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Return to India: Decision & Planning
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You're in the deciding phase — figuring out if, when and how a move back works for your family.

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Can NRI Apply for Aadhaar card (Application Process)

Mani Karthik·December 4, 2022·4 min read·Deciding

Reviewed by returnees. Cross-checked with RBI, Income Tax Department and MEA. Editorial policy.

NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can get Aadhaar cards. However, they are required to follow certain steps and provide certain documents in order to apply for and receive an Aadhaar card.

The first step is to register for Aadhaar. This can be done at any Aadhaar center or online via the UIDAI website. To register, NRIs must provide proof of identities, such as a passport or PAN card, along with a valid Indian address.

They must also provide a copy of their Indian visa and/or work permit.

Once registered, the NRI will receive an Aadhaar Enrolment Number (EID), which can be used to check the status of the application. Once the application is approved, the NRI will receive an Aadhaar card in the mail.

The Aadhaar card will contain the NRI’s name, date of birth, gender, address, and a unique 12-digit Aadhaar number.

NRIs can use their Aadhaar card for various services and benefits in India, such as opening a bank account, applying for a PAN card, filing taxes, and more. It is important to note that NRIs are not eligible for subsidies and other government welfare schemes.

Additionally, NRIs are required to update their Aadhaar card every year to ensure that their details are up-to-date.

Should NRIs apply for Aadhar card from India or abroad

Whether NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) should apply for an Aadhaar card in India or abroad depends on their current needs and plans for the future.

In India, NRIs are eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card if they have been living in India for more than 182 days in the last 12 months.

This is because the Aadhaar card is a form of identification issued by the government of India to all residents of the country.

If NRIs meet this criterion, then they should apply for an Aadhaar card while they are in India.

An Aadhaar card can be used to open bank accounts, receive government subsidies, and file taxes in India.

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On the other hand, NRIs who are currently residing outside of India may find it easier and more convenient to apply for an Aadhaar card while they are abroad.

This process requires the NRI to fill out an online application form and submit it along with documents that prove their identity and address.

The NRI will then be sent an Aadhaar card in the mail to the address provided in the application form.

This allows them to access various services and benefits without having to travel to India.

Overall, NRIs should consider their current needs and plans for the future when deciding whether to apply for an Aadhaar card from India or abroad.

It is important to remember that the Aadhaar card is a form of identification issued by the government of India to all residents of the country, so those who meet the requirements should apply for one while they are in India.

However, NRIs who are currently residing outside of India may find it easier and more convenient to apply for an Aadhaar card while they are abroad.

Also read: Can NRIs get Aadhaar Card

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Can NRIs apply for Aadhaar card from USA

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who are currently living in the United States can apply for an Aadhaar card. The process of applying for an Aadhaar card is the same for NRIs as it is for any other Indian citizen.

The first step is to fill out the Aadhaar enrolment form, which can be done online or at an enrolment center. When filling out the form, NRIs will need to provide their full name, date of birth, address, contact details, and other relevant personal information.

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It is important to ensure that all information provided is accurate and up to date. NRIs should also make sure to have a valid passport and other forms of identification, such as a driver’s license or voter ID when applying for an Aadhaar card.

Once the enrolment form is submitted, NRIs will need to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and iris scans.

This can be done at any Aadhaar enrolment center in India. After the biometric information is collected, an acknowledgment slip will be given to the applicant.

This acknowledgment slip will contain the Aadhaar enrolment number, which can be used to check the status of the application online.

Once the application has been processed, the Aadhaar card will be sent to the applicant’s home address in India. It is important to note that it can take up to 90 days for the Aadhaar card to arrive, so it is important to plan accordingly.

In summary, NRIs living in the United States can apply for an Aadhaar card. They will need to fill out the enrolment form, provide biometric information, and wait for the card to be sent to their address in India.

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Can NRI invest in Indian Mutual Funds (Answered)Hey there! Mani here. When I moved back from California, figuring out what to do with my investments was super confusing. Let me break down everything about NRI mutual fund investments in India – the way I wish someone had explained it to me! Can NRIs Actually Invest in Indian Mutual Funds? Short answer: […]Can NRI buy property in IndiaNon-Resident Indians (NRIs) are permitted to purchase and own property in India. This is regulated by the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) of 1999, which governs all foreign exchange transactions in India. Under FEMA, NRIs can purchase any kind of property in India, including residential, commercial, industrial or agricultural land. However, it should be noted […]

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Written by

Mani Karthik

Mani Karthik

Founder, BackToIndia · Returnee since 2016

Mani Karthik is an entrepreneur who moved back to India in 2016 after nearly a decade living and working in the US and the Middle East. He started BackToIndia to help other NRIs navigate the move — banking, taxes, schooling, careers and the everyday reality of resettling in India.

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Do NRIs need to file taxes in IndiaCan NRI Buy Agricultural Land in India