Matrix NRI — Indian documentation support

Renunciation & surrender of Indian passport — UK help

After acquiring foreign citizenship, surrendering your Indian passport and obtaining a surrender/renunciation certificate is required before applying for Fresh OCI. This guide explains the process from the UK. Our surrender service handles preparation and current pricing.

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Understanding the requirement

Retaining an Indian passport after acquiring another nationality is not permitted under the Indian Passport Act, 1967. The surrender certificate is the official record that the Indian passport has been given up, and it is generally needed before a Fresh OCI application.

How the process works

In outline: confirm which Indian Mission covers your area, book a VFS appointment, complete the application, gather your documents (original Indian passport, naturalisation certificate, and photocopies), pay the applicable fee at the VFS centre, and submit in person. We prepare and check everything before your appointment.

Timeline and delay

Processing the surrender certificate usually takes a short number of weeks depending on VFS workload. Because Fresh OCI generally depends on it, we recommend starting early. We confirm current expectations when you book.

What is included

  • Application preparation and document checks
  • VFS appointment booking support where required
  • Guidance on the correct Indian Mission for your area
  • Coordination with a Fresh OCI application if you need both

Documents you may need

We tailor the exact list after we understand your case on WhatsApp or email. The following are typical starting points only.

  • Original Indian passport
  • Naturalisation certificate
  • Photocopies of both documents
  • Any additional documents required by your local Mission

Our process

  1. 1

    Confirm jurisdiction

    We identify the Indian Mission and VFS centre for your postcode.

  2. 2

    Prepare the file

    We complete the forms and check your documents before submission.

  3. 3

    Submit at VFS

    You attend once with the prepared pack; we stay available on WhatsApp.

Processing time

Typically a short number of weeks for the surrender certificate, depending on VFS workload. Final timelines rest with the authorities.

Important notes

  • A surrender/renunciation certificate is generally required before Fresh OCI.
  • Government and VFS fees are separate from our preparation fee.

Frequently asked questions

Is surrender mandatory?
Indian law requires surrender of the Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship. Renunciation certificates and Fresh OCI both depend on it.
Can you do surrender and OCI together?
Yes — we frequently coordinate surrender and Fresh OCI so the steps run in the correct order.

Speak to our team

We assist with preparation and bookings. Final decisions rest with the relevant authority or VFS centre.

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