Certificate of Renunciation Explained

A Certificate of Renunciation is a formal document from the Indian government. It confirms that a person has given up their citizenship. The document is proof that the person no longer has the rights and duties of a citizen. 

It is often needed when the applicant becomes a citizen of another country. The certificate lists the person’s details, when they renounced their citizenship, and why. Read on to learn more about the certificate of renunciation of Indian citizenship below.

Why Is It Required

Under the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955, Indian citizens or those of Indian origin cannot hold dual citizenship. If they want to become citizens of another country, they must renounce their Indian citizenship. 

It involves surrendering Indian citizenship and submitting a physical copy of the application to the Consulate General of India. Remember, the authorities issue the certificate to individuals who surrender their Indian passports after acquiring foreign citizenship.

Eligibility

Individuals applying for a renunciation/surrender certificate must be:

• Be an Indian citizen.
• Hold a valid Indian passport.
• Have acquired foreign citizenship
• Have surrendered their Indian passport to the Indian embassy in the foreign country where they have acquired citizenship

Documents Required

Individuals can get an Indian citizenship certificate of renunciation within three years of getting citizenship in a foreign nation. They need the following documents for application: 

• A copy of the completed application form
• They must submit the last passport to the Indian consulate
• Other documents showing proof of Indian origin
• Copy of proof of acquisition of foreign citizenship, such as a copy of the foreign passport

Certificate of Renunciation Application Form

To start the process, applicants need to follow some steps for a renunciation application. They can apply at the authorized visa center of the Indian embassy. They must provide the following:

• Personal details: They need to provide their basic personal details. These details include the full name, gender, email address, phone number, occupation, marital status, and spouse’s name (if applicable).
• Children details: They must include the details of minor children if they have any.
• Address: Applicants must provide their current address details.
• Photograph: 2"x2" against white background
• Document uploads: This involves uploading necessary documents as part of the application process.
• Final submission: Review and confirm all entered information before the final submission of the application.
• Online payment: After filling out the application along with the required documents, the fee must be paid online.

Note:

The processing time and fees vary from country to country and are subject to change without further notice. Applicants are advised to check with the Indian embassy at the time of applying.

For Parents and Minors

Indian citizens who wish to renounce their citizenship should be aware of the impact on their minor children. If a parent gives up Indian citizenship, their children will also lose their Indian citizenship. 

Children who have lost Indian citizenship because of their parents can choose to get it back if they want. This option is available within one year after attaining full age (usually 18 years). To resume Indian citizenship, they need to submit a declaration in the prescribed format expressing their desire. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the grace period for obtaining a renunciation certificate after acquiring foreign citizenship?

Ans. A person from India has 3 years to get a renunciation certificate after getting citizenship in another country.

Q: Can I apply for renunciation before I get my US passport? I recently became a US citizen through naturalization but don’t have a US passport yet. I have my Naturalization Certificate and want to start the OCI process soon.

A: Applicants need a copy of their US passport to apply for a renunciation certificate. The application form requires their US passport number. The consulate cannot accept the renunciation application without a copy of the US passport. They must apply for renunciation as soon as they receive their US passport.

Post-Renunciation Consequences

After applicants surrender their citizenship, they will be considered the following.

• they will regarded as foreign nationals
• they will no longer have access to the rights reserved for Indian citizens, such as voting in elections
• their minor children will also lose their Indian citizenship
• they will have to obtain a visa to travel to or stay in India after that unless they become OCI card holders

Example: Traveler’s Dilemma After Obtaining Renunciation Certificate

Issue:

New US citizens may wonder about surrendering their Indian passport and its impact on their future visits to India. Some applicants may get curious about the process and the consequences it may have on their travel plans.

Aftermath:  

Once someone becomes a US citizen, they must give up their Indian citizenship and passport. They can do this at the Indian consulate. After that, they can apply for a multiple-entry Indian tourist e-Visa (1 year or 5 years). Alternatively, they can also apply for a regular visa or an OCI Card.

After obtaining the renunciation certificate, they will have to apply for an Indian visa for their trip.

OCI Card: The Next Best Option

Applicants can also obtain an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card after renouncing their Indian citizenship. It is a special visa that lets holders travel and stay in India.

Read more: OCI Card (Overseas Citizenship of India)  

Conclusion

To summarize, an authorized visa center or the Indian embassy handles the renunciation or surrendering of Indian citizenship. Applicants must go to the Indian consulate for cancellation of their passport. 

It also marks the individual’s transition to their new national identity. Overall, getting a certificate of renunciation marks the end of one’s legal ties to India as a citizen.