The acquisition and loss of Indian citizenship are governed by the Citizenship Act of 1955. Despite the country’s diversity of states, peoples, and languages, the law recognizes only one nationality: Indian citizenship. Dual citizenship is not recognized. Therefore, if an Indian citizen acquires foreign citizenship, they automatically lose their Indian citizenship. Citizenship of India can be acquired by birth, by descent, or by naturalization.
Citizenship by Birth A child born within the territory of India, regardless of the nationality of the parents, becomes an Indian citizen. Although Indian law provides for citizenship by birth, the government does not consider the child a citizen unless citizenship is actively applied for. Upon reaching the age of 18, the person has the right to return to India and apply for Indian citizenship.
Citizenship by Descent
- A child born to an Indian father, regardless of the country of birth.
- A child born to an Indian mother and a foreign father is considered an Indian citizen if the mother and child continue to live in India and the father does not confer his country’s citizenship upon the child.
- A child born out of wedlock to an Indian mother, regardless of the country of birth. Children born abroad must be registered at an Indian consulate.
Citizenship by Naturalization Indian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: the person must have resided in India for the last five years and must have renounced their previous citizenship.
Loss of Indian Citizenship Voluntary renunciation of Indian citizenship is permitted by law. Those wishing to do so should contact the Indian Embassy for details and required documentation. The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Indian citizenship:
- Voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship.
- Naturalized citizenship obtained through false statements.
- A naturalized citizen committing acts against the state of India before the end of the five-year grace period.
Professional Services The information on Indian citizenship is provided for reference only. Elma Capital does not offer services related to immigration to India or the acquisition of Indian citizenship. However, if you reside in India and are interested in obtaining residence by investment or acquiring another citizenship, please contact us today.