Can NRIs and OCIs get Aadhaar?
Yes, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) are eligible for Aadhaar.
However, the rules and the process differ slightly from resident Indians.
According to the Aadhaar Act, any individual who has resided in India for 182 days or more in the preceding 12 months is eligible.
However, a special provision now allows NRIs with valid Indian Passports to apply for Aadhaar on arrival without waiting for the 182-day period.
NRI Enrolment Process
The process for NRIs involves:
- Visiting any Aadhaar Seva Kendra in India.
- Carrying a valid Indian Passport as Proof of Identity (PoI).
- Providing an Indian mobile number (international numbers are currently not supported for OTP).
- Filling out the NRI-specific enrolment form.
OCI Holders and Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals and OCI holders can also apply for Aadhaar if they fulfill the 182-day residency criteria.
They must provide valid foreign passports and valid Indian Visas/OCI cards as part of their documentation.
It is important to note that Aadhaar is a proof of residence, not citizenship, and does not entitle a foreign national to Indian voting rights.
Documentation Challenges for NRIs
The primary challenge for NRIs is providing a valid Indian Address Proof.
If the NRI does not have a local utility bill, they can use the address mentioned in their Indian Passport or provide a registered rent agreement of their Indian residence.
Importance of Aadhaar for NRIs
For NRIs, Aadhaar is becoming essential for managing financial assets in India, such as filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) if they have taxable income in India, maintaining NRO/NRE bank accounts, and investing in the Indian stock market through KYC-compliant platforms.