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Updated August 2023
The Aadhaar card is a unique identification card that has become an essential document for every Indian citizen. It is linked to various things, such as PAN cards and bank accounts, and many government schemes require beneficiaries to possess an Aadhaar card. This makes it equally important for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) as well. However, the process of obtaining an Aadhaar card can be more challenging for NRIs as it cannot be procured from abroad.
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to applying for an Aadhaar card as an NRI. We will cover the eligibility criteria, required documents, and other essential details to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Table of Contents
Aadhaar card for NRIs
The Aadhaar card is an essential document for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who have income sources in India. NRIs can obtain an Aadhaar card free by visiting their nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in India. This document serves as important identification proof and enables NRIs to receive various benefits, including job incentives in the government sector upon their return.
Around 1,200 government programs and initiatives managed by both the central and state governments are using Aadhaar-based identification to provide their services. Additionally, possessing an Aadhaar card can help NRIs avail themselves of all government subsidies and social security schemes. Therefore, NRIs are encouraged to obtain an Aadhaar card to access these benefits and facilitate their identification in India.
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How to apply for an Aadhaar card as NRI?
Eligibility criteria
An NRI, whether they are a minor or an adult and hold a valid Indian passport, can apply for an Aadhaar card by visiting any Aadhaar Seva Kendra located in India.
Documents required
To apply for an Aadhaar card as an NRI, the applicant must have the following documents ready:
- a valid Indian Passport as a mandatory Proof of Identity (PoI)
- other documents that can be accepted by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for NRI Aadhaar card applicants include:
- birth certificate
- photo ID proof
- school certificate
- additionally, NRIs are required to present specific documents that establish their relationship with a foreign country. Government officials and competent authorities verify all the documents to ascertain their validity and eligibility for an Aadhaar card
Application process
To apply for an Aadhaar card as an NRI, you must follow these steps:
- visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra of your convenience.
- carry a valid Indian passport with you.
- fill in the details in the enrolment form you will receive once you go to the Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
- giving email ID is mandatory for NRIs.
- the declaration for NRI enrolment is slightly different. Read and sign the same in your enrolment form.
- ask the operator to enrol you as NRI.
- give your Passport as proof of identity.
- you may choose to use your passport itself as proof of address and date of birth proof or give some other valid document/s for this, as per the list of accepted supporting documents.
- complete the biometric capture process.
- check all details on the screen (in English and the local language) before you allow the operator to submit.
- collect the acknowledgment slip/ enrolment slip that has your 14-digit enrolment ID and date & time stamp.
For children below 5 years of age
One of the parents/guardians must authenticate on behalf of the child and give consent for the enrolment of the minor by signing the enrolment form. If the child is an NRI, a valid Indian passport of the child is mandatory as proof of identity.
If the child is an Indian resident (not an NRI), any valid proof of relationship document, such as a birth certificate, along with the Aadhaar of the parent/guardian, can be used for enrolment.
For children between 5 to 18 years of age:
One of the parents/guardians must consent to the enrolment of the minor by signing the enrolment form. If the minor is an NRI, a valid Indian passport of the child is mandatory as proof of identity (PoI). If the minor is an Indian resident (not an NRI), the following rules apply:
- no document in the name of the minor: any valid proof of relationship document, such as a birth certificate, can be used for enrolment under Head of Family
- minor has a document: use a valid proof of identity and proof of address document like a school ID card in the child’s name for enrolment. Please refer to the valid documents list for more information.
Aadhaar card status check
You can check the status of your Aadhaar card online using the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) website by providing your enrolment number.
To check your Aadhaar status online by enrolment number through the UIDAI website, follow the steps given below:
- visit the UIDAI website at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
- enter your EID (Enrolment ID) SRN or URN. The EID is displayed on the top of your enrolment/update acknowledgment slip and will contain a fourteen-digit enrolment number and the fourteen-digit date and time of enrolment. Please note that these 28 digits together form your Enrolment ID (EID)
- enter the Captcha accurately
- click on submit, and you will be able to check the status of your Aadhaar
Please note that in case you have lost your EID, you can retrieve the lost or forgotten EID through your registered mobile number.
Application fee
The entire process of getting an Aadhaar card is completely free. Updating details on the Aadhaar card costs INR 50.
Can NRIs apply for the Aadhaar card abroad?
NRI expats living abroad can schedule an appointment for an Aadhaar card online, but they will need to travel to India to attend an appointment in person. The card will only be issued after this appointment.
Since the Aadhaar card contains biometric details, it cannot be applied online. Instead, applicants must visit an Aadhaar centre, a government facility in India, to apply for the card in person.
