PIO (Person of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) are special immigration statuses offered by the Government of India to people of Indian descent living abroad, providing them with significant rights and benefits without granting full citizenship.
What is PIO?
PIO refers to a foreign citizen (excluding those from Pakistan, Bangladesh, or certain neighboring countries) who at any time held an Indian passport or whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Indian citizens.
Introduced earlier than OCI, the PIO card allowed visa-free travel to India for up to 180 days at a time, multi-entry privileges, and exemptions from certain registration requirements.
The PIO scheme was discontinued in 2015 and fully merged into the OCI program, requiring existing PIO holders to convert their cards.
What is OCI?
OCI is a permanent residency status under the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2005, enabling foreign citizens of Indian origin (or their spouses) to live, work, and study in India indefinitely.
It offers a lifelong, multiple-entry visa, parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in economic, financial, and educational fields, and the right to own non-agricultural property.
OCI does not confer voting rights, public office eligibility, or full citizenship, but holders can apply for Indian citizenship after five years of residency.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PIO (Discontinued) | OCI (Current) |
| Validity | 15 years, renewable | Lifelong |
| Stay Duration | Up to 180 days per visit | Unlimited |
| Property Ownership | Limited | Allowed (non-agri land) |
| Status Post-2015 | Merged into OCI | Replaces PIO |
Eligibility and Application
Both categories target individuals with Indian ancestry up to great-grandparents, excluding citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
OCI eligibility extends to minor children of OCI/PIO holders or Indian citizens, applied via Indian embassies or the OCI portal.
Existing PIO cardholders must convert to OCI for continued benefits, a process handled at Indian missions abroad.
Benefits for Banking and Finance
OCI/former PIO holders enjoy NRI-like privileges, including opening bank accounts, investing in stocks/mutual funds, and real estate (non-farm)
They face no foreign exchange restrictions under FEMA for these activities, aiding financial ties with India.
PIO vs OCI: Side-by-Side Eligibility Comparison
| Eligibility Criteria | PIO (Discontinued) | OCI (Current) |
| Ancestry | Foreign citizen whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Indian citizens (born in undivided India pre-1947). | Same as PIO: ancestry through parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents who were Indian citizens. |
| Foreign Passport Holders | Eligible (except citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, China). | Eligible (same exclusions as PIO). |
| Spouse Eligibility | Not applicable. | Spouse of Indian citizen or OCI holder (married at least 2 years). |
| Minor Children | Not explicitly covered. | Children of OCI/PIO holders or Indian citizens (under 18). |
| Former Citizens | Those who held Indian passport at any time. | Same, plus minors at independence who lost citizenship. |
| Key Exclusions | Citizens of Pakistan/Bangladesh; certain others. | Same as PIO, plus stricter scrutiny for security. |
Read : How to apply for OCI
