New Zealand citizens of Indian origin can obtain OCI registration through a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent who was, or was eligible to be, an Indian citizen. We assemble the documentary chain, answer objections raised by the High Commission and, where an application is wrongly refused or a card is cancelled, pursue revision and court remedies in India.
- Document route
- Notary + DIA apostille, or Indian mission
- Time difference
- 6.5 to 7.5 hours ahead of IST
- Handled in India at
- Indian mission, FRRO and Indian record offices
- Travel to India
- None
How it works from New Zealand
The work is evidentiary. For girmit-descended families we look for emigration passes and ship registers, colonial birth and marriage records for each generation, and matching village, school or land records in India. Differences in spelling between generations are bridged with affidavits and, where available, official name-change records. Each certificate from New Zealand or Fiji is apostilled.
People who became New Zealand citizens recently have a simpler path but one essential step: the Indian passport must be surrendered and a surrender certificate obtained before the OCI application. For children, both parents must consent. If a refusal or a show-cause notice arrives, we prepare a reasoned reply, since that record is the basis of any later challenge in the High Court.
What is different for NRIs in New Zealand
- Eligibility reaches great-grandchildren, with every link documented.
- A foreign spouse qualifies after two years of registered marriage.
- OCI cardholders can inherit farm land but cannot buy it.
Step by step from New Zealand
Free review call
Calls are held in your late afternoon or evening, when the Indian day begins. We read your papers on an OCI matter first, so the call is about your options and not a repeat of the facts.
Authority from New Zealand
Where a representative must act for you in India on an OCI matter, you sign before a New Zealand notary public and obtain the apostille of the Department of Internal Affairs, or attend the High Commission in Wellington or the Consulate in Auckland. We draft the document and send signing instructions.
Work in India
In India, we trace and certify the Indian records, prepare the affidavits and answer any objection raised on the application. Updates for clients in New Zealand go by email and WhatsApp with scans of whatever is filed.
Result and handover
At the end you receive a complete, consistent file and help until the card is issued. Originals are couriered to your address in New Zealand if you need them.
The law in full
This page covers what changes when you handle an OCI matter from New Zealand. For the Indian law, the complete document checklist, common mistakes and more questions, read our main page on OCI Card Legal Issues. For other matters, see all legal services for NRIs in New Zealand or the Family, Marriage & OCI practice area.
Questions from NRIs in New Zealand
Can Indo-Fijian families settled in New Zealand get OCI?
Yes, if descent from an ancestor born in India can be documented up to the great-grandparent level.
What can I do if my OCI application is refused?
Submit a reasoned representation with further proof, then seek revision before the central government and, if necessary, file a writ petition in India.
Do I have to give up my Indian passport after becoming a New Zealand citizen?
Yes. India does not allow dual citizenship; the passport is surrendered and OCI applied for.