be eligible for OCI card.
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Foreign national spouse of a PIO/OCI cardholder whose parents/grandparents are/were of Indian origin will also be eligible for OCI card.
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Holders of handwritten PIO cards can travel to India till 31.12.2025. However, this is subject to ICAO not notifying handwritten travel documents (i.e. PIO cards) invalid for travel. Nonetheless, all PIO card holders are requested to convert it to OCI as early as possible"
Annexures
For application and detailed information, click here
For document checklist, click here
For photo specifications as per requirements, click here
Undertaking to be submitted by the applicant along with application, click here
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
OCI — Overseas Citizenship of India Services
Organised by Application Type
Specific to OCI applicants under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of India, Paris.
SECTION A: OCI FRESH APPLICATION
A1 — Eligibility
Q. Who is eligible to apply for OCI registration?
Any person of full age and capacity who is a citizen of another country but:
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Was a citizen of India at or after the commencement of the Constitution (26.01.1950); or
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Was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.01.1950; or
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Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947; or
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Is a child, grandchild, or great grandchild of such a citizen; or
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Is a minor child of the above; or
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Is a minor child whose both parents are Indian citizens, or one parent is an Indian citizen; or
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Is a foreign-origin spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI Cardholder — provided the marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years before application.
Persons whose parents, grandparents, or great grandparents were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other notified country are NOT eligible for OCI registration.
Q. 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.
Q. Which territories became part of India after 15.08.1947 — and from what date?
Q. Can the spouse of an eligible person apply for OCI registration?
Yes, if eligible in their own right under section 7A of the Citizenship Act.
A foreign-origin spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI Cardholder may also apply if the marriage has been registered and has subsisted continuously for at least two years before application. Such spouse is subject to prior security clearance.
Q. Can minor children apply for OCI registration?
Yes. However, minors are not eligible if either parent, grandparent, or great grandparent was/is a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other notified country.
Q. Are refugee or stateless persons eligible for OCI registration?
No. Refugees and stateless persons are not eligible for OCI registration, including on spouse basis.
If an existing OCI Cardholder later becomes a refugee of another country, their OCI status must cease and they must obtain a regular visa for travel to India.
A2 — How to Apply (Fresh Application)
Q. How do I apply for a new OCI card?
Apply online through the official OCI portal: https://ociservices.gov.in/onlineOCI/
Steps to follow:
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Fill the online application form
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Upload all required documents
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Submit the application
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Print the application form
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Book an appointment for submission at the Embassy
Q. Where do I submit the OCI application — Embassy or VFS?
OCI applications under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of India, Paris must be submitted directly at the Embassy (with appointment).
The Embassy of India, Paris is no longer associated with VFS for OCI services. Follow the instructions provided after completing the online application.
Q. Is a personal interview required?
A mandatory personal interview is required only for applications on spouse basis under section 7A(1)(d) of the Citizenship Act. For all other categories, no personal interview is required.
Q. Will biometrics be captured?
Yes. Capturing of fingerprints and facial biometrics is mandatory.
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At Indian Missions abroad: biometrics may be given at the Mission (at document verification stage) or at Indian Immigration Check Posts on arrival in India.
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Applicants are advised to give biometrics at the Mission stage.
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Biometrics are valid for 5 years from date of enrolment.
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Exemptions: applicants above 70 years or below 12 years of age.
A3 — Required Documents
Q. What documents need to be uploaded with the OCI application?
Proof of present citizenship:
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Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity at time of application)
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Certificate of registration/naturalisation for current nationality
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Cancelled/surrendered Indian passport with Surrender Certificate (if applicable)
Evidence of address at place of application:
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Electricity or telephone bill in own/parent/spouse name, OR
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Lease/licence agreement (for tenants), OR
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Undertaking from relative if bill is in relative's name
Evidence of Indian origin (self, parent, grandparent, or great grandparent):
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Copy of Indian passport, OR
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Domicile/Nativity Certificate, OR
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PIO/OCI card of parent/spouse with Indian origin proof, OR
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Any other substantiating proof
Relationship documents:
Additional for minor children:
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Child's birth certificate
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Marriage certificate of parents
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Indian passport/domicile certificate of the Indian parent
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Court order of custody in case of divorce (translated into English if in a foreign language)
Additional for spouse applications:
Q. What are the photo specifications for the OCI application?
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Square shape, minimum size 51 x 51 mm with 80% face coverage
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Plain light-coloured background (Grey Background), no border
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Front view of full face and shoulders, face centred
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Minimum dimensions: 200 x 200 pixels; Maximum: 900 x 900 pixels
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Format: JPEG/JPG, maximum file size 200 KB
Photographs not meeting these specifications will be rejected and may cause processing delays.
Q. Do applicants need to bring hard copies of the application to the Mission?
No. After online submission, applicants only need to bring original supporting documents for verification. Hard copies or printouts of the application and photocopies of uploaded documents are not required.
Q. Is both parents' presence required for a minor OCI application?
Both parents are not mandatory to be present. If one parent is absent, the following must be provided:
A4 — Fees
Q. What is the application fee for OCI registration?
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Applications submitted at Indian Mission/Post abroad: EUR 255 per applicant (or equivalent in local currency)
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PIO Cardholders converting to OCI: EUR 95 abroad
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OCI Miscellaneous Services: EUR 26 (by cash or card at Embassy counter)
Q. If OCI registration is refused, how much fee is refunded?
A refund of EUR 255 (or equivalent) is made in case of refusal.
A5 — Appointments
Q. Can I walk in without an appointment for OCI submission?
No. OCI submission is strictly by appointment only.
Book your appointment at: https://appointment.eoiparis.com/
Walk-in submissions are not accepted. Always secure a prior appointment before visiting the Embassy.
Q. I cannot find available appointment slots. What should I do?
New appointment slots are released as follows:
Keep checking the portal regularly around these times.
Q. What should I bring on the appointment day?
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Printed OCI application form
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Original passport
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All supporting documents (originals + self-attested copies)
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Photographs as per OCI specifications
A6 — Technical Issues (Online Application)
Q. I cannot save or proceed with the OCI application online. What should I do?
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Use a different browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended)
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Clear browser cache and cookies
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Try on a different device
If the issue persists:
Q. I submitted the OCI application but cannot print it. What should I do?
Try printing from a different browser or a different device. If still unable to print, re-submit the application carefully and print immediately after submission.
Q. The system asks for my old passport number but does not accept it. What should I do?
Ensure you are entering the exact passport number as per OCI records. Check for:
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Correct format (no spaces or extra characters)
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Character accuracy (e.g., O vs 0, I vs 1)
If the issue persists, contact the Embassy with your full details.
A7 — Processing, Status & Collection
Q. How long does it take to process an OCI application?
Normally, approximately 30 days from the date of acknowledgement of the application on the online system.
Q. OCI status shows 'Granted' — what does it mean?
'Granted' means the OCI application has been approved. After grant:
Collection is possible only after the status shows: 'Received at Mission'.
Q. When can I collect my OCI card?
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Once the status shows: 'Received at Mission/FRRO'
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Collection is available on any working day
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Collection hours: 1600 hrs – 1700 hrs
Q. I have not received any notification after OCI is ready. What should I do?
Check your application status regularly on the OCI portal. Visit the Embassy for collection once the status confirms arrival at Mission.
Q. What is the procedure for collecting the OCI cardholder registration booklet?
After grant, a registration booklet is issued.
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The applicant must be present in person, OR
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An authorised person may collect on the applicant's behalf if the applicant is physically present in the country of issuance
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If the applicant is in another country, they may request the booklet through the Indian Mission/FRRO of their current location
Q. What must erstwhile PIO cardholders do to obtain an OCI card?
All PIO Cardholders with valid PIO Cards as on 09.01.2015 are deemed OCI Cardholders by MHA notification. They are advised to apply for an OCI Card for the following advantages:
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OCI Card is a smart card for faster immigration clearance
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Facilitates consular services at Indian Missions
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Useful for availing services in India
Required documents for PIO to OCI conversion:
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Copy of valid passport
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Copy of PIO Card
Fee: EUR 95
SECTION B: OCI MISCELLANEOUS — RENEWAL / RE-ISSUANCE
B1 — When is Renewal Required?
Q. What is OCI Miscellaneous Service (OCI Renewal)?
OCI Miscellaneous Services are used for:
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Passport update (after new passport issuance)
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OCI re-issuance (for minors / age criteria)
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Correction of details in OCI
Apply online via the OCI portal under: 'OCI Miscellaneous Services'
Q. Do minors need OCI re-issuance?
Yes, in certain cases:
Please refer to current OCI Miscellaneous Services guidelines for the applicable age criteria.
Q. I lost my OCI card. How can I get a new one?
Apply for OCI re-issue (duplicate) through the OCI portal under OCI Miscellaneous Services.
Q. Can a duplicate OCI cardholder certificate be issued if the original is lost?
Yes. Apply to the Indian Mission/Post/FRRO with evidence of loss under OCI Miscellaneous Services.
Q. What if my OCI card is delayed or lost in transit?
Contact the Embassy with the following details:
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Your OCI file number
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Passport details
The Embassy will advise on further action (reissue, tracing, etc.) on a case-by-case basis.
Q. My OCI renewal was rejected due to delay (more than 90 days). What should I do?
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Apply again under OCI Miscellaneous Services (Renewal / Re-issue)
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Complete the application correctly with all required documents
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Book a fresh appointment for submission at the Embassy
Q. Can I travel to India if my OCI renewal is pending?
- Yes. You may apply for an Entry Visa for urgent travel to India while the OCI renewal is in progress. Proceed with the OCI renewal application in parallel.
B2 — Fees for Renewal / Re-issuance
Q. What is the fee for OCI Miscellaneous Services (Renewal)?
- EUR 26 — payable by cash or card at the Embassy counter.
SECTION C: OCI MISCELLANEOUS — UPDATION / CORRECTION
C1 — Personal Details Update
Q. I changed my name/surname. What should I do?
Apply for OCI re-issue with the updated personal details. Provide:
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New passport reflecting the changed name
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Documentary proof of name change (e.g., official gazette, marriage certificate)
Q. Is change of gender allowed in an OCI card?
Yes. The applicant must first obtain a new passport reflecting the change of gender, then apply through OCI Miscellaneous Services, uploading:
C2 — Where & How to Submit Updates
Q. Where do applicants submit original documents for verification?
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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)
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If residing in India: to the jurisdictional FRRO/FRO
If documents are found deficient, the Mission/FRRO will inform the applicant by email.
SECTION D: OCI RIGHTS, BENEFITS & OBLIGATIONS
D1 — Benefits of OCI Card
Q. What are the benefits of an OCI Cardholder?
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Multiple entry, lifelong visa for visiting India for any purpose
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Exemption from registration with FRRO/FRO for any length of stay in India
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Parity with Indian nationals for domestic air fares and entry fees at national parks, monuments, and museums
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Parity with NRIs for inter-country adoption, entrance test eligibility (NRI seats), purchase/sale of immovable property, and certain professions (doctors, lawyers, architects, chartered accountants)
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Eligible for teaching positions at IITs, NITs, IIMs, IISERs, IISc, Central Universities, and new AIIMS under PMSSY
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Can take up employment in India without a separate employment visa
Special activities requiring additional permission:
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Research, missionary/tabligh/mountaineering/journalistic activities
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Internship in foreign diplomatic missions in India
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Visits to protected/restricted areas
Q. What are the activities for which an OCI Cardholder is NOT entitled?
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Voting in Indian elections
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Membership of Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, or Parliament
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Constitutional posts: President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court, etc.
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Appointment in public services in connection with affairs of the Union or any State (except as specially notified)
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Acquisition of agricultural land, farmhouse, or plantation property in India
D2 — Legal Obligations
Q. Will an OCI Cardholder lose their foreign citizenship?
- No. Registering as an OCI Cardholder does not affect the foreign citizenship of the applicant.
Q. Are Indian civil and criminal laws applicable to OCI Cardholders?
- Yes, for the period the OCI Cardholder is residing or staying in India.
Q. Can an OCI Cardholder apply for Indian citizenship?
Yes, if the applicant:
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Has attained full age (18 years)
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Has been registered as an OCI Cardholder for at least 5 years
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Has been ordinarily resident in India for at least 12 months before the application
The Central Government may relax the 12-month residency requirement by up to 30 days in special circumstances.
Q. What are the consequences of furnishing wrong or false information?
- If OCI registration was obtained by fraud, false representation, or concealment of material facts, it shall be cancelled under section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
The person will be blacklisted, permanently banning future entry into India.
Q. Is the 'U' visa sticker on the foreign passport still required?
- No. The 'U' (Universal) visa sticker on foreign passports has been dispensed with from 29 January 2015. Immigration authorities at Indian Check Posts have been instructed not to insist on the sticker.
D3 — Travel & Arrival Requirements
Q. Do OCI Cardholders need to fill the e-Arrival Card before travelling to India?
Yes. All foreign nationals, including OCI Cardholders, are required to fill the e-Arrival Card.
Q. What are the requirements under the Immigration Act, 2025 (Forms II & III) for OCI Cardholders?
Form II:
Every university, school, or educational institution admitting an OCI Cardholder must electronically furnish enrolment details to the Registration Officer through the designated portal within the prescribed period.
Form III:
Every accommodation provider must require OCI Cardholders to furnish their particulars on arrival and departure. The keeper must electronically transmit a copy of the completed Form III to the Registration Officer within 24 hours of the foreigner's arrival.
For further assistance, contact the Consular Section, Embassy of India, Paris
