“Will I be able to get an Aadhaar card when I move back?”
This question comes up in almost every call I have with NRIs planning their return.
And I understand the worry.
Aadhaar has become so central to life in India – from opening bank accounts to getting a SIM card to filing taxes – that not having one feels like you’ll be stuck.
Let me put your mind at ease and answer every scenario running through your head.
The Short Answer
Yes, NRIs with a valid Indian passport can apply for Aadhaar immediately upon arrival in India.
No waiting period. No 182-day rule. Just walk into an Aadhaar Seva Kendra with your passport, and you’re good.
This wasn’t always the case. Until 2019, NRIs had to live in India for 182 days before they could even apply. But the government changed that rule, making it much easier for returning NRIs.
💡 Tip: You can even book your Aadhaar appointment online before you land in India. One less thing to worry about after your flight.
Who Can Get Aadhaar? (The Eligibility Breakdown)
Let me clear up the different scenarios because the rules aren’t the same for everyone.
1. NRI with Indian Passport
✅ Can apply immediately – no waiting period
This is most NRIs. If you hold an Indian passport (even if you’ve lived abroad for decades), you can walk into any Aadhaar Kendra and apply on day one.
2. OCI Card Holder (Foreign Passport)
⏳ Must stay 182 days in India first
If you’ve given up Indian citizenship and hold an OCI card, the rules are different. You need to have lived in India for at least 182 days in the 12 months immediately before applying.
This applies to:
- US citizens with OCI
- UK citizens with OCI
- Any foreign national with OCI status
3. Foreign Spouse (Non-Indian)
⏳ Must stay 182 days in India first
If your spouse is a foreign national (not of Indian origin), they’ll need to complete 182 days of stay before applying. They’ll need a valid visa and foreign passport.
4. Children Born Abroad
✅ Can apply immediately (if they have Indian passport)
⏳ 182 days required (if they hold foreign passport with OCI)
For kids born in the US or other countries, it depends on their citizenship status. Indian passport holders can apply right away. OCI kids need to meet the residency requirement.
What Documents Do You Need?
Here’s the good news – for NRIs with Indian passports, documentation is simple.
For Adult NRIs (18+):
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid Indian Passport | This serves as both ID proof AND address proof |
| Email ID | Mandatory for NRIs |
| Mobile Number | Optional (Indian numbers preferred, but not mandatory) |
That’s it. Your passport alone is enough.
If your passport doesn’t have an Indian address:
You can still apply. Use Form 2 (for NRIs with foreign addresses) and provide:
- Your overseas address, OR
- An Indian address with supporting documents (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
For NRI Children:
- Birth certificate (mandatory for those born on or after October 1, 2023)
- Child’s Indian passport
- Parent’s Aadhaar (one parent must authenticate)
For OCI Holders:
- Valid OCI card
- Valid foreign passport
- Proof of 182-day stay in India
- Indian address proof
- Email ID (mandatory)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Aadhaar as an NRI
Here’s the process I recommend:
Step 1: Book an Appointment (Before You Land)
Go to uidai.gov.in
Click on “My Aadhaar” → “Book an Appointment”
Select your city and preferred date
You’ll receive a confirmation with your slot
💡 Tip: Book for a few days after you land. Give yourself time to recover from jet lag and settle in.
Step 2: Visit the Aadhaar Seva Kendra
Carry your original passport (no photocopies needed for NRIs – they scan originals)
Arrive 15-20 minutes before your slot
Step 3: Fill the Enrollment Form
For NRIs, use:
- Form 1 – If you have an Indian address in your passport
- Form 2 – If you have a foreign address
Important: Tell the operator you’re enrolling as an NRI. They need to mark this in the system.
Step 4: Biometric Capture
They’ll capture:
- All 10 fingerprints
- Iris scan of both eyes
- Your photograph
Step 5: Collect Your Acknowledgment Slip
You’ll get an Enrollment ID (EID). Save this carefully – you’ll need it to track your Aadhaar status.
Step 6: Receive Your Aadhaar
Physical Aadhaar is delivered by post (takes 15-90 days)
You can download e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website once generated (usually within 15-20 days)
Common Worries NRIs Have (And My Answers)
“I don’t have an Indian address anymore. Can I still get Aadhaar?”
Yes. Two options:
- Use your parents’ or relatives’ address – The Aadhaar will be delivered there
- Use Form 2 with your foreign address – You’ll get Aadhaar with your overseas address
Many NRIs in our community have successfully gotten Aadhaar using a family member’s address.
“I have an old Indian passport with an outdated address. Will that work?”
Yes, it will work as ID proof.
For address proof, if the passport address is outdated, you can provide an alternate address proof from UIDAI’s accepted list (bank statement, utility bill, rental agreement with your name).
“I’m visiting for just 2 weeks. Can I get Aadhaar?”
Absolutely.
If you have an Indian passport, there’s no minimum stay requirement. You can apply on day one and get your e-Aadhaar downloaded before you leave.
The physical card will be posted to your Indian address, but e-Aadhaar is equally valid.
“My child was born in the US. Can they get Aadhaar?”
Depends on their passport:
- Indian passport → Yes, apply immediately
- US passport with OCI → Must stay 182 days in India first
For kids under 5, they get a “Baal Aadhaar” (only photo, no biometrics). Biometrics are captured later at ages 5 and 15.
“My spouse is American (not of Indian origin). Can they get Aadhaar?”
Only after staying 182 days in India.
They’ll need:
- Valid US passport
- Valid Indian visa
- Proof of 182-day stay
Their Aadhaar will be valid only until their visa expires.
“Is Aadhaar mandatory for NRIs?”
No, Aadhaar is not mandatory for NRIs.
You can open NRE/NRO accounts, buy property, and do most things with just your passport and PAN card.
However, Aadhaar makes life significantly easier:
- Faster KYC for bank accounts
- Easier SIM card purchase
- Simplified tax filing
- Government subsidy benefits (if applicable)
“Do I need to link Aadhaar with PAN as an NRI?”
This is where many NRIs get confused (and worried).
The rule: NRIs are EXEMPT from the mandatory PAN-Aadhaar linking requirement.
The catch: Many NRIs have had their PANs marked “inoperative” because the system doesn’t know they’re NRIs.
What to do:
- Update your residential status on the Income Tax portal to “Non-Resident”
- Submit your passport copy showing overseas residence
- Your PAN will be reactivated without needing Aadhaar
I’ve seen this cause real problems – frozen mutual fund investments, blocked tax refunds. If you’re planning to return to India, sort this out before you move.
“I already have Aadhaar from years ago. Do I need to update it?”
If your Aadhaar is more than 10 years old, UIDAI recommends updating your documents.
You should definitely update if:
- Your address has changed
- Your name has changed
- Your phone number has changed
- Your photo looks very different now
You can update most details online, but biometric updates require visiting an Aadhaar Kendra.
“What if I apply for Aadhaar but never received it?”
First, check status online at uidai.gov.in using your Enrollment ID.
If it shows “generated” but you never received the physical card:
- Download e-Aadhaar (same validity as physical card)
- Request reprint by paying ₹50 online
If status shows “rejected,” you’ll need to re-enroll.
“Can I use a US phone number for Aadhaar?”
UIDAI doesn’t support international phone numbers for SMS notifications.
You can:
- Leave mobile number blank (it’s optional for NRIs)
- Use a relative’s Indian number temporarily
- Get an Indian SIM after arriving (you can update the number later)
Your email ID is mandatory and that’s how you’ll receive important notifications.
Timeline: What to Expect
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Appointment booking | Immediate (online) |
| Enrollment at Kendra | 15-30 minutes |
| e-Aadhaar generation | 15-20 days |
| Physical card delivery | 60-90 days |
💡 Tip: Don’t wait for the physical card. Download e-Aadhaar as soon as it’s generated – it’s accepted everywhere.
NRI vs OCI: The Key Difference
This trips up a lot of people, so let me make it crystal clear:
| Status | Passport | 182-Day Rule | Can Apply Immediately? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRI | Indian | NOT required | ✅ Yes |
| OCI Holder | Foreign | Required | ❌ No |
| Foreign National | Foreign | Required | ❌ No |
If you’re an Indian citizen living abroad → You’re an NRI → No waiting period
If you’ve taken foreign citizenship and have OCI → 182 days required
Which Form to Use?
UIDAI introduced new forms in 2024 specifically for NRIs. Here’s which one you need:
| Applicant Type | Form |
|---|---|
| NRI adult (18+) with Indian address | Form 1 |
| NRI adult (18+) with foreign address | Form 2 |
| NRI child (5-18) with Indian address | Form 3 |
| NRI child (5-18) with foreign address | Form 4 |
| NRI child (under 5) with Indian address | Form 5 |
| NRI child (under 5) with foreign address | Form 6 |
| OCI/Foreign national (18+) | Form 7 |
| OCI/Foreign national child (under 18) | Form 8 |
Practical Tips from Our Community
Here’s what NRIs who’ve been through this recommend:
1. Book appointment before you travel
Don’t leave this for “when I have time.” Aadhaar Kendras can get busy, especially in metros.
2. Go early in the day
Morning slots tend to be less crowded. Avoid end-of-month dates when it gets hectic.
3. Carry originals only
For NRIs, photocopies aren’t needed. They scan original documents directly.
4. Ensure passport validity
Your passport should be valid. If it’s expiring soon, consider renewing it before applying for Aadhaar.
5. Keep your Enrollment ID safe
You’ll need it to track status, download e-Aadhaar, and resolve any issues.
6. Download e-Aadhaar as backup
Don’t rely on physical card delivery. e-Aadhaar is equally valid and you can store it on your phone via mAadhaar app.
FAQs
1. Can NRI apply for Aadhaar online?
No. You must physically visit an Aadhaar Kendra for biometric capture. However, you can book the appointment online.
2. Is there any fee for Aadhaar enrollment?
First-time enrollment is free. Updates and reprints have small fees (₹50-100).
3. Can I get Aadhaar if my Indian passport has expired?
No. You need a valid Indian passport. Renew your passport first.
4. How long is NRI Aadhaar valid?
For NRIs with Indian passports, Aadhaar has no expiry date.
For OCI holders and foreign nationals, Aadhaar is valid for 10 years or until visa expiry, whichever is earlier.
5. Can I use Aadhaar as proof of citizenship?
No. Aadhaar is an identity document, not proof of citizenship. Even foreign nationals can get Aadhaar (with residency requirements).
6. What if the Aadhaar Kendra says I need to wait 182 days?
This is incorrect for NRIs with Indian passports. Show them the UIDAI circular that removed the 182-day requirement for NRIs in 2019. If they insist, try a different Kendra.
What Aadhaar Can and Cannot Do
Let me set realistic expectations:
Aadhaar HELPS with:
- Faster KYC for banks and financial services
- SIM card purchase
- Filing ITR more easily
- Government subsidies (LPG, etc.)
- Digital identity verification
Aadhaar CANNOT:
- Prove Indian citizenship
- Replace your passport
- Give you voting rights (if you’re OCI)
- Serve as a travel document
My Recommendation
If you’re planning to move back to India, get Aadhaar sorted in your first week.
Here’s why:
- You’ll need it for a new Indian SIM card
- Banks will process your account faster with Aadhaar KYC
- Many services now default to Aadhaar-based verification
- It’s one less thing hanging over your head
The process is straightforward. Book an appointment, show your passport, give biometrics, done.
Wrapping Up
Getting Aadhaar as an NRI is much simpler than most people think.
If you have an Indian passport – no waiting, no complicated documents, just walk in and apply.
If you’re an OCI holder or have a foreign passport – plan for the 182-day residency requirement.
Either way, it’s not the bureaucratic nightmare it used to be. The 2019 changes and 2024 form updates have made the process significantly smoother.
If you’re planning your move back to India or have questions about Aadhaar and other documentation, join our WhatsApp community at https://backtoindia.com/groups – over 20,000 NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.
Sources: UIDAI official website, Income Tax Department notifications, and verified information from NRIs in the BacktoIndia community who have recently completed the Aadhaar enrollment process.
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