Which Countries Allow Dual Citizenship with India? Top 10 Picks

Dual citizenship is one of the most intriguing topics for people abroad and in India, however, are you interested to know if Indians can benefit from this or not? Which countries allow dual citizenship with India?

Well you are at the right place, all you need to do is scroll through the article to know more about what is dual citizenship, countries with dual citizenship with India, and more.

What is Dual Citizenship with India?

Dual citizenship allows individuals to hold citizenship in two countries simultaneously, typically through birth in one country and naturalization in another, or having parents from different countries. However, the recognition and legality of dual citizenship vary by country.

Now you might be wondering, is dual citizenship allowed in India?

To answer that the Constitution of India prohibits holding Indian citizenship and foreign citizenship simultaneously. However, following the recommendations of 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 offers a practical solution for those seeking to maintain strong ties with India while holding foreign citizenship.

What are the Benefits of Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizenship or holding citizenship in two or more countries at the same time, can provide a number of benefits for individuals. Before you learn about the countries that allow dual citizenship with India, let us look at the benefits of having a dual citizenship

1. Travel Benefits: Dual-citizenship can make travel between countries easy and provide access to free travel or reduced visa requirements.
2. Economic Benefits: Dual citizens may be able to access a wide range of job opportunities and may have access to different types of investment opportunities in both countries.
3. Educational Benefits: Having Dual citizenship can make it easier for individuals to study or work abroad.
4. Political Benefits: Dual citizens may have the right to vote in elections.
5. Legal Benefits: Dual citizens may be able to take advantage of different legal systems and may have access to different types of legal protectors in each country.
6. Social Benefits: Dual citizenship can allow individuals to maintain connections to their cultural heritage and to their families in multiple countries.
7. Economic Stability: Dual citizens may be able to live and work in different countries and benefit from their economies, this can be beneficial in case of economic downturns in one of the countries.

Eligibility Criteria to Get Dual Citizenship with India

There are certain factors to be pondered upon before moving ahead to with the application process of dual citizenship, which are subjective to the foreign country. To gain dual citizenship with India the eligibility factors include

• A person who has been residing in India for more than 7 years
• Individuals who have married Indian citizens
• Individuals whose parents hold Indian citizenship are also eligible, under the condition that the applicant has been staying in for at least a year in India.
• Individuals registered as Overseas citizens of India for 5 years

Documents Required to Apply for Dual Citizenship/OCI in India

The list of documents you would need when applying for dual citizenship in India include the following:

• Current citizenship document
• Copy of the surrendered Indian Passport, along with the original passport (passport must include the drill stamp)
• Relationship evidence (parent/grandparent), in case the OCI grant has been based on the claim of Indian origin
• Residential Proof
• Details of applicant’s employment (must include past to present)
• PIO holders are required to attach their card copy
• Photos submitted must have a light color background (not white)

Application Process for Dual Citizenship

It is crucial to check with the residing country’s citizenship laws before proceeding with the application process for dual citizenship. You would as well have to check with the embassy or authority of your country before applying for citizenship in a foreign country.

Indians as mentioned above can opt for the OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card, the application for which can be filled out and submitted online. The steps for the same are as follows:

Step 1: Fill out the online OCI application form at the Government website -OCI (government)

Step 2: Submit the form along with the required documents, including a passport-size photograph, a copy of your passport, and any other relevant documents, such as proof of Indian origin or proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship.

Step 3: Pay the required fee, which can vary depending on the applicant's age and other factors.

Step 4: Wait for the processing of the application, which can take several weeks or months.

Step 5: Attend an interview or biometric appointment, if required

Step 6: Receive the OCI card, once the application is approved

*Ensure to print (hard copies) two filled application forms along with the ITAR number

Top 10 Countries Accepting Dual Citizenship With India

Are you wondering, India allows dual citizenship with which countries? The list of dual citizenship countries is quite long, however for your comprehensive understanding, we have listed the top 10 countries that have successfully accepted the policy of Dual Citizenship countries.

Canada

Canada allows dual citizenship, letting Indian citizens retain their Indian heritage through the OCI card while enjoying the rights of Canadian citizenship. The cost of applying to OCI card from Canada

*Source: High Commission of India, Ottawa, Canada

Want to know how to all about Canadian Citizenship for Indians? Explore the blog for complete details.

Australia

Australia permits dual citizenship, providing Indian citizens the opportunity to hold an OCI card and benefit from both Indian and Australian privileges. The cost of applying for OCI card from Australia includes:

Source: https://indianconsulatesydney.org/

Learn how to get Australian Citizenship for Indian Citizens? All you need to is explore the blog for detailed process overview and requirements.

Germany

Germany recognizes dual citizenship under certain conditions, allowing Indian citizens to maintain their ties with India via the OCI card while being German nationals. The cost of applying to OCI card from Germany includes:

Source: https://indianembassyberlin.gov.in/

Also Read: How To Settle in Germany From India?

Sweden

Sweden permits dual citizenship, enabling Indian citizens to keep their Indian connection alive with an OCI card while becoming Swedish citizens. The cost of applying to OCI card from Sweden includes:

Source: https://www.indembassysweden.gov.in/page/oci-faq/

Also Read: How to Settle in Sweden From India?

United Kingdom

The UK accepts dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to retain their Indian identity with an OCI card while holding British nationality. The cost of applying to OCI card from the UK includes

Source: http://www.ocivisa.co.uk/fees/

Norway

Norway allows dual citizenship, enabling Indian citizens to preserve their Indian roots through the OCI card while acquiring Norwegian citizenship. The Cost of applying for OCI card from Norway includes:

Source: https://www.indianembassyoslo.gov.in/page/consular...

Ireland

Ireland permits dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to enjoy the benefits of both Irish and Indian connections with an OCI card. The cost of applying for OCI card from Ireland includes:

Source: https://www.indianembassydublin.gov.in/page/oci-fe...

United States of America

The USA accepts dual citizenship, providing Indian citizens the chance to maintain their Indian heritage through the OCI card while becoming American citizens. The cost of applying to OCI card from the USA include:

Source: https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/

Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Green Card in USA

Finland

Finland allows dual citizenship, letting Indian citizens preserve their Indian ties via the OCI card while holding Finnish citizenship. The cost of applying to OCI card from Finland include

Source: https://www.indembhelsinki.gov.in/oci-card.php

Also Read: 10 Best Countries to Migrate From India

New Zealand

New Zealand permits dual citizenship, enabling Indian citizens to retain their Indian identity with an OCI card while becoming New Zealand nationals. The cost of applying to OCI card from New Zealand include:

Source: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/page/oci/

Dual Citizenship With India: Tax Rules for OCI Holders

OCI holders are exempt from taxation on foreign income and interests from non-resident rupee bank accounts, while income from Indian sources is taxable in India.

Residential status in India determines tax liability, with individuals staying over 182 days in a financial year subject to dual citizen tax.

Tax Exemptions from Income Tax

NRIs and PIOs are exempt from investment taxation on deposits in Non-Resident External Rupee Accounts (NRE) and Foreign Currency Non-resident Accounts (FCNR).

Tax Exemptions from Wealth Tax

OCIs returning to India for permanent residence are exempt from wealth tax on assets brought from foreign countries for 7 years. The current wealth tax rate is 1% on wealth exceeding Rs. 30 lakhs as of March 31st each year.

Enjoy Dual the Benefits with Dual Citizenship With India

While India currently does not allow dual citizenship, the idea continues to be a topic of discussion among policymakers and citizens alike. The potential OCI benefits, such as enhanced global mobility and stronger ties with the Indian diaspora, are significant.

Amongst this navigating the complexities of immigration and citizenship laws can be challenging if approached without guidance. For comprehensive expert assistance on all immigration-related matters, consider reaching out to GetGIS. Our team is here to provide you with personalized support, ensuring a smooth and informed journey through your immigration journey.

Book Your Free Consultation