New Aadhaar Card and PAN Card Rules for NRIs

Aadhaar Card rules effective since June 1, 2024

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has implemented new rules for Aadhaar card enrollment and updates. These updates aim to ease Aadhaar updates. Here are the rules:

• Updates in Aadhaar can be done online (via UIDAI mobile app and website) as well as offline. Earlier, only address updates were allowed online. These online updates can be done free of charge.
• UIDAI has introduced new forms for Aadhaar enrollment and updates, which are categorised by age and residency status, including forms for NRIs, children and foreign nationals.
• Aadhaar holders shall update their information every 10 years to ensure the government does not have stale information.

PAN Card rules effective since October 1, 2024

Just like for Aadhaar Card, new rules have been implemented for PAN Card as well. Here is the new PAN Card rule:

• Aadhaar Card holders can no longer use their Aadhaar Enrollment ID when applying for PAN card or filing Income Tax returns. They shall use their Aadhaar card number for the same.

Eligibility criteria (for NRIs) to get Aadhaar

NRIs need to fulfil various requirements to get an Aadhaar Card. Here are the rules:

• An NRI with an Indian passport can apply for an Aadhaar card by visiting a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra. However, a person who is applying for the same shall be present in India for at least 182 days in a year before applying for the same.
• An OCI applying for Aadhaar card shall be present in India for at least 182 days in the past year.
• Nepal and Bhutan nationals with a valid passport or other similar documents.
• Other resident foreigners that have lived in India for more than 182 days in the past year.
• Long Term Visa (LTV) holders of minority communities (Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, Parsis and Christians) from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan.
• Foreigners (resident) with a valid residential permit or Registration Certificate, and not having an OCI card or LTV document that are not Nepal or Bhutan residents.

Documents required for Aadhaar Card (for NRIs)

• A valid Indian Passport as a Proof of Identity (PoI).
• Birth Certificate, Photo ID Proof and School Certificate are also accepted by UIDAI.

Along with these documents, NRIs shall also present documents that can prove their relationship with another country. Such documents get verified by the government officials to determine if they are valid to get an Aadhaar Card.

Application Process

These are the steps involved in the enrolment process for NRIs, OCI cardholders, LTV holders, Nepal & Bhutan nationals and other resident foreigners to get an Aadhaar Card:

1. Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra either after booking an appointment or without such booking. However, it is recommended to book an appointment to avoid long queues.
2. Carry all the relevant documents, depending on your application type.
3. Fill up the enrollment form and sign the declaration.
4. Ask the operator to enrol you as NRI/OCI cardholder/LTV holder/Nepal & Bhutan national or other resident foreigner.
5. Complete the biometric process.
6. Check and confirm your details (in English and local language) before submitting the information.
7. Collect the enrolment/acknowledgement slip. The slip contains a 14-digit enrolment ID and time stamp. You can use this slip to check the status of your Aadhaar Card online.

Things to Remember

Here are a few key things to know if you wish to apply for an Aadhaar card as an NRI, OCI cardholder, LTV document holder, Nepal & Bhutan national or other resident foreigner:

• Having an Aadhaar card can definitely fasten and simplify many procedures for residents other than Indian Nationals in the country but is not a mandatory requirement.
• An Aadhar card is not a proof of Indian citizenship and does not grant any foreigner the right to stay in the country in case they are non-compliant with other requirements.
• NRIs are not compelled by any mandate to link their bank accounts with Aadhaar if they do not wish to benefit under section 7 of the Aadhaar Act.
• In case you do not have your original Aadhaar card with you during any transaction/procedure, you can make use of your Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar or mAadhaar profile as ID proof. All of them have the same validity and serve the same purpose.
• Aadhaar card is a comprehensive document. However, one cannot solely depend on it to enjoy all services. Authorities carry out additional verifications as well to prevent the slightest discrepancy.
• The Aadhaar issued for resident foreigners will be valid only till validity of the VISA. However, in case of Nepal/Bhutan nationals, the Aadhaar issued will be valid only for a period of ten years
• The Aadhaar issued for OCI Card holders will be valid only for a period of ten years
• For LTV document holders, the Aadhaar issued will be valid only till validity of LTV document

Aadhaar Card Form for NRIs

• Resident foreign nationals aged 18 years or above are required to use Aadhaar card Form 7 for both Aadhaar enrollment and update.
• Aadhaar Form 7  is available free of cost both online as well as offline.

Some additional information that NRIs need to fill in Aadhaar Form 7 includes their specific nationality as well as details of documents presented in support of nationality and eligibility such as details of valid foreign passport and details of valid OCI card holder/details of Long Term Visa/details of valid Indian Visa/2 types of proof of identity documents (for nationals of Nepal and Bhutan).

Connect with SBNRI Documentation Expert!

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Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions. SBNRI does not intend to predict future returns, please read all related documents before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aadhaar card mandatory for NRI income tax return?

As of the latest regulations, NRIs are not required to have an Aadhaar card to file their income tax returns. However, providing a valid PAN (Permanent Account Number) is essential for processing your tax returns and availing of various tax benefits.

How to prove NRI status?

NRIs require a crucial document—the Certificate of Registration, issued by the Indian embassy or consulate. This certificate formally acknowledges an individual’s NRI status and is essential for various transactions and legal processes within India. It also serves as a Citizenship certificate.

How do I verify if someone is NRI?

Income Tax Act’s NRI Definition: An individual is an NRI if they’ve been in India for less than 182 days in the preceding financial year or if they’ve been in India for less than 60 days during the previous year and 365 days or less during the past four years.