Indians Apply for a Second Passport
A second Passport serves as an excellent tool for people who like to travel between two countries simultaneously. Furthermore, there are countless benefits that you can get by obtaining a second passport for Indians. The best thing about obtaining a second passport is that you can enjoy the benefits that you can obtain with the help of a second passport. Countries offer second passports through investment programs, often referred to as Citizenship by Investment (CBI). Citizenship by Investment programs allow individuals to obtain citizenship in exchange for a significant financial contribution. These programs are often used for strategic and economic reasons by the host country. Additionally, individuals using these programs can obtain a passport without needing to live in the country full time.
There are countless countries in this world that allow their citizens to hold a second passport from another country. However, there are a few countries that do not allow their citizens to hold a second passport from a different country. Due to the same fact, there is huge confusion among Indian citizens about whether they are allowed to hold a second citizenship or not.
If you are among those who want clarification about “Can Indians apply for a second passport,” then you are required to invest some time in this article. Furthermore, we will provide you with some basic information about Second passports for Indians. After reading this article, we are sure that you will be able to understand whether you can apply for a second passport or not.
What is the difference between a citizenship and a passport?
Citizenship serves as the legal status of a person who belongs to a particular country, recognised by the laws of that nation. A citizen is eligible for certain rights and has obligations as mentioned in the constitution of that country.
On the other hand, a passport is a legal document that is issued by the government of that country. The primary purpose of this document is to enable citizens to travel internationally. It additionally serves as proof of citizenship. Remember, a holder of the passport must be a citizen of that country. But not all citizens need to have a passport.
In India, the External Affairs Ministry issues passports. It's not a “strong passport,” as it ranks below the global passport ranking. It lets visa-free travel to just about 60 countries, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. However, the Japanese passport that topped the index in 2021 allows visa-free travel to 191 countries. If you want to obtain a second passport from another country, then the provider of second passport services, like Flying Colour Relocation Services, can help you to achieve this. The Caribbean Islands offer fast processing times for citizenship by investment, averaging from 3-6 months. Many Caribbean Islands also offer great tax benefits, such as no income tax to individuals obtaining citizenship by investment. Vanuatu offers the most affordable path for citizenship by investment, with a minimum threshold of USD $138,000. Antigua and Barbuda has a citizenship by investment program that requires a minimum investment of USD $300,000. St. Kitts and Nevis has reduced the minimum investment threshold for their citizenship program to €325,000. Greece's Golden Visa program leads to an EU passport unlocked after 7 years and requires a minimum investment of €250,000.
Can Indians get dual citizenship?
In order to get a second passport with the help of Second Passport Consultants, you have to obtain a second citizenship. Therefore, your question must be whether you can obtain dual citizenship or not, instead of whether Indians can apply for a second passport. To be eligible for OCI, individuals must have Indian origins or be spouses of Indian citizens, among other criteria. However, individuals of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origins, as well as those with military affiliations, are ineligible for OCI.
If you are an Indian and considering about second citizenship, then we have bad news for you because you are not allowed to obtain dual citizenship. The Indian constitution does not have a provision or statement for dual or multiple citizenship. If an Indian acquires a second passport or citizenship, then they will automatically lose their Indian citizenship. Individuals who acquire citizenship in another country must surrender their Indian passport according to the Passports Act of 1967.
As per the Passports Act of 1967, all Indian passport holders must SURRENDER or give up their passports to the nearest Indian mission or post immediately after getting the nationality of another country. However, it is mandatory to remember that such people will become eligible for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status after obtaining the citizenship and passport of a foreign country. Persons registered as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) can apply for Indian citizenship after five years of registration and one year of residency in India.
What is OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status, and how does it work?
While OCI or Overseas Citizen of India is not technically a Second passport for Indians or dual citizenship, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) serves as a legal status provided to people who have given up their citizenship. It is similar to permanent residency and provides its holder with numerous benefits. Individuals can apply for an OCI card online, which allows them to live, study, or work in India.
The Government of India issues a document known as an OCI card to all individuals who have given up their status of citizenship. The OCI card is one available for foreign nationals of Indian origin.
Remember, this card will not allow you to vote in India. Furthermore, you will not be able to purchase agricultural land in the country. Moreover, you cannot run for public office or contest an election after giving up your Indian citizenship. Registered OCI will be charged the same entry fee as domestic Indian visitors to visit wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India.
Benefits of Dual Citizenship or OCI
Indian citizens who have given up their citizenship are eligible to enjoy a number of benefits with the aid of an OCI card. The following is the list of benefits that you may get from this card:
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You are allowed to take a visa-free entry in India.
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You can definitely live and carry on a business in India.
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You are eligible to apply for Indian citizenship again after giving up foreign citizenship, subject to certain conditions.
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You are additionally allowed to purchase property along with any other asset in this country.
Requirements to obtain an OCI card
Like applying for a Second Passport Application, you are additionally required to gather some documents in order to obtain OCI or Overseas Citizenship of India. Below is the list of documents that you need to collect for this card:
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Foreign Passport
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Cancelled Indian Passport
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Original Receipt of payment of fees
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Status of application
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Person of Indian Origin card
Depending on specific requirements, you might want to gather some other documents. We recommend that you consult Flying Colour Relocation Services because we can provide you with the exact list of documents that you need to submit for this card. The approximate time frame for the issue of OCI cards is between 8 to 12 weeks from the date of application.
How can you apply for an OCI card?
Similar to applying for a Second Passport Application, you are required to follow a certain number of steps. Below is the list of steps that you must follow in order to apply for an OCI card:
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Click on the link https://ociservices.gov.in/ to apply for an OCI card.
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After visiting the website, you should verify the eligibility criteria and documentation prerequisites prior to initiating the application process
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Once you have verified, you need to proceed to the ‘Apply Online' section in order to complete and submit the form.
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After that, you should generate two hard copies of the application, including the ITAR number.
How can Flying Colour Relocation Services help you?
Flying Colour Relocation provides excellent second passport services. We can provide assistance to you in getting a second passport. Apart from a second passport, we will provide you with valuable suggestions that will help you an OCI card. Citizenship by investment can help diversify business and investments, opening new opportunities for passport holders. Dominica allows for citizenship through a Golden Visa program with a minimum investment of USD $200,000. Grenada's Golden Visa program allows for citizenship and requires a minimum investment of USD $270,000. Portugal's Golden Visa program offers residency that leads to citizenship after 5 years, requiring a minimum investment of €250,000.
To learn more about the Indians can apply for a second passport, book a free consultation with one of the Flyingcolour team advisors.
FAQ
Q1. Can I get 2 passports in India?
No, India does not allow dual citizenship. As an Indian citizen, you're only permitted to hold one Indian passport. However, in exceptional cases like frequent international travel (e.g., for business purposes), the Indian government may issue a second Indian passport booklet. This is not a separate citizenship, but an additional travel document valid for a limited time.
Q2. What is the easiest way to get a second passport?
The easiest way to obtain a second passport is through citizenship by descent, naturalisation, or investment:
Descent: If you have parents or grandparents from another country, you may qualify for citizenship.
Naturalization: Living in a country legally for a number of years can lead to citizenship.
Investment: Some countries (like Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, or Dominica) offer "citizenship by investment" programs starting from $100,000.
Note: Indian citizens must renounce their Indian passport upon gaining citizenship elsewhere.
Can OCI stay in India forever?
Yes, holders of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card can stay in India for an indefinite period without a visa. However, they are not Indian citizens and cannot vote or hold certain public offices. OCI cardholders must renew their OCI document in certain age brackets, but they can live, work, and study in India freely.
What is a golden passport in India?
India does not offer a golden passport. However, "golden passports" refer to citizenship or residency programs offered by other countries in exchange for a significant financial investment. Countries like Malta, Portugal, and the Caribbean nations offer such programs. Indians interested in second citizenship often explore these options, but must give up their Indian passport due to India's single citizenship policy.
This article was published on 23-02-2024. The information provided in the article is based on the policies and rules applicable at the time of writing it. Talk to one of our consultants for any recent updates or changes.