NRIs and OCI cardholders can now acquire an Aadhaar Card, provided they meet specific criteria. The Indian government has implemented new rules for Aadhaar to streamline and simplify the process for these individuals.
Consequently, Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India must utilize designated forms for Aadhaar Card enrollment ,the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced distinct forms for Non-Resident Indians as per the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Amendment Regulations, 2024, aiming to eliminate any confusion with resident Indians.
If you are an NRI and wish to obtain Aadhaar for yourself or your minor children, you can apply during any visit to your home country. To complete the registration and biometric verification process, you can visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (service center). For Aadhaar enrollment, a valid Indian passport serves as the sole accepted proof of identity. However, under India’s new Aadhaar rules for NRIs, applicants born on or after October 1, 2023, must also provide a birth certificate.
The recent amendment mandates the regular updating of personal information on Aadhaar documents. Every 10 years, both Indian residents and NRIs holding Aadhaar must ensure the accuracy of their current address and other details in the centralized database. This can be conveniently done either online, through the official website or mobile app, or offline at an Aadhaar enrollment center.
Previously, Overseas Citizens of India were excluded from Aadhaar Card eligibility.
However, following the government’s clarification that Aadhaar does not validate citizenship, OCIs have been included among the categories of overseas Indians eligible for Aadhaar. Nevertheless, a prerequisite exists: OCI cardholders must have a mandatory minimum stay of 182 days in India within a calendar year to be eligible to apply for an Aadhaar Card.
