Renunciation of citizenship and other requirements for an OCI card

An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card allows the holder access to many of the same benefits and privileges that an Indian citizen enjoys. For example, a person with an OCI card can go to school, work, and invest in a business in India. He or she can also visit India at any time, for any reason.

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There are certain requirements that need to be met to be considered eligible for an OCI card.

The person applying for an OCI card must be one of the following:

• A foreign national who was eligible to become a citizen of India on Jan. 6, 1950 or who was a citizen of India after Jan. 26, 1950

• Was a citizen of a territory that became a part of India after Aug. 15, 1947

• A minor child with at least one parent who is an Indian citizen

• A spouse of foreign origin of an Indian citizen or an OCI holder whose marriage was registered two years or more before sending an application.

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In addition, the person applying must be a citizen of a country that allows dual citizenship. Those who were at any point citizens of Bangladesh or Pakistan or the minor child or spouse of a person who was a citizen of Bangladesh or Pakistan are not eligible for an OCI card.  

Renunciation of citizenship

The Indian government requires numerous documents to be submitted with an OCI card application. One of these is the Certificate of Renunciation of Indian Citizenship.

All individuals of Indian lineage are required to renounce their Indian citizenship upon acquiring a foreign passport. The passport must be surrendered and stamped with "Canceled due to acquiring foreign citizenship" and acts as proof of renunciation when applying for the Certificate of Renunciation of Indian Citizenship. Alternatively, a person who wishes to renounce his or her citizenship can obtain a certificate from the Indian consulate.

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Other supporting documents required to process an OCI card application include:

• Proof of Indian origin, such as photocopies of an old Indian passport, birth certificate, or Indian marriage certificate

• Proof of present citizenship such as photocopies of a foreign passport and proof of residency

• For minor applicants: Photocopies of birth certificates, and proof of Indian origin from at least one parent.

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