Please also see the frequently asked questions on PIO-Cards (PDF document)

What is the PIO-Card?

The "PIO-Card Scheme, 2002" is effective since September 15, 2002. Its aim is to make visits to and studies, employment or other activities in India, as specified by the Indian government, easier for persons of Indian origin (PIO), as described below.

Who is Eligible?

All persons of Indian origin who hold a passport of any other country (so long as they are not citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh or other countries, as may be specified by the Government of India, from time to time) are eligible to apply for a PIO-Card, if...

1) the applicant at any time held an Indian passport; or

2) he or either of his parents or grand parents or great grand parents was / were born in and permanently resident in India, as defined in the Government of India Act 1935, or other territories that became part of India thereafter, provided neither was at any time a citizen of any country specified by the government of India; or

3) the applicant is a spouse of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin covered by the regulation (1) or (2) above.

Benefits to PIO-Card Holders

A PIO-Card holder does not need...

• a separate visa to visit India.
• a student visa for undertaking studies in India.
• an employment visa for taking up employment in India.

However, PIO-Card holders will be required to fulfill other pre-requisite conditions and other formalities in connection with their studies / employment as prescribed by concerned authorities from time to time.

A PIO-Card holder will be exempt from the requirement of registration if his stay on any single visit in India does not exceed 180 days.

Should the PIO-Card holder's stay in India exceed 180 days, he / she must register at the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in India, at least 30 days before the expiry of 180 days (for more information about registering in India click here).

All PIOs, including PIO-Card holders, shall enjoy parity with NRIs in respect of all facilities available to the latter in the economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural / plantation properties. No parity shall be allowed in the sphere of political rights.