For Indian parents living abroad, applying for an Indian passport for their child can be both an exciting and overwhelming process. Whether your child was born overseas or in India but needs a passport for international travel, understanding the step-by-step procedure is crucial. A valid passport ensures not only legal identity and nationality but also smooth participation in global education, travel, healthcare, and even future business opportunities.

In this blog, we will guide you through the complete process of applying for an Indian passport for your child as an NRI (Non-Resident Indian), highlight the required documents, common challenges, and how to avoid delays—especially when time-sensitive travel or business matters are involved.

Why Is a Passport Important for NRI Children?

An Indian passport serves as the official proof of citizenship for a child. It is essential for:

• International travel
  
• School admissions in foreign countries
  
• Medical treatment overseas
  
• Applying for visas or OCI cards
  
• Including children in your legal, property, or business documentation back in India
  
  

Delays in obtaining a child’s passport can halt travel plans or business trips, or delay family reunification. Therefore, it’s important for Indian parents abroad to approach this process with clarity and preparation.

Eligibility for Applying

To apply for a passport for your child, at least one parent must be an Indian citizen. The child must also meet the following conditions:

• Born to Indian parents abroad or in India
  
• Holds no other nationality officially (unless renounced)
  
• Below 18 years of age (above 18 requires a regular adult passport application

Documents Required for Child Passport (NRI Parents)

The required documents may vary slightly by country, but generally include:

1. Child’s Birth Certificate
   Issued by the local foreign authority and registered with the Indian embassy or consulate.
   
2. Indian Passports of Both Parents
   Copies of the first and last pages (with valid visa/residence permit).
   
3. Marriage Certificate of Parents
   To establish legal guardianship and family structure.
   
4. Proof of Address (Overseas)
   Utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement.
   
5. Photographs of the Child
   As per embassy or consulate specifications (usually 2x2 inch, white background).
   
6. Annexures as Required (Affidavits)
   Depending on the case (e.g., Annexure D for minor consent, Annexure H if only one parent is applying).
   
7. Self-attested Copies Originals
   Originals are required for verification.
   
8. Declaration Letter by Parents
   Declaring responsibility and intention behind applying for the passport.
   
   

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Here’s how you can apply for a child’s Indian passport while living abroad:

1. Register on official Portal

Visit the official portal https://travelsahayata.com/ 

• Create an account.
  
• Choose the embassy or consulate based on your current residence.
  
• Select “Fresh Passport” and then "Minor."
  
  

2. Fill the Application Form

Provide accurate details of the child’s:

• Full name
  
• Date and place of birth
  
• Parental details
  
• Indian address (if applicable)
  
  

If either parent is involved in business abroad, make sure all business address details match official documentation to avoid discrepancies.

3. Upload Documents and Book Appointment

Upload scanned copies of all required documents. After submission, schedule an appointment at the local Indian embassy, consulate, or service center like TravelSahayata.

Choose between:

• Normal service – 3–4 weeks processing
  
• Tatkal (urgent) – faster but may not be available in all countries
  
  

4. Attend the Appointment

Both parents and the child may need to be present for biometric verification and signature (thumbprint) collection. Carry originals of all submitted documents for verification.

Pay the applicable fee based on the service type and booklet size (36 or 60 pages).

5. Track the Application

You can track the status using:

• The Passport Seva website
  
• The embassy/consulate tracking tool
  
• TravelSahayata’s real-time update system
  
  

Police Verification for Children

In most cases, no police verification is needed for children under 18 when both parents have valid Indian passports and there are no address changes. However, verification may be required if:

• The child is applying for the first time from a new Indian address
  
• Only one parent is applying (especially in separated or divorced cases)
  
• Any inconsistency in the documents is found
  
  

Fees and Timelines

(Fees vary depending on country and embassy)

Conclusion

Applying for an Indian passport for your child as an NRI can be a smooth process if approached with the right knowledge and preparation. A valid passport opens up global opportunities—not only for travel and education but also as a critical identity document for future business or legal needs.

Indian parents living abroad should treat this process with the same care and attention they would give to their own passport matters. Using trusted services like TravelSahayata can save time, ensure accuracy, and eliminate unnecessary stress—especially when dealing with urgent travel, business relocation, or school admissions.

By staying informed and planning ahead, you can ensure that your child’s Indian identity and legal access are protected—no matter where in the world you reside.