Eligibility quiz
Was your father an Indian citizen when you were born?
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 at a consulateApplying at a consulate
Find your consulate
Find the Indian consulate serving the place where you and your child ordinarily live, and ask it to confirm that it can accept the application. The rules also refer to the consulate in the country where your child was born.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Indian consulate covers your city for registration of a child's birth for citizenship by descent?”
Download the application form
Download Form I, the application to register the birth of a minor child at an Indian consulate. This application is for a child under 18.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in and sign Form I for your child, including the declaration that your child does not hold another country's passport. Prepare the completed form in duplicate.
See form guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in Form I to register my child's birth at an Indian consulate for citizenship by descent?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsHand in your application
Submit the signed application in duplicate and supporting copies to the Indian consulate. Ask the consulate how it accepts applications and whether you need an appointment.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit Form I to register my child's birth for Indian citizenship by descent at the Indian consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the consulate to respond to your child's application. If it asks to inspect original documents, bring them for inspection.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I submit Form I to register my child's birth for Indian citizenship by descent?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Copy of your birth certificate
Provide a copy of your birth certificate. It must show the birth of the child whose registration is being requested.
Parents' marriage certificate
Provide a copy of your parents' marriage certificate. Include it with the application.
Copies of parents' passports
Provide a copy of each of your parents' passports. Include copies for both parents with the application.
Parent's citizenship certificate *
Provide a copy of your Indian parent's citizenship certificate. Include its number and date on the application form.
* Only if your Indian parent became an Indian citizen by registration or naturalisation.
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
Indian Passport, OCI, PCC & Visa Services.
English Facebook group for people interested in Indian citizenship and visas
Request to joinIndia Passport & Indian Visa
English Facebook group for people interested in Indian citizenship and visas
Join on Facebookr/OCI_VISA_Passportrene
English Reddit group for people interested in Indian citizenship and visas
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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