If you want to become an Indian citizen, there are two ways to do it. First, you can register and prove that you are of Indian citizenship; second, you can request naturalization as a citizen. There are requirements for each of these options, and once you fulfill these requirements, you can apply for citizenship via the internet.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Deciding on a Form that Fits Your Interests
Step 1. Use Form-I if you are a person of Indian descent
If you have lived in India for at least 7 years, use section 5(1)(a). If you are currently living outside India, use section 5(1)(b).
Indian descent is defined as a person who is a person who was born in India or a territory that became a part of India after 15 August 1947, or if the person has parents who meet these requirements
Step 2. Use Form-II if you wish to obtain citizenship by marriage
In other words, you want to become an Indian citizen because you are legally married to an Indian citizen. You must have lived in India for 7 years. Use section 5(1)(c).
Step 3. Use Form-III if you are a child with Indian citizen parents
To use this form, your parents must be Indian citizens, not just born in India. This form can be used by both minors and adults.
- Parents whose children wish to apply for Indian citizenship need to fill out a new Form-III in section 5(1)(d).
- If your parents are registered as citizens of India through 5(1)(a) or 6(1), you need to use Form-III-A in section 5(1)(e).
- If your parents were previously Indian citizens and you have been in India for at least one year before applying for citizenship, use Form-III-B and use section 5(1)(f).
Step 4. Fill in Form-XII for naturalization
You can become an Indian citizen through naturalization after living in India for at least 12 years. Use section 6.
- You must not previously reside in India illegally.
- You can request early naturalization if you have made a significant contribution to the world, especially in literature, art, philosophy, or science.
Part 2 of 2: Applying for Citizenship
Step 1. Register via the internet
The easiest way to apply is via the internet, via the website of the Foreign Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (Foreigner Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India). After clicking Apply Online, you will be taken to a page where you can select the appropriate section.
If you don't want to register via the internet, you can register directly by downloading the form and filling it out. Broadly speaking, you can register at your residence in India; convey your registration documents to the nearest collector/district administrator
Step 2. Choose the right part
With the information provided in the first part of this article, look for the right section. Click the section to display a page containing the document information you need to prepare.
Step 3. Collect documents for citizenship through registration
In most cases, you will need a photocopy of your passport from another country and a photocopy of your Residence Permit (known as LTV). In addition, the documents you need will depend on your condition.
- For section 5(1)(a), you will also need proof of your parents' citizenship by attaching a photocopy of their passport or birth certificate. You will also need to include a Declaration and Oath form, which is obtained through the Citizenship Rules. Both documents state that you can indeed obtain citizenship through this route (swearing that your statement is correct) and submit your oath to the Indian Constitution. The cost is 500 rupees. You will also need both documents for 5(1)(d); it costs 250 rupees plus proof of guardianship if required.
- For section 5(1)(c), you will also need a photocopy of your marriage certificate/book, as well as proof of your spouse's citizenship (photocopy of passport or birth certificate). In addition, you will also need a Declaration and Oath, and it costs 500 rupees.
- For section 5(1)(e), you will also need proof of parental citizenship (with section 5(1)(a) or 6(1) forms, Declaration and Oath and 500 rupees.
- For section 5(1)(f), you need to provide proof that your parents are citizens of the Free India State (i.e. photocopy of Indian passport or birth certificate), along with Declaration, Oath and 500 rupees.
- For section 5(1)(g), you will need to present a photocopy of your Registration as an Overseas Citizen of India card and not your residence permit. You will also need a Declaration and Oath, as well as 500 rupees.
Step 4. Gather the required documents for Indian citizenship through naturalization
If you apply for citizenship through naturalization, you will need to present a photocopy of the passport of another country and a residence permit (LTV). You will also need three testimonies: one from you and two from another Indian citizen. In this testimony, your character and conduct will be recognized by other Indian citizens, with the language specified in the registration form.
- In addition, you will also need to prove your fluency in at least one Indian language, which can be proven by two language certificates.
- Lastly: you need to include proof that your intention to acquire citizenship has been known to people through the newspapers. You will need at least two district newspaper clippings. The cost is 1,500 rupees.
Step 5. Scan the required documents into digital files
To apply for citizenship online, you will need to scan your files on your computer. Make sure that each of your files is no more than 1 MB in size. Digital documents may be longer than one page if the original document is longer than one page.
Step 6. Prepare a passport size photo
Upload your photo at 100 pixels x 100 pixels. The photo format must also be-j.webp
Step 7. Fill in the registration form
You will need to include biographical information about yourself and your parents, as well as your spouse. You will also need to provide information about where you work, your passport and how long you have lived in India. The registration form also includes a section asking for your criminal background.
Step 8. Pay the fee
Pay the required fees to the State Bank of India, with the option number "0070-Other Administration Services-Other Services-Receipts Under the Citizenship Act". You'll need Challan Bank -- some kind of proof of payment. You can download this Challan Bank form on the same site where you downloaded the citizenship form.
Step 9. Wait for approval
The Indian government will then look at your request and determine whether you are eligible to become an Indian citizen. If there are missing documents, the government will give you time to submit the missing documents. You will be notified of your citizenship status no later than 2 months after registration.
Step 10. Give up your old citizenship
Once your Indian citizenship status is accepted, you need to renounce your former citizenship status, through that country. You need to prove to the Government of India that you have made the statement, filled out the V-Form and paid a certain amount of fees. When finished, your citizenship status is complete.
