NRI & Aadhaar have been always a point of confusion. NRI needs an Aadhaar Card or NOT? Is Aadhaar only for Residents or it’s not? Can NRIs invest in India or open a bank account without Aadhaar… many such questions? So here we answer all of these & solve the mystery – Is Aadhaar mandatory for NRI? Here are the NRI rules for Aadhaar Card in India.

Let us talk about:

• NRI Aadhaar Card Rules
• Is Aadhaar Compulsory for NRIs?
• Does NRI have to link Aadhaar & PAN?
• Can NRI avail services like Banking, Telephone or Eductaion without quoting Aadhaar number?
• How NRI can apply for Aadhaar Card?

First of all, know what is Aadhaar?

It is a 12-digit unique identification number Aadhaar is issued to Indian citizens. This is issued after verifying detail of Indian citizens including biometrics (fingerprints, retina scan and demographic data (Domicile, address proof).

NRI Aadhaar Card Rules in India

The card/number serves as your ID for general purposes, as well as processes like KYC to open bank accounts or get a SIM card in India. Aadhaar also is important as many government-sponsored schemes have made the Aadhaar card mandatory to apply for.

The card may also be useful for NRIs seeking employment in government sectors upon their return to India. NRIs can complete their KYC quickly with the help of this document.

Is Aadhaar Mandatory for NRIs?

No. Aadhaar is not mandatory for NRIs. It is an optional document.

Can NRI apply for Aadhaar Number?

UIDAI on its website has clarified, that an NRI who has a valid Indian passport can apply for an Aadhaar card. So, YES, NRI can hold Aadhaar. To make Aadhaar he should have a valid Indian Passport. The process to apply is mentioned below.

Why Many NRIs do not apply for Aadhaar?

There is a misconception that Aadhaar is a financial document and the government uses it to track NRI activities which may land them into trouble or paperwork.

This is a misconception. UIDAI (Department that deals in Aadhaar in India), does not contain any financial details like your bank or property, etc. Sec 32(3) of the Aadhaar Act 2016, prohibits authorities to monitor, possess or collect data other than what is mandated.

Can NRI get services that take Aadhaar as a mandatory document?

Yes. In fact, in 2017, UIDAI issued a circular for this. It clearly says, in case Aadhaar is not available the service provider will provide options for alternate documents to be received as identity proof.

Here is a copy of that circular. (Link)

Aadhaar is an identifying system and not a profiling system.

Do NRIs need Aadhaar for opening bank accounts?

Yes & No … both. In case you are opening a bank a/c and need to avail of a government benefit like a housing loan subsidy you will need to attach your Aadhaar to your bank account. Otherwise if do not want such benefits you may open bank accounts without quoting Aadhaar.

In case you do not wish to do that, you may use other documents mentioned by RBI to act as identity proof and open the bank account.

Similarly for other things like SIM cards you may not use Aadhaar and get the services.

Do my children need an Aadhaar in case they are admitted to Indian schools or colleges?

Aadhaar is mandatory for admissions in schools and colleges however if you are an NRI and your kid is also an NRI, he or she can take admission without having an Aadhaar card.

Do NRI need to Link Aadhaar & PAN?

1. It is not mandatory. The CBDT vide notification 37/2017, has exempted nonresidents from quoting Aadhaar in PAN applications and Income Tax Returns. Accordingly, if you’re a non-resident for income tax purposes in India then you shall not be required to quote Aadhaar, and resultantly, linking of PAN and Aadhaar shall also not be required to be done.

In case you want to link Pan & Aadhaar, you can go to the IT website and do so.

Do I need to wait for some time to apply for Aadhaar?

NO earlier it was mandatory to wait for 180 days. Now in 2019, an NRI can immediately apply for Aadhaar when comes to India.

How can an NRI apply for an Aadhaar Card?

Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra in your area.

Make sure you have your Indian passport with you.

Also, bring the enrollment form, which should be filled out completely. Check that the information on the enrollment form matches the information on your passport.

• The applicant must include their email address in the form.
• You need to have an Indian Phone Number as International Numbers are not allowed to be captured in Aadhaar Database.
• Then request that the operator enroll you as an NRI.
• When applying for an Aadhaar card, the NRI applicant must also sign a declaration. Because the declaration differs for NRIs, read the document before filling it out.
• Assist the system operator in entering all of your NRI information.
• The operator will scan your passport and enter it as proof of identity in the application.
• Scan your fingers and eyes to complete the biometric capture process.
• It is critical to review the information entered into the application form. NRI applicants must thoroughly check the details.
• Once completed, you will be given an acknowledgment slip that includes the applicant’s 14-digit enrollment ID as well as a date and time stamp.

Hope now the Gennie is out and you are aware of NRI Aadhaar Card Rules in India. Do email or ask questions in the comments section below.