Important Updates
Important Updates
July 18, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Restrictions for Sponsored Work Routes Forthcoming
July 18, 2025 | RussiaRussia: Reduced Stay Periods Implemented for Visa-Free Entry 
July 18, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Civics Services Expansion for Citizens Abroad Facilitates Processes
July 18, 2025 | SwedenSweden: Proposed Reforms to Single Permit Regime
July 18, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: eVisa System on Track for 2025 Commencement
July 18, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Restrictions for Sponsored Work Routes Forthcoming
July 18, 2025 | RussiaRussia: Reduced Stay Periods Implemented for Visa-Free Entry 
July 18, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Civics Services Expansion for Citizens Abroad Facilitates Processes
July 18, 2025 | SwedenSweden: Proposed Reforms to Single Permit Regime
July 18, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: eVisa System on Track for 2025 Commencement
July 18, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Restrictions for Sponsored Work Routes Forthcoming
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Indian Citizenship -To be, or not to be

June 10, 2016

Marco Deutsch

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Manal Galaria

As I write this post many babies are being born around the globe – some far away from the place they are meant to call home, international marriages being celebrated, travelers falling in love with foreign lands and looking for long term solutions to soothe the ache that comes from leaving and some having to make the hard choice of picking only one such country to belong to because they cannot have it all.

As cliché as I might sound, I cannot resist quoting our very own friendly neighborhood Spiderman’s uncle who once said ‘With great power, comes great responsibility.’ Global mobility brings great power to start a new life in a new country and with immigration comes great responsibility to always make informed choices.

Being in the Indian immigration space, I know that India is a country, which does not consent to dual citizenship. This adds to the pressures of making the right choice, at the right time to either retain it or acquire a foreign citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria of Indian Citizenship

The Indian Citizenship Act, drafted in 1955, chalks out eligibility criteria and residency requirements in India based on the following:

  • Citizenship at the commencement of the constitution of India 
  • Citizenship by birth 
  • Citizenship by descent 
  • Citizenship by registration 
  • Citizenship by naturalisation
 
Considering the pros and cons of Indian Citizenship
 
On the flipside, renunciation of Indian citizenship is mandatory while acquiring citizenship of another country. It will be important to note here that minor children of the parent or parents renouncing Indian citizenship lose their own citizenships as well. When the children reach the age of 18, they have the right to restore their Indian citizenship, provided all necessary requirements are fulfilled.

While making these decisions, it is extremely important to weigh out all pros and cons. The most important question we should ask ourselves is if we are to head back to our home country permanently or even temporarily, what are the immigration regulations that we need to be aware of and if we are willing to do what it takes?

Not always are these decisions ours to make alone. Most commonly, parents have to make this choice for their new-born and minor children. In such scenarios, it is very important to consider the impact of choosing a foreign citizenship and obligations that come attached with that passport while the child is growing up. In most countries, once a citizenship is acquired at birth, parents cannot renounce that citizenship on behalf of the minor child. For those who want their children to remain Indian, the Government of India has the provision to register a child born abroad at the Indian Embassy and apply for an Indian passport.

Given this dynamic nature of our lives and laws that govern us, isn’t it best to be prepared?

For any further advice or information on Indian citizenship requirements, please feel free to contact me on +91 80 4344 4712 or [email protected].

 

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Perth
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Blog post

Policy Reform Proposal: Granting Automatic Employment Authorization to Spouses of Work Visa Holders in South Africa

Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible

UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Blog post

Policy Reform Proposal: Granting Automatic Employment Authorization to Spouses of Work Visa Holders in South Africa

Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible

UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.