Even Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are eligible to get an Aadhaar Card. Check Aadhaar Card eligibility for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and details regarding its significance here.
In today’s interconnected world, many Indians live and work abroad while maintaining strong ties to their homeland. For these Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the question of Aadhaar Card eligibility often arises.
This article aims to provide a clear and detailed explanation of Aadhaar Card eligibility for NRIs, the application process, and its significance in their lives.
Content Index
- 1 What is Aadhaar?
- 2 Who Can Get Aadhaar?
- 3 Eligibility Criteria of Aadhaar: Residents vs. NRIs
- 4 The Significance of Aadhaar for NRIs
- 5 Aadhaar Enrolment Process for NRIs
- 6 Documents Required for Aadhaar Enrolment/Update for NRIs
- 7 The Uniqueness of Aadhaar
- 8 Future Developments
- 9 Conclusion
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Aadhaar?
Before we get into the specifics of NRIs, let’s understand what Aadhaar is. Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
It serves as a proof of identity and address for residents of India. The Aadhaar program aims to provide a single, universal identity document for all Indian residents.
Who Can Get Aadhaar?
All individuals residing in India can apply for an Aadhaar Card, regardless of their age or gender. This includes citizens, legal residents, and even foreign nationals who have been living in India for an extended period.
However, many people don’t realize that non-resident Indians (NRIs) can also obtain an Aadhaar number.
This inclusion of NRIs in the Aadhaar program reflects the government’s recognition of the significant role that the Indian diaspora plays in the country’s economic and social fabric.
Eligibility Criteria of Aadhaar: Residents vs. NRIs
Let’s understand the Aadhaar Card eligibility criteria for residents of India and NRIs:
Aadhaar Card Eligibility For Residents of India
To be eligible for Aadhaar enrollment, residents must have lived in the country for at least 182 days (approximately six months) in the 12 months preceding the date of application. This residency requirement ensures that the Aadhaar card is issued to individuals who have a substantial presence in the country.
Aadhaar Card Eligibility For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
In case of Aadhaar Card eligibility of NRIs, the residential condition of 182 days is not mandatory. If your passport has the name of your spouse, then it can be used as Proof of Address for them. This flexibility recognizes the unique situation of NRIs who may visit India for shorter periods but still need an identity document for various purposes.
Also Read: Check PAN Aadhaar Link Status Online
The Significance of Aadhaar for NRIs
You might wonder why an NRI would need an Aadhaar card. Here are several reasons:
- Financial Transactions: Aadhaar can be linked to bank accounts, making it easier for NRIs to manage their finances in India.
- Property Matters: When buying, selling, or renting property in India, having an Aadhaar can simplify many processes.
- Government Services: Many government services and schemes are linked to Aadhaar, which can be beneficial for NRIs who need to access these services during their visits to India.
- Tax Filing: While not mandatory, having an Aadhaar can streamline the process of filing taxes in India for NRIs who have taxable income in the country.
- Future Planning: For NRIs planning to return to India in the future, having an Aadhaar card in place can make the transition smoother.
Aadhaar Enrolment Process for NRIs
NRIs can also enroll for an Aadhaar Card by following the steps provided below:
- Visit an Enrolment Centre: NRIs must visit a UIDAI-run Aadhaar Seva Kendra or an authorized Aadhaar service center (available only in India- Click Here to Locate the Nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Centre).
- Submit Required Documents: A valid Indian passport is mandatory as Proof of Identity (PoI). Additional address proof documents (if applicable) include:
- Bank statement/passbook Electricity/water/telephone bill
- Property tax receipt
- Driving license
- Government-issued ID cards
- Pensioner/ freedom fighter/ Kissan photo passbook
- Photo ID from a recognized educational institution, etc.
- Biometric Data Capture: Fingerprints, iris scans, and a photograph will be collected.
- Complete Enrolment Form: Fill in the required demographic details.
- Verification and Acknowledgment: Documents and biometrics will be verified, and an acknowledgment slip with a 14-digit enrollment ID will be issued for tracking the application status.
- Processing Time: Aadhaar enrolment typically takes 90 days, after which the Aadhaar number is issued.
Special Cases
- NRIs with a Foreign Address in Passport: NRIs can enroll for an Aadhaar with a foreign address using form number 2, 4 or 6 as the case may be.
Download the Aadhaar Enrollment and Update Forms PDF Here.
- Receiving Aadhaar Letter Abroad: NRIs enrolling with a foreign address will receive password-protected e-Aadhaar via their registered email.
- Spouse’s Aadhaar Update Using Passport: If an NRI’s passport includes their spouse’s name, it can serve as Proof of Address.
- Enrolment for NRI Children (5-18 Years):
- The child must visit an Aadhaar enrolment center with a parent or legal guardian.
- A valid Indian passport is mandatory.
- Parent/guardian must authenticate and provide consent.
- Use of International Mobile Number: NRIs can provide an international mobile number, but OTPs and messages will not be delivered to non-Indian numbers.
- Updating Address in Aadhaar: NRIs can provide any valid Indian address, even if different from the one in their passport, along with a valid supporting Proof of Address (PoA).
Documents Required for Aadhaar Enrolment/Update for NRIs
Documents applicable for holders of OCI card holder, nationals of Nepal and Bhutan, and other foreign nationals seeking enrolment
| Documents Applicable | OCI Card Holder | Other Foreign Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Valid OCI card, along with valid foreign passport, for individuals who have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the immediately preceding 12 months | ✔ | X* |
| Valid Long Term Visa (LTV) document, along with foreign passport (valid or expired), of the country of origin, issued to minority communities of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) | ✔ | X* |
| Valid visa, along with valid foreign passport issued, to other foreign nationals who have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the immediately preceding 12 months | ✔ | X* |
| Passport of Nepal/Bhutan for nationals of Nepal/Bhutan. In case passport is not available, both of the following documents to be submitted: (a) Valid Nepalese/ Bhutanese Citizenship Certificate (b) Limited validity Photo Identity Certificate issued by Nepalese Mission / Royal Bhutanese Mission in India for stay of more than 182 days | ✔ | X* |
Documents applicable for holders of OCI card holder, or Long Term Visa (LTV), nationals of Nepal and Bhutan, and other foreign nationals seeking enrolment
| Documents Applicable | OCI Card Holder | LTV Holder | Nepal/Bhutan Nationals | Other Foreign Nationals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valid OCI card, along with valid foreign passport, for individuals who have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the immediately preceding 12 months | ✔ | X | X | X |
| Valid Long Term Visa (LTV) document, along with foreign passport (valid or expired), of the country of origin, issued to minority communities of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) | ✔ | ✔ | X | X |
| Valid Passport of Nepal/Bhutan for nationals of Nepal/Bhutan. In case passport is not available, any two of the following documents having the same address may be submitted: (a) Valid Nepalese/ Bhutanese Citizenship Certificate (b) Valid Voter Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of Nepal/ Bhutan (c) Limited validity Photo Identity Certificate issued by Nepalese Mission/ Royal Bhutanese Mission in India | ✔ | X | X | X |
| Valid visa, along with valid foreign passport issued, to other foreign nationals who have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the immediately preceding 12 months | ✔ | X | X | X |
| Valid Registration Certificate or Residential Permit issued by FRRO/FRO to the foreign national (except OCI Card holders, LTV document holders, and Nepal/Bhutan nationals) | X | ✔ | X | X |
Important Notes for NRIs and Foreign Nationals:
- For NRIs born on or after 01.10.2023, a birth certificate is mandatory.
- Aadhaar enrolment for children below five years of age must be done under the Head of Family (HoF) method, where at least one parent or a legal guardian must have a valid Aadhaar.
- Aadhaar issued to foreign nationals will be valid only till the validity of their visa, except for Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals, for whom Aadhaar is valid for ten years.
- Aadhaar issued to OCI card holders will be valid for ten years.
- Aadhaar issued to LTV document holders will be valid only till the validity of their LTV document.
- The address mentioned in the HoF Aadhaar will be used in the child’s Aadhaar for HoF-based enrolment.
- The name on the Aadhaar card will exactly match the name on the supporting document; no additional modifications like middle name additions will be considered.
The Uniqueness of Aadhaar
It’s important to note that each individual is assigned only one Aadhaar number in their lifetime. The UIDAI ensures this uniqueness through a process of demographic and biometric deduplication.
This means that even if an NRI has had an Aadhaar number in the past and it has been deactivated due to prolonged absence from India, they should reactivate the same number rather than applying for a new one.
Future Developments
The Indian government continues to evolve its policies regarding Aadhaar for NRIs. There have been discussions about making the process even more accessible, such as allowing enrollment at Indian embassies and consulates abroad. While these changes haven’t been implemented yet, they indicate the government’s recognition of the importance of making Aadhaar accessible to the Indian diaspora.
Conclusion
Obtaining an Aadhaar card as an NRI is not only possible but can also be highly beneficial. While the process requires some effort, especially in terms of visiting India and gathering the necessary documents, the advantages it offers in terms of seamless interactions with Indian financial and governmental systems make it a worthwhile endeavor for many NRIs.
As India continues to digitize its services and link more aspects of civic and financial life to Aadhaar, having this unique identification number becomes increasingly valuable for NRIs who maintain connections with their homeland. Whether it’s for managing property, handling finances, or planning for a future return to India, an Aadhaar card can be a vital tool for NRIs navigating their dual connection to India and their country of residence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can NRIs apply for an Aadhaar card?
Yes, NRIs with a valid Indian passport can apply for an Aadhaar card at any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in India. The 182-day residency rule does not apply to them.
Q: What documents are required for NRI Aadhaar enrolment?
NRIs must provide a valid Indian passport as Proof of Identity (PoI). Additional documents for Proof of Address (PoA) may be required if the address differs from the passport.
Q: Is Aadhaar mandatory for NRIs?
No, Aadhaar is not mandatory for NRIs. However, it is useful for financial transactions, tax filings, and availing government services in India.
Q: Can NRIs apply for Aadhaar online?
No, NRIs must visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in India for biometric verification. However, they can download their Aadhaar online once it is issued.
Q: How long does it take to get an Aadhaar card for NRIs?
It usually takes up to 90 days for Aadhaar to be issued after successful enrolment. NRIs can check their Aadhaar status online using the enrolment number.
Q: Can NRIs use a foreign address for Aadhaar enrolment?
Yes, NRIs can use their foreign address as per their passport details. They will receive an e-Aadhaar via their registered email instead of a physical Aadhaar card.
Q: Is Aadhaar required for NRI children?
Yes, NRI children can apply for Aadhaar. A valid Indian passport is required, and parents or guardians must accompany children under 18 years during enrolment.
Q: Can NRIs link Aadhaar with their Indian mobile number?
Yes, NRIs can link an Indian mobile number to Aadhaar. However, international numbers are not eligible for OTP verification services.
Q: Can an NRI spouse use their partner’s Aadhaar for address proof?
Yes, if an NRI’s passport includes their spouse’s name, it can serve as valid Proof of Address for Aadhaar enrolment or updates.
Q: How can NRIs update their address in Aadhaar?
NRIs can update their address by providing a valid PoA document different from their passport address. Updates can be done online or at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Q: Is Aadhaar necessary for NRI tax filing in India?
Aadhaar is not mandatory for NRIs to file taxes, but it can help in e-verification and linking with PAN for seamless tax processing.
Q: Can NRIs download Aadhaar online?
Yes, NRIs can download their Aadhaar from the UIDAI website using their Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID after enrolment is completed.
Q: What happens if an NRI loses their Aadhaar card?
NRIs can retrieve their Aadhaar number or Enrolment ID from the UIDAI website and download an e-Aadhaar or order a reprint.
Q: Can NRIs enroll for Aadhaar at Indian embassies abroad?
Currently, NRIs must visit India for Aadhaar enrolment, but the government is considering enabling enrolment at Indian embassies in the future.
