How to Avail an Aadhaar Card for Non Resident Indian

How to Apply for an Aadhaar Card if You are a Non-Resident Indian?

The Aadhaar card is a government-issued identification that is linked to a centralised database. It contains the demographic, biometric, and other relevant data on an individual, which is instrumental in their identification. It is important for all Indian residents to have an Aadhaar card, including Non-Residents of India (NRIs). If you are an NRI and wish to apply for an Aadhaar Card, the following article is for you. Read on to know more about the process through which an NRI can obtain an Aadhaar Card.

Procedure to Apply for an Aadhaar Card for NRIs

The requirements and procedure for availing an Aadhaar card for NRIs are quite similar to those for Indian residents. An NRI applying for the Aadhaar card can visit the official UIDAI portal and set an appointment at the nearest UIDAI-authorised enrolment centre. Once this is done, NRIs can visit their closest Aadhaar enrolment centre along with a proof of identity and a list of other supporting documents.

Below are the steps that one can follow to apply for an Aadhaar card for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) at a physical authorised enrolment centre:

Step 1: Document Submission

The first step that one must take in order to get an Aadhaar Card for NRIs is submitting all of the relevant documents which establish their identity. The documents that he/she will need to showcase include::

1. A birth certificate

2. A photo ID card, and

3. A school certificate

The documents will then be verified by the UIDAI officials so that they can determine the NRI’s eligibility.

Step 2: Biometric Scanning

Post the document submission, individuals are called for a biometric scanning session. As part of this process, the fingers of the applicant are scanned to establish their unique footprint in UIDAI’s database. These scans are necessary for the officials and UIDAI to ensure that the individual’s identification is unique and accurate. Finally, in order to complete the biometric scanning part of the process of obtaining an Aadhaar Card for Non Resident Indian, he or she will have to help themselves to the nearest Aadhaar Card enrolment centre in order to complete the process.

Step 3: Scanning of the Iris

The officials representing UIDAI, in addition to scanning their fingers, will also take a scan of their iris so that they can be sure of the fact that the identity in question will never run the risk of being confused with that of someone else. This particular process will also be conducted by the people of the Aadhaar enrolment centre as well.

Step 4: Photograph

Once the aforementioned procedures of scanning are complete, the Aadhaar applicant will need to get their photographs through a web camera that is already installed at such Aadhaar Enrolment Centres. The photographs will be then added to the Aadhaar documents. Shortly after the same, they will receive the physical copy of the Aadhaar Card for Non Resident Indians from UIDAI.

Usually, it takes anywhere between 60-90 days for the UIDAI authorities to dispatch the document. However, one can always track his or her Aadhaar Card status online by visiting the official portal of the UIDAI website and entering the enrolment number (EID) which was given to them and can be found printed on the acknowledgement slip received by them. Additionally, UIDAI provides the option of downloading a digital version of the same and using it as if it is their Aadhaar Card in the meanwhile, as it is equally valid as the Aadhaar Card for NRIs that they will receive.

Aadhaar for NRIs and Income Tax Returns

Section 139AA of the Income-Tax Act, 1961, as the introduction by the Finance Act of 2017 states that everyone has to mandatorily quote their Aadhaar Number or Enrolment ID while filing income tax returns and submitting an application for a Permanent Account Number (PAN). This is applicable to those individuals who are eligible for receiving an Aadhaar Number. As per the Aadhaar Act of 2016, a resident individual is the only kind of entity that is eligible for an Aadhaar number. Additionally, according to the act, a resident is defined as a person who has resided in India for a period of 182 days or more during the 12 months that immediately precede the date of application for Aadhaar.

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