Eligibility quiz
Are you legally married to an Indian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Indian passport
Indian citizens can get an Indian passport and use passport services in India or at an embassy or consulate abroad.
An adult’s ordinary passport is generally valid for 10 years and can be reissued.
A child’s passport is generally valid for five years or until age 18, whichever comes first.
Live in India for life
Indian citizens can live and settle anywhere in India and move freely within the country, with some legal limits.
Citizenship has no ordinary expiry date and does not need regular renewal.
Access education
Indian citizens can access education on the same legal basis as other eligible citizens and residents.
A school place or other support may depend on rules such as age, income, residence and state.
Work in India
Indian citizens can work in a profession or run a business, with some legal limits.
They have equal opportunity in national and state government employment, though some places may be reserved and other special provisions may apply.
Get help abroad
Indian citizens can get consular help and passport services through Indian embassies and consulates abroad.
The help available is limited by diplomatic rules and the law of the country where the citizen is present.
Vote and participate
Indian citizens can register to vote from age 18 if they normally live in the relevant area and are not otherwise disqualified.
Citizens can also speak, join groups and gather, with some legal limits.
Access public healthcare
Indian citizens can access healthcare on the same legal basis as other eligible citizens and residents.
Citizenship alone does not guarantee free care; eligibility depends on the particular scheme’s rules.
Access social support
Indian citizens can access welfare and social-security schemes on the same legal basis as other eligible citizens and residents.
Payments and other support depend on the scheme’s rules, which may include residence, income, age, occupation or state.
How to apply
Applying from inside IndiaApplying from inside India
Open the application form
Open the Indian Citizenship Online portal and answer its questions to reach your form. The ordinary spouse application is Form III; the section 6B application is Form IIIA.
Open the formGather your documents
Prepare the documents required for your application.
See required documentsFill in the application
Fill in your form online, including your marriage and residence details. Complete the required undertaking and affidavit in the format provided.
Fill in the formUpload your documents
Upload your required documents and completed affidavit to the portal.
Upload your documentsSubmit your application
Submit your application through the portal and keep the electronic acknowledgement.
Submit your applicationPay the fee online
After submitting your application and uploading your documents, pay the fee through the portal. You can use net banking, a debit card or a credit card.
Pay the feeAttend your document check
Wait for an email or text message giving you a date and place to attend. Bring the originals of all the documents you uploaded so the officer can check them.
Find appearance instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I attend document verification for an India citizenship by registration application?”
Take the oath
When your documents are found to be in order, take the oath of allegiance as instructed by the officer.
Find oath instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I take the oath of allegiance for India citizenship by registration?”
Wait for the decision
Wait while your application is considered, and respond to any requests for more information. You can follow its progress on the portal.
Track your applicationReceive your certificate
If your application is approved, receive your digital certificate or the ink-signed certificate if you selected that option. You can then apply for an Indian passport.
Get your certificateSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive my India citizenship by registration certificate?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificate
Provide a copy of your marriage certificate issued by the marriage registrar. This route requires a legally valid marriage to your Indian spouse; an unmarried partnership does not qualify.
Spouse's citizenship records
Provide a copy of your Indian spouse's Indian passport or birth certificate as proof of Indian citizenship.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Citizenship after another citizenship
Indian citizenship ends if a citizen voluntarily acquires another country’s citizenship, under the rules that apply.
Citizenship taken away
In certain cases, the government can take citizenship away because of fraud, disloyalty or unlawful dealings with an enemy.
Certain prison sentences or periods living abroad can also be grounds, depending on the case.
The person is given notice and may be able to have the case referred to an inquiry committee.
Giving up citizenship
A person of full age and capacity can give up Indian citizenship formally.
This can also affect a minor child’s citizenship under special rules.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Passport ( indian passport only )
English Facebook group for people interested in Indian citizenship
Join on FacebookOCI, Indian Passport Renewal, POA, INDIA EVisa, Renunciation help
English Facebook group for people living in India interested in Indian visas
Join on FacebookExpats in India
English Facebook group for people living in India interested in Indian local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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