How to get a Nativity Certificate in India

What is a Nativity Certificate?

A Nativity Certificate is a document issued by a State Government in India certifying the Indian origin of an applicant — typically where the applicant, or their parents or grandparents, lived in that state.

It's most useful for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) applicants who cannot produce the standard proof of Indian origin, particularly descendants of people who left India before 26 January 1950.

How to apply

File the application with the relevant state authority. Supporting documents you should gather:

• Details of any ancestral properties in the state
• Records of educational institutions your ancestors attended
• Names and contact details of relatives who can vouch for the claim
• Documentation of when and how your ancestors left India, if available
• Any other supporting evidence that ties the family to the state

Who must issue it

For OCI/PIO purposes, the certificate must be issued by an officer "not below a District Collector / District Magistrate." Certificates signed only by a Tahsildar may not meet OCI requirements unless routed through proper channels.

Processing time

Timelines vary by state, and depend heavily on how good the old land and revenue records are and how well documented your application is.

MEA attestation

For OCI use, the certificate must be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs. The MEA has outsourced this service to agencies including BLS International, IVS Global, Superb Enterprises, and VFS Global.

Caution

Use only official channels or the authorised outsourced agencies. The government has warned applicants to avoid unauthorised middlemen because of the risk of identity theft.