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As an NRI, you will need a valid Government of India issued identity document to make any financial transactions in India. An Aadhaar card or its digital version e-Aadhaar is one such document. This article explains how you can apply for an Aadhaar card and its benefits.

Aadhaar is a centralised system of identification using a 12-digit number that is linked to biometric data. It is designed to replace all previous methods of identification in India such as birth certificates and ration cards that are prone to loss and damage of records.

Can an NRI get an Aadhaar Card?

Initially, the Aadhaar Card was accessible only to Indian residents. NRIs who wished to apply for one had to reside in India for a minimum of 182 days before they could enrol for it.

However, in July 2019, the Government released an intimation to ensure quicker processing for NRIs with "Aadhaar on Arrival". The amendment to the bill proposed that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will now issue Aadhaar cards on arrival to NRIs who hold Indian passports as opposed to the traditional method of waiting for a mandatory 182 days.

While the duration has been shortened, the procedure for the application for NRIs remains the same.

Eligibility Criteria for NRI Aadhaar Card

With the recent updates, NRIs can now easily apply for an Aadhaar card under specific conditions:

NRIs must hold a valid passport – As per the latest rules, an NRI’s valid Indian passport is the only document required for both Proof of Identity (POI) and Proof of Address (PoA). No additional documents are needed.
Residency Requirement Removed – Previously, NRIs were required to reside in India for at least 182 days before applying for an Aadhaar Card. This rule was officially removed in 2019, allowing NRIs to apply immediately.
Having an Indian address is not always mandatory – If your passport or any other supporting document does not have an Indian address, you can still apply for an Aadhaar card using the Form 2,4 or 6.

Documents Required for NRI Aadhaar card

Following are the UIDAI approved documents required for Aadhaar Card for NRIs:

A valid Indian passport is accepted as proof of identity and proof of address.
In case a valid Indian address proof is missing, you can submit any of the other UIDAI approved Proof of Address (PoA) documents.
You may be asked for other documents for evidence of your residency status with another country, i.e., a photocopy of your stamped visa of the country of residence.

Documents Required for Applying Aadhaar Card for NRI with OCI

If you are an NRI with OCI status and want to apply for an Aadhaar Card, you will need:

OCI Card (as identity proof)
Valid Foreign passport
Proof of Indian Address (if applicable)
OCI holders must provide a proof of residing in India for atleast 182 days before application.
Valid Email ID

Aadhaar Card Form for NRIs

To apply for an Aadhaar card for NRI, you must use the specific NRI Aadhaar enrolment form introduced by UIDAI in 2024. This form is available at all Aadhaar enrolment centres and on the official UIDAI website. The form requires you to:

Indicate your NRI status and provide your valid Indian passport details (mandatory).
Fill in your Indian or foreign address, as applicable.
Provide a valid email ID (mandatory for NRIs).
Attach the required supporting documents, including your Indian passport and, if needed, additional proof of address or residency status.

Aadhaar Card Form for NRI Minors

For NRI minors (children under 18), there is a dedicated Aadhaar enrolment form. The process and form require:

Declaration of the minor’s NRI status, with details from the minor’s valid Indian passport.
Parent or guardian’s details and consent, including their Aadhaar and passport information.
Supporting documents: Minor’s Indian passport (mandatory), birth certificate (especially for those born after October 1, 2023), and proof of relationship to the parent or guardian.
Biometrics: For children below 5, only a photograph is taken; biometrics are updated after age 5 and 15.

This form is available at enrolment centres and must be filled out in person by the parent or guardian on behalf of the minor.

Aadhaar Card For NRIs with Foreign Passport

NRIs with a foreign passport (including OCI holders) can apply for an Aadhaar card if they have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the past 12 months.

The application must be completed in person at an Aadhaar enrolment centre—online enrolment is not available.

Required documents include a valid foreign passport, proof of 182-day residency, and Indian address proof if needed.

How to Apply for an Aadhaar Card for NRI?

As an NRI, applying for an Aadhar Card requires some additional steps and documentation. Follow this step-by-step process for a smooth application process.

How to Book an Appointment for NRI Aadhaar Application?

Visit the UIDAI website to book an appointment at your closest Aadhaar enrolment centre.
Provide the required documents for identification.
Fill out the NRI Enrolment form, make sure to select the NRI status and provide email ID (mandatory)
Visit the Enrolment centre as per your appointment for biometric data collection, and other verification procedures.

How Can NRIs Check Aadhaar Status Online?

To keep a track of your Aadhaar card status, you can use the following steps:

Go to the UIDAI website.
Go to My Aadhaar section and select the ‘Check Aadhaar Status’ option.
Enter your 14 digit enrolment and the security captcha.
Click the ‘Submit’ button and view your Aadhaar application status.

Also Read: Foreign exchange transactions in India for NRIs

e-Aadhaar – How to get it and its benefits

After you've applied for the Aadhaar card, you can get a digital version of it i.e. the e-Aadhaar. The e-Aadhaar is considered a valid address and identity proof document as it contains all the same details as the physical card including your name, address, photograph and date of birth. Here's how you can get your e-Aadhaar:

Visit the UIDAI website
Enter your 12-Digit Aadhaar number. If you haven't received it yet, you can enter your Aadhaar enrolment number along with the time and date of the application as mentioned on the acknowledgement receipt.
Click on the tab 'Get One Time Password' post which you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number (RMN). Enter the OTP.
Enter the first four letters of your name along with your year of birth in YYYY format to open the PDF file containing the e-Aadhaar and download the same on your smartphone or laptop. Please note that you will need Adobe Reader on your laptop or mobile to open the file.

Uses of Aadhaar and e-Aadhaar for NRIs

As an NRI, there are several important benefits of having an Aadhaar card in physical or e-Aadhaar format. Here are some common uses:

Aadhaar is widely accepted as proof of identity, address and date of birth in India which can be useful if you maintain any legal or personal ties in India.
If you are considering opening an NRI account, having an Aadhaar card speeds up the Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.
It is also helpful in other financial activities such as Income Tax Filing (if required), Property Transactions and investing in government schemes and subsidies.
If you are seeking employment in India, Aadhaar can be helpful in providing all the required identification proofs.

Also Read: What are the KYC Guidelines for NRIs

Things to Keep in Mind about Aadhaar Cards for NRIs

Though we have covered everything in terms of Aadhaar Card applications for NRIs, there are some factors that you should be aware of while applying for an Aadhaar card:

Eligibility: Ensure that you match all the requirements for an Aadhaar card for NRI.
OCI/PIO Holders: For an Aadhaar card for NRI with OCI, there are some specific residency requirements as well as requirements for additional documentation.
Physical Presence Required: You cannot apply for an Aadhaar card for NRI online. The process must be completed in person at an enrolment centre.
Documentation: Ensure that all your documents match with what you have mentioned in the application and are valid and you are filling all the required forms.
Stay Updated: For the latest information on Aadhaar for NRI or Aadhaar card for NRI with OCI, always refer to the official sources such as the UIDAI website.

Also Read: What are the KYC Guidelines for NRIs

Open an NRI Savings Account

Conclusion

As an NRI, you will find that the Aadhaar Card for NRIs and its digital version e-Aadhaar are a quick way of getting your KYC processes done for important transactions within India. It's an important document and you can use it as an identity/address proof everywhere from opening a bank account to completing property transactions. The process of getting one is quick and straightforward and you can even book an appointment before you travel to India.

At DBS Treasures, get access to premium banking services and instant support with a dedicated Relationship Manager. Start your banking relationship with us by opening an NRI account today! Apply Now.

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