OCI eligibility guide: ancestry, spouse and exclusions
OCI registration is available to specified foreign citizens with qualifying Indian origin or spouse connections, subject to Citizenship Act criteria and exclusions. Eligibility is not the same as holding Indian citizenship, and the official portal decides the application.
OCI is not dual citizenship
Trace the qualifying Indian connection, confirm nationality and service-related exclusions, then assemble civil and ancestry evidence before applying on the official portal.
Key points
- Origin or spouse route — Different evidence and conditions apply to each eligibility path.
- Document chain — Birth, marriage, passport and ancestry records must connect the applicant to the qualifying person.
- Exclusions matter — Nationality, military or police service and other conditions can affect eligibility.
Build the evidence chain
Start with the applicant's current passport and civil records, then connect each generation through birth, marriage, domicile, nativity or old Indian passport evidence. Foreign documents may require apostille or attestation and English translation.
Spouse applications require the prescribed marriage history and declarations.
Use only official channels
Confirm eligibility on the OCI Services portal.
Check the jurisdiction of the Indian Mission or FRRO.
Track the application using the official reference number.
Frequently asked questions
Is OCI Indian citizenship?
No. OCI is a registration status with specified benefits; it is not dual citizenship or an Indian passport.
Can a foreign spouse apply?
A qualifying spouse route exists subject to marriage duration, documentation and statutory conditions.
Can every person with an Indian grandparent apply?
Not automatically. Nationality, ancestry, exclusions and documentary proof all matter.