There are two options for permanent residency.

• OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card
• PIO (Persons of Indian Origin)

The OCI affords many of the rights of an Indian citizen. As India does not permit dual citizenship, this card is for those who may have given up their Indian citizenship but want to retain links to the country.

It essentially provides a lifelong visa allowing multiple entry to India for any purpose. Those in possession of an OCI card are exempt from registering their stay in India. An OCI card holder can apply for Indian citizenship provided they have been registered as OCI for at least five years, and have lived in India for one of the five years prior to application.

This is for all those of Indian origin who are holders of a passport of another country. Exclusions to this are Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Sri Lanka.

The PIO card is valid for 15 years and allows holders to enter India without a visa including for studies and employment. Registration at the Foreign Registration Office (FRO) is not required for single periods of stay under 180 days.