If you are an Indian citizen living abroad but planning to maintain a connection with your Indian roots, then you must have come across PIO (Person of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India). Both are relevant, allowing non-resident Indians to keep strong ties with their homeland and make it feel like home even though they are miles away.
But what should you choose, PIO vs OCI? Understanding the difference between the two is essential, especially if you are planning to travel internationally or need financial assistance, such as personal loans, in India.
What is OCI?
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card is a form of lifelong residency status provided to Indian origins living abroad, allowing them to live and work in their home country. This card was introduced in 2005 to provide non-resident Indians benefits like those living in India without giving them full citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria for OCI
- If you were or eligible to be an Indian citizen at the time or any time after the commencement of the Constitution of India (26 January 1950).
- You belonged to the Indian territory at the time of partition when the country gained independence (15th August 1947).
- You are eligible if you are a child, grandchild, great-grandchild or minor child of someone who meets one of the above criteria.
- If you are a minor child of parents who either both or one of them are Indian citizens.
- You are also eligible if your spouse is an Indian citizen or has an OCI card. The marriage must be at least two years old.
Documents Required for OCI
- Copy of online application form with photographs (in case of minors, parents must sign the application).
- Copy of foreign passport.
- Proof of Indian origin (birth certificate, ancestral documents, or any other document).
- Marriage certificate if your spouse is an Indian citizen or an OCI card holder.
- Proof of parents’ or grandparents’ Indian passports or birth certificates.
- A medical certificate may be required if you are aged (typically more than 50 years old).
Benefits of OCI Card
- Offers lifelong visa-free travel in India for any purpose.
- An OCI card can be used as proof of identity to open bank accounts and apply for PAN cards, driving licenses, or loans via top loan apps.
- You can own a property in India as a real estate investment.
- There is no need to register with local authorities, even for long-term stays.
What is PIO?
The Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card is issued to foreign nationals of Indian heritage to help them connect with their homeland even if they reside abroad. The card scheme was introduced in 1999 to make it easy for people to return to their home country.
Eligibility Criteria for PIO
- If you or your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents were born in India or part of the territory after independence.
- If you are a spouse of an Indian citizen or a PIO card holder.
- You must not be a citizen of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, China, Iran, or Bhutan to apply for a PIO.
Documents Required for PIO
- Current passport with a validity of at least 6 months is required as an essential document.
- Indian passports (original or photocopy), nationality certificates, birth certificates or school leaving certificates of parents or ancestors to show Indian origin.
- A marriage certificate is required if your spouse is of Indian origin having an Indian passport or PIO card.
- Application form from the Indian embassy or consulate.
- Passport-size photographs of the applicant.
Benefits of PIO Card
- PIO card holders can travel to India visa-free for 15 years from the issue date.
- The card can be used as proof of identity to apply for a PAN card, get a driver’s license, open a bank account, and even apply for personal loans.
- PIO card holders who stay for less than 180 days don’t need to register with any foreign national office.
Key Differences Between PIO and OCI
Now that you have understood about the cards in brief, here’s a brief difference between PIO and OCI:
- Validity: PIO card holders have a 15-year validity period, while OCI card holders have a lifelong validity period.
- Visa-Free Entry: You can visit the country without a visa but must register if you stay for more than 180 days in PIO. However, there is no such restriction for OCI card holders.
- Renewal: For a PIO card, you are required to get it renewed after 15 years, but for OCI, renewal is only needed if there is a change of any information.
- Employment: Both PIOs and OCIs do not have the right to work in the Government of India, but OCIs can work in most sectors.
- Educational Opportunities: OCI card holders have greater access to educational institutions and scholarships.
Limitations of PIO and OCI Cards
With numerous benefits, these cards have several limitations which one should consider:
- In India, neither cardholder has voting rights.
- Neither PIO nor OCI can work for the Government of India.
- Both card holders cannot hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, or Judge in India.
- Restricted to own agricultural land or plantation property.
Conclusion
Choosing the right card depends on how long you plan to visit or stay and maintain your connections with the country. However, both cards can be used to prove identity, open a bank account, apply for PAN cards, or apply for personal loans with leading apps like Stashfin and gain quick access to funds. After careful consideration, you can make an informed decision and opt for the right card.
