Aadhar Card for NRIs: Document, Eligibility & How to Apply

An Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Government of India. It helps to provide all the information of an individual, such as biometric, personal information, and other details.

An NRI should get an Aadhaar card to get easy access to government subsidies, services, and banks while living outside India.

In this blog, we will discuss how to apply for an Aadhaar card for NRIs, along with its eligibility criteria, documents required, and other necessary information for an Aadhaar card for NRIs.

Quick Link: Aadhaar Card for NRIs

What is an Aadhaar Card for NRIs?

An Aadhaar card is an essential document that every Indian citizen needs, whether it is an Non-resident Indian (NRI) living outside India. 

An NRI Aadhaar card is the same which are issued to Indian citizens with a 12-digit Unique Identification Number. 

An NRI can easily apply for an Aadhaar card if they are physically present in India, as they need to submit their biometrics to obtain an NRI Aadhaar card.

How to Apply for an Aadhaar Card for NRIs?

The enrolment process for NRIs, OCI cardholders, nationals of Nepal and Bhutan, LTV holders, and other resident foreigners includes the following steps. 

• Visit the UIDAI website and book an appointment at the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre.
• Go to the enrolment centre with the required documents and fill out the NRI Aadhaar application form.
• Ask the operator to enroll you as an NRI, OCI, foreign resident, Nepal/Bhutan national, or LTV holder.
• Submit your biometric details, including fingerprints, iris scan, and facial scan.
• Verify all details carefully before submission.
• Collect the acknowledgement slip to track your Aadhaar application status online.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for an NRI Aadhaar Card?

If you meet the following conditions, then you can apply for an Aadhaar card for NRIs. 

• Non-Resident Indians (NRI): NRIs who have a valid passport, whether minor or adult, can apply for an Aadhaar card for NRIs in India. 
• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI): If any OCI cardholders residing in India can apply for Aadhaar, then they will be eligible to apply for an Aadhaar enrolment centre in India. 
• Long-Term Visa (LTV): LTV holders from communities such as Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh can apply for an Aadhaar card for NRI. 
• Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan: If you are a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan and living in India, you can enroll for an Aadhaar card in India. 
• Other resident foreigner: If any of the foreign individuals has stayed in India for more than 182 days in the last year, then he or she can apply for an Aadhaar card.

The resident foreigners with the following are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card. 

• A resident foreigner with a registration certificate
• Foreign resident with FRO/FRRO residential permit

Documents Required for Aadhaar Card for Different Categories

Check the complete documents required for Aadhaar enrolment across different applicant categories, including NRIs, OCI cardholders, foreign nationals, and LTV holders.

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

• Identity Proof: Indian Passport
• Address Proof: Indian address proof, NRI bank account statement, utility bill, or rent agreement
• Date of Birth Proof: Indian Passport or Birth Certificate

OCI Cardholders

• Identity Proof: OCI Card and Foreign Passport
• Address Proof: Not Required
• Date of Birth Proof: Foreign Passport

LTV Holders

• Identity Proof: LTV Document and Valid/Expired Foreign Passport
• Address Proof: LTV Document
• Date of Birth Proof: Foreign Passport

Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan

• Identity Proof: Nepal/Bhutan Passport, Citizenship Certificate, Photo ID issued by Nepal/Bhutan Mission in India, or Voter ID
• Address Proof: Same as Identity Proof
• Date of Birth Proof: Nepal or Bhutan Passport

Other Resident Foreigners

• Identity Proof: Valid Foreign Passport and Visa
• Address Proof: Proof of residence for the last 182 days, Registration/Residential Permit issued by FRO/FRRO
• Date of Birth Proof: Foreign Passport

Aadhaar Card Forms Types for NRIs

If you're applying for an NRI Aadhaar card, then many Aadhaar enrollment forms for NRIs depend on their residency or non-residency status. 

• Form 1: For NRIs who have a valid proof of address in India. 
• Form 2: For the NRI applicant with a valid proof of address outside India. 
• Form 7: For the other Resident foreigners. 

The Aadhaar enrolment form can be downloaded freely through the UIDAI website, or you can get the form through your nearby enrolment centre. 

Minor Aadhaar Card Form Types for NRI Kids

Choose the correct Aadhaar enrolment form for foreign nationals or minor NRIs. 

• Form 3: NRI minors who are more than 5 years but less than 18 years with a valid proof of address in India. 
• Form 4: For Minor NRIs who are more than 5 years of age but less than 18 years with a proof of address outside India. 
• Form 5: For the children who are less than 5 years of age with a valid proof of address in India. 
• Form 6: For the minor NRIs who are above 5 years with a valid proof of address outside India.
• Form 8: For the other resident foreign children who are below 18 years.

Download the Aadhaar enrolment form through the UIDAI website for free or go to the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre to obtain the form. 

Things to Keep in Mind for NRIs' Aadhaar Card

Here are some of the things that you need to keep in mind when applying for an Aadhaar card for NRIs. 

• Aadhaar card for NRIs helps them in an easy financial and identification process.
• You cannot stay in India with an Aadhaar card. It does not act as proof of Indian citizenship.
• NRIs do not need to link their bank accounts to an Aadhaar card if they don't want to claim any services or subsidies from the Indian government.
• An Aadhaar card is used for various identification, services, or verification of documents.
• Aadhaar for the nationals of Nepal and Bhutan is valid for 10 years.
• If you don't have the original Aadhaar card, then you can use the e-Aadhaar card or M-Aadhaar card for certain services and functions.
• An OCI cardholder has an Aadhaar card with 10 years' validity.
• The Validity of an Aadhaar card of LTV holders is until the validity of their LTV document.