How To Get Indian Citizenship For Foreigner

If you are seeking information about acquiring Indian citizenship for foreigners, you have definitely come to the right place. Whether you are looking for Indian citizenship by marriage or Indian citizenship by naturalization, you should know that the easiest way to do so is by applying for Indian citizenship for foreigners online. Who is seeking to acquire Indian citizenship for a foreigner, would be worried about the long procedures that await them. You should know that the entire process is far simpler when compared with many other countries in the world today. With the right information, planning and the right documents, acquiring Indian citizenship can actually be a piece of cake. So, we have gathered for you, ten simple steps that will give you a very thorough understanding of the entire process – from start to finish.

Procedure To Get Indian Citizenship For Foreigners

Find Online Application

The easiest and most common method of application of Indian citizenship for foreigners is applying online. Find the website for Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Government of India. On the webpage, you can click “apply online”, and you will be taken to the forms you will need to fill out. In case it is easier for you to apply in person, you can choose to do that as well. You simply have to download the forms and then submit it to the Collector or the District Magistrate of your district of residence.

Choose The Correct Form To Fill Out

There are several ways in which you can acquire Indian citizenship. There is a separate form for each kind of path to citizenship. Here is a list of all of them, and the correct form associated with them.

• If you are of Indian descent - Form-I
• If you are looking for Indian citizenship by marriage - Form-II
• If you are a child of Indian parents - Form-III
• If you are a citizen by naturalization - Form XII

Pick The Correct Section Depending On How You Are Acquiring Indian Citizenship

Each of the forms above will have specific sub-sections. You will need to choose the right section for your application depending on your situation. For example, if you are applying through Form I, and you are living in India for the past 7 years, you should use Section 5(1)(a). But if you have been living outside India, then you should use Section 5(1)(b). This is the case with every form.

Gather All The Documentation You Will Need For Registration

Depending on your Form and sub-section, you will be taken to a page where they will list out all documents you will need. Generally, you will need your passport and birth certificate. In addition, everyone would be asked to complete a declaration and oath form, from the citizenship rules. You will be asked to pledge allegiance to the constitution of India. You will also need to submit a small fee.

Scan All The Documents And Upload Them

You should now proceed to scan all your documents into the computer. Make sure everything is legible and clear. You will have to ensure that all documents are less than 1MB in size.

Fill Out Your Application Form

While applying, you will have to provide all relevant details about your life, your parents as well as your spouse. You will be asked to furnish details about your employer, your job, your passport details as well as details of how long you have been staying in India. If you have had a criminal background, this will be asked as well.

Deposit The Fees Payable

The fee is payable only at State Bank of India branches across the country. This is mandatory as per the Citizenship Act. You should ensure that you get a bank challan. This will act the sole proof of your payment of fees, so keep it carefully. All the challans and receipts that you need to fill out for this step is available on the same website.

Wait For Review

Once you are done with the seven steps above, your major work is now done. You will now have to wait until the Indian government studies your profile to determine whether you are eligible for citizenship. In the chance that you have missed paperwork, the government will inform you during this period and give you a chance to submit them. The whole process usually takes around 2 months.

You, Will, Have To Renounce Your Previous Citizenship

India does not recognize dual citizenship. Once you get the approval, you will be required to forego your previous citizenship and furnish proof of the same to the Indian government.

This is the best way to go about with the process of getting an Indian citizenship for a foreigner. Ensure that you plan well in advance so that you will not be very flustered during the entire process. We do hope that this article made your process of transitioning to Indian citizenship for foreigner a whole lot easier.