How to become an Indian citizen?
If someone comes from another country and lives in India for 30 years and has a birth certificate and voter ID, will they be considered an Indian citizen?
Dear Client, Yes. As per section 6 of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, alien persons can obtain Indian citizenship via naturalization, provided they satisfy the condition of residency in India for 12 years in total, including 12 months immediately preceding the application, and satisfy the other supplementary criteria as well. I hope this answer helps. In case of future queries, please feel free to contact us. Thank you.
Once all the conditions are met and the application is approved, the Central Government issues a Naturalisation Certificate. Upon receiving this certificate, the person officially becomes an Indian citizen by naturalisation and is entitled to all the rights and duties of an Indian citizen. Mere long-term residence in India does not automatically grant Indian citizenship unless the person has complied with the formal legal process. Therefore, even if the individual has lived in India for 30 years and holds Indian documents, they need to complete the formal legal steps to be recognized as an Indian citizen.
Foreign nationals can become an Indian citizen through a legal process called naturalisation. For this the individual has to apply to the Central Government, meet certain requirements such as good character, Knowledge of an Indian language, and the intention to reside in India or serve in an Indian government office, international organisation, or company/society established in India, Also, the individual must have resided in India continuously for 12 months before the application, and have lived in India for a total of 11 years in the previous 14 years. The person has to give up their original citizenship, as India does not allow dual citizenship.
Living in India or having a Voter ID does not automatically grant citizenship. Indian citizenship can only be obtained by applying under the Citizenship Act, 1955. The person must apply for naturalization to become a legal citizen. Consult with a lawyer specializing in immigration for help with the process. For further legal assistance contact us on our helpline number.
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