In today’s India, the Aadhaar card is more than just an identity document. It is a gateway to various services, including tax filing, mobile connections, and banking. While Aadhaar is essential for Indian citizens, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card holders often wonder about their status in the Aadhaar system.
If you’re an OCI card holder wondering whether you can apply for an Aadhaar card and how the process works, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting an Aadhaar Card for OCI Card Holders, from eligibility criteria and required documents to the step-by-step enrolment process.
Who is an OCI Card Holder?
An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) is a foreign national of Indian origin who has received special status from the Government of India. OCI cardholders are not Indian citizens, but they can:
- Reside in India for an unlimited time
- Own property (excluding agricultural land)
- Start businesses and work in India
- Access many rights similar to NRIs
However, they cannot vote, hold Indian passports, or occupy constitutional positions. This situation, which involves being of Indian origin while having a foreign nationality, often raises questions about Indian identity documents like Aadhaar.
Can OCI Holders Have an Aadhaar Card?
Yes, but with conditions. According to the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) and the Aadhaar Act, only a “resident” of India can apply for Aadhaar. A resident is someone who has lived in India for at least 182 days in the 12 months immediately before applying for Aadhaar.
Therefore, OCI card holders can obtain Aadhaar cards only if they fulfill the 182-day residency requirement.
OCI Aadhaar Card Documents: What You Need
If you qualify for Aadhaar as an OCI cardholder, you must submit specific documents during the application process. Here’s what you’ll need:
Identity Proof (any one):
1. OCI Card issued by the Indian Government
2. Valid foreign passport
Address Proof (any one):
1. Recent utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
2. Bank statement (Indian bank account)
4. Employer letter (if working in India)
5. Aadhaar-linked Indian spouse’s address (if applicable)
Date of Birth Proof (any one):
1. Foreign or Indian birth certificate
2. Valid passport
3. School certificate (for students)
Important: Only original documents are accepted at enrolment centers.
How to Apply for an Aadhaar Card for OCI?
Once you’ve confirmed that you’ve stayed in India for at least 182 days, follow these steps:
Step 1: Find an Aadhaar Enrolment Center
To begin, go to the official UIDAI website. On the homepage, click on the option labeled “Locate Enrolment Center.” You’ll need to enter your area details, such as your state, PIN code, or city, to find the nearest Aadhaar enrolment center in your locality.
Step 2: Book an Appointment (if required)
Some Aadhaar enrolment centers allow online appointment booking through the UIDAI portal. While not mandatory at all centers, it’s highly recommended to book an appointment in advance to avoid long queues and reduce your waiting time.
Step 3: Visit the Center with Documents
On the day of your appointment (or walk-in), visit the Aadhaar center carrying the required documents. As an OCI applicant, you’ll need to bring your OCI card, your foreign passport, proof of your Indian residential address, and a document confirming your date of birth. Make sure to carry original copies as they will be verified during the process.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form
At the enrolment center, you will be asked to fill out the Aadhaar application form. This form will ask for personal details including your name, gender, date of birth, nationality, mobile number, and your Indian address. Be sure to mention that you are an “Overseas Citizen of India” and state your foreign nationality accurately.
Step 5: Biometric Verification
Once the form is completed and submitted, you will proceed to biometric verification. During this step, the operator will take your fingerprints, iris scans, and a photograph. These biometric details are used to identify you in the Aadhaar database uniquely.
Step 6: Receive Acknowledgement
After completing the enrolment, you will receive a 14-digit Enrolment ID (EID) as an acknowledgement. This EID is important for tracking the status of your Aadhaar application. You can use it on the UIDAI website to check progress at any time.
Step 7: Aadhaar Issuance
The processing of your Aadhaar card usually takes between 7 to 20 days. Once your Aadhaar number is generated, you will be notified. After that, you can go online to the UIDAI portal and download your e-Aadhaar. This digital version is equally valid and can be used for all official and identification purposes.
Aadhaar for OCI Card Holders: Rules to Remember
- You must meet the 182-day residency requirement before applying.
- Declare your foreign nationality in the Aadhaar form.
- Aadhaar is NOT proof of Indian citizenship.
- Aadhaar is only for identification and access to services—not for voting or claiming government jobs.
- If you’re under 5 years old, you get a Baal Aadhaar (biometrics are updated later).
Minors and Aadhaar: Special Notes for OCI Children
- OCI children under 5 years get Baal Aadhaar (only a photo, no biometrics).
- Biometrics are collected again at ages 5 and 15.
- Parents must present their own documents if applying for minors.
What Happens If You Apply Without Fulfilling the 182-Day Rule?
If you apply without completing the minimum 182-day stay:
- Your application may be rejected or invalid.
- Aadhaar, if issued, may be revoked later.
- It may lead to legal issues.
So make sure you meet the UIDAI definition of “resident” before going to the enrolment center.
Conclusion
The Aadhaar card can be a helpful and sometimes necessary document for OCI card holders who live in India for extended periods or deal with the Indian financial and legal systems. While it’s not mandatory for every OCI, having it can simplify procedures like tax filing, banking, telecom, and property-related work.
However, the 182-day residency rule is non-negotiable, and failing to comply can lead to Aadhaar rejection. Ensure that you meet the requirements and carry the right OCI Aadhaar card documents before heading to the enrolment center.
Whether you’re an NRI returning to India or a foreign citizen of Indian origin planning a long stay, this guide should help you navigate the Aadhar card process for OCI cardholders with clarity and confidence.
