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. As per UIDAI records, Aadhaar has been issued to 138.08 crore Indian residents as of September 2023.
The UIDAI has also made provisions for NRIs (Non-resident Indians) to obtain an Aadhaar card. Though Aadhaar is not mandatory for NRIs, having an Aadhaar card can facilitate easier access to legal, financial, and government services. If you are an NRI, you can apply for the Aadhaar card by visiting the designated enrollment centres or Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) in India. The process involves the submission of all the relevant documents and biometric data collection.
Why Is It Important for NRIs to Have an Aadhaar Card?
For an NRI living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), availing an Aadhaar card in India can be important for various reasons such as:
1. Banking and financial transactions
Suppose you are an NRI with income sources in India. In that case, it is important to have an Aadhaar card for KYC (Know Your Customer) verification and compliance by banks and other financial institutions in India. Having Aadhaar also facilitates Aadhaar-linked digital payments, thus enabling faster and more secure transactions.
2. Property transactions
Aadhaar is beneficial for property owners as it helps in verifying their identity during property transactions. From setting up services like water, electricity, gas, and internet connection, to registration of property, and availing of bank loans, Aadhaar aids in establishing your identity in India for such transactions.
3. Government schemes and services
Aadhaar is an important document to avail various government subsidies and scheme benefits (e.g., National Pension System/NPS). Hence, it is important to have an Aadhaar for NRIs who are planning to return to India in the future.
4. Taxation
Aadhaar is important for filing income tax returns in India. Linking the PAN card to the Aadhaar card is mandatory for tax purposes.
5. Legal needs
Aadhaar is beneficial for many verification and legal processes in India as it is widely accepted as identity and address proof. This includes employment and education-related verifications.
Aadhaar verification is a mandatory part of the KYC procedure for investing in Indian stocks and mutual funds. It is also the most reliable document for establishing identity in times of emergency. NRIs planning to return to India can avail themselves of an Aadhaar card to simplify these and many other financial and administrative processes in India.
How NRIs Can Apply for an Aadhaar Card?
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.
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 Enrollment 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 enrollment form
Obtain and fill out the Aadhaar enrollment form available at the ASK or download it from the UIDAI website and fill it out beforehand. Forms available here vary depending on the applicant's age. NRIs can use the following forms:
1. Form 1: For NRIs aged 18 years and above, having proof of address in India.
2. Form 3: For NRI children aged 5 years and above and less than 18 years, having proof of address in India.
3. Form 5: For NRI children aged below 5 years of age, having proof of address in India.
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
The applicant’s biometric details, such as fingerprints of all ten fingers and iris scans, along with the photograph, are recorded at the enrollment center.
Step 5: Get the acknowledgement slip
Once all the documents are submitted, verified and biometric data is collected, the NRI applicant will receive an acknowledgment slip. It contains an enrollment 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.
Step 6: Receive the Aadhaar card
Once the application is processed, the Aadhaar card will be generated and mailed to the provided address. e-Aadhaar, an electronic version, can be downloaded from the UIDAI website at this link.
Upon receiving the Aadhaar card, it is important to check the accuracy of all the details and correct them if there are any discrepancies.
Conclusion
To conclude, while Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can apply for an Aadhaar card, it is also vital to understand that Aadhaar is not mandatory for NRIs. However, availing yourself of an Aadhaar card can facilitate smoother access to various services and transactions in India.
