The PIO Card Scheme, 2002 has been launched in recognition of the sentiments of persons of Indian origin to be closer to their original country and to reinforce their emotional bonds, as well as respecting their desire to participate in the development of India.

(i) A PIO Card holder shall not require a separate visa to visit India.

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

(iii) In the event of continuous stay in India of the PIO Card holder exceeding 180 days, he/she shall have to get himself/herself registered within 30 days of the expiry of 180 days with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer/Foreigners Registration Officer.

(iv) 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.

(v) A PIO Card does not entitle the cardholder to undertake any missionary work, mountaineering and research work; he/she would require special permission before they could undertake such work.

“Person of Indian Origin” means a foreign citizen not being a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries as may be specified by the Central Government from time to time if:

He/She at any time held a Indian passport; or

He/She or either of his/her parents or grandparents or great-grandparents were 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 of the aforesaid countries; or

He/She is a spouse of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin covered under (i) or (ii) above.

Furnishing of false information will result in summary rejection of the application. Acceptance of application does not confer any right on the applicant to PIO Card.

PIO Card is issued valid for 15 years.

PIO Cards Fees

Download PIO Application Form