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An Indian passport is a document confirming a person's belonging to a country and grants the holder the right to travel abroad. In appearance, the certificate is a dark blue book with a gold embossed coat of arms of the country on the cover. It is issued for a period of up to 10 years and can be extended. In addition to the standard registration period, a 5-year version is available for minors.
Holders of an identity card have access to visa–free or simplified entry to 97 countries (28 without a visa and 42 upon arrival). Minors on international trips must also have a passport.
How do I get an Indian passport?
The process of obtaining a document is regulated by the Constitution and the law «On Citizenship», which defines the main ways to obtain a certificate:
- Birth;
- Naturalization;
- Registration;
- Restoring the status.
Naturalization is the most common option for foreigners. He requires residence in India for 12 years prior to the time of application. An important criterion for candidates is the availability of a permanent residence permit (permanent residence) and proficiency in at least one of the official languages of India.
The right to obtain a certificate is also granted through marriage or adoption of a child by Hindus. In some cases, for example, when serving in the army or in other high government positions, the process can be accelerated.
Applicants must confirm their loyalty to the country, as well as prove that they have no criminal record or threats to national security.
How do I get it?
Foreigners can apply for a passport through several available procedures, the main of which is naturalization. It requires 12 years of residence (if we are talking about marriage, the period is reduced to 7 years), proficiency in English or Hindi, as well as compliance with the criteria established by Indian laws.
In order to apply and get a positive result, the applicant must go through several key stages:
It is necessary to prepare all the required documents, including a valid passport, birth certificate, certificates of residence in India and other confirmations, in accordance with established norms and requirements.
It can be found on the website of the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. It is necessary to follow the instructions carefully and provide accurate data.
The amount depends on the method of receipt (usually from 5,000 to 15,000 INR). The receipt must be attached to the application.
The applicant is invited to a personal interview, where it is necessary to demonstrate knowledge about the culture, history and state foundations of India, as well as confirm compliance with the requirements of the residency program.
Consideration of the application may take several months or up to a year (depending on the workload of the migration services).
If the application is approved, a certificate of assignment of the resident status is issued, which allows you to issue a certificate.
Indian Citizenship Act
The Citizenship Act, 1955 regulates the process of obtaining, losing, and restoring an Indian passport. There are several ways to acquire citizenship: by birth, by descent, through registration, naturalization or restoration. c
In 2021, amendments were introduced that allow candidates from certain categories (people of Indian origin) to receive simplified conditions. The amendments apply to persons belonging to religious minorities (Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, etc.) from neighboring countries (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh) who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The norms are aimed at speeding up the naturalization process through a simplified procedure.
Passport documents
This is a very important point, on which a positive or negative result largely depends. To submit an application, you must collect the following documentation:
- Valid passport;
- Birth certificate;
- Proof of residence in India (if required by the program);
- Financial information;
- Confirmation of investments in the country (if required by the program);
- Certificates of no criminal record;
- Two passport-sized photos;
- Copies of a previously issued Indian identity card (in some cases).
How much does an Indian passport cost?
The cost consists of several elements, including government fees and, in some cases, investments. The amount of the standard state fee varies depending on the category of the applicant and the chosen path. This is usually about 5,000-15,000 INR.
If we are talking about financial investments, the exact amount is determined based on the specific program and the personal circumstances of the applicant. At the moment, it is impossible to obtain an Indian passport through the purchase of real estate.
The cost of registration varies depending on the speed (regular or urgent), place of residence (inside or outside the country) and additional services (for example, courier delivery). Approximate prices:
- Regular (within the country): 1,500-2,000 INR. For Indians abroad: 7,000-8,000 INR;
- Urgent (in): 2,000-3,000 INR. For Indians abroad: 9,000-10,000 INR.
Additional costs should be taken into account, such as the cost of photographs (about 100-200 INR) and courier services (500-1,000 INR). Additional fees may be charged for consular fees for persons abroad.
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