The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has simplified the process for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to get an Aadhaar card. Previously, the process was confusing for many expats, but new rules allow easier access using just a valid Indian passport as the primary document.
Who is Eligible?
NRIs holding a valid Indian passport can apply for an Aadhaar card immediately upon arrival in India. The condition of residing in India for 182 days does not apply to them anymore. However, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders or NRIs without an Indian passport still need to fulfill the 182-day residency requirement within the last 12 months.
Application Process
It is mandatory for the applicant to be physically present in India to apply. Applications cannot be submitted from abroad, online, or through Indian embassies. You need to visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra in India, fill out the enrollment form, and complete the biometric verification which includes fingerprints and iris scans.
Required Documents
A valid Indian passport serves as the primary document for both proof of identity and proof of address. NRIs must also provide a valid email ID during enrollment, as international mobile numbers are often not accepted for SMS alerts regarding status updates.
Important Forms to Select
Applicants need to choose the correct form based on their residency status to avoid rejection:
| Category | Form Type |
|---|---|
| NRIs with foreign address | Form 2 |
| NRI Children (foreign address) | Form 4 |
| Resident Foreign Nationals | Form 7 |
Can you update details online?
If you already possess an Aadhaar card, demographic details like address, name, and email can be updated online via the UIDAI Self Service Update Portal (SSUP). However, biometric updates (photo, fingerprints) require a physical visit to the center. It is also mandatory to update documents if your Aadhaar was issued more than 10 years ago.
