65. Reclaiming Indian Citizenship -

How to get back Indian Citizenship

Q: Hi, I have some questions regarding dual citizenship. 1) I am originally an Indian citizen but recently taken Australian citizenship and applied for OCI. Now I wish to go back to Indian for good in the year 2012. I have a house and also got a family business in India. Now what happens to those when I take OCI and Australian Citizenship ?? Also If I wish to set up a company in Indian next year by buying a shop, what are the steps I have to take ?? Can I do any business ?? Also down the track I wish to surrender my Australian citizenship and get back my Indian citizenship ? can I do that ? Warm Regards Biswadeep ( Hochi ) A. 1. Taking foreign citizenship and OCI does not affect ownership of your property in India. 2. OCI is a lifelong visa for India and treats you at par with other Indian nationals. You can buy a shop, do business and live in India. 3. You can probably apply for Indian citizenship after one years stay in India. Reference: Citizenship Act 1955 Section 5 Subsection f (excerpt below) (f)a person of full age and capacity who, or either of his parents, was earlier citizen of independent India, and has been residing in India for one year immediately before making an application for registration; Please note that Registered OCI’s may be granted Indian citizenship after 5 years from date of registration provided they stay one year in India before making an application for citizenship. As regards to your desire to surrender Australian citizenship is concerned, India does not allow their citizens to hold foreign passports. Once you get Indian citizenship you will have no choice but to give up Australian citizenship. A large number of Indians returning for permanent settlement probably choose to use their OCI status to live in India and do not apply for Indian citizenship because they want to retain their foreign citizenships