What is a PIO Card?

The Indian diaspora, spread across the globe, plays a pivotal role in maintaining India’s global connections and contributing to the growth story.

To cherish this diaspora and establish a connection, India has implemented various measures to facilitate their financial and cultural integration, including the provision of specialized banking services like FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident) and NRE account, along with the issuance of PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cards.

A PIO card is a unique identification document issued to individuals of Indian origin residing outside India. It serves as a testament to their Indian heritage and facilitates their interaction with Indian institutions and authorities.

PIO cardholders enjoy certain privileges and benefits, such as visa-free travel to India, exemption from registration requirements, and parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in economic, financial, and educational matters.

PIO cards act as a bridge between the Indian diaspora and the motherland, fostering a sense of belonging and facilitating seamless engagement with India.

In this article, we will discuss What a is PIO Card, the Eligibility of a PIO Card, the Benefits of PIO Cards, and much more.

Eligibility of PIO Card

The following are the eligibility of the PIO Card-

• The PIO card application is open to individuals of Indian origin or those whose ancestors were Indian citizens, supported by valid birth certificates, passports, or other pertinent documents as required
• PIO card applicants must hold citizenship of a foreign country with resident status in the Foreign Country
• Applicants must not have been involved in any criminal or civil cases of serious nature in their country of residence
• Additional requirements, such as proof of financial stability, may vary based on the issuing authority and country-specific regulations

Persons Not Eligible for PIO Card

The following are the people who will not be eligible for PIO Card-

• People applying for a PIO Card from countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, China, and Iran will not be eligible for a PIO card

Benefits of PIO Cards

The following are the benefits of a PIO Card-

• PIO Card holders can easily travel back and forth in India for an indefinite period or until the PIO Card is valid without any VISA Requirement
• PIO cardholders are eligible for residency in India for a continuous stay of up to 180 days
• PIO Cardholders can own residential or commercial properties in India without seeking special permission
• PIO cardholders have the right to seek employment in India, enabling them to work and earn in the country
• PIO cardholders get access to educational institutions and facilities on par with Indian citizens, including admission to medical and engineering colleges
• PIOs can open bank accounts, purchase shares, and invest in securities in India
• PIOs can avail themselves of services like healthcare, banking, and insurance on par with Indian citizens

How to Apply for a PIO Card?

Here are the steps to apply for a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card:

• The primary step is to check whether you are eligible for a PIO Card or not, if yes, you can proceed further and collect the below-mentioned document
• Now, Obtain the PIO card application form from the Indian embassy or consulate in your country and fill the form with details like name, India address (if any), residence address, citizenship country, occupation, and other details
• After filling out the form, attach the below-mentioned documents and submit the form to the embassy or consulate followed by Paying the prescribed application fee for processing the PIO card application
• The authorities will verify your application and documents. Once verified, your application will be processed
• Upon approval, the PIO card will be issued to you and you can collect it from the embassy, or designated office, or you can receive it via post

Documents Required for applying for PIO Card

The following are the documents required for the PIO Card-

Existing / Expired Indian passport in original

Or

Any of the following document

• Original/Photocopies of Indian passport
• Original / Photocopies of Indian passport of parents or grandparents of the applicant
• Birth Certificate of the applicant and the parents/grandparents of the applicant
• Nationality certificate of the applicant and the parents/grandparents of the applicant
• School / College leaving certificates of the applicant or parents/grandparents of the applicant
• Aadhaar Card

Application Fee for PIO Card

The following is the application fee for the PIO Card-

Particulars	Indian Rupees or equivalent in local foreign currency
PIO cards	Rs.15,000/-
PIO Card for a child up to the age of 18 Years	Rs.7,500/-

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