A domicile certificate serves as official proof of residence in a particular Indian state or Union Territory, usually required for educational benefits, state government schemes, property purchases, and employment under state quotas. Eligibility criteria usually stipulate that the applicant must be a permanent resident either through parental residency in the state or by maintaining personal residence in that state for a defined period (commonly 3 to 15 years, varying by state). So, can NRI apply for domicile certificate? Given these residency-based criteria, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) generally do not qualify.
Can an NRI Apply for a Domicile Certificate?
NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) do not qualify to apply unless they have maintained actual, continuous residential ties in the state that meet the specific duration and documentation requirements.
NRIs living abroad usually lack the requisite continuous physical presence in the state, and therefore do not meet the residency eligibility for a domicile certificate in India.
These certificates are issued by authorities such as the Tehsildar, Revenue Department Officer, SDM, or Collector. Additional considerations include ownership of property in the state, being on the voter list, or, for married women, residency based on the husband's domicile.
If one does qualify (e.g., they lived in the state for years before relocating abroad), application can proceed:
Either online via the state’s e-District portal where you register
Fill out an application
Upload supporting documents
Pay any applicable fee
Receive an acknowledgement number,
Or offline, by submitting a paper form at the Tehsildar, SDM, or similar local office.
Documentation typically includes identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.), address proof (utility bills, rent agreement, etc.), birth or school leaving certificate, affidavit, and photographs. Processing time varies by state, usually around 7 to 15 working days for offline, or 3 to 10 days for online processing.
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Can NRI Apply for Domicile Certificate?
pragati
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2025-08-28T11:27:41+00:00 2025-08-28T11:27:42+00:00Comment
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