Aadhaar Card for NRIs and Foreigners

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Aadhaar card for NRIs (Non Resident Indians), OCI cardholders, LTV document holders, Nepal & Bhutan nationals as well as other resident foreigners is available free of cost and can be availed by the person by physically visiting their nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in India. It is particularly useful for those having income sources in the country. It is also an important identification proof which can help NRIs get jobs in the government sector when they return, receive all the benefits of government subsidy schemes and social security schemes. Read further to find out more about the eligibility criteria, documentation requirement and application process of Aadhaar card for foreigners residing in India and NRIs.

Eligibility Criteria

The following individuals are eligible to avail an Aadhaar card in India:

• An NRI, either minor or adult, having a valid Indian Passport can apply for Aadhaar card by visiting any Aadhaar Seva Kendra in India. However, it is mandatory for the NRI to be present in India for at least 182 days in a year before they could apply for an Aadhaar card
• An OCI or Overseas Citizen of India who has stayed in India for at least 182 days in the past one year
• LTV (Long Term VISA) holder belonging to minority communities or Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh namely Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians
• Nepal and Bhutan nationals with valid passport or other relevant documents
• Other resident foreigners who have stayed in India for more than 182 days in the past one year
• Resident foreigners having valid Registration Certificate or residential permit issued by FRRO/FRO and not having an OCI card, LTV document nor are Nepal/Bhutan nationals

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Documents Required

In order to apply for Aadhaar card for NRIs, an applicant needs to provide the following documents:

• A valid Indian Passport is mandatory a Proof of Identity (PoI) required from NRI applicants
• The following documents are also accepted by the UIDAI by NRI Aadhaar card applicants:
• Birth Certificate
• Photo ID Proof
• School Certificate

However, along with these documents, NRIs also have to present specific documents that present their proof of relationship to another country. All these documents are verified by government officials and competent authorities to determine if they are valid and eligible for an Aadhaar card.

OCI cardholders, LTV document holders, Nepal & Bhutan nationals and other Resident Foreigners need to provide the following documents for an Aadhaar card:

• OCI Cardholders: Valid OCI card and valid foreign passport are acceptable as ID proof
• Long Term VISA (LTV) Document Holders: A valid Long Term VISA (LTV) document and valid/expired foreign passport are acceptable as identity and address proof
• Nepal and Bhutan Nationals: (Any one of the identity proofs)
  • Passport of Nepal/ Bhutan for Nepal/ Bhutan nationals
  • In case passport is not available, any 2 of the following documents having the same address can be submitted:
    • Bhutanese/Nepalese Citizenship Certificate
    • Limited validity Photo Identity Certificate issued by Nepalese Mission/Royal Bhutanese Mission in India
    • Voter Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of Bhutan/Nepal
• Other Resident Foreigners:
  • Identity proof in the form of a valid VISA and valid foreign passport of resident foreigners who have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the past one year

or

• • Valid Registration Certificate or Residential permit issued by FRRO/FRO to the resident foreigners (except OCI card holders, Nepal/ Bhutan nationals and LTV document holders) is acceptable as an address proof

Read more: Complete List of Documents Required for Aadhar Card Enrolment and Update

Aadhaar Card Application Process

The enrolment process for NRIs, OCI cardholders, LTV holders, Nepal & Bhutan nationals and other resident foreigners involves the following steps:

1. Vist any Aadhaar Seva Kendra either after booking an appointment or without one (It is recommended to book your appointment beforehand to avoid long queues. Find how to book appointment for Aadhaar Enrolment online)
2. Carry the relevant documents  acceptable to UIDAI depending on your applicant type
3. Fill out the enrolment form. Providing email id is a mandatory requirement for NRIs. Do remember to read and sign the declaration in your enrolment form.
4. Ask the operator to enroll you as NRI/OCI cardholder/LTV holder/Nepal & Bhutan national or other resident foreigner
5. Complete the biometric capture process.
6. Check and confirm all the details on screen (in English and local language) before you let the operator submit the information.
7. Collect the enrolment/acknowledgement slip which has 14-digit enrolment ID and date and time stamp. You can use it to check your Aadhaar Card Status online.

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Things to Keep in Mind about Aadhaar Card for NRIs & Foreigners

Here are a few key things to know if you wish to apply for an Aadhaar card as an NRI, OCI cardholder, LTV document holder, Nepal & Bhutan national or other resident foreigner:

• Having an Aadhaar card can definitely fasten and simplify many procedures for residents other than Indian Nationals in the country but is not a mandatory requirement.
• An Aadhar card is not a proof of Indian citizenship and does not grant any foreigner the right to stay in the country in case they are non-compliant with other requirements.
• NRIs are not compelled by any mandate to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar if they do not wish to benefit under section 7 of the Aadhaar Act.
• In case you do not have your original Aadhaar card with you during any transaction/procedure, you can make use of your Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar or mAadhaar profile as ID proof. All of them have the same validity and serve the same purpose.
• Aadhaar card is a comprehensive document. However, one cannot solely depend on it to enjoy all services. Authorities carry out additional verifications as well to prevent the slightest discrepancy.
• The Aadhaar isssued for resident foreigners will be valid only till validity of the VISA. However, in case of Nepal/Bhutan nationals, the Aadhaar issued will be valid only for a period of ten years
• The Aadhaar issued for OCI Card holders will be valid only for a period of ten years
• For LTV document holders, the Aadhaar issued will be valid only till validity of LTV document

FAQs

Q1. What is the significance of Aadhaar card for NRIs?
Ans. An Aadhar card is useful for NRIs if they plan to return to India and particularly for those who plan to stay here for some time. Given below are a few instances where an NRI Aadhaar card will come in handy:

• Having an Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar can help fasten up the KYC procedures for all transactions within India.
• It is one of the most accepted identity proof for operations like opening a bank account or property-related paperwork.
• Aadhaar card for NRIs is also important for getting a job in the country, particularly in the government sector.
• In case you want to file your ITR, is it is necessary to have an Aadhaar card according to Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This will help make the entire process Income Tax Return filing process a lot more convenient.

Q2. I am an NRI and I have an Aadhaar. Can my spouse be enrolled based on my Aadhaar & passport?

If spouse is NRI – Valid Indian passport of the applicant is mandatory as Proof of Identity

If spouse is an Indian resident (not NRI) – Any valid Proof of Relationship document acceptable to UIDAI including your passport (having name of your spouse) can be used for enrolment under Head of Family (HoF).

Q3. What is the process for Aadhaar Enrolment for Children of NRIs?

If the child is below the age of 5 years:

• One of the parents/ guardian has to authenticate on behalf of the child. He/she also has to give consent for minor’s enrolment by signing the enrolment form.
• In case the child is an NRI – valid Indian passport of the child is mandatory as Proof of Identity
• In case the child is an Indian resident (not NRI) – any valid Proof of Relationship document like Birth Certificate, along with Aadhaar of the parent/ guardian, can be used for enrolment

If the child is aged between 5 to 18 years:

• One of the parents/ guardian has to give consent for the minor’s enrolment by signing the enrolment form
• In case the minor is an NRI – valid Indian passport of the child is mandatory as Proof of Identity
• In case the minor is an Indian resident (not NRI) –
• Minor does not have a document in his name: Any valid Proof of Relationship such as birth certificate can be used for enrolment under Head of Family
• Minor has a document: Any valid Proof of Identity and Proof of Address document (like School ID card) in the child’s name can be used for enrolment

Q4. Can I give an international mobile number in my Aadhaar details?
Ans. No, as of now, international mobile numbers are not supported. Hence, you cannot provide it in your Aadhaar details.

Q5. The address in my passport is not updated. I want to give my present address for my Aadhaar application. Is this possible?
Ans. Yes. A valid Indian Passport is mandatory as a Proof of Identity for NRI applicants. However, in case your address is not updated in your passport and you want to give your present address for your Aadhaar application, you can give any supporting documents acceptable to UIDAI as a proof of address.

Q6. I am an NRI. Do I have to wait for 182 days to apply for Aadhaar card?
Ans. Yes, you have to be present in India for at least 182 days in the past one year before you are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card.

Q7. How long does it take to get Aadhaar card for NRIs, OCI cardholders and other resident foreigners?
Ans. It may take up to 90 days for an Aadhaar card to be delivered by post at the resident’s registered address.

Q8. Can NRI, OCI cardholders, LTV holders, Nepal & Bhutan nationals or other resident foreigners apply for Aadhaar card from any other country?
Ans. No, they have to be physically present in India to apply for an Aadhaar card.