Do you want to apply for an OCI card while living in the Netherlands? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we will break down the entire process step-by-step so you can avoid delays, rejections, or confusion.
Let’s get started.
What is an OCI Card?
OCI stands for Overseas Citizen of India. It gives foreign nationals of Indian origin lifelong visa-free access to India and several rights similar to Indian citizens.
If you once held an Indian passport, or your parents have Indian Passport or your Spouse is Indian, you’re likely eligible to apply for OCI Card.
Please Note: As of 1 June 2025, VFS is no longer accepting OCI applications in the Netherlands. Applicants must now visit the Indian Embassy directly with a prior appointment.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for OCI from the Netherlands
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need:
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Your current passport (Dutch or other)
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Proof of Indian origin (old Indian passport, parents’ passport, spouse’s passport)
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Naturalization certificate
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Recent passport-size photo (digital & printed as per specifications mentioned by VFS)
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Signature (digital or scanned)
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Address proof in the Netherlands (Uittreksel)
If applying for your child, include their birth certificate and parents’ passports
Step 2: Complete Online OCI Application
Visit the official OCI portal at: https://ociservices.gov.in
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Choose ‘OCI Registration (Foreign Spouse / New OCI)‘
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Fill out the form (Part-A & Part-B)
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Upload your photo, signature, & scanned mandatory supporting documents
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Submit and print the completed application
Step 3: Book an Appointment with Indian Embassy
After completing the online form, you must book an appointment with Indian Embassy in Netherlands, not the Indian embassy.
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Go to website of Indian Embassy in Netherlands & book your appointment.
You can also avail our Appointment Booking services if you find it difficult to book by yourself. Contact us for more information.
Step 4: Visit Indian Embassy in The Hague
On your appointment day, visit the Indian Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands. Make sure that you do not forget to bring:
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Printed OCI application form
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All original documents + one copy of each
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Your passport
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Printed appointment confirmation
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One passport-size photo (as per specs)
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Payment method: Credit Card, Debit Card, or Bank Pass
You’ll receive:
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An official proof of submission
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A tracking ID to monitor your application status
Step 5: Track Your OCI Status
After submission, you’ll receive a tracking ID. It takes upto 3 months for OCI approval.
Please keep your submission receipt safe with you as you need to show it while pickup of OCI.
Step 6: OCI Collection – Appointment Needed
Once your OCI card is ready, you’ll be notified via email or SMS.
⚠️ You must book another Indian Embassy appointment to pick it up. Walk-ins are not allowed for pickup either.
🛑 Common Issues to Avoid in OCI Application in Netherlands
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Wrong photo size or unclear signature
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Missing renunciation/surrender certificate
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Uploading scanned documents in wrong format
✅ OCI Help from Experts
Are you still confused or feeling nervous to fill your OCI Application? Or you do not want to handle the paperwork alone? Let our team of experts assist you. We’ve helped 100+ applicants in the Netherlands with error-free OCI filing.
👉 Contact us now to get started for stress-free OCI submission. We also assist if you are anywhere in Europe or USA.