How long can you stay in India with an OCI?

Can OCI holder live permanently in India

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin and their spouses which allows them to live and work in India indefinitely. Despite its name, OCI status is not citizenship and does not grant the right to vote in Indian elections or hold public office.

Can OCI become resident in India

Yes. As per the provisions of section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a person who is registered as an OCI for 5 years and is residing in India for 1 year out of the above 5 years, is eligible to apply for Indian Citizenship.

What are the limitations of OCI in India

The OCI is not entitled to vote, be a member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament, cannot hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court etc. and he/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government.

Can I live and work in India with OCI

Yes! You can work in India with an OCI card. The OCI card or Overseas Citizenships of India card is a lifelong visa that gives you the chance to work or live in India. Also, you can enter India at all the times you would like.

How can I stay in India longer than 6 months

Extending your India Visa

While you cannot apply for an extension visa iVisa, all you have to do is fill out the online application form on the Indian Government Website (e-FRRO/FRO). You choose one of the payment options and wait to receive the visa extension certificate.

What is the difference between OCI and NRI

NRIs are Indian citizens who live abroad & it's different from PIOs or OCIs. PIOs are foreign citizens whose ancestors may have been Indian nationals, and OCI is a form of permanent residency for people of Indian origin and their spouses. This article discusses the meaning of each of these terms in detail.

What are the disadvantages of OCI

For OCI Cardholders

Advantages Disadvantages
Lifelong multiple entries for visiting India. Not eligible for purchasing agricultural land.
No requirement for registering with local police authorities after 180 days. Not eligible for a government job.

Which is better OCI or NRI

An NRI can invest in various financial investment opportunities available in India. An NRI can invest in residential/commercial properties but is not allowed to invest in agricultural or plantation property or a farmhouse. An OCI can invest in various financial investment opportunities available in India.

Can OCI card holder buy property in India

Q. Can an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder or NRI buy/sell real estate in India A. As per the guidelines issued by Reserve Bank of India, an NRI or OCI card holder can invest in any residential or commercial property.

Can I own a business in India with an OCI

Any person can start their business in India. There is no restriction in doing business here by anyone, viz., Non Resident Indians (NRI), Foreign Citizens, Overseas Citizen of India card holder (OCI), Person of Indian origin (PIO).

What happens if I stay in India for more than 180 days

If the continuous stay exceeds 180 days, the foreigner should approach the concerned FRO/FRRO for registration within 30 days of the expiry of 180 days, who will in turn register them.

How long can a foreigner live in India

Upon entering India, you must register at the FRRO, and at the time of registration, you will be issued a residence permit. With a student visa, you can stay in the country for up to five years or as long as the study period. Still, if you wish to stay longer, you can extend your stay at the FRRO.

Why is dual citizenship not allowed in India

The Constitution of India does not allow the holding of Indian citizenship with that of a foreign country simultaneously. However, the Government of India introduced the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) in 2005.

Can you open a bank account in India with OCI card

OCI can be used as identity proof for application of PAN Card and driving license as well as for opening a bank account if the OCI card holder is residing in India.

What is the difference between NRI and OCI

The NRI status can also be given to citizens who live abroad but have the roots connected to India whether through their parents or guardians. On the other hand, OCI cardholders are foreigners or citizens who want to work or to study within the Indian territory.

What are the drawbacks of OCI

One of the major drawbacks is that you must surrender your Indian passport as India doesn't accept dual citizenship. Still, this is a chance for Indians living and working abroad to return to their origin. They can enter India with the OCI card without any issues, and have all the rights any permanent resident has.

What is the disadvantage of OCI

It is not a travel document and should not be considered a DUAL CITIZENSHIP. The negative is no voting rights and holding of agricultural land is prohibited. As an OCI is not dual. citizenship the holder is not eligible for any grants subsidies which are available to Indian citizen.

What can an OCI holder not do in India

A: The OCI Card holder is not entitled:to vote;to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India;to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.;

Do OCI holders need to pay tax in India

Any Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), or Foreign Citizens have to pay income tax and file an ITR if they have been a resident for more than eighty-two days. OCI card holders get to claim tax benefit as well. Indias follows a 'Residency'-based taxation system.

Can I stay in India for 6 months

Tourist visas are granted for 3 months, 6 months to 1 year with single, double or multiple entries. Irrespective of the visa validity, maximum period of stay in India is limited to 180 days only.

Can a foreigner permanently live in India

Additionally, if you are not a person of Indian origin, you can obtain permanent residency through investment. You must invest under the Foreign Direct Investment route. The amount you must invest is 1.5 million within 18 months, which should lead to the employment of at least 20 locals or Indian residents every year.

Is dual citizenship a crime in India

The Constitution of India does not allow the holding of Indian citizenship with that of a foreign country simultaneously. However, the Government of India introduced the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) in 2005.

Can an Indian be a citizen of two countries

The Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously. Based on the recommendation of the High Level committee on Indian Diaspora, the Government of India decided to grant Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) commonly known as 'dual citizenship'.

Can OCI card holder sell property in India

Yes. OCI Cardholder is at parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) towards property transactions. As per FEMA, RBI frames the Directions / Regulations concerning the Acquisition and Transfer of immovable property in India.

Does OCI have an expiry date

As an OCI card is a lifelong visa, it technically never expires. However, you still need to renew it after some time. Foreigners of Indian origin, OCI cardholder spouse, or foreign spouse of an Indian citizen can get an OCI card.