There is so much confusion among the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) about whether they are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card or not.
Along with the new Aadhaar card for OCI and new rules and guidelines, many OCI cardholders wonder whether they are eligible to get the benefit of the Unique Identification System in India.
In this blog, we will clearly state whether an OCI cardholder can get an Aadhaar card, or if yes, then what is the process to apply for an Aadhaar card for OCI holder, with its benefits, eligibility criteria, and documents required.
Quick Overview: Aadhaar Card for OCI Holders
- An OCI cardholder can apply for the Aadhaar card in India if they have stayed for more than 182 days in the preceding 12 years.
- You can apply for the Aadhaar card for OCI through the UIDAI official website.
- An Aadhaar card provides various benefits such as Smooth financial transactions, verification of identity, ITR filing, Address proof, and smooth travelling.
Why Do OCI Cardholders Need an Aadhaar Card?
An Aadhaar card is a mandatory document that is used for various identification and biometric purposes. For an OCI cardholder, an Aadhaar card is generally not important.
However, if you are living in India and you want ot tale advantages of various services in India, then OCI cardholders can apply for an Aadhaar card for services such as:
- Smooth KYC verification at financial institutions and authorized service providers.
- You can get easy banking services access which helps you to manage your finances in India.
- Allowed to get a mobile SIM connection via an Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
- An Aadhaar card is also required for various KYC compliance in mutual funds and other investments.
- Helps you in secure online digital authentication fr private and government sectors.
- An Aadhaar card is also used for address proof and for various identity verifications.
Always keep one thing in mind that having an Aadhaar card does not mean that you have obtained Indian citizenship or affect your OCI status.
Through an Aadhaar card, you will get simplified identity verification and be able to access various private and government services at ease.
How to Apply for an Aadhar Card for OCI?
To apply for an Aadhaar card for OCI, you need to follow the steps mentioned below.
- Go to the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra in India with all the supporting documents.
- Enter all the correct details in the Aadhaar card application with all the following biometric information:
- Facial image
- Fingerprints
- IRIS scan
- You also need to provide some essential details, such as:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Address
- Submit your active mobile number and submit your registered email ID.
- Once all the details are verified, you will get the Aadhaar card delivered to your registered address through postal mail.
Aadhaar Card Benefits for OCI Cardholders
When an OCI cardholder gets an Aadhaar card in India, they can get various benefits, which are listed below.
- Banking: Use Aadhaar for easier KYC and opening bank accounts in India.
- Property: OCI cardholders can purchase residential or commercial property, subject to applicable rules.
- KYC & Services: Aadhaar simplifies KYC and can be used for services like SIM cards and gas connections.
- Income Tax: Eligible OCI cardholders can use Aadhaar for ITR filing; non-residents who are not eligible cannot quote Aadhaar.
- Aadhaar Eligibility: OCI cardholders meeting resident criteria may apply for Aadhaar and link it with PAN where required.
- Travel & Hotels: Aadhaar can help with identity verification at airports and hotel check-ins.
Have questions? Our experts guide you through every step of the OCI card application– no confusion, no delays.
Consult an Expert TodayWhat is the Aadhaar Card Eligibility for OCI Holder?
To apply for an Aadhaar card for OCI, you need to meet the following conditions given below, which are set by the Unique Identification Authority of India.
- You must have a valid OCI card with a foreign passport for a minimum of 6 months' validity.
- You should have been a resident of India for a minimum of 182 days in the preceding 12 months to complete the Aadhaar enrollment process.
- You should be present physically during the Aadhaar enrollment process.
Note: If an OCI cardholder does ot match the 182-day resident requirement, then he or she will not be eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card application.
List of Documents Required for an Aadhaar Card for OCI
Here is the list of documents that you will need to submit to apply for an Aadhaar card online for OCI.
1. Identity proof: You need to submit a valid proof of identity, such as:
- A valid foreign passport.
- A valid OCI card.
2. Proof of address: OCI applicants applying for an Aadhaar card need to provide Address proof:
- Electricity bill
- Gas connection bill
- Sale agreement
- Lease agreement
- Gift deed
- Leave and license agreement
3. Registered email ID: Applicants need to provide their registered email ID for the Aadhaar card application.
4. Proof of Date of Birth: Submit a valid proof of date of birth, such as:
- A birth certificate
- An educational certificate or degree from an educational institution.
5. Mobile Number: An OCI cardholder applying for an Aadhaar card in India needs to provide an active mobile number.
Final Thoughts
Applying for an Aadhaar card for OCI seems difficult, but following proper rules and guidelines, you can make this process easier and simpler. Having an Aadhaar card makes the process for OCI simpler and easier in various services, such as verification of identity, filing ITRs, and for smooth financial processes.
You can apply for the Aadhaar card for OCI through the Visament website, which provides you with a smooth and hassle-free application process. Visament assists you in the online Aadhaar card for OCI application and reduces the chances of errors and mistakes in your application.
If you have any doubts or queries related to the Aadhaar card application for OCI, then you can contact the Visament support team 24/7, which provides you with an instant response related to all your queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, an Aadhar card is not a compulsory requirement for OCI cardholders. Although the OCI cardholders who have stayed in India for more than 182 days in the last 12 months are eligible to apply for an Aadhar card.
Yes, an OCI can provide an Aadhaar card as proof of address to open a bank account in India.
No, they cannot apply online. The OCI cardholders are required to visit the nearest Aadhaar Kendra physically in India along with all the important documents.
The Aadhar cards that are issued to the Overseas Citizen of India are especially used as identity proof, and it is valid for 10 years. The OCIs are not given voting rights in Indian elections, and they are also not eligible to apply for government jobs.
Generally, the processing time can take up to 180 days from the enrollment date for adults.
As per the rules of UIDAI published on February 15, 2024, the individuals who have reached the age of 18 years and want to cancel their Aadhaar card can fill out Form 9.
Yes, a minor can apply for an Aadhaar card in India at the age of 5 years. For a minor below 5 years, they need to apply for a Baal Aadhaar card.