Nationality of India: all obtaining pathways
India requires twelve years of residence for ordinary naturalization, with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA 2019) cutting the period to six years for persecuted minorities from three neighbouring countries. Registration by marriage demands one year of immediate residence, and descent is transmitted by ius sanguinis.
1Naturalization by residence (section 6 + Third Schedule of the Citizenship Act 1955)
Naturalization by residence (section 6 + Third Schedule of the Citizenship Act 1955)
Requirements
- Resided in or served a Government in India for the 12 months immediately before applying (Third Schedule, cl. d.1)
- Aggregate residence/service in India of at least 11 years in the 14 years preceding those 12 months (Third Schedule, cl. d.2 — 2004 amendment; previously 9)
- Person of full age and capacity, not an illegal migrant (section 6(1))
- Good character (cl. e)
- Adequate knowledge of a language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution (cl. f)
- Renunciation of prior citizenship where required (cl. g) + oath of allegiance (section 6(2))
- CAA 2019 exception: for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan the aggregate drops to 5 years
Documentation
- Foreign passport with a residence visa (OCI or LTV)
- Criminal record certificate
- Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship
- Language-knowledge certificate
- Proof of employment or means of subsistence
- Form VIII (section 6)
2By descent (ius sanguinis)
By descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is an Indian citizen (since 2003, both parents must be citizens, or one a citizen and the other not an illegal migrant)
- Registration of the birth at an Indian consulate if born abroad
- India does not allow dual citizenship (OCI is offered as a partial substitute)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parents' Indian passports
- Consular registration certificate (section 4)
3Registration by marriage
Registration by marriage
Requirements
- A person married to an Indian citizen (section 5(1)(c))
- Habitual residence in India for at least 12 months before the application
- Good character and conduct
- Renouncing the previous citizenship
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Indian spouse's passport
- Residence certificate
- Form III
4Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA 2019)
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA 2019)
Requirements
- Belonging to religious minority communities (Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian) from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan
- Having entered India before 31 December 2014
- Residence for at least 5 of the last 14 years (reduced from the usual 11)
- Not being considered an illegal migrant under this law
Documentation
- Proof of origin in Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan
- Proof of belonging to a religious minority
- Proof of entry into India before 31/12/2014
- Forms IIA-VIIIA depending on the category
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of India
How many years of residence does India require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of India (Naturalization by residence (section 6 + Third Schedule of the Citizenship Act 1955)), the term is 12 months immediately preceding + 11 years aggregate in the previous 14. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does India allow dual nationality?
Renunciation of prior citizenship where required (cl. g) + oath of allegiance (section 6(2))
Can the nationality of India be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Registration by marriage pathway (1 year (immediate preceding residence)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in India require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Foreign passport with a residence visa (OCI or LTV); Criminal record certificate; Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship; Language-knowledge certificate; Proof of employment or means of subsistence; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of India?
India provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, By descent, Registration by marriage, Citizenship Amendment Act.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about India?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about nationality pathways in India, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.