Aadhaar Card for NRIs: Application Process for You and Your Children

The Complete Guide to Getting and Using Your Aadhaar Card for NRIs

The AADHAAR Card is a vital link for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to maintain ties with their homeland. You are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card if you are a Non-Resident Indian (NRI). This is great news! The Indian government now allows NRIs to apply for Aadhaar cards and access a wide range of benefits and services.

It is extremely useful to have an Aadhaar card if you intend to visit your country, invest in property, or simply wish to stay connected to your Indian roots. In this article, we will cover all the details about Aadhaar cards for NRIs, including eligibility, application process, and advantages.

What is an Aadhaar Card?

As a digital identity proof, the Aadhaar card is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), who also issue ID cards for foreign citizens.

In addition to serving as a key to unlock a variety of services, this 12-digit number simplifies a variety of processes for residents and non-residents of the state.

Why Should NRIs Get an Aadhaar Card?

Aadhaar Cards benefit NRIs. Below are some compelling reasons to get one.

• Simplified Financial Transactions: An Aadhaar Card allows you to open bank accounts, invest, and link existing accounts in India.
• Streamlined Tax Filing: To file income tax returns in India, you need an Aadhaar Card.
• Smooth Property Transactions: Aadhaar Cards can significantly simplify the process of buying or selling property in India.
• Access to Government Services: Aadhaar has become an important component of many Indian government services, which makes it easier for NRIs to access these services when they visit India.
• Digital Identity: Aadhaar has become an essential component of online and offline transactions in an increasingly digital India.

Aadhaar Card Eligibility for Non-Resident Indians – NRIs

Aadhaar card eligibility for NRIs is not governed by a mandatory residence requirement of 182 days (as it is for residents). If an NRI’s passport includes their spouse’s name, that can serve as valid Proof of Address.

NRIs have specific needs; they are entitled to obtain an Aadhaar card even if they stay in India for a short time while needing a reliable identity document for various purposes.

How to obtain an AADHAAR Card for NRIs?

These steps can be followed by non-resident Indians (NRIs) during their visit to India to obtain an Aadhaar card:

Step 1: Find an Aadhaar Kendra

• Aadhaar enrollment centers (Aadhaar Kendras) in India can be found easily.
• Across the country, there are a large number of these centers.

Step 2: Prepare documents.

• To prove your identity, please bring a valid Indian passport.
• Please also bring a copy of your birth certificate and proof of address (optional).

Step 3: Complete the Enrollment Form

• Aadhaar enrollment forms are available at the Aadhaar Kendra.
• NRIS must include their email address.
• Aadhaar Enrollment Form for NRIs can be downloaded ahead of time.

Step 4: Declare NRI Status

• The NRI declaration section in the form deserves special attention.
• Instructions must be read carefully and signed.

Step 5: Inform the Operator

• An NRI must expressly state that they are applying as an NRI.
• As a result, the enrollment process is followed correctly.

Step 6: Submit a Passport and other proof.

• To prove your identity, you will need to present your Indian passport.
• Address and date of birth verification can be done with your passport or with a separate document from UIDAI’s approved list.

Step 7: Biometric Data Collection

• Your biometric data should be provided as follows:
  • Biometric fingerprints
  • An iris scan
  • Taking pictures

Step 8: Information verification

• You should carefully review all the information on the screen of the operator.
• The accuracy of the English version should be checked along with the local language version.
• Make sure the details are correct before submitting your application to the operator.

Step 9: Collect an acknowledgement slip

• Your successful enrollment will be acknowledged by a slip of paper.
• The slip contains the following information:
  • Enrollment ID: 14 digits
  • Enrollment date and time stamp
• To check your status in the future, keep this slip handy.

Step 10: Track Your Aadhaar Status

• The Aadhaar status can be checked using your Enrollment ID and the time/date stamp.
• You can find more information about Aadhaar via the UIDAI website: https://resident.uidai.gov.in/check-Aadhaar

Important Notes

• To complete the process, you will have to visit India in person.
• Validate all documents and ensure they are current.
• There is no charge for enrollment.
• You will have to wait until your Aadhaar is generated and delivered.

Aadhaar Enrollment for NRI Children

Children of different ages can enroll for Aadhaar through different processes:

For Children Below 5 Years:

• Signing the enrollment form acts as an authentication and consent for the child on behalf of the parent or guardian.
• NRI children are required to have a valid Indian passport as proof of identity.
• Parents/guardians can use a valid Proof of Relationship document (such as a birth certificate) along with their child’s Aadhaar if they reside in India (non-NRI).

For Children between 5 and 18 years:

• An enrollment form must be signed by a parent or guardian.
• To prove their identity, NRI minors must provide a valid Indian passport.
• The following instructions apply to minors resident in India (non-NRI):
  • If there are no documents in the minor’s name, use a Proof of Relationship document (such as a birth certificate).
  • The child must have a valid Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) document (such as a school ID card).

Documents Required for NRIs to Enroll for the Aadhaar Card

Document Type	Specific Requirement	Notes
Proof of Identity (POI)	Valid Passport	This is a mandatory POI document for NRIs.
Proof of Address (PoA)	Valid Passport	The passport can serve as both POI and PoA.
Additional Documents	1- Valid Visa (if applicable)	1- Required based on the applicant’s visa status.
	2- Indian Embassy-issued NRI Status Verification Document	2- This can be provided as an additional supporting document.

Important Notes:

1. In the case of NRIs, the Indian passport is both a Proof of Identity and a Proof of Address.
2. A valid and current application should be submitted with all required documents.
3. It will be mandatory for NRIs born after October 1, 2023, to obtain a birth certificate.
4. There will be no expiration date on the Aadhaar cards issued to NRIs.
5. Aadhaar enrollment must be completed on the NRI’s visit to India at designated Aadhaar enrollment centers.
6. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) website or the Indian Embassy/Consulate in your area will have the most up-to-date information regarding required documents.
7. It may be necessary to perform additional verification steps for NRIs, similar to those for resident Indians.

Benefits of Your NRI Aadhaar Card

The following tips will help you make the most of your Aadhaar Card:

• Seamless Banking: Your bank accounts can be linked to your Aadhaar for seamless transactions and KYC.
• Effortless Investments: You can invest in stocks or mutual funds using your Aadhaar.
• Hassle-free Tax Filing: You can use your Aadhaar to make filing your Indian income tax return easier.
• Property Matters Made Easy: Your Aadhaar simplifies documentation and verification processes when you buy, sell, or rent property in India.
• Government Scheme Access: NRIs may be required to verify their Aadhaar before accessing certain government schemes and services.

Keeping your AADHAAR secure

The Aadhaar Card offers many benefits, but it’s crucial to keep it secure:

1. Aadhaar numbers and biometric information should never be shared with anyone or anything without your consent.
2. Ensure that your Aadhaar authentication history is not being misused by periodically checking it.
3. You should immediately inform UIDAI if you suspect unauthorized use.

Final Thoughts

The Aadhaar Card serves as a crucial bridge between NRIs and their homeland in an era when digital identity is becoming increasingly important. Through simplifying processes, improving security, and enabling seamless transactions, NRIs can engage with Indian institutions and services without being hindered by distance.

You can use your NRI Aadhaar Card to manage finances, manage property matters, or stay connected to your roots. The steps outlined in this guide will help you obtain and utilize your Aadhaar Card effectively, which will make your India-related activities much smoother.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions