How NRI expats can apply for Aadhaar Card
Indian expats living in Dubai are often on the lookout for ways to apply for an Aadhaar card as NRIs (Non Resident Indians). A few years ago, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which was responsible for issuing these cards, was only rolling out Aadhaar cards for residents living in India. However, considering the number of services which require you to have a valid Aadhar card for NRIs, most Indian expats in Dubai would benefit from procuring one.
It is possible to apply for Aadhaar card for Indian expats. However, applicants will need to still be in India for the appointment, after which the card will be issued.
About Aadhar Card
An Aadhaar card is similar to the Emirates ID which residents use in the UAE. It is an identity card for Indian nationals embedded with biometric data. Each Aadhaar card comes with a unique 12-digit number and contains information pertaining to the individual, including their date of birth and address. The Aadhar card is used to open accounts for utilities, set up bank accounts and file taxes.
A couple of years ago, Aadhaar cards were only issued to local residents, as NRI’s would not meet the criterion of staying at least 180 days consecutively in India. But now they are also available for expat residents. Now that we are aware of what the card is, let’s move on to discuss how to apply for Aadhaar Card for Indian expats.
Process to apply for Aadhaar card for Indian expats in Dubai
A useful provision by the Unique Identification Authority of India is the Aadhaar Upon Arrival card for Non-Resident Indian expats. Non-Resident Indian expats with a valid passport can apply for an Aadhaar card upon arrival to India. You can initiate the process to apply for Aadhaar cards online, by setting up the appointment for a convenient date using the official UIDAI website. The appointment can also be made offline at an Aadhar centre.
Taking an online appointment for Aadhaar will ensure that you don’t waste time trying to submit the documents and biometric data at the Aadhaar enrolment centres. Bear in mind that you will still need to be in India to complete the process. And when you apply for Aadhaar card appointment online, all you are ensuring is that you will get an allotted time to meet with the authorities.
Aadhar Card Forms
NRIs within different age categories and requirements have specific Aadhar forms that they need to fill to apply.
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Forms
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Age Category
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Forms
Form 1
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Age Category
18 and above
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Forms
Form 2
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Age Category
Update or enrol with non-Indian address
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Forms
Form 3
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Age Category
Kids aged 5 to under 18, NRIs or residents with Indian addresses
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Forms
Form 4
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Age Category
NRI kids without an Indian address in the same age bracket
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Documents required for Aadhaar Card Application for NRIs
These are the documents required for Aadhaar Card applications for NRIs from Dubai:
- Valid Indian passport as a Proof of Identity (POI) and Proof of Address (POA)
- If a passport is not available any other proof of address approved by the UIDAI like PAN card, voter’s ID, ration card, electricity/gas/phone bill etc)
- Birth certificate of those whose date of birth is on or after October 1st, 2023
- Proof of identity (driving licence, voter’s ID, passport, PAN card etc)
- Proof of date of birth (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, PAN card, passport etc)
Apart from these, you may be asked to provide documents that prove you are a resident in another country, like a stamped visa copy. In the case of NRI children, a valid Indian passport is the only acceptable document for POI and POA.
Along with this, the Know Your Customer (KYC) form must also be filled. This can be done while booking appointments and filling the Aadhaar Card online form.
Once you have submitted relevant documentation and enrolled with the registry, you will get the Aadhaar Card Number. This will be sent to your address. It will contain the 12-digit unique Aadhaar number which can then be used as a form of address and identity proof for all government services in India.
mAadhar Mobile App
Keeping track of the status of an Aadhar application is now easier than ever thanks to the mAadhar app, released by the UIDAI. It is especially convenient for those who prefer carrying a soft copy of the document.
For grievances, applicants or holders can log onto the UIDAI’s new online complaint filing portal.
FAQS ABOUT HOW TO APPLY FOR AADHAAR CARD FOR INDIAN EXPATS
Is the Aadhaar card mandatory for Indian expats living in Dubai?
The Aadhaar card is not mandatory for expats. You can decide if you want to apply for it or not. However, having one on hand can make it easy for Indian expats to make various transactions if they return to their home country or stay for an extended period. This includes everything from property rentals to banking needs.
What are the benefits of having an Aadhar card as an Indian expat in Dubai?
An Aadhaar card can come in handy when you need a unique identification document. If you are travelling by rail or want to open a bank account in India, the Aadhaar card is helpful. You can also use it instead of a PAN card to file taxes.
Want to move homes in the emirate first? Consider searching in the popular Dubai residential area for Indians like JVC and Bur Dubai. Is your passport due for a renewal? Our guide on Indian passport renewal in the UAE can be useful.
What happens if your passport doesn’t have a valid address to apply for an Aadhaar card?
If you don’t have a valid address on your Passport, you can submit any of the other UIDAI-approved documents as proof of address.
Once you get the card can you change the Aadhaar details?
Yes, you can. You can use the website to update relevant information.
Can children get an Aadhar card?
Yes, children are also eligible for an Aadhar card. Bear in mind that only those over 5 years old submit biometric information. The children’s Aadhaar card is called the Baal Aadhaar.
That concludes our guide to applying for an Aadhaar card as an NRI from Dubai.
Have you recently moved to the city from India? Dubai is known to be home to a large population of Indian expats. So you will certainly find plenty of things to do which are similar to the activities you enjoyed back home. Check out some of our useful insights on the life for Indians in Dubai. And if you are feeling a little homesick, worry not, there are plenty of fantastic Indian restaurants in Dubai where you can relive the nostalgia of familiar flavours.
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Hi I want to make aadhar card. What is the cost. I am in Dubai and want to apply for the same from Dubai itself
Hello Devyani,
Thank you for writing to us. As mentioned in the article, you can only schedule the appointment for Aadhar card online. You will need to be in India to complete the process, so, at the moment it’s not possible to complete the entire process from Dubai.
Hope this helps.
Thank you,
How to make adhaar card in Dubai
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to us. You can follow the process detailed in the post to book the appointment for the Aadhar Card from Dubai. However, you do have to be present in India to complete the process.
Hope this helps and have a great day!