Countries/India/India Residency & OCI
India · Residency
India Residency & OCI.
OCI, NRI status and India residency — planned, not left to chance.
India does not have a direct investor residency programme. The most relevant statuses for global families are OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholder and NRI tax classification — both with specific planning windows.
What it is
The full picture, in plain language.
India residency advisory covers OCI cardholder applications, NRI tax-residency planning, returning Indian classification (RNOR window), and long-term tax planning for global Indian families.
Who it's for
Designed for these situations.
Indian-origin families abroad
OCI cardholder applications for family members.
NRIs planning return
Using the RNOR window for tax efficiency.
Long-term overseas Indians
NRI status maintenance and tax planning.
Foreign spouses of Indian citizens
OCI eligibility through marriage.
Benefits
What the right structure delivers.
OCI cardholder benefits
Multiple-entry lifelong visa, parity with NRIs on property and most economic activity (excluding agricultural land).
RNOR window on return
Up to 3 years of Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident status for returning Indians — foreign income shielded.
Investment access
Equity, mutual funds, real estate access aligned to OCI/NRI status.
School & university access
Children eligible for many domestic-fee categories.
Banking
NRE/NRO/FCNR account structures with favourable terms.
Family planning
OCI for spouse and children for long-term family flexibility.
The process
Step by step — nothing hidden, nothing skipped.
- 01
Status review
Week 1Current Indian status (citizen, NRI, OCI, foreign), residency history, family composition.
- 02
OCI application (if relevant)
8-16 weeksApplication via consulate, document verification, biometrics.
- 03
Tax residency planning
Weeks 1-4RNOR window planning if returning; NRI maintenance if staying abroad.
- 04
Banking & investment alignment
Weeks 2-8NRE/NRO account opening, PIS for equity, demat setup.
- 05
Annual review
AnnuallyDay-count review, NRI maintenance, RNOR transition planning.
Timeline
What a typical engagement looks like.
Weeks 1-2
Status review and planning.
Weeks 2-16
OCI processing if applicable.
Annual
Day-count and status review.
Documents required
The evidence pack we will ask for.
Passport (current & past)
Proof of foreign citizenship for OCI.
Proof of Indian origin
Parent's or grandparent's Indian passport / birth certificate.
Marriage certificate
For spouse OCI applications.
PAN card
For tax residency and banking.
Costs & fees
What you should budget for.
Government fees are modest; professional fees for proper planning are the meaningful cost.
OCI government fee
USD 275 (principal)
Spouse OCI fee
USD 275
Morifar coordination
From INR 75,000
Per case.
Tax residency planning
From INR 200,000
Annual.
FAQs
Questions we are asked, and the honest answers.
Is OCI dual citizenship?+
No — India does not permit dual citizenship. OCI is a lifelong visa with broad parity with NRIs on most economic and family matters.
What is RNOR?+
Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident — a transitional tax status for returning Indians, shielding foreign income for up to 2-3 years.
Can OCI buy agricultural land?+
No — restricted to Indian citizens.
How long does OCI take?+
8-16 weeks typical; longer at some consulates.
Common mistakes
What we see go wrong — so it doesn't happen to you.
Missing RNOR window on return
Returning Indians often lose the RNOR shield by mistiming the move.
Day-count miscalculation
Indian tax residency triggers at specific day-count thresholds. Track carefully.
Wrong account type
NRE vs NRO has materially different tax and repatriation profiles.
OCI for one parent only
Spousal OCI often forgotten; matters when travelling and for property.
Explain like I'm 10
The simplest version of the whole thing.
If your family has Indian roots, you can get a special card called OCI that lets you live, work and own property in India for life. We help with the paperwork and the timing.
Related services
Private consultation
Discuss india residency & oci with the team.
A confidential first conversation — no obligation, no sales pitch. We listen, map your situation, and tell you honestly whether and how we can help.
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