Citizenship by registration

Polity & Governance glossary

Topic: Citizenship: Idea and Indian Law · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 6 "Citizenship"

Meaning

Citizenship by registration is citizenship granted on application under Section 5 of the Citizenship Act 1955. It is for people with a link to India who are not illegal migrants. They include persons of Indian origin, and spouses of Indian citizens, after 7 years' residence. Minor children of citizens can also register, and so can Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders after 5 years as OCI plus 1 year's residence. Applicants must take an oath of allegiance, a formal promise of loyalty to India and its Constitution.

Example

A foreign national married to an Indian citizen who has lived in India for 7 years can apply to register as an Indian citizen and take the oath of allegiance.

Don't confuse with

  • Citizenship by naturalisation: naturalisation is for any foreigner and needs 12 years' residence. Registration is a shorter route for people already linked to India.
  • OCI card: OCI is not citizenship. An OCI cardholder can later use registration to become a full citizen.

Related concepts

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