Q395. Aadhaar Card required by NRI for Property Registration in India

Question: Questions: Good Day sir, I am a UK citizen with a PIO card. Recently I was interested to purchase a commercial property, but was told by the estate agent that I would require an Aadhaar Card for registration. From the net I was able to get the address of one of the Aadhaar Card Application centres. I visited that office in Janak Puri District Centre, and to say that the person that attended me was rude to the extreme would be an understatement. He told me that Aadhaar card was ONLY for Indians living here and that I can never have that as I am an NRI. Then he turned his back and started talking to his friends. Can you clarify what I have to do to get one, as I know I am allowed to have it. Please guide me to the right address which is close to Paschim Vihar...BUT not Janak Puri. Kind regards Satpal Seda

Answer: Aadhaar card can be obtained even by a foreign citizen provide they are residents of India. If you check the Aadhaar official website you will see that they clearly state that any individual who is a resident of India and satisfies the verification process required can apply for Aadhaar Card. It further states that Aadhaar is not meant to establish Indian Citizenship nor is it only for Indians. To view their website go to: http://uidai.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=105%20%20 Moving on to your situation, even though Aadhaar card can be obtained by foreigners, they must be residents of India. As an NRI you are not a resident and hence do not technically qualify for Aadhaar, unless of course you give up your NRI status and start living in India. From January 2013, I believe Delhi govt is asking for Aadhaar card for various services and this includes property registration. As you are a foreign citizen with PIO card you should explain your status at the registrar office. The process of asking everybody for Aadhaar card has probably overlooked the fact that NRIs do buy properties in India and need to register them. Sometimes it can be hard for NRIs to deal with the Indian system, perhaps using a lawyer may help speed up your registration process.