OVERSEAS CITIZEN OF INDIA(OCI) CARD

Type of Document

A foreign national, who was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 is eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children and spouse of such person are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.

Benefits

OCIs are entitled to a multi-purpose, multiple entry, lifelong visa allowing them to visit India at any time, for any length of time and for any purpose. They are exempted from police reporting for any length of stay in the country. They have also been granted all rights in the economic, financial and education fields in parity with NRIs except, the right to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

How to Apply

  1. All Applications for OCI may be submitted at VFS centre in The Hague (Parkstraat 99, 2514 JH The Hague, Netherlands,) or Amsterdam (Travelport Building, Radarweg 501-545, 1043 NZ Amsterdam). The submission of application in person is only possible by appointment (https://services.vfsglobal.com/nld/en/ind/book-an-appointment). OCI application may also be sent by post to The Hague VFS Centre.

  2. All the applicants seeking OCI services may visit the link https://services.vfsglobal.com/nld/en/ind/for details.

Explanatory video on how to fill up OCI application hosted by the Embassy of India, Netherlands

English (click here)

Dutch (click here)

Documents Required

OCI Registration

https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/netherlands/english/oci-services/pdf/oci-checklist-en-sep-2021.pdf


OCI Miscellaneous (Transfer/re-issue)

https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/netherlands/english/oci-services/pdf/F_OPS_CL-OCI-MISC-EN_10.pdf


OCI In Lieu Of Pio

https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/netherlands/english/oci-services/pdf/F_OPS_CL-PIO-TO-OCI-EN_06.pdf

Processing Time

Usual processing time is 3 months. Please refrain from making enquiries during this period.

Fees

Please visit the link:

https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/netherlands/english/passport-services/pdf/fees-chart-consular-services-15-05-2024.pdf

Note

(i) Mandatory requirement of re-issuance of an OCI card is after completion of 20 years of age. An OCI cardholder is required to get OCI card re-issued ONLY once when new passport is issued after completion of 20 years of age. 

(ii) In other cases, an OCI cardholder may upload a copy of the new passport containing the photo of the passport holder and the latest photo on the online portal each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. These documents may be uploaded by the OCI cardholder within 3 months of receipt of the new passport. This service is provided gratis.

(iii) Foreign Spouse of an Indian Citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI cardholder are required to upload a copy of the new passport and also a latest photo ONLINE each time a new passport is issued along with a declaration on subsisting of marriage, copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse/passport & OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse.

The timeline for re-issuance of OCI card in r/o OCI cardholders who may be required to get their OCI card re-issued has been extended till 31 December, 2024.


(iv) Embassy of India does not handle direct applications by walk-in or by post / mail.

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