Service guide
NRI Services From Abroad: Life Certificate, PAN, Aadhaar, Voting & More
Beyond passports and visas, Indian missions and online portals handle a long list of everyday services for non-resident Indians. Here are the ones people ask about most.
Life certificate for pensioners
Pensioners living abroad must prove they are alive each year to keep receiving an Indian pension. Options usually include a life certificate signed at an Indian mission, or the digital life certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) where your pension disbursing authority accepts it. Check your bank’s deadline — many require it in November.
PAN and Aadhaar for NRIs
- PAN — NRIs and foreign citizens with Indian income, investments or property can hold a PAN. Update your residential status with your bank and the tax portal when you move abroad.
- Aadhaar — NRIs holding a valid Indian passport can enrol at an Aadhaar centre while visiting India. It is optional for many NRI purposes, but useful for banking and government services.
- Some missions also provide guidance or help desks for PAN and Aadhaar for NRIs, OCI and PIO cardholders.
Voting from abroad
Indian citizens living abroad can register as overseas electors (Form 6A) at the address in their Indian passport. Voting is currently in person at your polling station in India. OCI cardholders and foreign citizens cannot vote.
Birth registration
A child born abroad to an Indian citizen can be registered with the Indian mission, which is also the first step towards an Indian passport for the child. Rules on registration and dual passports for minors changed in 2026 — read the passport guide before you apply.
Other services missions commonly provide
- Indian Driving Licence Verification (IDLV) and re-issue of international driving permits at some missions
- Marriage registration under the Foreign Marriage Act at some missions
- No-objection and miscellaneous certificates
- Student registration and welfare portals
- Global Entry or similar trusted-traveller programme support where agreements exist
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to tell anyone I’ve moved abroad?
Yes — update your residential status with banks (NRE/NRO accounts), your demat and investment providers, and the income-tax department. This is a financial-compliance matter rather than a consular one, so speak to your bank.
Can OCI cardholders get Aadhaar?
Eligibility rules for foreign nationals are stricter and tied to residence in India. Check the UIDAI website for the current position.