How Many Years Must a Foreigner Stay in India for Citizenship?

Discover the residency requirements to obtain Indian citizenship as a foreigner: key information about the process.

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To get citizenship in India as a foreigner, you must have resided in the country for at least 12 years, out of which only 11 years must be continuous, including the last year. This rule is part of the ‘Citizenship by Naturalization’ criteria. The process involves meeting specific residence and documentation requirements set by the Indian Government.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is 'Citizenship by Naturalization' in India? It is the process through which a foreigner can acquire Indian citizenship after fulfilling certain residency and documentation criteria.
  2. Can the residence requirement be waived for Indian citizenship? No, the residence requirement cannot be waived; a foreigner must have resided in India for at least 12 years.
  3. What documents are needed for Indian citizenship? Documents typically include proof of residence, identity, and any relevant certificates as required by the Indian Government.
  4. Is it possible to obtain Indian citizenship without residency? No, residency is a mandatory requirement to apply for Indian citizenship through naturalization.

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For a deeper understanding of immigration policies, check out our detailed guides on Visa requirements, Permanent Residency options, and Citizenship processes in various countries.

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