What is Dual Citizenship ?: Meaning, Benefits & Process
Experience the all-new Kotak Netbanking
Simpler, smarter & more intuitive than ever before
Quick Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Show More
For Kotak Bank Customers
For Kotak811 Customers
Experience the all-new Kotak Netbanking Lite
Simpler, smarter & more intuitive than ever before. Now accessible on your mobile phone!
Related Information
No, India does not permit dual citizenship. If you acquire citizenship of another country, your Indian citizenship is automatically terminated, and you must surrender your Indian passport.
Dual citizenship means holding full legal citizenship in two countries, while OCI is a lifetime visa that allows certain privileges in India without granting citizenship or voting rights.
Yes, individuals with dual citizenship can hold and use two valid passports from both countries, allowing them flexibility in international travel and residency.
Several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and Sweden, allow individuals to hold dual or multiple citizenship without requiring renunciation of previous nationality. Both countries must permit dual citizenship for an individual to hold it. For example, US allows citizens to hold citizenship of other countries. India does not. Hence, you cannot be a dual citizen of US and India.
Disclaimer: This Article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this Article do not necessarily constitute the views of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“Bank”) or its employees. The Bank makes no warranty of any kind with respect to the completeness or accuracy of the material and articles contained in this Article. The information contained in this Article is sourced from empanelled external experts for the benefit of the customers and it does not constitute legal advice from the Bank. The Bank, its directors, employees and the contributors shall not be responsible or liable for any damage or loss resulting from or arising due to reliance on or use of any information contained herein
Introduction
If you’ve settled abroad and are considering acquiring citizenship in your country of residence, you may wonder how this impacts affects your Indian citizenship.
Many countries around the world allow dual citizenship, enabling individuals to hold legal nationality in two countries simultaneously, with voting rights, access to public services, and the ability to hold two passports. However, India does not permit dual citizenship. Once you voluntarily acquire citizenship in another country, your Indian citizenship automatically ends.
For those who wish to maintain a strong connection with India, the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card offers a practical alternative, granting several long-term privileges without full citizenship.
Table of Contents
What is Dual Citizenship?
Countries that allow dual citizenship
OCI card and its benefits
Conclusion
What is Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship refers to being a legal citizen of two countries simultaneously. This status often allows individuals to:
Hold two valid passports
Vote in both countries
Access public services and benefits in both nations
Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship
Countries that allow dual citizenship include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Sweden, France, and others.
Each country has its own rules regarding eligibility, residency, and application. Always consult the immigration authority of your country of residence for accurate information.
While many countries allow their citizens to get dual citizenship, India does not. As per Indian law, acquiring foreign citizenship results in the automatic loss of Indian citizenship. You must surrender your Indian passport and are no longer eligible for rights reserved for Indian citizens.
What other options do NRIs have?
So what options do NRIs have? They can instead get the OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card, which is not a form of dual citizenship but provides several benefits to foreign citizens of Indian origin.
Dual Citizenship vs OCI: Key Differences
Please note: The following table highlights key differences between dual citizenship and OCI status.
Legal Status
Full citizen of two countries.
It does not give all the rights accorded to Indian citizens, one example being voting rights.
Passport
Two valid passports.
Only a foreign passport can be held; OCI cardholders do not have an Indian passport.
Land
Can own property in both countries, subject to respective rules and regulations.
Cannot purchase agricultural land/plantation property/ farmhouses in India.
Key Benefits of the OCI Card:
Lifetime multiple-entry visa to India.
No need to register with local authorities for long stays.
Parity with NRIs in economic, financial, and educational fields (except for agricultural land ownership).
Eligibility for the OCI card:
You may be eligible if you:
Were an Indian citizen at any time,
Are a child or grandchild of an Indian citizen,
Are a minor child of such persons,
Are a spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder (subject to conditions).
To know more about the OCI card eligibility, please refer to the MHA FAQs on OCI.
Conclusion
Although dual citizenship offers significant advantages, India’s legal framework does not permit it. Instead, the OCI card serves as a bridge for those who wish to stay connected with India while enjoying the benefits of foreign citizenship.
To explore more about the differences between NRI, OCI, and PIO statuses, read this detailed article: Understanding the Differences Between NRI, OCI, and PIO – Kotak Mahindra Bank.
OK