An Indian who becomes a Portuguese citizen loses Indian citizenship automatically and must surrender the Indian passport through the Embassy of India in Lisbon. After surrender, you can apply for an Overseas Citizen of India card online and submit it through the embassy or its service provider. If the Indian passport was used after you acquired Portuguese nationality, a penalty and further paperwork may apply. OCI gives a lifelong multiple-entry visa and the right to own non-agricultural property in India.
- Document route
- Notary, then apostille from the Procuradoria-Geral da Republica
- Time difference
- India is 4h30 (summer) to 5h30 (winter) ahead
- Law
- Citizenship Act 1955, sections 7A to 7D
- Spouse route
- Marriage registered, 2 years subsisting
OCI Card Issues from Portugal: how it works
We first establish the date you acquired Portuguese nationality, which for Goans registering under the descent route is often the date of registration in the Lisbon Central Registry, not the date the passport was issued. That date drives whether Indian passports were used after citizenship ended. We prepare the surrender application, the declaration and supporting documents, and explain the fees and any penalty in advance. Once the surrender certificate is issued, we help you file the OCI application with correct parental and spouse details.
OCI holders can buy and sell residential and commercial property, inherit any property and hold bank accounts in India, but cannot buy agricultural land, plantations or farmhouses. If you already own such land, you can generally keep it, but transfers need FEMA advice. OCI status can be cancelled under section 7D of the Citizenship Act for certain conduct, so take advice before getting involved in political or journalistic activity in India. We also help with OCI reissue after a new Portuguese passport.
What clients in Portugal should know
- Indian authorities have, in some cases, treated Goans who registered births in Portugal as having acquired Portuguese nationality, with consequences for their Indian passports.
- OCI cardholders are treated like NRIs for most property purposes, so you can still sell Goan property and repatriate within FEMA limits.
- Keep the surrender certificate safely; it is asked for in OCI, property and bank KYC processes.
Step by step from Portugal
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Portugal, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Portugal
Notary, then apostille from the Procuradoria-Geral da Republica
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Portugal where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Portugal. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on OCI Card Issues, or see all services for clients in Portugal and the Cross-Border Family Law practice area.
Questions from clients in Portugal
Can I keep my Indian passport alongside my Portuguese one?
No. India does not permit dual citizenship, and holding or using both can lead to penalties and passport impounding.
Does OCI let me vote or work in government in India?
No. OCI holders cannot vote, stand for election or hold most constitutional and government posts.
Can my children born in Portugal get OCI?
Usually yes, if a parent is or was an Indian citizen or is an OCI cardholder, subject to the eligibility rules.