India · OCI & Indian visas
OCI Application
Overseas Citizenship of India for Irish citizens of Indian origin, children and eligible spouses — online application, documents and updates.
- Decided by:
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, through the Embassy of India, Dublin
- Information checked:
- New OCI fee
- US$275 equivalent
- Government of India fee, charged in euro by the Embassy
- Processing
- about 6–7 weeks
- Embassy guidance; longer by post
- Card format
- e-OCI (digital)
- for new applicants from 30 June 2026
Official figures as published by the relevant authority when we last checked. They can change — always confirm on the official website before paying.
Overview
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) gives people of Indian origin with foreign citizenship — and eligible spouses — a lifelong visa to visit India, with many practical benefits. For Irish citizens of Indian origin it's often the natural next step after surrendering an Indian passport.
OCI applications are now made fully online on the OCI services portal. From 30 June 2026, new applicants receive a digital e-OCI instead of a printed booklet, and holders must update their passport details online each time they get a new passport.
We help you confirm eligibility, complete the online form, prepare uploads and submit to the Embassy of India, Dublin. The Government of India decides every application.
Who it's for
This service is for
- Irish citizens who were Indian citizens, after surrendering their Indian passport.
- Children of Indian or OCI parents born with Irish or another foreign nationality.
- Foreign spouses of Indian citizens or OCI holders (registered marriage of at least two years).
- Existing OCI holders who need to update passport details.
Common challenges we solve
- Knowing which documents apply — especially the surrender certificate.
- Getting photo and signature uploads right on the OCI portal.
- Applying for children with the correct parental documents.
- Understanding the new e-OCI and passport update rules.
How we help
Our support for OCI Application includes:
- Eligibility check for you and your family members.
- Help completing the online OCI application and uploads.
- Document checklists for adults, minors and spouses.
- Preparing your pack for Embassy submission by appointment or post.
- Help with online passport detail updates for existing OCI holders.
Benefits of working with us
- A smooth path from Irish citizenship to OCI.
- Correct documents for adults and children in one go.
- Fast, clear answers about e-OCI and updates.
Eligibility & requirements
Under Ministry of Home Affairs rules, the following may be eligible:
- Foreign nationals who were, or were eligible to become, Indian citizens on or after 26 January 1950, or whose parent, grandparent or great-grandparent was.
- Minor children of such persons, and minor children of Indian citizen parents.
- Foreign spouses of Indian citizens or OCI holders whose marriage has been registered and lasted at least two years.
- People with Pakistani or Bangladeshi ancestry, and serving or retired foreign military personnel, are not eligible.
Documents you may need
For an adult who acquired Irish citizenship, typical documents include:
- Copy of your current Irish passport.
- Copy of your former Indian passport.
- Your Irish naturalisation certificate.
- Your Indian passport surrender certificate.
- Photo and signature meeting the OCI portal specifications.
- For minors: birth certificate, both parents' passports or OCI cards and the parents' marriage certificate.
Non-Irish passport holders may need proof of address in Ireland for the last six months.
How it works
Step 1: Eligibility & route
We confirm eligibility for each family member and whether a surrender certificate is needed first.
Step 2: Online OCI form
We help complete the application on the OCI services portal with correct uploads.
Step 3: Document check
We review your documents against the Embassy's checklist.
Step 4: Submit to the Embassy
Submit by appointment at the Embassy of India, Dublin or by post, and pay the fee.
Step 5: e-OCI
Once granted, download your e-OCI from the portal. Remember to update passport details whenever you renew your passport.
Important to know
- Your surrender certificate is required if you surrendered an Indian passport after acquiring foreign nationality.
- OCI fees are non-refundable.
- All foreign nationals, including OCI holders, must complete India's online e-Arrival card before arrival.
- Official OCI FAQs may still show older re-issue rules; the June 2026 change requires an online update for each new passport.
SJ Consultancy Ireland is an independent consultancy. The decision on your application is made by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, through the Embassy of India, Dublin. Official fees are paid directly to the authority. This page is general guidance, not legal advice.
OCI Application FAQs
Do I need my surrender certificate before applying for OCI?
Yes, if you held an Indian passport and acquired Irish citizenship, the surrender certificate is a mandatory document for a fresh OCI application.
Will I receive a physical OCI card?
From 30 June 2026 new applicants receive a digital e-OCI. Physical booklets that were already issued remain valid.
What happens when I renew my Irish passport?
OCI holders must update their passport details on the OCI portal whenever a new passport is issued. We can help with the update.
How long does OCI take?
The Embassy indicates about 6–7 weeks, longer for postal applications and some spouse cases. Apply well before you plan to travel.
Official sources
We check requirements against these official sources. Rules, fees and processing times change, so please confirm the latest position there.