Can I Apply for OCI Without Surrendering My Indian Passport?

SK Posted by: Samar Kulkarni
• 23 July, 2025
3 Reply

OCI card allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to stay, work, and live in India for an indefinite period. It allows applicants to enter India visa-free anytime without reporting the duration of stay to any local police or higher officials. However, to get an OCI card, you will need a surrender certificate. If you haven't applied to get a surrender certificate, then without the surrender certificate, you will not get your OCI card because, according to the Indian Citizenship Act, Indians are not allowed to hold dual citizenship.

Tags : OCI card, Surrender Indian Passport

  • Viraj Nambiar 05 August, 2025

    No, to apply for an OCI application, you need to submit a valid surrender certificate. Here is the quick document list to apply for a smooth OCI application. Fully signed OCI application for photos, signature, copy of a valid passport, copy of last held Indian Passport, copy of naturalization certificate, copy of surrender certificate, and proof of address. These are the mandatory documents that are required for the OCI application form.

  • Sneha Nair 31 July, 2025

    Here are the documents required to apply for a Renunciation of Indian citizenship and obtain your OCI card. Without surrendering your OCI, you cannot apply for an OCI. An online filled application form, self-attested copy of the Indian passport. Indian passport original with first and last page copies, two colored photos, certificate of registration, naturalization of foreign nationality, and a fee receipt.

  • Dhruv Bhandari 28 July, 2025

    No, you cannot apply for an OCI card without surrendering your indian passport. To apply for an OCI, you first need to renounce your Indian citizenship by surrendering your Indian passport, and then you will be able to apply for an OCI card. According to the Indian Citizenship Act, India does not provide dual citizenship. Therefore, to obtain an OCI card, you must apply for a surrender certificate.

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