The decision to renounce Indian citizenship represents a significant life transition, often sparked by new opportunities abroad or personal circumstances. With India's stance against dual citizenship, acquiring another country's passport necessitates giving up Indian nationality - a process that involves specific legal procedures and documentation.
While straightforward in principle, the renunciation process contains nuances that vary depending on your location and individual situation. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about surrendering your Indian passport and formally renouncing your citizenship.
As millions of Indians embrace global mobility – with over 216,000 renouncing citizenship in 2023 alone – understanding this process has never been more relevant. Whether you've already obtained foreign citizenship or are planning ahead, this article provides the essential roadmap for a smooth transition.
Renounce Your Indian Passport in 6 Steps:
The path to renouncing Indian citizenship involves two key actions: making a formal declaration of renunciation and surrendering your Indian passport. Here's how to navigate this process step-by-step:
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
If you've already acquired foreign citizenship, you'll need to surrender your Indian passport. Register on the Passport Seva portal for Indians abroad (Embassy/Consulate Passport Services portal), select your local Indian mission, and choose "Apply for Surrender of Indian Passport." Complete the form online and print it out.
Important note: In most cases, Indians lose citizenship automatically upon acquiring another nationality, so a formal MHA renunciation under Section 8 is not typically required after obtaining foreign citizenship.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
Prepare the following essential documents:
- Your original Indian passport (plus any older Indian passports you may have)
- Photocopies of the bio-data pages of your Indian passport
- Your foreign passport (original and copy)
- Your foreign naturalization/registration certificate showing the date you acquired citizenship
- Passport-sized photographs (typically 51mm x 51mm with white background)
- Proof of your current address in your country of residence
- Any additional forms if your Indian passport was lost or if your name changed
For minors, the process differs slightly. They don't file the MHA renunciation form but still need to surrender their Indian passport with a separate application signed by a parent.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit your printed application form and all required documents to the Indian Embassy/Consulate or its authorized application center in your country of residence. In many countries, India has outsourced passport and consular services to agencies like VFS Global or BLS International.
You may need to book an appointment for in-person submission or send the package by mail, depending on local procedures. During submission, you'll sign the renunciation declaration in the presence of a consular officer if completing Form XXII.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fees
Fee structures vary based on when you acquired foreign citizenship and your location:
For those who obtained foreign citizenship on or after June 1, 2010:
- Approximately ₹8,000 (roughly $100)
- This translates to about €185 in Europe, CAD $113 in Canada, AUD $147 in Australia
- In the United States, the consular fee is around $25 plus additional service fees
For those who obtained foreign citizenship on or before May 31, 2010:
- A lower fee applies - approximately ₹1,000
- This equates to about €20 in Europe, CAD $34 in Canada, or AUD $32 in Australia
Additional fees include a small consular surcharge (Indian Community Welfare Fund fee, usually around $3) and service fees if applying through an outsourced center like VFS or BLS.
Step 5: Processing and Verification
Officials will verify your documents and collect biometrics or signatures as needed. Processing times vary significantly by location:
- Some consulates (like Seattle) can process applications in just 1-2 working days
- VFS in the US typically takes 7-21 working days
- European consulates often take 4-6 weeks
- Some locations may require 60-90 days, especially if the application must be approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs in India
Step 6: Receive Your Surrender Certificate
Once processed, the Consulate will cancel your Indian passport and return it marked "Cancelled due to acquiring foreign nationality." They will also issue a "Surrender Certificate" or "Renunciation Certificate" (these terms are used interchangeably) as official proof that you have renounced Indian citizenship.
This certificate, along with your cancelled passport, serves as evidence for future reference that you've complied with Indian law and is necessary for services like applying for an OCI card or Indian visa in the future.
How to Renounce Indian Citizenship from Different Countries
While the core requirements for renunciation are similar worldwide, specific procedures and agencies involved vary by country. Here's a breakdown of the process in several major countries:
Sweden
In Sweden, the Indian Embassy in Stockholm handles renunciation services. Key points for applicants in Sweden include:
- Complete the online surrender application via the Passport Seva portal, selecting "Sweden-Stockholm" as your mission
- After online submission, print the form and sign where required
- Mail or deliver your application to the Indian Embassy in Stockholm with all required documents
- Include your Swedish passport, Naturalisation certificate (Medborgarskapsbevis), and photos
- Provide a self-addressed REK (registered) return envelope
- The fee is SEK 276 (roughly equivalent to the standard ₹8,000)
- Processing time is approximately 4-5 weeks
The embassy emphasizes that if you've already obtained a Swedish passport, you lose Indian citizenship immediately and should directly apply for the passport surrender certificate rather than formal renunciation under Section 8.
Australia
In Australia, the Government of India has outsourced passport surrender services to VFS Global. The process involves:
- Visiting VFS Global's India passport services website for Australia
- Following instructions for "Renunciation of Indian Citizenship and Surrender of Indian Passport"
- Filling out the surrender form online
- Submitting your application at one of the VFS centers located in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide
- Providing your original Indian passport, foreign passport copy, Australian citizenship certificate, and photos
- Including a notarized affidavit if your Indian passport is lost
- Paying fees of approximately AUD 147 for post-2010 cases or AUD 32 for pre-June 2010 cases (not including VFS service charges)
- Payment options include card, cash, or postal money order
Processing typically takes a few weeks, with in-person applications potentially processed faster than mailed submissions.
United States (US)
In the US, Indian consulates have outsourced the renunciation process to VFS Global since late 2020. The process includes:
- Filling out the Government of India surrender application on the Passport Seva portal, which generates an Application Reference Number (ARN)
- Creating an application on VFS's website
- Paying the required fees
- Sending documents to the designated VFS Indian Consular Application Center
- Required documents include your Indian passport, US passport copy, Naturalization Certificate, photos, and a signed declaration
- Fees amount to around $25 for the surrender certificate, $3 for ICWF, plus VFS service fees (about $15.90)
If your Indian passport is lost, you can apply under the "lost passport" category using a dummy number like "LOST" or "00000" and provide additional proof of Indian origin.
Processing through VFS-US is relatively quick, usually taking 1-3 weeks. After processing, you'll receive your cancelled Indian passport and a Renunciation/Surrender Certificate.
Singapore
In Singapore, the High Commission of India uses BLS International for passport surrender and renunciation services. Key aspects include:
- Registering your surrender application online via the Passport Seva portal
- Submitting documents to one of the authorized Passport Application Centres managed by BLS
- Required documents include Indian passport, Singapore NRIC or residence permit, citizenship certificate or letter from ICA (for those with Singapore citizenship), and photographs
- Processing time is approximately 6-8 working days
The High Commission explicitly states that upon obtaining foreign citizenship, Indian nationals must not retain or use their Indian passport.
Canada
In Canada, the Government of India has outsourced the renunciation process to BLS International. The process involves:
- Filling out the surrender form (available on the BLS website)
- Submitting the application at a BLS center or by mail
- Including standard documentation: Indian passport, foreign passport/citizenship proof, photos, address proof
- Paying CAD $117.70 for those who became foreign citizens after June 1, 2010, or CAD $38.70 for those before that date (these totals include the consular fee, ICWF fee, and BLS service fee)
Canadian consular officials emphasize that a Surrender Certificate is required when applying for an OCI or visa in the future. BLS Canada's guidance clarifies that penalties will be applied if you delayed surrendering and misused the passport, with no waivers available.
New Zealand (NZ)
In New Zealand, the Indian High Commission in Wellington or Consulate in Auckland handles renunciation. The process is similar to Australia/Canada:
- Fill out the surrender form via the online portal
- Submit through an outsourcing center or directly at the mission
- The Consulate General in Auckland indicates a processing time of approximately 90 days after receiving all documents
- This longer timeline suggests applications may be forwarded to India for approval
Always check the High Commission of India in Wellington's website for the latest forms, fees, and procedures specific to NZ residents.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the Indian Embassy in The Hague processes renunciation and surrender applications. Key points include:
- Different procedures based on when you obtained foreign citizenship
- Applicants who became foreign citizens after June 1, 2010 must pay a €185 renunciation fee (plus €3 ICWF) and will receive a "Renunciation Declaration"
- Those who became foreign citizens on or before May 31, 2010 and present their last Indian passport are issued a Surrender Certificate for a smaller fee (about €20 plus €3)
- The Naturalisation certificate is mandatory for surrender/renunciation in the Netherlands
- The embassy enforces a 3-month "grace period" from the date of foreign naturalization during which no penalty is charged for traveling on an Indian passport
Applications may require an appointment or can be sent by post, with processing typically taking a few weeks if there are no complications.
Trying to Renounce Indian Citizenship to Acquire Citizenship By Investment?
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs have gained popularity among Indians, especially high-net-worth individuals seeking enhanced global mobility, tax planning benefits, or security alternatives. Since India prohibits dual citizenship, Indians pursuing CBI must navigate both the investment citizenship process and the Indian citizenship renunciation requirements.
Legal Requirements and Implications
When an Indian citizen voluntarily acquires the citizenship of any foreign state – including through investment – they automatically cease to be an Indian citizen from the date of such acquisition under Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, 1955. This means once your investment application is approved and you're granted citizenship in, say, a Caribbean nation, you are no longer legally an Indian citizen.
India doesn't require prior approval to give up citizenship – renunciation is a voluntary act that follows established procedures. However, timing is crucial. Some CBI countries might require proof that you've initiated renunciation of your previous citizenship, especially because India doesn't allow dual citizenship. Generally, though, most CBI countries (particularly those in the Caribbean) don't require you to renounce beforehand; you can acquire the new citizenship, then renounce Indian citizenship as required by Indian law.
The Indian government currently places no direct restrictions on citizens acquiring foreign citizenship through investment, viewing it as a personal decision. When asked about the rising number of Indians renouncing citizenship (including for investment migration), the Ministry of External Affairs stated that reasons for renunciation reflect personal choices and global economic opportunities.
Financial and Tax Implications
Renouncing Indian citizenship doesn't automatically trigger any tax liability in India – India taxes individuals based on residency and source of income, not citizenship. However, wealthy individuals emigrating through CBI programs should be mindful of Indian Income Tax Act and FEMA regulations.
If you transfer large sums out of India to invest abroad, the transactions must comply with the RBI's Liberalized Remittance Scheme (currently allowing up to $250,000 per year per individual for investments). Exceeding limits or circumventing capital controls could lead to legal issues.
Once you're no longer an Indian citizen, if you also cease to be an Indian tax resident (by staying abroad more than 182 days annually), your global income isn't taxable in India – only India-sourced income is. Many high-net-worth Indians use this as part of their tax planning when moving to a no-tax or low-tax CBI country.
Irrevocability and OCI Considerations
Renunciation of Indian citizenship is irrevocable – you cannot later change your mind and regain Indian citizenship automatically. The only exception is for minor children, who may resume Indian citizenship by declaration within one year of turning 18 if their parent had renounced and thus they lost Indian citizenship as a minor.
For adults, once you renounce, the alternative to maintain your connection to India is to apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, which grants lifelong visa-free entry and other benefits short of citizenship. Most Indians who obtain a CBI passport apply for OCI after surrendering their Indian passport so they can still live, work, and travel in India without hassle.
Compliance with Deadlines
If you pursue CBI, plan to surrender your Indian passport within the grace period to avoid penalties. Indian law expects immediate surrender, though some leniency is given (no penalty) if done within 3 years without passport misuse.
If you delay beyond 3 years or travel multiple times on your Indian passport after obtaining your new citizenship, heavy penalties can apply – up to ₹10,000 per trip, capped at ₹50,000, and even imprisonment in worst cases. Therefore, anyone obtaining a foreign passport through investment should stop using their Indian passport immediately and complete the renunciation formalities as soon as possible.
7 Best Countries for Indian Citizens to Acquire Citizenship By Investment
For Indians seeking a second passport via investment, several countries offer compelling programs. The "best" option depends on factors like investment cost, processing time, visa-free travel benefits, quality of life, and tax regime. Here are seven top citizenship-by-investment options popular among Indian nationals:
1. Saint Kitts and Nevis
One of the oldest CBI programs (since 1984), St. Kitts & Nevis offers:
- Investment options: Donation of ~$125,000–$150,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund or real estate investment of at least $200,000
- Processing time: 4–6 months (an accelerated 60-day process is available for a premium fee)
- Travel benefits: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 150 countries, including the EU Schengen area
- Family inclusion: Allows adding spouse, children, and dependent parents/grandparents
Many affluent Indians choose St. Kitts for greater travel freedom and a stable backup residency option.
2. Dominica
Considered one of the most affordable CBI programs, Dominica offers:
- Investment options: Donation of $100,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund or real estate investment of minimum $200,000
- Processing time: 3–4 months
- Travel benefits: Visa-free travel to about 140+ countries including Schengen Europe
- No residency requirement and allows dual citizenship
It's a cost-effective choice for Indians seeking a quick second passport primarily for travel flexibility.
3. Grenada
Grenada's CBI program stands out for two unique advantages:
- Investment options: $150,000 donation or real estate purchase of at least $220,000
- Processing time: 4–5 months
- Special benefits: Eligibility for the USA E-2 Investor Visa (allowing one to live and run a business in the US) and visa-free access to China
- Travel access: Approximately 140 countries, including Russia and China
Many Indians with global business interests consider Grenada despite the slightly higher donation requirement because of the E-2 visa opportunity into the US.
4. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua's program is particularly cost-effective for families:
- Investment options: $100,000 donation (covering a family of four), $200,000 in real estate, or $150,000 in the University of the West Indies Fund
- Processing time: 4–6 months
- Notable requirement: New citizens must visit Antigua for at least 5 days within the first five years
- Travel benefits: Similar to other Caribbean programs (approximately 140 visa-free countries)
For Indians who don't mind a short tropical visit, Antigua provides excellent value for families.
5. St. Lucia
St. Lucia offers a streamlined and relatively fast process:
- Investment options: $100,000 donation to the National Economic Fund, government bonds, or real estate
- Processing time: As quick as 3 months in some cases
- Travel benefits: Visa-free access to ~140 countries, including EU
Processing efficiency and relatively lower cost make St. Lucia attractive for Indians seeking straightforward citizenship acquisition.
6. Türkiye (Turkey)
Turkey's program has gained interest among global investors:
- Investment options: Real estate investment of at least $400,000 (must be held for at least 3 years)
- Processing time: 6–8 months
- Travel benefits: Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to about 110 countries (though notably not the EU Schengen zone or US/UK)
- Strategic location between Europe and Asia
While a Turkish passport may not significantly increase travel freedom compared to the Indian passport in terms of destination count, it confers the right to live in Turkey, with its moderate cost of living and strategic location.
7. Malta
The only official citizenship-by-investment program in the EU, Malta's program is:
- Investment requirements: Obtain Maltese residency, maintain it for 12-36 months, make a government contribution of €600,000-€750,000, donate €10,000 to charity, and purchase or rent property in Malta
- Total cost: Often exceeds €700,000 for a single applicant
- Processing time: 1–3 years overall (includes mandatory residency period)
- Benefits: EU citizenship with right to live and work anywhere in the EU and visa-free travel to 180+ countries including the US
For ultra-high-net-worth Indians seeking the benefits of an EU passport, Malta offers a premium but costly option.
When comparing these CBI options, Indian nationals should consider:
- Investment size: Caribbean programs (around $100,000 donation) are most budget-friendly, while European citizenship (Malta) requires a much larger investment.
- Processing time: Caribbean programs are relatively quick (3-6 months), while Malta takes longer due to residency requirements.
- Travel benefits: European citizenship offers superior travel access, but Caribbean passports also significantly improve travel freedom over an Indian passport.
- Family inclusion: Most programs allow adding family members for additional fees, with Antigua being particularly cost-effective for families.
- Reputation and stability: Consider the program's track record and long-term viability.
Remember, acquiring any of these citizenships means you must renounce your Indian citizenship. From the perspective of CBI countries, most allow dual citizenship, so they won't require you to relinquish Indian citizenship – but India's laws will obligate you to do so.
Important Questions About Indian Citizenship Renunciation
Traveling to India After Foreign Citizenship
If you've acquired foreign citizenship, you should not travel using your Indian passport – it's illegal once you've become a foreign citizen. Instead, you can travel to India on your new foreign passport with a valid visa or OCI card.
It's not mandatory to have completed the renunciation process before visiting India, but surrendering your Indian passport at the earliest opportunity is highly advisable. Indian immigration won't physically demand a renunciation certificate when you enter on a foreign passport, as your visa or OCI status is what matters for entry.
However, holding an Indian passport after acquiring foreign nationality is an offense, even if you don't use it. While India provides a grace period for surrendering, using the Indian passport after naturalization could result in significant fines.
The Renunciation and OCI Process
You cannot submit combined applications for renunciation of citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card simultaneously – they are distinct processes handled separately. The correct sequence is to first apply for renunciation/surrender and obtain the surrender certificate, then use that certificate to apply for OCI.
The OCI application requires uploading a copy of your renunciation/surrender certificate or at least a cancelled Indian passport with a "Cancelled due to foreign citizenship" stamp as proof that you're no longer an Indian citizen. Therefore, applying for an OCI card before or simultaneously with renouncing will result in an incomplete application.
Similarly, you should not apply for an OCI card and an Indian visa at the exact same time, as they are handled separately and one is meant to replace the need for the other. However, you can apply for a visa while your OCI is being processed, particularly if you need to travel to India before your OCI card is ready.
Documentation and Timeline
A naturalization certificate is absolutely necessary when applying for renunciation. You must provide proof of your acquisition of foreign citizenship, and the naturalization or citizenship registration certificate is the primary evidence of that. It establishes the exact date when you ceased to be an Indian citizen and is used to determine applicable fees and penalties.
The timeline for obtaining a renunciation or surrender certificate varies by location. In straightforward cases, processing might take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks:
- The Indian Consulate in Seattle processes straightforward cases in 1-2 working days
- VFS Global USA cites an average of 7-21 business days
- European and Asian missions often estimate 2-6 weeks
- Some consulates indicate 60-90 days for cases requiring Ministry of Home Affairs approval
Plan for about 2-4 weeks in most countries as a safe estimate, though processing times may be longer during peak periods or if documentation needs clarification.
Understanding the Surrender Certificate
The official document issued by Indian authorities proving you've renounced Indian citizenship is called either a "Certificate of Renunciation of Indian Citizenship" or "Surrender Certificate" – these terms are used interchangeably. This certificate contains your name, passport details, and a statement that you're no longer an Indian citizen as of a certain date, bearing the stamp and signature of the issuing authority.
This certificate is needed for future services, such as applying for an OCI card or Indian visa. It has no expiry date – it's a one-time document you should keep permanently. If you lose it, you may need to reapply for a duplicate by providing evidence of your prior Indian citizenship and its renunciation.
Indian Passport Status After Foreign Citizenship
Once you acquire foreign citizenship, you are legally obligated to surrender your Indian passport – you cannot continue to hold or use it, and you certainly cannot renew it. The Indian Citizenship Act and Passport Act explicitly prohibit dual citizenship and the use of Indian passports by non-citizens.
While there is a short grace period where simply holding the passport without using it isn't penalized (up to 3 years as per consular rules), using the passport for travel or identification after becoming a foreign citizen is a serious violation. Penalties range from fines of ₹10,000 per trip up to imprisonment for illegal passport use.
Therefore, as soon as you become a foreign citizen, your Indian passport becomes invalid, and you should promptly apply to surrender it at the nearest Indian consulate.
By understanding these aspects of the renunciation process, Indians transitioning to foreign citizenship can ensure a smooth, legally compliant journey that preserves their ability to maintain connections with India through appropriate channels like the OCI program.
