Citizenship of India (Other than by Birth)
Explain the citizenship of India by birth, descent, registration, naturalization.
A: The citizenship of India is defined as per The Citizenship Act, 1955, and subsequent amendments. Please refer the same for complete information. However, the indicative definition of citizenship of India by birth, descent, registration, naturalization is as under: -
Citizen of India by birth: You are a Citizen of India by birth if you are born in India subject to fulfillment of provisions in The Citizenship Act, 1955.
Citizen of India by descent: You are a Citizen of India by descent if you are born outside India and either of your parents is a citizen of India at the time of your birth subject to fulfillment of provisions in The Citizenship Act, 1955.
Citizen of India by registration/naturalization: You are a Citizen of India by Registration/Naturalization if you have been granted Indian Citizenship by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.
* Above information is indicative only, please refer to The Citizenship Act, 1955 for complete information.
Can an Indian passport be issued to applicants born outside India?
A: Indian passport can be issued to the "Citizen of India by Descent" i.e. person born to Indian parent(s) outside India subject to fulfillment of provisions in the Citizenship Act, 1955.