FAQ

What is an NRI?

NRI is used as a general descriptive term for individuals of Indian origin residing outside of India. However, there is an official definition enshrined within Indian law.  This definition states that an NRI is an Indian citizen that lives abroad either for work or other circumstances indicating an intention for an uncertain period of stay abroad.

What’s so special about being an NRI?

Various rights and facilities are granted to an NRI by the Indian government including:

Maintenance of Rupee or foreign currency bank accounts in India

Eligibility to invest in Government securities and shares of Indian registered companies

Eligibility to invest in Indian real estate

Various tax benefits

Possibility of voting rights in India (Bill currently under review)

What is a PIO?

A PIO is a Person of Indian Origin but not a citizen of India. The Indian government considers anyone of Indian origin if his or her parents, grandparents or great grand parents were born in India (but did not move to Pakistan or Bangladesh after partition).

What is a PIO Card?

The PIO Card scheme was introduced in 2002 and is a form of identification issued to a Person of Indian Origin who holds a passport in another country (with the exception of Pakistan or Bangladesh). The Card is valid for 15 years from date of issuance. A spouse of an Indian Citizen or PIO can apply for a PIO Card regardless of their ethnicity.

What is so special about having a PIO Card?

No Visa required when visiting India

Exemption on the requirement of registration as long as stay does not exceed 180 days

Parity with the rights and facilities afforded to NRIs with the exception of voting rights

No separate visas required for gaining educational or work placements

What is an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)?

The Constitution of India does not permit either dual citizenship or nationality. There now exists a provision for a new form of Indian nationality, the holder of which will be referred to as Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). Both NRIs and PIO Card holders will be eligible to apply for an OCI Card.

What is so special about being an OCI?

Multiple entry, multi purpose, life long visa for visiting India

Exemption from registration with local Police authority for any length of stay in India

Eligibility to apply for grant of Indian citizenship on condition of being registered as an OCI for five years and residing in India for one out of five years before applying

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<h1>The Non Resident Indian - news views and comment for the Indian community abroad.</h1> <h2>Indian opinion, politics, business, life, style, culture, faith, arts, film, sport, travel, cuisine and lifestyle in the UK</h2> <p><b>The NRI is an online magazine dedicated to the vast and diverse international community of Indians residing outside of India. </b></p> <p>Spread throughout every corner of the globe, these various groups have immersed themselves in new lifestyles and customs but are inextricably linked with each other through the powerful bond of Indian culture.</p> <ul> <li>We report on NRI communities around the globe and highlight their achievements in different spheres of life. </li> </ul> <p>At the same time we will bring you news from India to forge a closer understanding between Resident and Non Resident Indians and create a greater cultural awareness amongst those who want to reconnect with their Indian roots. <a href="http://www.the-nri.com/indian/sitemap.html">links</a></p> <p><b><a href="http://www.the-nri.com/">The NRI - Non Resident Indian</a></b><br></p>