GOPIO International Convention 2012

PIO Card Scheme

Introduction

The Government of India understands and respects your need to be close to your place of origin and has accordingly launched the ‘PIO Card’ scheme, aimed at making the journey back to your roots, simpler, easier, flexible and trouble free.

Who is eligible?

Any person:

  • who at any time held an Indian passport; or
  • he/she or either of his/her parents or grandparents or great grandparents was born in and permanently resident in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 and other territories that became part of India thereafter provided neither was at any time a citizen of any country as may be specified by the Central Government from time to time; or
  • who is a spouse of a citizen of India or a Person of Indian Origin as mentioned above.

The scheme is broad-based, covers up to four generations and also the foreign spouse of a citizen of India or a PIO.

What benefits accrue to a PIO Card holder?

  • No visa required for visiting India.
  • Exemption from the requirement of registration if stay in India does not exceed 6 months. Should the continuous stay exceed 6 months, registration will be required within 30 days of the expiry of 6 months with the concerned Foreigners Registration Officer. (CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION CHECKLIST)
  • Parity with non-resident Indians in respect of facilities available to the latter in economic, financial and educational fields.
  • All facilities in the matter of acquisition, holding, transfer and disposal of immovable properties in India except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties.
  • Facilities available to children of NRIs for getting admission to educational institutions in India including medical colleges, engineering colleges, Institutes of Technology, Institutes of Management etc. under the general categories.
  • Facilities available under the various housing schemes of LIC, State Governments and other Government agencies.

Where to apply for the PIO Card?

  • Applications should be made to an Indian High Commission in the country where the applicant ordinarily resides.
  • Applicants in Malaysia should make the application for issue of a PIO Card to the following authority:

The High Commission of India
No. 2 Jalan Taman Duta,
Off Jalan Duta,
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Contact Numbers
Tel : (00-603) 2093 3510 (Five lines)
Fax: (00-603) 2093 3507, 2092 5826

What is the validity of the PIO Card?

20 years subject to the validity of the passport.

Note: The PIO Card will be valid only when accompanied with a valid passport.

What is the fee for the PIO Card?

The fee for a PIO Card would be Rs. 15000/- (or its equivalent in local foreign currency of the country concerned), payable alongwith the application. PIO Card to children upto the age of 18 years will be issued at a fee of Rs. 7,500/- (or its equivalent in local foreign currency of the country concerned) for a fifteen-year card.