OCI Card Information

As a Finnish citizen holding an OCI card, the rules for updating your status are much simpler than they used to be. Under the revised guidelines (active in 2026), you generally do not need to pay for a new card every time you renew your Finnish passport.

Here is how to handle your OCI card based on your age and situation:

1. If you are between 21 and 50 years old

You only need to update your passport details online. You do not need a new physical OCI card.

  • The Rule: You must upload a copy of your new Finnish passport and a recent photo to the OCI portal within three months of receiving your new passport.

  • Cost: This is a gratis (free) service.

  • Process: Use the "OCI Miscellaneous Services" on the official portal. You will not receive a new card; the system just updates your records.

2. If you just turned 20 (The "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Rule)

This is the only time a physical reissue is mandatory.

  • The Rule: When you get your first new Finnish passport after reaching the age of 20, you must apply for a formal reissue of the OCI card to capture your adult facial features.

  • Cost: There is a fee (approx. €26 plus service charges at the Embassy in Helsinki).

  • Process: You will receive a brand-new OCI card booklet.

3. If you are over 50 years old

Similar to the younger group, you no longer need a new card every time.

  • The Rule: You only need to upload your new passport copy and photo once after you get a new passport after turning 50. Subsequent renewals only require the online update.

How to update your details (Step-by-Step)

If you just received a new Finnish passport and fall into the "online update" category:

  1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to ociservices.gov.in and select "OCI Miscellaneous Services."

  2. Upload Documents: You will need digital copies (PDF/JPEG) of:

    • Your new Finnish passport (photo page).

    • A recent passport-sized photograph (less than 30 days old).

    • Your current OCI card (first and last pages).

  3. No Physical Submission: For the free online update, you do not need to visit the Embassy of India in Helsinki or mail any documents.

  4. Travel: Once you receive an email confirmation that your details are updated, you can travel to India using your new Finnish passport and your existing OCI card.

Important Note: If you have changed your name or nationality (e.g., if you were a citizen of another country before becoming Finnish), you must apply for a formal reissue of the OCI card, as these are considered major changes.