Citizenship
Became a Foreign Citizen? The Right Order for Surrender Certificate and OCI
You’ve just become a citizen of another country. Congratulations — and your Indian passport stopped being valid the day you did. Here is the order to do everything in.
India does not permit dual citizenship. Under Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, an Indian citizen who voluntarily acquires another nationality stops being an Indian citizen. Many new citizens don’t realise this is automatic, keep the Indian passport “just in case”, and discover the problem when they apply for an OCI or try to travel. The fix is simple if you follow the right order.
Step 1 — Stop using your Indian passport
From the date on your naturalisation certificate, travel only on your new passport. Using the Indian passport after that date is what usually triggers penalties when you surrender it.
Step 2 — Collect your evidence
- Your Indian passport (original)
- Your naturalisation or citizenship certificate
- Your new passport
- Proof of address and photos
Step 3 — Apply for the surrender certificate
Use the online application your Indian mission specifies, then submit with your Indian passport. The mission cancels the passport, returns it, and issues a surrender certificate. If you travelled on the Indian passport after naturalising, expect to pay a penalty in addition to the fee.
Step 4 — Apply for your OCI
Now apply on ociservices.gov.in. Your surrender certificate and cancelled Indian passport double as proof of Indian origin — usually the easiest origin proof anyone can provide. New applicants receive a digital e-OCI.
Step 5 — Travel in the gap
If you need to visit India before your OCI arrives, apply for an e-Visa on your new passport. Many missions also issue emergency visas in genuine family emergencies.
Special cases
“My Indian passport is lost.”
Missions accept a police report or affidavit with whatever details you have. Expect extra verification.
“I naturalised decades ago.”
Apply now. Old cases are routine for missions; the risk is in leaving it unresolved.
“My new country requires me to renounce first.”
That’s the separate renunciation process, filed as a declaration while you are still an Indian citizen. See the surrender vs renunciation guide.
“I’m from Goa, Daman or Diu and hold a Portuguese passport.”
There have been special arrangements for people from the former Portuguese territories who struggled to obtain surrender certificates. Check the latest position with your mission.