Can OCI Card Holders Have An Aadhar Card?

There has been much uncertainty among Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) regarding whether they can obtain an Aadhaar card in India. With shifting rules and evolving government guidelines, many OCIs wonder whether they can benefit from India's unique identification system. The question isn't just about eligibility; it also touches on the advantages, implications, and potential requirements if an OCI lives in India for extended periods.

In this article, we will clarify under what circumstances an OCI can get an Aadhaar card and how having an Aadhaar card could benefit, especially when it comes to financial matters like filing taxes and accessing services in India.

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Can OCI Get An Aadhar Card?

OCI cardholders who have stayed in India for more than 182 days in twelve months can get an Aadhaar. The duration of stay must be immediately preceding the date of application for enrolment. To get an Aadhaar, you must have an Indian address along with other documents.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has updated rules and released forms numbered 1 to 9 for Aadhaar enrollment/ update or cancellation purposes. OCI cardholders aged 18 or above must fill out Form 7, and OCI minors under 18 must fill out Form 8 for Aadhaar enrolment or update.

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Documents Required For Aadhar Card Of OCI

Documents required for Aadhar card eligibility for OCI:

Proof of Identity: Valid OCI card, along with a valid foreign passport, for individuals who have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the immediately preceding 12 months.
Proof of Address: Two valid proofs of address as per UIDAI, like an electricity bill not older than three months, a Gas connection bill (not older than three months), a Valid sale agreement/ gift deed registered with the Registrar's Office, or registered or unregistered rent, lease agreement or leave and license agreement, etc.
Mandatory Email ID: A valid email address for all Aadhaar card applications.
Proof of Date of Birth: Optional
Mobile Number: Optional

‍Note: For OCI card holders, the Aadhaar issued will be valid only for ten years.

With iNRI you can apply for OCI Card.

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Process Of Aadhar Card Application Of OCI

The procedure for Aadhar application for OCI cardholders is as follows:

Step 1: Ensure the stay in India is over 182 days.

Step 2: Visit the nearest Aadhaar Kendra in India with the necessary documents.

Step 3: Submit the application form and the documents and provide biometric data such as

Facial image,
All ten fingerprints,
IRIS scan, and
Demographic information like some text
- Name,
- Date of birth,
- Gender, and
- Address

Step 4: Provide Email ID compulsorily along with Mobile number if applicable.

Step 5: After verifying data, the Aadhaar card will be delivered to the given address via post.

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Benefits Of Aadhar Card For OCI

OCI owning an Aadhaar can be very advantageous in India. A few benefits are listed below:

Financial Transactions: OCI holders can use an Aadhaar to open bank accounts, purchase real estate, etc. Though OCI can do the same without an Aadhaar, having an Aadhaar makes it seamless.
If you want to open an NRO/NRE account, you can do it in the comfort of your home with iNRI.
Identity Proof: OCI holders can use an Aadhaar to get sim cards, gas connections, etc.
Income Tax filings: Aadhaar can help file income tax returns. However, as per the Ministry of Finance, quoting the Aadhaar number in the Income Tax return shall not apply to a non-resident who is not eligible for an Aadhaar. However, OCIs who have lived in India for more than 182 days in the preceding 12 months would be considered a "resident" under the Aadhaar Act, and they might need to comply by linking their Aadhaar with PAN to file ITR.
Looking to apply for a Pan Card, you can apply for one with iNRI online

Simplified travel and stay: Aadhaar can help clear airport security faster, and many Indian hotels readily accept Aadhaar as proof of identity. Hence, having an Aadhaar can be handy.

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Conclusion

Initially, obtaining an Aadhaar card by an OCI seems daunting, but OCIs can significantly benefit from this unique identification system. Whether simplifying financial tasks, proving identity, or streamlining tax obligations, having an Aadhaar card opens doors to various conveniences that make a living in India more accessible and integrated. Embracing this identification helps OCIs feel more connected and empowered during their stay, making everyday tasks much more accessible.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Can OCI Card Holders Have Aadhar Card?

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Is an Aadhar card mandatory for OCI holders?

No, an Aadhaar card is not mandatory for OCI holders. However, OCI cardholders who have lived in India for more than 182 days in the past 12 months can apply for an Aadhar card.

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Can an OCI holder use an Aadhar card to open a bank account in India?

Yes, OCI can use Aadhaar as proof of address to open a bank account in India.

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Can OCI holders apply for an Aadhar card online?

No, they must physically visit the nearest Aadhaar Kendra in India with the necessary application documents.

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Are there any restrictions on using an Aadhar card for OCI holders?

Aadhaar cards issued to Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) are primarily for identification purposes and are valid for ten years. OCIs do not have voting rights in Indian elections and are generally not eligible for government jobs.

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How long does it take for an OCI holder to get an Aadhar card?

Generally, it can take up to 180 days from the enrollment date for adults.

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How to cancel Aadhaar once generated?

According to the UIDAI rules published on February 15, 2024, individuals who have attained age 18 and wish to omit or cancel their Aadhaar number can fill out Form 9.

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