Residence & citizenship
Indian OCI Cardholder (Overseas Citizen of India)
Lifelong multiple-entry status for people of Indian origin and certain spouses, giving a visa-free right to live and work in India indefinitely.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official India government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholder
- Route type
- Long-term residence status / lifelong visa (not citizenship)
- Entry rights
- Lifelong multiple-entry visa to visit India for any purpose
- Registration relief
- Exempt from FRRO/FRO registration for any length of stay
- Restrictions
- No voting rights; cannot hold constitutional posts or acquire agricultural land
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals who were, or were eligible to become, Indian citizens on or after 26 January 1950
- Those who belonged to territory that became part of India after 15 August 1947
- Children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of such persons, and minor children of Indian citizens
- Foreign-origin spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders where the marriage has subsisted for at least two years
Requirements
- Documentary proof of Indian origin or the qualifying family/marriage relationship
- Not ineligible on grounds of Pakistani or Bangladeshi (or other specified) citizenship in the applicant's lineage
- Attendance at a mandatory personal interview for new registration (children under 12 exempt)
What you can do
- Live in and travel to/from India indefinitely without a separate visa
- Work and study in India and enjoy NRI-parity in many financial and educational matters
- Be considered for teaching faculty roles at IITs, NITs, IIMs, IISc, central universities and certain AIIMS
How to apply
- Apply online through the OCI services portal (ociservices.gov.in)
- Upload documents evidencing Indian origin or the qualifying relationship
- Attend the mandatory personal interview and complete biometric/verification steps
Frequently asked questions
No. OCI is a lifelong visa and residence status for people of Indian origin. OCI cardholders cannot vote, hold constitutional posts, or acquire agricultural land, and it does not confer Indian citizenship.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.