| Visa & Stay |
Usually on Tourist/Employment/Student Visa – short duration, subject to exit/re-entry. |
Eligible for Long-Term Visa (LTV) / Entry (X) Visa on marriage basis – (1–5 years) renewable stay. (FRRO Rules, MHA Guidelines) |
| Residential Permit (RP) |
Not available on tourist visa; required only on long-term visas. |
Granted Residential Permit (RP) by FRRO, proving lawful long-term stay. |
| OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) |
Not available. |
Eligible after 2 years of marriage (except for citizens of Pakistan & Bangladesh) – lifelong visa-free entry, residence, work rights. (Section 7A, Citizenship Act, 1955) |
| Path to Citizenship |
Citizenship by naturalization after 12 years of residence. (Section 6, Citizenship Act, 1955) |
Citizenship by registration after 7 years of residence. (Section 5(1)(c), Citizenship Act, 1955) |
| Work Rights |
Allowed only on Employment Visa with sponsorship. |
On LTV, can seek permission from FRRO to work or do business. |
| Study Rights |
Allowed on Student Visa with restrictions. |
On LTV, can pursue education without needing separate Student Visa. |
| Property Rights |
May purchase residential/commercial property (except agricultural land) subject to FEMA regulations. |
Can inherit property from Indian spouse; joint ownership of property possible. Still cannot buy agricultural/plantation land until citizenship is granted. |
| Banking & ID Proof |
Difficult to open bank accounts; requires special permission. |
Eligible to open bank accounts, PAN, Aadhaar (with valid visa & RP). |
| Family & Housing |
No entitlement to government-provided housing. |
Eligible to reside in government/Army quarters or PSU housing with spouse. |
| Children’s Citizenship |
Children not eligible for Indian citizenship automatically. |
Children become Indian citizens by descent if one parent is Indian at birth. (Section 4, Citizenship Act, 1955) |
| Political Rights |
No voting rights, cannot hold government jobs or constitutional posts. |
Same restrictions until Indian citizenship is granted. After registration – full rights (voting, passport, government employment). |
