What documents do I need for OCI card application (ओसीआई कार्ड)?

Current foreign passport, Old Indian passport, Photo and signature, OCI specification and Proof of address where you live.

What are the steps for OCI card application (ओसीआई कार्ड)?

7 steps, about 60 days in total: Check that OCI fits you (पात्रता देखें); Surrender your Indian passport (भारतीय पासपोर्ट जमा करें); Fill the OCI application online (ऑनलाइन आवेदन); Check the document set (दस्तावेज़ जाँचें); Submit and pay the fee (आवेदन जमा करें, शुल्क दें); Track the application (स्थिति ट्रैक करें); Collect the OCI and keep it updated (ओसीआई लें, अपडेट रखें).

Templates › India › Visa

OCI card application (ओसीआई कार्ड)

Get an Overseas Citizen of India card after taking another citizenship: surrender your Indian passport, apply online, submit documents and the fee to the Indian mission, track the file and keep the OCI updated when your passport changes.

India
~60 days
7 steps
4 documents

Curated by Raaya · Last reviewed Oct 2026

Steps

Check that OCI fits you (पात्रता देखें)
1 day

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is for foreign citizens of Indian origin and their spouses and children: for example someone who was an Indian citizen and took German citizenship. India does not allow dual citizenship, so taking another citizenship ends your Indian citizenship and you must surrender your Indian passport.
OCI gives a lifelong multiple-entry visa, and lets you live, work and own most property in India, but not vote, hold certain public offices or buy agricultural land. Citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh, and people whose parents or grandparents were, are not eligible.
Tip: If you still hold an Indian passport, you do not need OCI. Apply only once you hold the foreign passport.
Remind me
Surrender your Indian passport (भारतीय पासपोर्ट जमा करें)
10 days

After taking foreign citizenship, apply to the Indian mission responsible for where you live to renounce Indian citizenship and surrender your Indian passport. You get a surrender or renunciation certificate, which the OCI application needs. Missions charge a fee, and a penalty if you used the Indian passport after acquiring the foreign one.
Tip: Apply for the surrender certificate right after naturalisation. Delays add penalties and hold up the OCI.
Online
mea.gov.in
Old Indian passport
Attach my documents
Fill the OCI application online (ऑनलाइन आवेदन)
2 days

Apply on the OCI services portal: choose the Indian mission for your area, fill in Part A online, upload the photo and signature in the required format, then complete Part B and upload the supporting documents. Note the temporary file number; you need it for every enquiry.
Tip: Upload clear scans in the formats and sizes the portal asks for. Rejected uploads are the most common cause of delay.
Online
ociservices.gov.in
Current foreign passportPhoto and signature, OCI specification
Attach my documents
Check the document set (दस्तावेज़ जाँचें)
1 day
Missions publish their own checklists; the core set is the same everywhere. Bring originals if you submit in person and keep copies.
- Current foreign passport (and copy)
- Old Indian passport
- Surrender or renunciation certificate
- Proof of Indian origin, e.g. old passport, birth certificate
- Proof of address in the mission's area
- Printed and signed application from the portal
- For spouses: marriage certificate and spouse's OCI or Indian passport
Current foreign passportOld Indian passportProof of address where you live
Attach my documents
Submit and pay the fee (आवेदन जमा करें, शुल्क दें)
1 day

Submit the printed application and documents to the mission or its application centre as instructed, and pay the fee. The government fee for a new OCI is USD 275 plus a small ICWF charge, collected in local currency at the mission's own rate, so the euro amount differs between missions. The application centre adds a service charge. In Germany, applications go through the Embassy's outsourced centre; check the current euro fee on the Embassy of India Berlin website (indianembassyberlin.gov.in) before paying.
Tip: Keep the receipt and the file number together; you need both to track and collect.
Current foreign passportOld Indian passportProof of address where you live
Attach my documents
Track the application (स्थिति ट्रैक करें)
30 days

Applications are processed by the mission and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Track the status on the OCI portal with your file number. Processing commonly takes several weeks.
Tip: Plan trips to India only after the OCI is granted, or travel on an e-visa or regular visa meanwhile.
Collect the OCI and keep it updated (ओसीआई लें, अपडेट रखें)
1 day

Since 30 June 2026, new OCIs are issued as an electronic card (e-OCI): download it from the OCI portal or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app and check name, date of birth and passport number. Existing physical OCI booklets stay valid. Carry the passport linked to your OCI when you travel to India.
When you get a new passport, upload it and a recent photo on the OCI portal within three months; a late update attracts a penalty. Depending on your age, a re-issue of the OCI may be needed. Do it before your next trip.
Tip: Set a reminder for your passport expiry so the OCI update is never a surprise at the airport.

Documents you'll need

Current foreign passport	Valid for at least six months, with your current address if possible. The OCI is linked to this passport number.
Old Indian passport	Proof of Indian origin. Surrendered or cancelled when you took foreign citizenship.
Photo and signature, OCI specification	Square photo (51 x 51 mm, light background, full face) and a signature image, uploaded in the sizes the portal states.
Proof of address where you live	Registration certificate, utility bill or similar showing that you live in the mission's area.

Official sources

Related templates

All templates

General guidance, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change; confirm with the official source before you act.