Can OCI Cardholders Apply For an Aadhaar Card?

There is some confusion around the application process for the Aadhaar card for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in India. With evolving government guidelines and shifting rules, many OCIs don’t know whether they can take advantage of the Unique Identification system of India. It also provides many benefits, including financial matters like filing taxes and accessing services in India.

In this blog, we have clarified all the circumstances under which the OCI cardholder can obtain an Aadhaar card, and it can provide them with the benefits. We have also mentioned the step-by-step process for applying for the Aadhaar card. 

Can OCI Holder Get an Aadhaar card?

All the OCI cardholders who have stayed in India for more than 182 days or more in the past 12 months are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card. The duration of the stay of the applicants must be just before the date of application for enrollment. All OCI cardholders should have an Indian address along with all the other necessary documents. 

For Aadhaar enrollment/update or cancellation purposes, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has now updated its old rules. There is one standard Aadhaar enrollment/update form. 

List of Documents Required for an Aadhaar Card of OCI

Here is the list of documents required for an Aadhaar card eligibility for OCI:

How to Apply for Aadhaar Card for OCI Holders?

Below are the steps that will guide you through the Aadhaar card application for OCI cardholders:

1. Firstly, make sure that the stay in India is more than 182 days in the past 12 months.
2. Visit the nearest office of Aadhaar Kendra in India along with all the necessary documents 
3. Submit the documents along with the application form and provide your biometric data, such as:

• Facial Photo
• All 10 fingerprints
• IRIS scan
• Demographic details, such as name, gender, date of birth, and address

4. Provide your Email ID (mandatory) and also your mobile number (if needed).
5. After the verification process, your Aadhaar card will be delivered to your given address via post.

Also Want to Know About Indian Driving License for OCI Cardholders? Check Now!

Aadhaar Card Benefits for OCI Card Holders

If the OCI has an Aadhaar card in India, then it can provide them with various benefits: 

• Proof of Identity: OCI cardholders can use their Aadhaar cards to get gas connections, SIM cards, etc., as they can be used as Identity proof. 
• Financial Transactions: The OCI cardholders can open their bank accounts, such as NRE/NRO accounts, purchase real estate, and more with the help of an Aadhaar card. 
• Easy Travel and Stay: Aadhaar card can help the OCIs in clearing the airport security faster, and most of the hotels in India quickly accept the Aadhaar card as an Identity proof. Hence, it can be handy to obtain an Aadhaar card.
• Filing Income Taxes: Aadhaar card helps in filing the Income Tax returns. According to the Ministry of Finance, mentioning Aadhaar in the Income tax returns is not applicable for a non-resident who is not eligible to get an Aadhaar. However, the OCIs who are eligible to get an Aadhaar (lived in India for more than 182 days in the past 12 months) are considered as ‘residents’ as per the Aadhaar Act. Hence, they can comply by linking their Aadhaar with their PAN cards and filing ITRs.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining an Aadhaar card OCIs can be a little complicated at first, but it can provide them with quite a few benefits from this unique identification system. Aadhaar card makes it very convenient to live in India by making various tasks more accessible and integrated, such as financial tasks, proving identity, or streamlining tax obligations. 

For obtaining an Aadhaar card, you can also take assistance from the experts of Visament, who can help with the whole process. We have customized services on our website, and customer assistance is available 24/7.