NRI vs OCI: citizenship rights, vote, tax, property explained

There are two different ways Indians living abroad are described.

An NRI is still an Indian citizen who just lives in another country, like a person who moves away but keeps their home country membership.

An OCI cardholder is a foreign citizen with Indian roots, so they have an Indian background but hold a foreign passport.

The name says 'citizen,' but they are not actually Indian citizens.

Because of this, NRIs can vote in Indian elections, but OCI cardholders cannot vote or hold government jobs.

Both groups can visit India easily, invest in shares, keep certain bank accounts, and buy homes.

However, neither can buy farmland or agricultural property.

They also pay taxes differently, with NRIs taxed only on Indian income and OCIs taxed on income made while staying in India.

People should check official government rules, since these rules can change.