For plenty of NRIs living in the UAE, getting an Aadhaar card is no longer just “another government formality.” It’s the magic key that unlocks banking, keeps your Indian SIM card alive, and now, thanks to CBSE’s APAAR IDs, even plays a role in your child’s schooling.
How UAE-Based NRIs Can Get An Aadhaar Card In India
Yes, you read that right. Schools here have started linking student records to Aadhaar, so a kid’s journey can be tracked from KG to university. Officially, this becomes mandatory for board exam students from 2026, but parents are already lining up to get their kids registered.
The good part? Both adults and children with an Indian passport qualify. The not-so-good part? You can’t walk into an Aadhaar counter in Dubai Mall or Abu Dhabi Corniche. The enrolment must be done physically in India.
What’s Aadhaar Anyway?
Think of Aadhaar as your universal pass in India. UIDAI gives you a 12-digit number, and once you have it, life’s admin work back home gets a whole lot simpler. Behind that number sits your biometrics and documents, so once you’re registered, you don’t have to juggle ten different IDs for ten different tasks.
Enrolment is free and done just once. Later, if you ever want a printed card, that comes with a small fee.
Can NRIs Actually Apply?
Absolutely. If you hold an Indian passport, you’re eligible. The only condition is that you must apply in India. The steps are simple:
- Fill the NRI-specific enrolment form.
- You’ll need to give your biometrics, fingerprints, an iris scan, and a quick photo.
- Then, share your basic details: name, address, mobile number, and email.
Pro tip: Don’t show up with only your UAE number. Aadhaar doesn’t send OTPs abroad. Grab an active Indian SIM before you apply, or you’ll end up stuck midway.
Step-by-Step Enrolment
- Visit a centre: Drop into an Aadhaar Seva Kendra when you’re in India. You can pre-book online or just walk in.
- Hand over your details: The operator will take your personal info and scan your biometrics. Your passport works as the main ID proof.
- Use the right form: Don’t use the resident’s form; NRIs have a separate one. Download it online or grab it at the centre.
- Get your slip: Once enrolled, you’ll receive an acknowledgement slip with your Enrolment ID. That’s your tracker until the card arrives.
What About Children?
For kids aged 5–18, the rules are slightly different. A parent or guardian has to be there, and the child’s Indian passport is a must. At least one parent’s Aadhaar number also needs to be linked. Biometrics at this stage is only a photo. Fingerprints and iris scans are added when the child turns 18. The enrolment is free, and importantly, the “182 days stay in India” rule doesn’t apply to NRI kids.
Documents You’ll Need
Most of the time, your Indian passport is enough. But if the address in it isn’t current, carry another proof, things like electricity bills, property tax slips, or any UIDAI-approved document. The official UIDAI website lists all accepted proofs.
Also Read: New Aadhaar App Coming Soon; Here’s What We Know So Far
After Applying
Once you’ve enrolled, the waiting game begins. It can take up to 90 days for the Aadhaar to be processed. You can track the status on UIDAI’s portal using your Enrolment ID. When approved, the Aadhaar letter is mailed to your Indian address.
Final Takeaway
For NRIs in the UAE, Aadhaar has shifted from being “nice to have” to “must have.” Whether it’s for your child’s school or to keep banking and SIM cards running smoothly, it’s worth scheduling an enrolment visit on your next India trip.
Cover Image Courtesy: NAVI/ Website
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