DualCitizenship

Registration certificate

All applications for registration as an Overseas Indian Citizen will be processed in India . The concerned authorities would take about 4 months (only indicative) to issue the Registration Certificate which would be valid for life unless renounced/cancelled.

Overseas citizen of India passport

The Registration Certificate will form the basis for the issue of the Overseas Citizen of India Passport. Modalities in this regard are being evolved.

PIO cards The scheme relating to the PIO Cards will continue to be in operation at the same time as Overseas Citizen of India Passport scheme. PIO cardholders will have the option to apply for an Overseas Citizen of India Passport. To obtain an Overseas Citizen of India Passport, PIO cardholders will have to apply for the registration process as above like other PIOs.

It is eligible for the Indians who hold a foreign passport living abroad till the fourth generation. The PIO Card holder would be exempt from registration if his stay in India does not exceed 180 days. However, if the stay exceeds 180 days, the PIO Card holder will have to register within 30 days of the expiry of 180 days with the concerned Foreigners Registration Officer at district headquarters.

Fee for pio cards

Fee for PIO Card is US $ 310.00 for adult and for children below the age of 18 years is US $ 155.00 (effective from September 15, 2002 ). Validity of new PIO card will be 15 years from the date of issue.