Fresh OCI card

Information
How To Apply
Document Checklist
Fees Details
FAQ’s

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card offers eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin a lifelong connection to India. It serves as a multiple-entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa that enables individuals to live, work, study, and travel in India without the need for repeated visa applications.

OCI is not dual citizenship, but it offers substantial rights and benefits that promote long-term engagement with India for the global Indian diaspora.

Once granted, the OCI cardholder enjoys:

Lifelong visa-free travel to India
Exemption from police registration, regardless of duration of stay
Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in areas like education, financial investment, and economic opportunities (excluding acquisition of agricultural or plantation land)
Use of OCI card as a valid identification document for opening bank accounts, applying for PAN cards, or obtaining a driver’s license in India

How To Apply

Create an Account: Register on the Du Digital Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website.
Click here to register.
Fill Out the Government Application Form: Click here to access the form.
Book an Appointment: Schedule your visit to Du Digital ICAC by choosing a suitable date and time.
Click here to book your appointment
Prepare Your Documents: Carry your passport, photographs, and all supporting documents as listed in the Documents Checklist section.
Visit Du Digital ICAC: Visit the designated ICAC (as per your jurisdiction). The address and location will be mentioned in your appointment letter. Ensure you arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time.
Submit Your Application & Pay Fees: Submit your documents and pay the applicable fees at ICAC. Refer to the Fee Details section for exact charges.
Enroll for Biometrics (if required): Complete biometric enrollment if applicable.
Application Submission Complete: You’ve successfully submitted your application.
Track Your Application: Monitor your application’s status online.
Click here to track your application

Document Checklist

Proof of Present Citizenship
1. Copy of present valid passport (applicable in all cases), with validity of minimum 6 months at the time of submission of application.
2. Copy of the certificate of registration of citizenship/naturalization (as the case may be), for the present nationality of the applicant (applicable in all cases).
3. Cancelled/Surrendered Indian passport with Surrender Certificate (for those who have surrendered Indian passport in or after 2010).
Evidence of Address of the Place of Application
1. Copy of the Electricity Bill/ Telephone Bill in own/parents/grandparents/spouse’s name.
2. If the above is in any other relative’s name, an undertaking from the relative stating that the foreigner is residing with him/her.
3. Lease License in case of tenants.
In Case Application is Submitted in India
Copy of any long duration Visa (other than Tourist Visa, Missionary Visa and Mountaineering Visa) with 3 months validity as on the date of application, along with Residential Permit/ Registration Certificate issued by the jurisdictional FRRO/ FRO, as the case may be (applicable in all cases where application is submitted in India).
Note: Foreign nationals holding Tourist Visa, Missionary visa and Mountaineering visa cannot apply for registration as an OCI cardholder in India.
Evidence of Self or Parents/Grandparents/Great Grandparents
1. Being a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e., 26.01.1950.
2. Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution i.e., 26.01.1950.
3. Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947.
Supporting documents (any of the following):
1. Copy of the Indian Passport.
2. Copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the Competent Authority.
3. Copy of Nativity Certificate from the competent authority.
4. PIO/OCI card of parents/spouse along with documents to prove Indian Origin.
5. Any other proof substantiating the request, such as certificate of residence or place of birth of self/parents/grandparents from First Class Magistrate/District Magistrate (DM).
Evidence of Relationship as Parent/Grandparent/Great Grandparent
1. Birth Certificate issued by competent authority mentioning both parents’ names.
  If issued by a country signatory to the Hague Convention, 1961 and apostilled, no further attestation is needed.
  If not signatory, it must be attested by authorities in that country and re-attested by Indian/Foreign Mission in India.
  Note: If parents are divorced, provide court order giving custody to applying parent. Translate order into English or Hindi if necessary.
2. Birth Certificate supported by (i) Education documents, if any, and (ii) Documents of inherited landed property, if any.
3. Marriage Certificate of parents. If unavailable, reasons must be provided.
In Case of Minor Child (if one/both parents are Indian citizens)
1. Copy of child’s Birth Certificate.
2. Marriage Certificate of parents (or reasons for its unavailability).
3. Copy of Indian passport, Domicile Certificate, or Nativity Certificate of one/both parents, or other proof of Indian citizenship.
4. If parents are divorced, court order showing legal custody with applying parent (translated if necessary).
Evidence as Spouse of Foreign Origin of an Indian Citizen or OCI Cardholder
1. Registered Marriage Certificate.
2. If solemnized in a Hague Convention country and apostilled, no further attestation needed. If not, it must be attested and re-attested by relevant authorities.
3. For spouse of OCI cardholder: Copy of valid passport, OCI card, and documents used to obtain the OCI card.
4. Declaration from Indian/OCI spouse confirming responsibility to surrender OCI card upon divorce/separation/death of foreign spouse.
Marriage Certificate Guidelines:
1. If marriage is in India: certificate issued by Marriage Registrar.
2. If abroad: certificate should be apostilled/certified by Indian Mission/Post.
3. If not in English: provide official English translation by authorized translator.
Note: Only one living spouse fulfilling Section 7A(1)(d) of The Citizenship Act, 1955 can be registered as an OCI Cardholder.

Fees Details

Service Type	CONSULAR FEE	ICWF FEE	SERVICE FEE	TOTAL FEES
Fresh OCI Card	₩ 398,200	₩ 4,400	₩ 51,000	₩ 453,600

FAQs:

1. Who is eligible to apply for an OCI card?
Individuals who were Indian citizens on or after 26 January 1950, or were eligible to become Indian citizens on that date, including their children and grandchildren, may apply.

Note: Citizens or former citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh are not eligible for OCI.

2. Is a Renunciation Certificate required before applying for OCI?
Yes. If you previously held Indian citizenship, you must obtain a Renunciation or Surrender Certificate before applying for an OCI card.

3. Can foreign spouses of Indian citizens apply for OCI?
Yes. A foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder can apply, provided the marriage has been registered and has existed continuously for at least 2 years prior to the date of application.

4. Are minor children eligible for OCI?
Yes. Minor children are eligible if one or both parents are Indian citizens or OCI cardholders. A birth certificate and proof of parental citizenship must be submitted.

5. Are individuals with military background eligible for OCI?
No. Foreign nationals who are currently serving or have previously served in any foreign military force, including civilian roles in defence departments, are not eligible.

6. What are the benefits of holding an OCI card?

Life-long, multiple-entry visa to India
Exemption from police registration, regardless of stay duration
Equal treatment with NRIs in educational, financial, and economic fields (except purchase of agricultural land)
Accepted ID for PAN card, driver’s license, and bank accounts in India

7. What are the restrictions on OCI cardholders?
OCI holders cannot:

Vote in Indian elections
Hold public office
Acquire agricultural or plantation property
Be employed in Indian government services
Travel to protected/restricted areas without special permits
Engage in missionary work, mountaineering, or journalism without prior approval

8. What documents are required for a fresh OCI application?
Key documents include:

Valid foreign passport
Indian origin proof (passport/certificate of parents or grandparents)
Renunciation certificate (if applicable)
Marriage certificate (for spouse-based applications)
Birth certificate (for minor applicants)

Refer to the Documents Checklist for a complete list.

9. Can I apply for OCI from outside India?
Yes. You can apply at the Indian Mission/Post in your country of residence. In South Korea, applications can be submitted through Du Digital Global ICAC with a prior appointment.

10. What is the processing time for a fresh OCI application?
Processing usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, depending on document verification and clearance. Applicants are notified by email/SMS, and status can be tracked on the OCI portal.

Fresh OCI card

How To Apply

Document Checklist

Fees Details

FAQs:

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