Consular Services

FAQ on Overseas Indians (OCIs, PIOs and NRIs)

Who are the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)?
Is the PIO scheme still valid?
What are the various benefits of OCI scheme?
How do I apply for OCI card?
What is the time taken for registration as OCI?
Would the Indian civil/criminal laws be applicable to persons registered as OCI?
Can a person renounce OCI?
What is Know India Programme and how do I apply for the same?
What is the Study India Programme and how do I apply for the same?
What is Overseas Citizen of India Scheme?
Are there any Scholarship Programme for children of the Diaspora?
My forefathers have left India long back and I would like to trace my ancestral roots? Does MOIA have any scheme for the same?
What is Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award?
Whom can PIOs contact if they face any problem in India?
What is the percentage of seats reserved for PIOs in the Indian educational institutes and universities?
How can a PIO adopt a child in India?
Do non-resident Indian citizens require permission of Reserve Bank to acquire residential / commercial property in India?
What are the different types of accounts which can be maintained by an NRI/PIO in India?
Can NRIs invest in shares, debentures and units of mutual funds in India?
Can PIOs acquire any immovable property in India by the way of inheritance?
Can NRIs avail loans against their bank accounts in India? If yes, then for what purposes?
Do NRIs require the prior approval of RBI for maintaining bank accounts in India?
Can an individual resident lend money to his close relative NRI / PIO?
Can PIOs and OCIs set up business ventures in India?
Can a resident individual gift shares/securities/convertible debentures etc to NRI close relative?
Can a resident individual give rupee gifts to his visiting NRI/PIO close relatives?
Can a Power of Attorney invest on behalf of the NRI investor?
I am a Chartered Accountant who is an OCI cardholder. Are there any restrictions for me to practice in India?
I m an OCI card holder and want to donate money for philanthropic purposes in India. Any advice?