Application Process
Renunciation of Indian Citizenship only applies to applicants of Indian Origin.
To apply for renunciation of Indian citizenship, applicants can either submit their applications by walk-in or by postal/courier. The following application processes apply to any applicant, regardless of renunciation category.
Walk-In Applicants
Applicants who choose to submit their renunciation applications in person should follow the below steps.
- Register online with VFS Global (absolutely mandatory)
- Fill out an Original Renunciation Certificate, either online or pdf if applying in person.
- Fill out government application form.
- Provide 2 recent passport size color photos (not older than 6 months)
- Photos to be 2 inches x 2 inches in size, in color, depicting front pose strictly against white background only
- Collect all required documents according to renunciation category. You can find a list of documents require depending on your passport status here.
- Pay required fees according to your renunciation category.
- Book an appointment online by visiting the VFS Global website.
- Bring your application along with all of the required documents to the VFS Application Centre you booked with on the date and time of your appointment.
- After submission, track your application status online.
Postal/Courier Applicants
Applicants who choose to submit their renunciation applications by mail should follow the below steps:
- Register online with VFS Global (absolutely mandatory)
- Fill out an Original Renunciation Certificate, either online or pdf if applying in person.
- Fill out government application form.
- Provide 2 recent passport size color photos (not older than 6 months)
- Photos to be 2 inches x 2 inches in size, in color, depicting front pose strictly against white background only
- Collect all required documents according to renunciation category. You can find a list of documents require depending on your passport status here.
- Pay required fees according to your renunciation category.
- You can select and pay for VFS provided courier service at the time of paying the fee online on VFS website.
- You may also use your own pre-paid label, but note that FedEx is not accepted.
- Send your application to the VFS Global Application Centre according to your jurisdiction.
- After submission, track your application status online.
The required renunciation documents and fees will vary depending on your Indian citizenship renunciation category, so be sure to submit the correct documentation based on your category.
Processing Time
The general processing time for renunciation is 7- 21 working days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate.
If you apply for renunciation with an Indian passport, your passport will be cancelled and returned with a surrender certificate.
After receiving your surrender certificate, you must have your U.S. or foreign passport and either an OCI card or Indian visa to travel to India. You do not need your cancelled Indian passport or surrender certificate with you while traveling to India.
If applying for an OCI Card, your renunciation certificate will serve as Proof of Renunciation of Indian Citizenship.
