As an increasing number of Indians actively try to move abroad, Moneycontrol takes a deep dive into the issue to get you all you need to know about shifting your base
overseas. What are the various countries offering citizenships to Indians, the various schemes that enable this and what life awaits you
when you get there; to name a few.

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FAQ

What is the difference between citizenship and a passport?

Citizenship is the legal status of a person belonging to a particular country, recognised by the laws of that nation. A citizen is entitled to certain rights and has obligations as laid out in the constitution of that country.

A passport, on the other hand, is a document that a government issues to its citizens. The primary purpose is to enable citizens to travel internationally. It also serves as proof of citizenship. All passport-holders must be citizens of that country but all citizens don’t need to have a passport.

What is dual or multiple citizenship?

Dual or multiple citizenship means that a person is the citizen of more than one country (say the US and Canada and/or the UK). It gives the person rights and benefits in these countries. You can live, work and study in any of these and get benefits like healthcare, education, social security, etc.

What about a second passport?

The biggest advantage of multiple citizenship, however, is that you can hold multiple passports. It makes global travel smoother as you get to travel visa-free to all the countries these passport-holders are entitled to.

Can Indians get dual citizenship?

No. The Indian constitution does not have a provision of dual or multiple citizenship. If an Indian acquires a second passport, they automatically lose their Indian citizenship. As per the Passports Act, 1967, it is mandatory for all Indian passport holders to surrender their passports to the nearest Indian mission or post immediately after acquiring the nationality of another country.

However, such persons can get Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status after acquiring foreign citizenship.

What is OCI status and how does work?

OCI is a legal status given to a person of Indian origin who has given up Indian citizenship. It is similar to permanent residency and offers several benefits. The government of India issues a document called OCI card to all people who have been given this status.

How to get an OCI card?

Make an online application, upload photographs and documents, pay the fee and you will get your OCI card in a short time.

What are the benefits available to OCIs?

An OCI can enjoy many of the benefits available to a citizen of India such as:

Multiple entry life-long visa to India
Live, work, carry on business in India indefinitely
Own assets and properties
Apply for Indian citizenship again after surrendering foreign citizenship, subject to certain conditions

What are the things OCIs can’t do?

Since you are not a citizen, you cannot vote
You cannot run for a public office or contest an election
You cannot buy agricultural land or plantations in India. However, you may continue to hold such property you had before giving up Indian citizenship and also inherit it