What is the significance of an Aadhaar card for NRIs?

Aadhar card is not a mandatory requirement for NRIs. But if they have an Aadhar card they can get easier access to government, legal and financial services.

Can NRIs apply for Aadhaar without an Indian passport?

No, NRIs cannot apply for Aadhar without a valid Indian passport.

Do NRIs need to wait 182 days to apply for an Aadhaar card?

Yes, NRIs need to have stayed in India for 182 days in the previous financial year to apply for an Aadhar card.

Can an NRI's spouse apply for Aadhaar based on the NRI’s Aadhaar card?

An NRI's spouse needs to be an Indian resident to apply for the Aadhar card. NRI can act as a HoF, and make an application for the Aadhar card.

Can I use my overseas address for Aadhaar registration?

Yes, NRIs having recorded address out-side India in their passport can enrol for Aadhaar with the foreign address using form number 2 or 4 or 6 as the case may be.

Can I add an international phone number to my Aadhaar card?

Yes. But messages will not be delivered to your international phone number.

How long does it take to receive the Aadhaar card after applying?

You will receive your Aadhar card within 90 days after making an application.

Can an NRI child apply for an Aadhaar card?

Yes, NRI children can apply for an Aadhar card. They need to fill in the relevant form number and after that visit the Aadhar enrolment centre with either of their parents/ guardians to apply for Aadhar.

Can NRIs apply for an Aadhaar card from outside India?

Yes, NRIs can apply for an Aadhar card from outside India. But they will need to be present in the Aadhar Enrolment centre to enrol for the card.

Are Aadhaar cards mandatory for tax purposes for NRIs?

No, NRIs can file their income tax return without the Aadhar unless they meet the 182 days residency requirement. NRIs are generally exempt from linking PAN with Aadhar depending on their residency status.

Aadhar card for NRIs: How to apply and its importance

Introduction

The Aadhaar Card is a distinct 12-digit identification number issued by the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). It serves as a unique identifier for several government and private sector services in India.

Though Aadhaar is not mandatory for NRIs, having an Aadhaar card can facilitate easier access to legal, financial, and government services.

Let’s look into the eligibility criteria, documents required, and enrollment process of Aadhar card for NRIs.

Eligibility criteria for Aadhar card for NRIs

Non-resident Indians, both minors and adults, are eligible to apply for Aadhar cards if they possess Indian passports. You can apply for the Aadhaar card by visiting the designated enrollment centres or Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) in India.

NRI Aadhaar card requirements and application criteria

How to apply for an Aadhar card for NRIs?

NRIs (both adult and minor) having valid Indian Passports can apply for an Aadhaar card. Appointments for visiting Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) in India can be taken online or offline. For children below 5 years of age, a ‘Bal Aadhaar’ card is issued (blue in colour and linked to the parent's Aadhaar card), which requires re-enrollment after the ages of 5 and 15 years in order to update the child’s biometric data.

Understand the latest Income Tax Rules for NRI in India to manage your taxes efficiently.

Here is a step-by-step guide for NRIs to apply for an Aadhaar Card:

Step 1: Schedule an appointment

Visit the UIDAI website and find the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Enrolment Center in India. You can schedule an appointment online on the website or visit the ASK to make an appointment.

Step 2: Fill in the enrolment form

Obtain and fill out the Aadhaar enrolment form available at the ASK or download it from the UIDAI website and fill it out beforehand. Forms vary depending on the applicant's age.

Step 3: Submission of documents

Submit all the relevant documents along with the signed enrolment form at the ASK. Ensure to carry the originals of all the documents for the verification process.

Documents required for Aadhaar Card for NRIs

Valid Indian Passport as proof of identity (mandatory requirement, including for minor children)
Indian Passport, PAN card, or Utility bills as proof of address (Indian address)
Birth certificate if the NRI child is born on or after 1st October 2023
Specific documents that present the evidence of a relationship to another country (country of residence)

The list of supporting documents is on the UIDAI website. Keep the documents ready before you visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Step 4: Biometric data collection

Biometric data collection for Aadhaar and other IDs

The applicant’s biometric details, such as fingerprints of all ten fingers and iris scans, along with the photograph, are recorded at the enrollment centre.

Step 5: Get the acknowledgement slip

Once all the documents are submitted, and verified and biometric data is collected, the NRI applicant will receive an acknowledgment slip. It contains an enrolment ID which can be used for tracking the status of the Aadhaar card application. Status can be checked online on the official website of UIDAI.

After step five, you would receive a digital copy of the Aadhar card. You will receive the physical copy of the Aadhar card within 90 days of application.

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Conclusion

The conclusion is very simple: though the NRIs might apply for an Aadhaar card, an NRI must also understand that there is no compulsion for an Aadhaar card. However, going for an Aadhaar card would mean that you have easier access to various services and transactions in India.