Detailed information about Renewal of Kids OCI Card will be available soon.

To renew an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card for a minor, you can apply online at ociservices.gov.in. You'll need to: 

• Complete and print the online application forms, Part A and Part B
• Have both parents sign Part B of the application
• Provide copies of:
  • The applicant's birth certificate
  • The applicant's passport
  • The applicant's foreign citizenship certificate
  • The applicant's canceled Indian passport
  • The applicant's parents' marriage certificate
• Provide a recent passport-style photograph
• Pay the fee
• Provide a self-addressed envelope with tracking if you want the card by mail

If the applicant has a single parent, you'll need to provide an affidavit attested by a Justice of the Peace. 

You can also update your OCI card online if you get a new foreign passport. You won't receive a new OCI card. 

Detailed information about Is duty free allowance to India per person or family?

According to Indian customs regulations, the duty-free allowance is per person and cannot be pooled with another passenger's allowance, meaning each individual has their own limit on duty-free goods they can bring in, regardless of family membership. 

Key points to remember:

• Individual limit: Each passenger must declare their own duty-free items within their designated allowance. 
• No family pooling: You cannot combine the duty-free allowances of multiple family members. 
• Transfer of residence exception: If you are transferring your residence to India, there may be specific rules regarding higher allowances for personal and household goods, but these are still typically calculated per person.

Detailed information about Duty free allowance for NRI kids

When Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) or their children travel to India, they are entitled to a duty-free allowance on goods they bring into the country. This allowance is governed by the Indian Customs regulations and applies to both adults and children. However, the duty-free allowance for NRI kids is typically the same as for adults, but there are some nuances to consider.

Detailed information about NRO Bank Account

An NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank account is a type of bank account in India designed for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to manage their income earned in India. It is used to deposit income such as rent, dividends, pensions, or any other earnings generated in India. The funds in an NRO account are denominated in Indian Rupees (INR).

Key Features of an NRO Account:

Purpose:

To manage income earned in India (e.g., rent, dividends, interest, etc.).

It is not meant for foreign income or remittances from abroad.

Currency:

The account is maintained in Indian Rupees (INR).

Repatriation:

Funds in an NRO account can be repatriated (sent abroad), but only up to a limit of $1 million per financial year, subject to applicable taxes and documentation.

Joint Account:

An NRO account can be held jointly with another NRI or a resident Indian.

Taxation:

Interest earned on an NRO account is taxable in India as per Indian tax laws.

NRIs may also be subject to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on the interest earned.

Types of Accounts:

NRO accounts can be savings, current, fixed deposit, or recurring deposit accounts.

Eligibility:

Only NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) can open an NRO account.

Detailed information about NRE Bank Account

An NRE (Non-Resident External) bank account is a type of bank account in India designed specifically for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to park their foreign earnings in Indian Rupees (INR). The primary purpose of an NRE account is to facilitate the repatriation of funds earned abroad back to India. Unlike an NRO account, the funds in an NRE account are fully repatriable, meaning you can transfer the money back to your country of residence without any restrictions.

Key Features of an NRE Account:

Purpose:

To deposit foreign earnings (e.g., salary, business income, or other income earned abroad) in Indian Rupees (INR).

It is not meant for income earned in India (for that, an NRO account is used).

Currency:

The account is maintained in Indian Rupees (INR), but the funds are sourced from foreign currency converted into INR.

Repatriation:

Funds in an NRE account are fully repatriable, meaning you can transfer the money back to your country of residence without any limits.

Tax Benefits:

The interest earned on an NRE account is tax-free in India.

The principal amount and interest are also exempt from wealth tax in India.

Joint Account:

An NRE account can be held jointly with another NRI, but not with a resident Indian.

Types of Accounts:

NRE accounts can be savings, current, fixed deposit, or recurring deposit accounts.

Eligibility:

Only NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) can open an NRE account.

OCI card holders cannot vote in Indian elections or seek a Voter ID, since they are not Indians. OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) is a long-term residence permit given to foreign nationals of Indian origin so that they can reside and work in India permanently, but it does not give them the same privileges as an Indian citizen. According to the Representation of the People Act, 1950, voting is a right extended to Indian citizens alone, so the OCIs have no right to vote in any level of election, whether Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assemblies, or local municipal bodies.

Why OCIs Cannot Vote?

• OCI is not the status of Indian citizenship.
• Indian law doesn't entitle OCIs the right to vote, run elections, or enter politics.
• Only people holding an Indian passport are eligible to enroll as voters.

OCI cardholders are entitled to many privileges, including the right to reside, work, and study in India on a permanent basis. There are some activities that require special permission from the government of India. OCI status is not a ticket to unrestricted employment in any occupation, area, or legal privilege in India.

When Do OCI Cardholders Need Special Permission?

OCI cardholders are required to seek advance permission from the concerned authority for the following activities:

Research Work in India

• Any OCI desirous of undertaking research work in India is required to seek the permission of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Scientific, academic, and professional research come under this category.

Missionary or Tabligh Work

• Religious work, missionary work, or Tabligh (Islamic preaching) requires special permission.
• Application has to be made through the Foreigners Division of MHA.

Mountaineering, Journalism, or Filmmaking

• OCIs must have permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for mountaineering expeditions.
• Accreditation and a special visa are needed by foreign journalists (including OCIs).
• Clearance is also needed for documentary or feature film productions in India.

Working in Restricted Sectors

• OCIs are not allowed to work in government services or defense sectors on their own without special permission.
• Intelligence agencies, nuclear energy, or research institutions may have job restrictions.

Travel to Protected or Restricted Areas

• Somehow, some areas of India like parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands need Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
• OCIs have to apply to the Ministry of Home Affairs or concerned state government.

How to Apply for Special Permission?

OCI card holders can seek special permission by:

• Making an online application on the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
• Meeting the nearest Indian Embassy or FRRO office to seek advice.
• Presenting supportive documents such as copies of passports, OCI card, and the details of the proposed activity.

Yes, it is possible for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to open and conduct a business in India. FEMA and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations enable NRIs to establish businesses in almost all industries except for controlled industries such as agriculture and trading in real estate. NRIs may establish a new business or invest in a pre-existing Indian firm with different business formats such as Private Limited Company, LLP, or Proprietorship depending upon government approval and foreign investment regulations.

Key Points About NRI Business Setup in India

Types of Business Formats Permitted for NRIs:

• Private Limited Company (PLC): Should have two directors (one should be a resident Indian).
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Permitted under the automatic route in specific sectors.
• Sole Proprietorship & Partnership: Opening a proprietorship or partnership can be done by NRIs, but RBI and FEMA compliance must be ensured.
• Branch Office (BO), Liaison Office (LO), or Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS): Foreign companies are allowed to have it.

Tax Compliance: NRIs are required to comply with Indian tax laws and pay relevant taxes depending upon the nature of business or investment, such as corporate tax, GST, and capital gains tax under Indian legislation.

Yes, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders are eligible to open and run a business in India. They enjoy the same rights as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in terms of investing, forming companies, and conducting businesses. Still, there are some limitations and reporting requirements they need to adhere to.

Business Options for OCI Cardholders

OCI cardholders are eligible to:

• Start a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Sole Proprietorship in India.
• Invest in Indian companies, startups, or securities markets under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
• Purchase commercial property for business use (excluding agricultural land).
• Work in or run a business in India without requiring an additional visa.