Delhi, India
Indian citizenship is governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955, the Citizenship Rules, 2009, the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, the Citizenship (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026 and applicable notifications and orders.
This page provides an overview of key concepts and legal provisions related to Indian citizenship, including acquisition, minor child citizenship, foreign spouse, dual citizenship and renunciation and resumption.
Indian citizenship can be acquired by birth, descent, registration or naturalisation subject to the applicable law.
Minor child citizenship depends on the citizenship status of the parents and applicable legal provisions.
A foreign spouse may be eligible to acquire Indian citizenship through registration or naturalisation where the legal requirements are satisfied.
Renunciation and resumption of Indian citizenship are governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955 and relevant rules.
Indian citizenship may arise by birth, descent, registration or naturalisation under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and applicable rules.
Not in every case. Citizenship by birth depends on the date of birth and the legal status of the parents under the applicable citizenship framework.
Citizenship by descent concerns certain persons born outside India to an Indian parent. Eligibility depends on the applicable law and individual facts.
A minor child may fall within the citizenship-by-registration framework where the statutory requirements are satisfied. The position depends on the citizenship status of the parents and other relevant circumstances.
Marriage does not automatically confer Indian citizenship. A foreign spouse may be eligible under the citizenship-by-registration framework where the applicable requirements are met.
India does not generally recognise dual citizenship in the ordinary sense. OCI status is different from Indian citizenship.
Acquisition of foreign citizenship may affect Indian citizenship status. The legal position depends on the manner and timing of acquisition and the applicable provisions of law.
Certain OCI cardholders may be eligible to apply for Indian citizenship under the statutory registration framework if the applicable conditions are satisfied.
Renunciation and resumption are statutory concepts dealing with loss or restoration of Indian citizenship in specified circumstances.
Depending on the nature of the decision, administrative or judicial remedies may be available under Indian law.
This page provides general information on Indian citizenship, dual nationality and citizenship of minor children. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal consultation. Citizenship laws, rules, notifications and government orders may change from time to time.