IndiaMy child was born abroad. How do I get Indian passport?
A child born abroad to Indian citizen parents is eligible for an Indian passport if at least one parent is an Indian citizen; apply online via the Passport Seva portal and submit required documents including birth certificate and parents’ Indian passports.
What the Law Says
Indian citizenship and passport eligibility for children born abroad are governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the Passports Act, 1967.
Under Indian law, a child born outside India on or after 26 January 1950 is an Indian citizen by descent if, at the time of birth, either parent is an Indian citizen. This is subject to registration with an Indian diplomatic mission abroad within one year of birth — or later with prior permission from the Central Government.
The Passports Act, 1967 empowers the passport authority to issue passports to Indian citizens, including minors. Minors (under 18 years) must apply through a parent or legal guardian, and their passport is valid for 5 years or until they turn 18 — whichever is earlier.
The application must be made using Form 18 (for minors), submitted online via Passport Seva, along with supporting documents such as the child’s birth certificate, parents’ Indian passports, proof of Indian citizenship (e.g., OCI card or naturalisation certificate if applicable), and address proof.
Statutory TextA person born outside India shall be a citizen of India by descent if his father is a citizen of India at the time of his birth.
— Citizenship Act, 1955, s. 4(1) — Citizenship by descent
Statutory TextThe passport authority may issue a passport to a citizen of India who makes an application in the prescribed form and on payment of the prescribed fee.
— Passports Act, 1967, s. 5(1) — Issue of passports
What to Do
Register the child’s birth with the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate (preferably within 1 year of birth) to establish Indian citizenship by descent.
Create a Passport Seva account and fill out Form 18 (minor application) online.
Upload scanned copies: child’s birth certificate, both parents’ valid Indian passports, marriage certificate (if applicable), and two recent passport-size photos.
Book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
Attend the appointment with original documents; biometrics (photo & signature) will be captured for the minor.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.