How to Get Aadhaar Card for Non-Resident Indians or NRI's?

Last Updated : Jan. 3, 2025, 3:58 p.m.

Aadhaar Card is necessary for both Indian and Non-Resident Indians. All the Indian Citizens who are living abroad need to have an Aadhaar Card. Only the NRIs from a country like Abu Dhabi are exempted to have an Aadhaar Card while they are filing their Income Returns otherwise all other NRIs should have an Aadhaar Card . The process to Apply Aadhaar for Non-Resident Indians is the same as for the Indian Resident. You will have to book an appointment first and visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra with the valid documents to get an Aadhaar for NRI. You must explore the process along with eligibility criteria to apply for an Aadhaar if you are an NRI.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for NRI Aadhaar Card

Here’s the eligibility criteria you need to follow to apply for Aadhaar card for foreigners:

• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with a valid Indian Passport can apply for an Aadhaar card if they visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra in India. They must have lived in India for at least 182 days in the previous year.

• Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) need to have been in India for at least 182 days in the past year to be eligible.

• Long Term Visa (LTV) holders from minority communities of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians, can apply.

• Nationals from Nepal and Bhutan must have a valid passport or other relevant documents.

• Other foreign residents who have been in India for more than 182 days in the past year can apply.

• Resident foreigners who have a valid Registration Certificate or residential permit from FRRO/FRO and do not have an OCI card, an LTV document, nor are they from Nepal or Bhutan.

Process to Apply Aadhaar for NRI

To obtain an Aadhaar card, NRIs must follow the same procedure as Indian residents. Here are the steps on how to apply for an Aadhaar card as an NRI with a foreign passport:

Locate Aadhaar Seva Kendra

You will have to locate the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra where you can visit to apply for an Aadhaar. The NRI should choose the Aadhaar Service Center Online through the official website of UIDAI at his convenience.

Book an Appointment

Then, you should book an appointment and choose the time slot at which you can visit the center. The appointment slip can be downloaded online from the official website.

Visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra

Now visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra that you have located with your documents whose details you have mentioned at the time of appointment.

Fill Aadhaar Application Form

Meet the Aadhar Enrolment Center Executive and fill out the Aadhaar Application form for NRI. You can Apply Aadhaar for Non-Resident Indians through that form.

Scan Fingerprints

Then you will have to go through the biometric verification in which your fingerprints will be scanned on all ten fingers and stored in UIDAI’s database.

Iris Scanning

The executive will also scan your Iris using his camera. The Iris of both eyes will be scanned and it will be recorded by UIDAI.

Photograph

Finally, a photograph of the NRI will be clicked and the verification process will be completed.

Processing

In the end, the Aadhaar Seva Kendra Executive will give you an Acknowledgement Slip having an enrolment number. You can use the enrolment number to check your Aadhaar Card Status Online .

It can take up to 90 days to get an Aadhaar for Non-Indian Residents and it is delivered via post. This is how you can apply for Aadhaar for NRI.

Aadhaar Application form for NRIs

Foreign residents aged 18 or older must use Aadhaar Form 7 to enroll in Aadhaar and update their information. Aadhaar Form 7 is available for free both online and offline. To download Aadhaar Form 7, click here .

NRIs filling out Aadhaar Form 7 must include their nationality and provide details of the documents that support their nationality and eligibility. These documents might include a valid foreign passport, OCI card details, Long Term Visa details, a valid Indian Visa, or two types of identity proof documents (for nationals of Nepal and Bhutan).

Documents Required for Aadhaar Card for Foreigners

Here is a list of the documents needed to get an Aadhar card for foreigners, including NRIs, OCI cardholders, holders of Long Term Visas, nationals from Nepal and Bhutan, and other resident foreigners.

Documents Required for Aadhaar Card for NRIs

• Primary Requirement: A valid Indian Passport as proof of identity.

• Additional Accepted Documents:

  • Birth Certificate

  • Photo ID Proof

  • School Certificate

• Additional Requirement: NRIs must also provide documents proving their relationship to another country. These documents are checked by government officials to ensure they are valid.

Documents for OCI Cardholders

• Accepted as ID Proof:

  • Valid OCI card

  • Valid or expired foreign passport

Documents for Long Term VISA (LTV) Document Holders

• Accepted as Identity and Address Proof:

  • A valid Long Term VISA (LTV)

  • Valid or expired foreign passport

Documents for Nepal and Bhutan Nationals

• Accepted Identity Proofs (choose one):

  • Passport of Nepal or Bhutan

• If no passport, any two of the following (with the same address):

  • Citizenship Certificate from Nepal or Bhutan

  • Photo Identity Certificate from Nepalese Mission or Royal Bhutanese Mission in India

  • Voter Identity Card from Nepal or Bhutan

Documents for Other Resident Foreigners

• Identity Proof:

  • A valid VISA and foreign passport if the foreigner has stayed in India for at least 182 days in the past year

• Address Proof:

  • Valid Registration Certificate or Residential Permit issued by FRRO/FRO (this excludes OCI cardholders, Nepal/Bhutan nationals, and LTV document holders)

Children of NRIs Applying for an Aadhaar Card

If the child is under 5 years old, a parent or guardian must provide authentication and sign the enrolment form to give consent for the child's Aadhaar Card registration. If the child is a non-resident Indian (NRI), a valid Indian passport is required as proof of identity.

Aadhaar Card Form for NRI Minors

Foreign nationals under 18 years old must use Aadhaar Form 8 for both enrolling in Aadhaar and updating their details. Aadhaar Form 8 can be downloaded for free, both online and offline. Click here to download the Aadhaar Form 8.

When filling out Aadhaar Form 8, some additional required information includes the minor’s nationality and supporting documents such as a valid foreign passport, OCI card details, Long Term Visa details, valid Indian Visa, or two types of identity proof (for nationals of Nepal and Bhutan). The address and signature or thumb impression of the mother, father, or legal guardian must also be provided on the form.

Conclusion

Aadhaar Card registration for foreigners and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) involves a clear and structured process. NRIs, OCI cardholders, LTV holders, and nationals from Nepal and Bhutan must meet specific residency requirements and present appropriate application documentation. The application process is the same as for Indian residents and requires physical presence at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra in India. Once enrolled, NRIs and other foreign nationals can benefit from having an Aadhaar card, which is vital for various services and proof of identity in India.