Latest update:09 February 2026 at 08:37 IST

From jobs and taxes to buying property and long-term residency in India, the couple breaks it all down in simple, easy-to-understand terms.

The family holds Canadian passports but lives in India as OCI cardholders. (Image source: Instagram)

After living in Canada for nearly a decade, an Indian couple decided to return to India, but with a change. Although they are now Canadian citizens, they reside in India using Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. In a recent Instagram video, the woman and her husband addressed the many questions people had about their decision.

From jobs and taxes to buying property and long-term residency in India, the couple breaks it all down in simple, easy-to-understand terms.

The woman said that all four members of her family have Canadian passports but live in India as OCI cardholders. Her husband explained that OCI status allows people to work in India, except for government jobs and journalism, while they can still find a job in the private sector. One big advantage is that OCI holders can live in India without any time limit, making it a strong option for families planning an extended stay, they said.

Are there any restrictions on working with OCI? What about taxes?

OCI holders are not allowed to work in government or in certain prohibited professions, such as journalism. However, they are allowed to work in most private sector jobs.

In terms of taxes, you pay tax in the country where you earn your income – be it India or Canada. It is also important to note that India and Canada have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), which helps prevent the same income from being taxed in both countries. Taking advantage of this treaty can help you avoid double taxation.

Can you live in India for as many years as you want with OCI?

Yes. The OCI is essentially a lifetime visa that allows you to live and work in India for as long as you wish, without the need for periodic renewals.

Can you own real estate such as land, apartments, etc.?

Yes, you can own any property in India except agricultural land.

How do employers interact with a Canadian passport? Do OCI holders enroll for EPF?

The couple explained that finding a job in India is generally not a problem for OCI holders. According to them, most companies are open to hiring candidates with foreign passports and do not treat them differently. They also shared that OCI holders working in India are eligible for employee benefits like Employee Provident Fund (EPF), just like other employees.

Are school fees higher for OCI students?

The woman explained that school fees in India are the same for OCI certificate holders and Indian citizens, without any additional fees for children studying in schools. However, the fee structure varies at college and university levels. Students with foreign passports are often charged higher tuition fees than Indian citizens. For this reason, families are advised to carefully review the admission rules and fee structures of individual institutions before applying.

Can you renew Canadian and OCI passports from India?

They explained that the OCI card does not require frequent renewal. Once issued, it remains valid for life. OCI holders only need to update their photos periodically, according to the specified guidelines. Apart from this image update, no other renewal process is required.

Pros and cons of OCI?

They shared that one of the biggest advantages of holding an OCI card is the freedom to live and work in India without any time restrictions. OCI holders can stay in the country for years and take up jobs in the private sector without worry.

However, there are some limitations. OCI holders are not allowed to vote in Indian elections and cannot work in government jobs or as journalists. They are also prohibited from purchasing agricultural land. In addition, some government-controlled or restricted tourist areas require OCI holders to obtain special permission in advance before visiting.

Read more