Does India allow dual citizenship? Things that you need to know

Dual citizenship , or dual nationality, is a legal status that allows an individual to hold citizenship in two countries simultaneously. This status provides the individual with the rights and privileges of both nations, such as the ability to live, work, and travel freely, and access to social services in both countries.


Dual citizens enjoy various benefits, including access to quality education, healthcare, and social security. Holding dual citizenship also allows individuals to possess multiple passports, making international travel more convenient. You can acquire dual citizenship through various means, such as birth, descent, marriage, or naturalization. However, dual citizenship also comes with obligations, such as paying taxes in both countries and complying with the laws of each. Different countries have their own rules regarding dual citizenship, so it is essential to understand the regulations of the countries involved.



Does India permit dual citizenship ?



No, the Constitution of India prohibits individuals from holding both Indian citizenship and foreign citizenship at the same time. However, based on recommendations from the High-Level Committee on Indian Diaspora, the Government of India introduced the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), often referred to as "dual citizenship."


The OCI card provides a practical option for those wishing to maintain close connections with India while holding citizenship in another country.




Is overseas citizenship of India (OCI) the same as dual citizenship?



The Indian Constitution does not permit individuals to hold both Indian and foreign citizenship simultaneously. However, the Government of India offers Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), often referred to as a form of dual citizenship, though it does not grant full citizenship rights.


Eligibility criteria for OCI in India

Before applying for dual citizenship with India, it's important to consider specific eligibility criteria, which may vary depending on the foreign country. To be eligible for dual citizenship (OCI) with India, the following factors apply:

• Individuals who have lived in India for over 7 years.
• Those married to Indian citizens.
• Individuals whose parents hold Indian citizenship, provided the applicant has resided in India for at least one year.
• Individuals who have been registered as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) for at least 5 years.

Required documents for OCI in India

• When applying for dual citizenship/OCI in India, the following documents are required:
• Current citizenship document.
• A copy of the surrendered Indian passport, along with the original passport (must include the drill stamp).
• Proof of relationship (parent/grandparent) if the OCI application is based on Indian origin.
• Proof of residence.
• Employment details (from past to present).
• PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cardholders must attach a copy of their PIO card.
• Photographs with a light-colored background (not white).

Application process for OCI card


Before applying for dual citizenship, it’s essential to verify the citizenship laws of the country of residence. Check with the respective embassy or authority regarding the procedure for applying for citizenship in a foreign country.

For Indian citizens, the OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card can be applied for online. The steps are as follows:

• Fill out the online application: Visit the official Government website to fill out the OCI application form.
• Submit the form and documents: Attach required documents, including a passport-size photo, a copy of your passport, and any other relevant proof (e.g., proof of Indian origin, proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship).
• Pay the fee: Fees vary based on the applicant's age and other factors.
• Wait for processing: The application process can take several weeks or months.
• Attend an interview/biometric appointment: If required, attend an interview or biometric appointment.
• Receive the OCI card: Once approved, you will receive your OCI card.

Under what conditions can Indians obtain Overseas Citizenship of India?


India's Constitution prohibits dual citizenship. However, the Indian Government offers the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). While this does not equate to dual citizenship, it provides certain benefits for PIOs.


Here are the conditions related to OCI status:

• Residency requirement: Applicants must have resided in India for at least 7 years.
• Renunciation of Indian citizenship: Upon acquiring citizenship of another country, individuals must renounce their Indian citizenship, as India does not permit dual citizenship.
• Eligibility for OCI: You can apply for OCI status if you are a former Indian citizen, a descendant of an Indian citizen, or the spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder.
• Ineligibility: Individuals who have ever been citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, or their descendants, are not eligible for OCI status.

Top 10 countries offering OCI with India

The list of countries highlights the top 10 nations that have embraced the policy of dual citizenship, offering Indian citizens the opportunity to retain their Indian heritage while enjoying the benefits of foreign citizenship through the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card.



Canada
Canada allows dual citizenship, enabling Indian citizens to retain their Indian roots through the OCI card while enjoying Canadian citizenship.



Australia
Australia permits dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to benefit from both Indian and Australian privileges with an OCI card.



GermanyGermany accepts dual citizenship under certain conditions, letting Indian citizens maintain their ties with India through the OCI card.



SwedenSweden allows dual citizenship, enabling Indian citizens to keep their Indian connection alive with an OCI card while becoming Swedish nationals.



United Kingdom
The UK permits dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to retain their Indian identity with an OCI card while holding British nationality.



NorwayNorway accepts dual citizenship, enabling Indian citizens to preserve their Indian roots through the OCI card while holding Norwegian citizenship.



Ireland
Ireland allows dual citizenship, providing Indian citizens the chance to enjoy the benefits of both Irish and Indian connections with an OCI card.



United States of America
The USA permits dual citizenship, enabling Indian citizens to maintain their Indian heritage through the OCI card while becoming American citizens.


Finland
Finland allows dual citizenship, enabling Indian citizens to preserve their Indian ties via the OCI card while holding Finnish citizenship.



New Zealand
New Zealand permits dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to retain their Indian identity with an OCI card while becoming New Zealand nationals.



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