Eligibility quiz
Is one of your parents an Indian citizen now?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
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
Find your district office
Find the district office for the place where your child ordinarily lives.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which district office handles Indian citizenship by registration applications for minors in your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your child's application.
See required documentsFill in the application
Create an account or sign in to Indian Citizenship Online and fill in your child's Form IV, or Form IVA for the special application, uploading the requested documents and photographs. The parent or guardian signs the application; for Form IV, the parent also declares that they are the child's legal guardian.
Fill in the formPay the fee online
Pay the fee shown on Indian Citizenship Online for your child's application. The fee for the special application is Rs. 50.
Pay the feeSubmit your application
Submit your child's application on Indian Citizenship Online. Save or print the acknowledgement and completed application.
Submit the applicationHand in your application
Submit the printed application and supporting papers to the district office where your child ordinarily lives. Ask the office how it accepts the papers.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a printed Indian citizenship by registration application for a minor to the district office in your city?”
Attend document verification
For the special application, wait for an email or text with the verification date and time, then attend with the originals of every document you uploaded. For the ordinary application, attend with your child if the office asks you to and follow its instructions about originals and any oath.
Find verification instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does document verification work for an Indian citizenship by registration application for a minor?”
Wait for the decision
Follow your child's application on Indian Citizenship Online and watch for emails or texts. Send any extra documents requested and attend again or complete an oath if instructed.
Track the applicationReceive the citizenship certificate
Once your child's application is approved, receive the digital certificate or the ink-signed certificate if you selected it when applying. Your child can then apply for an Indian passport.
Get the certificateSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive an Indian citizenship by registration certificate for a minor?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Parent's citizenship records
Provide proof of your Indian parent's citizenship, such as their Indian passport or birth certificate. If both parents are Indian, provide proof for both; the office may also ask for evidence about your other parent. For Form IVA, the checklist asks for proof of both parents' 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
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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