If you’re living in Dubai and need an Aadhaar card for Indian services, from getting a mobile connection to opening a bank account, it’s easier than you think.
The Aadhaar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has become essential for Indians, including non-resident Indians (NRIs).
What is an Aadhaar Card?
An Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by UIDAI. It contains your name, address, date of birth, gender, photograph, and a QR code, making it a crucial document for accessing various government services.
Can NRIs Apply for an Aadhaar Card?
Yes, NRIs with a valid Indian passport, whether minors or adults, can apply for an Aadhaar card at any enrollment center in India. You must visit an Aadhaar enrollment center during your trip to India with the necessary documents, including your passport and an active Indian mobile number. The Aadhaar system does not support international mobile numbers, so updates will be sent to your Indian number.
Finding an Enrollment Center
India has thousands of Aadhaar enrollment centers. To find the nearest one, visit this website, which provides geo-locations for all centers. You can search by city name, area pincode, or state.
Required Documents
Typically, your passport suffices as an identity document. However, if your residential address isn’t updated on your passport, you may need additional documents like a utility bill or property tax receipt. For family applications, proof of relationship documents might be required, especially if a spouse’s name isn’t on the passport.
Essential documents include:
- Proof of Identity (passport)
- Proof of Address (if not updated on passport)
- Proof of Date of Birth
- Proof of Relationship (if applicable)
A comprehensive list of acceptable documents can be found on the UIDAI website.
Getting the Aadhaar Enrollment Form
The Aadhaar enrollment form for NRIs is different from the regular one. You can get this form at the enrollment center or fill it out in advance online from the UIDAI website. Ensure you mention to the officer that you need the NRI enrollment form.
Enrollment Process
At the enrollment center, the operator will collect the following details:
- Mandatory demographic information (name, date of birth, gender, address, email)
- Optional demographic information (mobile number)
- Biometric information (photograph, fingerprints, iris scan)
- Document type presented (passport as Proof of Identity)
- Residential status
After entering your information, verify all details on the screen before submission. You will receive an acknowledgment slip with a 14-digit Enrollment ID and timestamp.
Applying for Family Members
You can also apply for Aadhaar cards for your family. For your spouse, a passport with their name can serve as Proof of Address. For children under five, a parent or guardian must authenticate the enrollment. For children aged 5-18, a valid Indian passport or other identity documents like a school ID can be used.
Receiving Your Aadhaar Card
After completing the enrollment, you can check the status of your Aadhaar card using your 14-digit Enrollment ID here. It may take up to 90 days for your Aadhaar to be generated and sent to your registered address by ordinary post.
By following these steps, UAE residents can efficiently plan and complete their Aadhaar card application during their next visit to India, ensuring they have this essential document for accessing various services.
