Difference Between OCI and PIO
Earlier, citizens who live outside India had the option to choose between the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card or Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card. Both cards were used as a travelling document or identification document instead of a visa.
According to the Indian Government, the cards have been merged and citizens have been asked to apply for an OCI card. Earlier, PIO cards were deemed invalid from 30 September 2019. However, certain countries have extended the deadline to 31 December 2023.
Difference between OCI and PIO
The main differences between OCI and PIO cards are mentioned in the table below:
Category | PIO | OCI |
Fees | Adults: Rs.15,000Children (Up to 18 years): Rs.7,500 | Re-Issuance: Rs.1,400Duplicate: Rs.5,500 |
FRO/FRRO Registration | Post 180 days | Not needed |
Entering India | 15 years after which the card has been issued. Can stay for up to 180 days post which FRO/FRRO registration must be done. | Individuals can enter the country at any given time. |
15 years | Lifetime | |
Indian Visa Requirement | Not needed | Not needed |
Where to Apply | CKGS Application Centre | CKGS Application Centre |
Who can Apply | Indian lineage individuals with foreign citizenship and passport | Indian lineage individuals with foreign citizenship and passport |
Documents Required
The documents that must be submitted in order to apply for an OCI card are mentioned below:
- 4 passport-sized photographs.
- Previous passport (Indian).
- Nativity certificate must be provided in case the passport is not given.
- Birth certificate.
- Citizenship proof such as address proof and passport.
Differences Regarding Living in India
Getting Indian Citizenship
PIO | Cardholder must live at least seven years in the country in order to get a citizenship. |
OCI | The OCI must surrender his/her current citizenship. Individuals can apply for citizenship five years after the registration process has been completed. He/she must have stayed in India for at least one year. |
Tax Liabilities
PIO | Tax must be paid in case you are earning in India. |
OCI | Tax must be paid in case you are earning in India. |
Education
PIO | Individuals do not have to apply for an Education Visa. |
OCI | Individuals do not have to apply for an Education Visa. |
PIO | An Employment Visa is not needed. However, in case individuals stay for more than 180 days, registration must be completed. |
OCI | An Employment Visa is not needed. |
PIO | Individuals can invest, earn, open accounts at banks, and apply for a PAN Card and driver’s license. However, individuals cannot invest in agricultural and plantation properties. |
OCI | Individuals can invest, earn, open accounts at banks, and apply for a PAN Card and driver’s license. However, individuals cannot invest in agricultural and plantation properties. |
Employment
PIO | Individuals do not have to apply for an Education Visa. |
OCI | Individuals do not have to apply for an Education Visa. |
PIO | An Employment Visa is not needed. However, in case individuals stay for more than 180 days, registration must be completed. |
OCI | An Employment Visa is not needed. |
PIO | Individuals can invest, earn, open accounts at banks, and apply for a PAN Card and driver’s license. However, individuals cannot invest in agricultural and plantation properties. |
OCI | Individuals can invest, earn, open accounts at banks, and apply for a PAN Card and driver’s license. However, individuals cannot invest in agricultural and plantation properties. |
Financial and Economic Rights
PIO | Individuals do not have to apply for an Education Visa. |
OCI | Individuals do not have to apply for an Education Visa. |
PIO | An Employment Visa is not needed. However, in case individuals stay for more than 180 days, registration must be completed. |
OCI | An Employment Visa is not needed. |
PIO | Individuals can invest, earn, open accounts at banks, and apply for a PAN Card and driver’s license. However, individuals cannot invest in agricultural and plantation properties. |
OCI | Individuals can invest, earn, open accounts at banks, and apply for a PAN Card and driver’s license. However, individuals cannot invest in agricultural and plantation properties. |
FAQs on OCI vs PIO Cards
- Can I vote in case I have a PIO or OCI card?
No, you cannot vote in case you have a PO or OCI card.
- Can PIO or OCI cardholders invest in agricultural properties?
No, PIO or OCI cardholders cannot invest in agricultural properties.
- Can a registered OCI cardholder avail OCI Miscellaneous Services?
Yes, a registered OCI cardholder can avail OCI Miscellaneous Services.
- Will each person in a family need to apply for a separate OCI card?
Yes, each person in a family will need to apply for a separate OCI card.
- Will each person in a family need to apply for a separate PIO card?
Yes, each person in a family will need to apply for a separate PIO card.
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