Planning to obtain Indian citizenship in 2025? Find out how to do it, what changes in the law you should be aware of, and what documents you will need

India is one of the most dynamic countries in the world, combining a deep cultural heritage, economic growth and openness to foreigners. Every year, more and more people are considering India as a place to live, invest or build a career. If you are one of them, this article will help you understand: how to obtain Indian citizenship in 2025, what are the ways, what documents are required and what important changes have come into force in 2024-2025.

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The main ways to obtain Indian citizenship

Citizenship in India is granted on the basis of the Citizenship Act of 1955, which provides for several ways to obtain it:

Citizenship by birth or descent

This path is suitable for persons who were born in India or have at least one parent who is a citizen of India.

Conditions for obtaining Indian citizenship by descent:

- If both parents are foreigners, the child must be born in India.

- Citizenship of one of the parents must be confirmed at the time of birth.

Through marriage with an Indian citizen

A foreigner who has married an Indian can apply for citizenship provided that:

- at least 7 years of marriage;

- legal residence permit;

- knowledge of Hindi or English.

Documents for obtaining citizenship through marriage: marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, knowledge of the language.

Naturalization

This is the main and most popular way for foreigners to acquire Indian citizenship. A passport can be obtained on the condition of residing in the country for 12 years, of which at least 1 year was continuous before submitting the application.

Conditions for naturalization in India: legal status, knowledge of the language and integration into Indian society, no criminal record.

Citizenship by Investment

Despite the fact that India does not officially have a “citizenship by investment” program, foreigners can obtain a residence permit with subsequent naturalization by investing in the economy.

Conditions for participation in the program for obtaining a residence permit in India for investment:

- Investment in the amount of $ 1.2 million (within 18 months) or $ 3 million (within 36 months).

- Create at least 20 new jobs for Indians.

In general, the path to an Indian passport under this scheme is as follows: obtaining a business visa → residence permit → naturalization.

The advantage is an accelerated path for entrepreneurs and investors.

Advantages of Indian citizenship

The Indian passport does not provide its owners with many advantages and privileges, but it has its own list of advantages:

- Visa-free travel to neighboring countries.

- The right to own real estate and participate in political life.

- Access to preferential conditions for doing business and studying.

- Tax benefits and maintaining legal status without mandatory permanent residence.

How to apply for an Indian passport: step-by-step instructions

Step 1 – Checking eligibility

Find out if you meet the requirements according to the chosen method of obtaining citizenship: descent, marriage, naturalization, investment.

Step 2 – Preparing a package of documents

To apply for a passport, you need to collect and prepare a package of documents confirming compliance with all requirements. All documents must be translated into English in advance. Here is a standard checklist of documents, which may vary depending on the selected program:

- Copies of visas and previous passports;

- Birth certificate;

- Valid residence permit (if applying through investment or naturalization);

- Certificates confirming knowledge of English or another official language of India;

- Marriage certificates (if necessary);

- Proof of financial investments (if applying through an investment program);

- Certificate of no criminal record;

- Financial documents (tax returns, proof of income, etc.).

Step 3 – Application Submission

The application is submitted to the department dealing with citizenship issues. The application can be submitted both in person and through electronic services. The application must be accompanied by the necessary documents and a receipt for payment of fees.

Step 4 – Payment of fees

Different state fees are provided for each stage of the application review. Depending on the selected program, the amounts may vary.

Step 5 – Waiting for verification and decision (up to several months)

The authorities conduct the necessary checks, including biographical information and legality of stay in the country.

Step 6 – Obtaining a citizenship certificate

After the application is approved, a citizenship certificate is issued, which officially confirms the new status.

Step 7 – Apply for a Passport

At this stage, you can apply for a passport.

Is dual citizenship allowed in India?

India does not recognize dual citizenship. If you get a passport of another country, your Indian citizenship is automatically canceled.

Alternative: OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, which allows you to live and work in India. However, it does not give you the right to vote, participate in elections or purchase agricultural land.

Amendments to the Citizenship Act, approved in 2019, effective from 2024

In 2024, amendments to the Citizenship Act, known as the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), came into force. The law simplifies the procedure for obtaining citizenship for: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who came from Pakistan, Afghanistan or Bangladesh before December 31, 2014 and were persecuted.

Key features: electronic application submission, expedited processing. Does not apply to Muslims, which has been the subject of widespread criticism and protests.

New Indian Passport Rules 2025

From February 24, 2025, India has implemented updated passport rules announced by the Ministry of External Affairs. They are designed to simplify the process, enhance security and make the system inclusive.

1. New design with enhanced security

- Improved design;

- Protection against counterfeiting;

- Compliance with international standards.

2. Address in the form of a barcode

No longer printed on the last page, available only for official services.

3. No mention of parents

The names of the parents have been removed from the passport, which is a support for single-parent families.

4. Color coding of passports

- Red - diplomatic;

- White - government;

- Blue - ordinary;

- Grey – Emergency travel.

5. Birth certificate required (for those born after 1.10.2023)

The only acceptable document to prove date of birth.

6. Flexible rules for senior applicants

For those born before 1 October 2023, the following are suitable: birth certificate, PAN card, voter ID, driving license and entries in the state registry.

7. Name change after marriage – without bureaucracy

For women, the procedure for updating the name has been simplified, from now on a marriage certificate is not required, only Appendix J is filled in.

Obtaining Indian citizenship is an important step that opens up great opportunities for business and career development. If you are planning to apply for citizenship, prepare all the necessary documents and carefully read the latest changes in legislation. For detailed advice and assistance at every stage of the process, contact the professionals.

Consultations of Visit World migration lawyers will help you safely and efficiently go through all stages of obtaining citizenship in India. We provide individual solutions, taking into account your needs and circumstances.

Contact us today, and we will help make the process of obtaining citizenship simple and understandable!

As a reminder! Pakistani citizens with long-term visas in India must re-apply through the e-FRRO portal by July 10, 2025. We have already told you how to do it step by step, what documents are required and why it is important.

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