Document Checklist

1. Printout of the Online Submitted Application Form
Click here to submit

2. Misc. Form
Upload the filled Miscellaneous Form (if applicable).

3. Proof of Present Citizenship
– Original and copy of valid passport (applicable in all cases), with a minimum validity of 6 months at the time of submission.
– Copy of the certificate of registration of citizenship/naturalization (as applicable) for the present nationality of the applicant.
– Original and copy of cancelled/surrendered Indian passport with Surrender Certificate (for those who have surrendered after 2010).
It is required to upload the surrender certificate when submitting the online application form.

4. Proof of Residence in Korea
(e.g., F-5 visa, electricity bill)

5. Evidence of Self or Parents/Grandparents/Great Grandparents
(Any of the following)
– Original and copy of Indian Passport
– Original and copy of PIO/OCI card of parents/spouse along with documents proving Indian Origin

6. Evidence of Relationship as Parent/Grandparent/Great Grandparent
(Any of the following)
– Original and copy of English Family Relation Certificate with Apostille
– Original and copy of English Birth Certificate with Apostille mentioning both parents’ names
– Original and copy of English Marriage Certificate of parents with Apostille
If parents are divorced, provide an English court order with Apostille granting custody to the applying parent.

7. In the Case of a Minor Child (if one or both parents are Indian citizens)
– Original and copy of English Birth Certificate of the child with Apostille
– Original and copy of English Marriage Certificate of parents with Apostille
– Original and copy of Indian Passport
If parents are divorced, provide an English court order with Apostille granting custody to the applying parent.

8. Evidence as Spouse of Foreign Origin of an Indian Citizen or OCI Cardholder
– Original and copy of English Indian and Korean Marriage Certificate with Apostille
After 2 years of marriage, the applicant can apply.
– Original and copy of spouse’s Indian Passport
Spouse’s name must be listed.
For spouse of OCI cardholder: Original and copy of valid passport, OCI card, and documents used to obtain the OCI card. Declaration from Indian/OCI spouse confirming responsibility to surrender OCI card upon divorce/separation/death of foreign spouse.

9. Soft copy and two hard copies of recent Passport-Size Photographs
(2 inch x 2 inch, white background)

10. Autograph or Thumb Impression
In the case of minors who cannot sign, a thumb impression must be provided.
Male: Left Thumb | Female: Right Thumb

11. (In the Case of an Indian Spouse)
– Apostilled English Birth Certificate of the applicant
– Apostilled English Birth Certificate of both parents
These are required to verify the applicant’s and parents’ origin.

12. A digital photo file needed.

Note: Additional documents may be requested during processing.

Frequently Asked Questions (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 Surrender Certificate required before applying for OCI?
Yes. If you previously held Indian citizenship, you must obtain a 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?
It depends on your current nationality and the country you served. Please contact us to check your eligibility.

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?
– Cannot vote in Indian elections
– Cannot hold public office
– Cannot acquire agricultural or plantation property
– Cannot be employed in Indian government services
– Cannot travel to protected/restricted areas without special permits
– Cannot engage in missionary work, mountaineering, or journalism without prior approval

8. What documents are required for a fresh OCI application?
Please check the Document Checklist.

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 2–3 months, depending on document verification and clearance. Applicants are notified by email/SMS, and status can be tracked on the OCI portal.