India
INDIndia does not permit dual citizenship but offers an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card for diaspora members, providing many of the rights of residency without full citizenship. The country's enormous economy and tech sector make it the world's largest source of skilled emigrant workers, many of whom seek citizenship elsewhere.
→ If you hold a India passport, see the India nationality guidePassport Rank
#80
Visa-Free
60
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- New Delhi
- Currency
- Indian Rupee (INR)
- Languages
- Hindi, English, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil
- Population
- 1,428,600,000
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Naturalisation
- 11 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Tropical / Desert / Alpine
- English Proficiency Rank
- #55
Indices
Cost of Living
20
Safety
44
Healthcare
56
Quality of Life
130
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 11 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
Cost of Living by City
← scroll the table →
| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | $820 | $480 | $200 | $60 | $18 |
| Bangalore | $620 | $380 | $190 | $55 | $16 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Mumbai
Rainfall range: 2–710 mm/month · Daylight 11h (winter) to 13h (summer)
Bangalore
Rainfall range: 5–180 mm/month · Daylight 11h (winter) to 13h (summer)
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- 12
- Language Test
- Yes (Hindi or regional language of the state of application + civics knowledge)
- Civic Test
- Yes
- Oath Required
- Yes
- Dual Allowed
- No
- Fee
- $25
- Processing
- ~36 months
Real Estate
- Avg price/sqm (capital)
- $5,500
- Transaction taxes
- 6%
Foreign buyers: Foreign nationals (non-NRIs) generally cannot purchase immovable property in India without RBI approval. NRIs and OCIs can purchase residential and commercial property freely (not agricultural/plantation land). Mumbai prime areas ₹35,000-80,000/sqft ($4,500-10,000/sqm). Stamp duty 5-7% (varies by state); registration fee 1-2%. Capital gains tax: 20% with indexation (long-term, >2 years); 30% short-term. Repatriation capped at USD 1M per financial year.
International Schools
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| School | City | Curriculum | Tuition (USD/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Embassy School | New Delhi | US + IB | $22,000–$35,000 |
Daily Life Logistics
Internet
85 Mbps median
45% fibre coverage
eSIM: Jio, Airtel, Vi (Vodafone Idea), BSNL
Driving
IDP required
Local licence required after 12 months
Exchange eligible: Drives on the LEFT. IDP valid for 1 year for foreign visitors; thereafter must obtain Indian driving licence. Bilateral agreements with select countries allow exchange; in practice most expatriates sit the Indian driving test at a local RTO.
Pet Relocation
Quarantine: none
Rabies titre required
EU pet passport: not accepted
Safety
GPI Rank
#116
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠"gem investment" scams targeting foreign tourists in Jaipur and Agra
- ⚠overcharging tuk-tuk and taxi drivers, especially from airports
- ⚠fake tour guides at heritage monuments demanding high commissions
- ⚠SIM card fraud and fraudulent QR-code UPI payment requests
Examples of areas to avoid: Old Delhi streets after midnight, Dharavi and outer Mumbai industrial zones for tourists unfamiliar with the area, Paharganj (Delhi) — petty crime, especially at night
LGBTQ+ Legal Status
- Same-Sex Marriage
- Not legal
- Civil Partnerships
- Not recognised
- Anti-Discrimination Law
- No
- ILGA Rank
- #72
Religious Life
- Halal Food
- Widely available
- Kosher Food
- Limited
- Prayer Facilities
- Common
Sample Citizenship Test Questions
Q1. India adopted its Constitution on which date?
Answer: 26 January 1950
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs — Indian Citizenship Naturalisation
Q2. Which article of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability?
Answer: Article 17
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs — Indian Citizenship Naturalisation