Aadhaar, which is India’s vital identification proof, is updated with the biometric and demographic data of the citizens in India. Nowadays, Aadhaar needs to be linked with the PAN, bank accounts, financial services like public provident fund (PPF), national savings certificate (NSC). If Indian citizens want to buy SIM cards, insurance, etc., they are required to furnish an Aadhaar card to verify their identity as well as residential proof. If a non-resident Indian (NRI) is confused about the linking of Aadhaar with various identity proofs, then they only need to remember that the government of India has clearly specified they don’t have to link their Aadhaar to banking, mobile, or PAN services.
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Below are the details regarding whether NRIs need to link Aadhaar to avail banking or related services.
- The GOI has altered the Aadhaar rules for the NRIs recently through which the enrolment is possible upon their arrival in India(not mandatory), however, the card is required only for the residents of India, not for NRIs.
- If you are concerned about buying a SIM card in India, you need to know that telecom service providers offer NRIs certain exemptions. Similarly, to open a Non-Resident External (NRE) bank account without providing an Aadhaar card as identity verification is very much possible. You only need to inform the bank and service providers that an Aadhaar card is not mandatory as you are a non-resident Indian. However, you might need an Aadhaar while making a few financial transactions. If you have one, it is a good idea to link it with your PAN.
- You also don’t have to worry about linking your PAN and other services with Aadhaar. The identification proof is only required for those who stay in India for 182 days or 12 months more before the date of application for enrolment of the Aadhaar. NRIs are, however, eligible to enrol for Aadhaar.
- For NRIs, the Indian Passport is an essential proof of identity for Aadhaar enrolment.
