Indian Citizenship

Indian citizenship can be obtained by using several programs, the main of which is naturalization. The grounds are suitable for people who have lived in the country for a long time, run a business, plan a family life or move for work. Applicants receive access to a number of privileges, including visa-free travel to neighboring countries, the right to property, as well as participation in the political life of the country.

Among others, there are special programs for foreign investors who invest in the economy. Using them, you can speed up the passage of the necessary procedures.

Methods of obtaining

The Citizenship Act of 1955 regulates all aspects of granting Indian residency and includes several grounds. In addition to the general requirements, each of them has its own characteristics.

By origin

It is provided to children who were born in the country or have at least one parent who is an Indian citizen. An important condition is the citizenship of one of the parents at the time of the child's birth.

If the father and mother are foreigners, then in order to obtain a passport, the child must be born on Indian territory.

Through marriage

Foreigners who have started a family with an Indian can apply for citizenship after a certain period of residence in the country. To do this, you must have been married for at least 7 years, as well as have a legal status in the country.

Important

It is necessary to submit documents confirming cohabitation and prove knowledge of Hindi or English.

By naturalization

Requires the applicant to have been legally in India for 12 years, of which the last 12 months have been permanent.

The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of one of the official languages of India, as well as integration into society. It is important that the applicant does not have a criminal record.

For investments

A substantial amount of investment will be required, as well as the creation of jobs for local residents. The main conditions include:

• Minimum investment of $1,200,000 (for 18 months) or $3,000,000 (for 36 months);
• The investment should lead to the creation of at least 20 new jobs for Indian citizens.

The process begins with obtaining a business visa, after which you need to apply for a residence permit.

Advantages of citizenship

The Indian passport provides holders with many benefits and privileges: from preferential business conditions to ease of travel and study abroad. Citizens have the right to use a simplified visa regime for travel to the United States and other countries, as well as to benefit from profitable investment programs. Main advantages:

• Simplified procedures for visas to the United States and other countries;
• Access to a huge market and an economy that is developing rapidly;
• Preferential conditions for studying at universities in the country;
• The right to purchase real estate without restrictions;
• Attractive tax rates;
• Maintaining legal status without mandatory permanent residence in the country;
• Compliance with strict standards of confidentiality of personal information.

Important

Citizenship exams are not provided in India, as in some Western countries, which also becomes an advantage on the way to permanent residence.

Dual citizenship

According to the legislation, dual citizenship is prohibited. If an Indian receives a second passport, he automatically loses the previous one. In 2005, the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card was introduced, which provides some privileges, but does not equate to full-fledged status. OCI gives the right to live and work without restrictions, but foreigners cannot participate in elections, hold public office, or buy agricultural land.

Important

Exceptions are provided for residents of Italy, Portugal and Nepal. This is due to the conclusion of bilateral agreements allowing citizens of these countries to have dual citizenship in India. 

Citizenship by Investment Program

Although there is no direct program for obtaining a passport for investments in India, it is possible for foreigners to obtain a residence permit (residence permit) through financial investments in the country's economy. To participate, a foreign investor must contribute substantial capital and fulfill a number of requirements. The program involves two main investment options in the amount of

• $1,200,000 over 18 months;
• $3,000,000 for 36 months.

The main condition is the creation of jobs for local residents. The invested funds should ensure the creation of at least 20 jobs. After that, the investor receives a business visa, which can be issued through the consulate or online. Upon arrival in the country, the visa must be replaced with a residence permit.

Attention

After several years of residence with a residence permit, an investor can apply for citizenship under the naturalization program. However, proof of compliance with all the conditions of the program will be required. 

Recent reforms of the citizenship program

In 2024, new rules related to the Civilizational (Amendment) Act of 2019 came into force. The changes are aimed at religious minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians) who were persecuted in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. Legislators justified the changes by the need to protect people facing religious persecution.

The key factor was the creation of an electronic application submission and processing system, which simplified the process and accelerated decision-making.

Important

The law has caused intense controversy and has been criticized by the opposition, as well as human rights activists, who argued that it discriminates against Muslims and contradicts the secular status of the Indian state.

Step-by-step application process

The applicant's personal circumstances may lead to a modification of the application process. However, in the standard form, to obtain Indian citizenship, the following steps should be performed:

Important

The process requires attention to detail at every stage and mandatory compliance with all requirements of Indian law.

Collecting documents and submitting an application

Obtaining an Indian passport requires careful preparation, especially at the stage of collecting documents. The main requirements are to provide evidence confirming the fulfillment of the conditions of the program for which the application is submitted. The dossier must include a birth certificate, a marriage certificate (if citizenship is obtained in this way), proof of investment (if it is an investment program), certificates of residence with the current address and tax returns. The package of documents may also include an application for naturalization, photographs, copies of passports and visas, proof of income, as well as certificates of non-criminal record.

The applicant must submit personal documentation to the authorities responsible for processing incoming applications. Outside of India, they are transmitted through consulates. Within the country – through regional immigration offices such as FRRO or FRO. The process requires payment of state duties, as well as filling out questionnaires that confirm a willingness to comply with Indian laws and rights.

List of documents

To submit an application, it is required to collect and prepare a number of documents that confirm the fulfillment of all conditions. It is important to translate all documentation into English in advance. Below is a standard checklist, which may vary depending on the selected program:

• Copies of visas and passports;
• Birth certificate;
• Valid residence permit (if submitted through investment or naturalization);
• Certificates confirming knowledge of English or other official language of India;
• Marriage certificates (if necessary);
• Evidence of financial investments (if it is an investment program);
• Certificates of no criminal record;
• Financial documents (tax returns, proof of income, etc.).

All payments must be made in cash in US dollars. The amounts depend on the type and urgency of the passport:

• 30 pages for 10 years – $20+$77;
• 60 pages for 10 years – $20+$102;
• New ID for children – $20+$77;
• Temporary document (in special cases) – $5;
• Emigration verification or confirmation – $10.

Attention

All procedures must be completed with payment of the necessary fees. Payment is made both in person at the branches and through trusted representatives or intermediaries.

Consideration and decision

The review process usually takes 3-4 weeks after the application is submitted. Based on the type of application, the amount of verification required and the workload of official bodies, the deadlines often differ. With the introduction of the machine-readable passport system, all passports are printed at the New Delhi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which often increases the deadline.

In case of urgent need, it is possible to issue a temporary passport manually for a period of one year. To receive it, you need to pay an additional fee ($20+$40). After the deadline, the applicant must apply for a regular passport and pay standard fees.

Disadvantages of Indian citizenship

Despite the fact that India is an attractive country in terms of climate, economic growth, the level of development of democracy and other aspects, there are also certain disadvantages:

• The absence of dual citizenship obliges to give up all previous passports, often creating difficulties for those who want to keep in touch with another country.
• Citizenship does not provide ample opportunities for visa-free entry to most developed countries. To do this, it is often necessary to apply for visas, which causes inconvenience and also restricts freedom of movement.
• Registration by investment requires considerable investments – from $1,200,000. The applicant also needs to support investments, which makes a passport obtained in this way expensive.
• The process can take a long time due to multiple document checks and lengthy bureaucratic procedures. This leads to potential inconveniences.
• Standard Indian passports have a validity period of 10 years. However, temporary analogues require re-registration after a year, complicating long-term travel and migration plans.
• Despite the presence of passports, citizens must undergo an extension procedure. This creates additional bureaucratic burdens, as well as the need for regular collection and filing of documents.

Obtaining an Indian passport is a long process with many requirements based on the chosen path. Each method requires preparation and compliance with legal procedures. Despite the difficulties, Indian citizenship provides many advantages, including the right to permanent residence, business, work, protection in one of the largest countries in the world and many other personal benefits.