Children born outside India to Indian citizen parents or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are eligible to apply for an Indian passport under certain conditions. The system is regulated by the Indian Government and relevant Indian Consulates or High Commissions overseas to ensure the documentation and recognition of the child's Indian citizenship.

Key Points to Remember:

1. Dual Eligibility:

• If NRI parents are citizens of a foreign nation, there is a possibility that their children can be eligible for both — the passport of the country of birth as well as an Indian passport, subject to the laws of that country and the laws of India.

2. Eligibility for Indian Passport:

• If the NRI child is born outside India, and one or both parents possess a valid Indian passport, the child can be issued an Indian passport at birth, provided proper documentation and procedures are followed.

3. Compulsory Birth Registration with Indian Consulate:

• It is mandatory to register the birth of the child with the local Indian Consulate or High Commission, stating the precise date and time of birth in order to commence the process of Indian citizenship registration.

4. Timeline for Registration:

• Parents are given a one-year period from the birth date to register the birth of the child with the Indian Consulate or High Commission. Delaying this within one year could impact the entitlement to acquire an Indian passport.

If a child is born outside India to Indian-origin parents and the parents possess an Indian passport, the child can be eligible for an Indian passport at birth. If the child is subsequently going to have OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status, there are certain guidelines to be followed. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Indian passport for OCI-eligible children born outside India:

Procedure to Apply for Indian Passport for OCI Children

1. Check Eligibility:

• One parent should have an Indian passport at the time of birth of the child.
• The birth of the child should be registered with the local Indian Consulate or High Commission.

2. Birth Registration at Indian Consulate:

• Register the birth of the child at the Indian Consulate/High Commission in the country of birth.
• This registration is mandatory for starting the process of applying for a passport.
• Timeline: It is recommended to register the birth within one year of the date of birth of the child.

3. Documents Required:

• Birth certificate of child (from the foreign country, legalized or apostilled if needed).
• Parents' Indian passports (original and copies).
• Parents' marriage certificate (if relevant).
• Evidence of legal status of the parents in the foreign country (visa, residence permit, PR card).
• Child's passport-sized photographs (as per embassy size).
• Filled birth registration form from the Consulate/High Commission.

4. Fill Passport Application Form:

• Go to the official website of the local Indian Consulate or High Commission.
• Download and fill in the passport application form for children.
• Fill in all the details of the child and parents, including Indian passport details of parents.

5. Submit Application & Fees:

• Go to the Consulate/Embassy with an appointment if necessary.
• Submit the filled-in application form, along with all the supporting documents.
• Pay the set passport fee (refer to Consulate website to check mode of payment).

6. Passport Processing and Delivery:

• The Indian passport, after clearing, will be issued and forwarded to the parents.
• You could be asked to provide a prepaid self-addressed envelope for delivery by post.
• Processing time takes varying periods of 3-6 weeks according to the nation.