Which countries Allow Dual Citizenship With India
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Table of Contents[Show]
- What is Dual Citizenship
- What are the Benefits of Dual Citizenship
- What are the eligibility criteria to get Dual Citizenship with India
- What is the Application Process for Dual Citizenship
- Documents required to apply for Dual Citizenship/OCI in India
- Top 10 Best Countries that Accept the Policy of Dual Citizenship
Top 10 countries that allow dual citizenship with India 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?
What is Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship refers to holding citizenship in two countries simultaneously. This can happen in a number of ways, such as being born in one country and later becoming a citizen of another through naturalization, or being born to parents who hold citizenship in different countries. It is important to note that the laws regarding dual citizenship vary by country, and some countries do not recognize or permit it.
You might now be wondering, do we Indians also have such a benefit of dual citizenship?
To answer that Indian constitution post 2004 has revoked this benefit of having dual citizenship. Indians can opt for an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card in India to acquire foreign citizenship, which will enable the person to access multiple entries for a lifetime to India, exempting them from the hassle of registration or processing with the local authorities for a stay permit into the country.
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, Such as
1. Travel Benefits
Having Dual-citizenship can make it easy for travel between countries and provide access to visa 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.
What are the 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
What is the 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 4: Attend an interview or biometric appointment, if required
Step 5: Receive the OCI card, once the application is approved
*Ensure to print (hard copies) two filled application forms along with the ITAR number
Documents required to apply for Dual Citizenship/OCI in India
- 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)
Top 10 Best Countries that Accept the Policy of Dual Citizenship
There are a list of countries that accept Dual Citizenship, however, below is the list of top 10 countries which have successfully accepted the policy of Dual Citizenship
Canada
Cost of Applying to OCI card from Canada
| Particulars | Fee (in CAD) including ICWF of $4 CAD |
|---|---|
| OCI Card (New) | $425 |
| Reissuing of OCI cards (because of change of personal/passport particulars) | $43 |
| Issuing a duplicate OCI (lost or damaged) | $157 |
| Fee for OCI in lieu of PIO cards | $157 |
*PIO - Person of India Origin (Before the OCI came into existence, PIO card was a form of identification issued to a person of Indian origins.)
*Source: High Commission of India, Ottawa, Canada
Australia
Cost of Applying to OCI card from Australia
| Particulars | Fee (in AUD) Incl ICWF of A$ 3 |
|---|---|
| OCI Card (New) | A$414 |
| Reissuing of OCI cards (because of change of personal/passport particulars) | A$277 for Adults & A$139 for Children |
| Issuing a duplicate OCI (lost or damaged) | A$54 |
| Fee for OCI in lieu of PIO cards | A$54 |
Source: https://indianconsulatesydney.org/
Germany
Cost of Applying to OCI card from Germany
| Particulars | Fee (in EUR) Incl ICWF of €3 |
|---|---|
| OCI Card (New) | € 233 |
| Reissuing of OCI cards (because of change of personal/passport particulars) | €24 |
| Issuing a duplicate OCI (lost or damaged) | €87 |
| Fee for OCI in lieu of PIO cards | €87 |
Source: https://indianembassyberlin.gov.in/
Sweden
Cost of Applying to OCI card from Sweden
| Particulars | Fee (in EUR) Incl ICWF of SEK26 |
|---|---|
| OCI Card (New) | SEK2357 |
| Reissuing of OCI cards (because of change of personal/passport particulars) | SEK238 |
| Issuing a duplicate OCI (lost or damaged) | SEK874 |
| Fee for OCI in lieu of PIO cards | SEK874 |
Source: https://www.indembassysweden.gov.in/page/oci-faq/
The UK
Cost of Applying to OCI card from UK
| Particulars | Fee (in Pounds) Incl VFS Service fee of £7.44 |
|---|---|
| OCI Card (New) | £175.00 |
| Reissuing of OCI cards (because of change of personal/passport particulars) | £21 |
| Issuing a duplicate OCI (lost or damaged) | £75 |
| Fee for OCI in lieu of PIO cards | £75 |
Source: http://www.ocivisa.co.uk/fees/
Norway
Cost of Applying to OCI card from Norway
| Particulars | Fees in (NOK) Incl ICWF of £30 |
|---|---|
| OCI Card (New) | £2340 |
| Reissuing of OCI cards (because of change of personal/passport particulars) | £1830 |
| Issuing a duplicate OCI (lost or damaged) | £870 |
| Fee for OCI in lieu of PIO cards | £870 |
Source: https://www.indianembassyoslo.gov.in/page/consular...
Ireland
Cost of Applying to OCI card from Ireland
| Particulars | Fees in Euro Incl ICWF of €3 Euro |
|---|---|
| OCI Card (New) | €230 |
| Reissuing of OCI cards (because of change of personal/passport particulars) | €230 |
| Issuing a duplicate OCI (lost or damaged) | €84 |
| Fee for OCI in lieu of PIO cards | €84 |
Source: https://www.indianembassydublin.gov.in/page/oci-fee/
The USA
Cost of Applying to OCI card from USA
| Particulars | Fees in Dollars Incl ICWF of $3 |
|---|---|
| OCI Card (New) | $293.90 |
| Reissuing of OCI cards (because of change of personal/passport particulars) | $43.90 |
| Issuing a duplicate OCI (lost or damaged) | $118.90 |
| Fee for OCI in lieu of PIO cards | $118.90 |
Source: https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/
Finland
Cost of Applying to OCI card from Finland
| Particulars | Fees in Euro Incl ICWF of €2 Euro |
|---|---|
| OCI Card (New) | €230 |
| Reissuing of OCI cards (because of change of personal/passport particulars) | €24 |
| Issuing a duplicate OCI (lost or damaged) | €87 |
| Fee for OCI in lieu of PIO cards | €87 |
Source: https://www.indembhelsinki.gov.in/oci-card.php
New Zealand
Cost of Applying to OCI card from New Zealand
| Particulars | Fees in Dollars Incl ICWF of NZ$ |
|---|---|
| OCI Card (New) | NZ$421 |
| Reissuing of OCI cards (because of change of personal/passport particulars) | NZ$43 |
| Issuing a duplicate OCI (lost or damaged) | NZ$156 |
| Fee for OCI in lieu of PIO cards | NZ$156 |
Source: https://www.hciwellington.gov.in/page/oci/
Summary
The Ministry of Home Affairs evaluates each application and reserves the right to reject an individual who submits an unsuitable OCI card application. For instance, a lack of sufficient security clearance may result in the rejection of an application. If there is proof that an Overseas Citizenship of India card was obtained dishonestly or by hiding any information, it may even be cancelled or put on a blacklist.
A person with OCI status is granted a multiple-entry, multipurpose lifelong visa to visit India, eliminating the need for permits and undertake financial , economic and educational pursuits in India.
