The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), on behalf of the Government of India, issues the Aadhaar card to Indian residents. Aadhaar card consists of a twelve-digit unique identification number containing personal information like the holder’s date of birth, biometrics, address, etc. Aadhaar number is unique for every individual and is valid for a lifetime. With the help of the Aadhaar number, the user can get various government and non-government services like banking, sim card, etc.
Through the Aadhaar card, the government can cost-effectively verify the demographic information online. The identification system of UIDAI is robust and smart enough to automatically eliminate duplicate and fake identities in government and non-government databases.
Is a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) eligible to apply for Aadhaar Card?
Almost all Indian residents have an Aadhaar card, but now the question arises whether a Non-Resident Indian is eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card in India? Like Indian residents, NRIs also need Aadhaar cards irrespective of age, gender, creed, etc. In 2019 the UIDAI published a circular making the Aadhaar card an important document for Non-Resident Indians. The notice says that an NRI is entitled to get an Aadhaar card as soon as they arrive in India.
Unlike Indians, Non-Resident Indians need to follow a different method to get their Aadhaar card. To get an Aadhaar card, the NRIs need a valid Indian passport as proof of identity, address proof, and date of birth proof. Just in case the NRI doesn’t have any Indian address, then the UIDAI allows them to submit any other UIDAI-approved documents as proof of address. To know the process to apply for Aadhaar card for NRIs, please read the article till the end.
Importance of Aadhaar card for NRIs in India
Aadhaar card is a significant document in India; that’s why it is of great importance for all residents as well as Non-Resident Indians. Following are the instances where an NRI Aadhaar card is of great importance: –
Aadhaar card is of great importance for Indian residents. It is similarly significant for the NRIs if they are planning to return to India or stay in India for some time.
Aadhaar card can boost your KYC procedures required for all monetary transactions within the country. If you have an Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar, then your KYC process will become speedy.
An NRI must have an Aadhaar card if they want to file their income tax returns. According to section 139AA of the Income Tax Act 1961, it is mandatory to enroll under Aadhaar if an NRI wants to file income tax returns. Having an Aadhaar card makes filing income tax returns much easier and more convenient.
Aadhaar card provides a unique identification number that serves as identity proof. One needs to provide an Aadhaar card for various works like property-related paperwork, opening a bank account, to get a job in India (specifically government jobs).
Eligibility criteria for NRIs to apply for Aadhaar card in India
To get an NRI Aadhaar card in India, one needs to fulfill the below-given eligibility criteria: –
The applicant applying for an Aadhaar card must be aged over three years.
Secondly, the NRI needs to have a valid Indian passport as address proof, date of birth, and identity proof. Earlier, the NRIs needed to stay in India at least for 182 consecutive days leading up to the date of application for Aadhaar card enrollment, but an amendment was made to the law in 2019. After the union budget 2019, it is no more mandatory for NRIs to wait for 182 days.
Things you should know before applying for an Aadhaar card by an NRI in India
Following are some important things that one needs to know before applying for an Aadhaar card by an NRI in India: –
Though the Aadhaar card is a very important document, it is not a mandatory document for non-resident Indians. Having an Aadhaar card will surely aid you in many instances and speed up many procedures. Still, if you don’t have an Aadhaar card, you can also provide alternative documents as proof of identity.
The non-resident Indians are empowered not to link their bank account with their Aadhaar number if they don’t want to benefit under section 7 of the Aadhaar card act.
Keep in mind that the Aadhaar card is not proof of Indian citizenship. Having an Aadhaar card doesn’t grant Indian citizenship to NRIs and the right to stay in the country if you are non-compliant with other requirements.
Undoubtedly, the Aadhaar card is a comprehensive and significant document, but one doesn’t need to depend solely on this document to enjoy any services within the country. For some services, it doesn’t matter if you have an Aadhaar card, as the authorities are entitled to carry out additional verifications to prevent the slightest discrepancy.
Aadhaar card, e-Aadhaar, Aadhaar letter, or m-Aadhaar profile or ID proof – all of them are of equal significance and are valid during any transaction or procedure. So, if you don’t have your original Aadhaar card during any procedure or transaction, you can use any of the above documents.
Hopefully, these important points helped you get some clarity about the NRI Aadhaar card.
Essential documents required for the NRI Aadhaar card in India
The non-resident Indians must produce some important documents while applying for the NRI Aadhaar card in India. UIDAI has approved certain documents that an NRI needs to provide while applying for an NRI Aadhaar card. The documents required for the NRI Aadhaar card are as follows: –
Firstly, you need to submit identity proof. The best document that can be used as identity proof is a valid Indian passport. In case you don’t have one or cannot provide it at the moment, you can always submit UIDAI-approved alternative documents. The alternative documents approved by UIDAI are a ration card, driving license, voter ID, and PAN card.
Secondly, the applicant needs to submit an address proof for the same. Indian passport will also work as address proof, but if you don’t have an Indian passport, you can submit any utility bill or photo ID with details of your address.
Being an NRI, you need to submit some documents that prove your non-resident status. It is mandatory proof required to confirm your relationship with another country.
Lastly, submit your birth certificate, which will work as your date of birth proof. If you don’t have a birth certificate, you can use the 10th standard mark sheet as your date of birth proof.
The process to apply for Aadhaar card for NRIs in India
Aadhaar card application process is a three-stage process. Follow the below-given instructions to successfully apply for an Aadhaar card by an NRI in India: –
Stage one: – Book an appointment at a nearby Aadhaar Kendra by an NRI in India
To get an Aadhaar card, the applicant needs to book an appointment at a nearby Aadhaar Kendra. Follow the below-given steps to book an appointment at your nearby Aadhaar Kendra: –
Step 1: First of all, navigate to the official website of UIDAI. For that, type https://uidai.gov.in in your browser, and the link will automatically redirect you to the official website of UIDAI.
Step 2: Tap on the icon of ‘My Aadhaar’ and select the ‘book an appointment’ option from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Next, you have to select your location in India and tap on the option of ‘proceed to book an appointment.’
Step 4: The portal will ask you to enter your Indian mobile number to generate a One Time Password (OTP). Being an NRI, you must provide your email id.
Step 5: Enter your Indian mobile number and security code to generate OTP. Once you receive OTP enter the OTP in the designated box and then tap on the option of submit OTP and proceed.
Step 6: Finally, select an appointment slot to book an appointment.
If you cannot book the online appointment, you can physically do the same after arriving in India. You must visit your nearby Aadhaar Kendra and book an appointment for biometric submission. Remember that you need to be physically present at Aadhaar Kendra to complete verification.
Stage two: – Submit all the required documents by an NRI in India
In the next stage, you must submit all the essential documents under UIDAI guidelines. Being an NRI, you should prefer submitting your valid Indian passport. Your Indian passport will be an address, identity, and date of birth proof. But if you don’t have your Indian passport, you can also submit other UIDAI-approved documents like voter ID, birth certificate, utility bill, etc. It would be best to carry the copies as well as original documents with you.
Stage three: – Submit your biometric identification by an NRI in India
After reaching the Aadhaar Kendra, the UIDAI officials will collect your biometric details to complete the process. The biometric identification will be made as follows: –
Step 1: The UIDAI officials will scan your fingers, and your fingerprint data will be saved in the government database.
Step 2: In the second step, the officials will scan the irises of both of your eyes.
Step 3: Lastly, they will click your passport-size picture with the help of a webcam. The picture will be attested to your Aadhaar card like any other document.
After completing your verification and submitting your biometrics in the Aadhaar Kendra, they will provide you Aadhaar enrolment number through which you can easily check the status of your Aadhaar card. Once you submit your biometrics, the Aadhaar Kendra will generate a unique ID that is your Aadhaar number. Aadhaar card is a Unique Identity card; that’s why two Aadhaar cards can never be similar. The uniqueness of the Aadhaar card makes it a widely accepted identity proof. Once the process is completed, the Aadhaar Kendra officials will link your demographic and biometric information to generate your Aadhaar Card.
What is E-Aadhaar for an NRI in India?
As the name suggests, E-Aadhaar is the electronic or online version of the Aadhaar Card. One can easily download the E-Aadhaar card in PDF format from the website of UIDAI. To initiate the download process of E-Aadhaar, you need to enter the Aadhaar password. E-Aadhaar is equally valid as the Aadhaar card and is acceptable like the original printed variant. Besides E-Aadhaar, M-Aadhaar is also available, and the M-Aadhaar is compatible with mobile devices.
What is the Aadhaar enrolment number for an NRI in India?
After submitting your biometric in the Aadhaar Kendra, you will receive an acknowledgment slip. You will see a 14-digit number on the top of that acknowledgment slip. The 14-digit number on the top of the slip is called the Aadhaar enrolment number. Aadhaar enrolment number is important as it helps you check your Aadhaar generation’s status.
Frequently Asked Questions about the process to apply for Aadhaar card for NRIs in India
How much time will it take for my NRI Aadhaar after the completion of verification and biometric submission?
Once the Aadhaar verification and biometric submission are completed, the Aadhaar Card generation will take 90 days. Within 90 days of successfully applying, your Aadhaar card will be ready to dispatch.
Is it possible to use my passport as the address proof of my spouse?
Yes, you can easily use your passports as the address proof of your spouse but only on one condition. If you want to use your passport as your spouse’s address proof, your passport must have your spouse’s name.
Is the international mobile number acceptable in Aadhaar details?
As per the guidelines of UIDAI, the Aadhaar Kendra does not accept International or non-Indian mobile numbers. So, submitting your International mobile number in your Aadhaar details is impossible.
Is it possible to apply for an NRI Aadhaar card if I have no Indian address?
Generally, a valid Indian passport is acceptable as identity proof, date of birth proof, and address proof. Still, in case you do not have your Indian passport with you at the moment, then you can submit any UIDAI-approved documents as address proof. So, if you don’t have an Indian address, you can always submit other documents approved by UIDAI as your address proof.
What is the procedure for an NRI to enroll their children in Aadhaar?
The enrolment procedure of children under the Aadhaar card is similar to that of adults. All you need to take care of is that the child should be aged over three years as it gets difficult to collect the biometric samples of very small children.
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