Renunciation of Indian Citizenship

General Information – Surrender of Indian Passport

Under Indian law, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who have acquired foreign citizenship are required to surrender their Indian passports immediately after acquiring foreign nationality. This process must be completed at the Du Digital Global Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC).

India does not allow dual citizenship as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955. Holding, obtaining, or using an Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship is a violation of the Indian Passport Act, 1967 and may attract legal penalties.

Important Guidelines:

• Persons of Indian Origin applying for an OCI Card must first surrender their Indian passport before proceeding with the OCI application.
• Individuals applying for an Indian visa for the first time after acquiring foreign nationality must also complete the renunciation/surrender process of their Indian passport.
  
  

For Minor Children:

As per Section 8(2) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, when a person ceases to be an Indian citizen, every minor child of that person also ceases to be a citizen of India. However, such a child may, within one year of attaining majority, declare their intent to resume Indian citizenship, and shall be granted citizenship upon such declaration.

Note: The old Indian passport will be cancelled by the Embassy/Consulate and cannot be used for travel under any circumstances.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Surrender of Indian Passport

For Adults

1. Register Online
   Create an account on Du Digital Global Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC).
   👉Click Here to Register
   
   
2. Fill Government of India Application
   Fill the online form at the Indian Citizenship Online Portal.
   Once submitted, the form cannot be modified, so enter details carefully.
   
   
3. Book Appointment
   Book your visit at a convenient time on Du Digital Global ICAC.
   👉Click Here to Book Appointment
   
   
4. Prepare Documents
   Keep all documents ready as per the “Documents Checklist” section.
   
   
5. Visit ICAC
   Visit the ICAC office 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
   Address will be mentioned on your appointment letter.
   
   
6. Submit Application
   Submit your form, documents, and applicable fees at the ICAC.
   You may opt for Courier Service to receive your processed documents at home.
   
   
7. Track Application
   👉Click Here to Track Your Application
   
   
8. Important Notes

• • Submit Form XXII (PDF) in person.
  • Form must be vouched by another Indian national (non-family).
  • Include witness passport copy (presence not mandatory).
  • Submission must be done in person.
  • If your last Indian passport is held by German authorities, retrieve it through them or contact the Embassy/Consulate.
    
    

For Minors

1. Register Online
   Create an account on Du Digital Global ICAC.
   👉Click Here to Register
   
   
2. Fill Government Application
   Fill the Surrender of Passport form on Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates.
   Print and paste 2 photographs, and sign as required.
   
   
3. Download & Fill Supporting Forms
   Form XXII – <Click Here to download link>
   Parental Authorization Form – <Click Here to download link>
   Particulars Form – <Click Here to download link>
   A non-family Indian national must witness and sign Form XXII.
   
   
4. Book Appointment
   Book a convenient slot on Du Digital Global ICAC.
   👉Click Here to Book Appointment
   
   
5. Prepare Documents
   Keep all required documents as per the “Documents Checklist”.
   
   
6. Visit ICAC
   Visit 15 minutes early. Address will be on your appointment letter.
   Both parents and the child must be present.
   
   
7. Submit Application
   Submit the complete application and fees at the ICAC.
   Use Courier Service for delivery, if desired.
   
   
8. Track Application
   👉Click Here to Track Application
   
   
9. Important Notes

• • Submit Form XXII in person with supporting documents.
  • Witness’ passport copy required (presence not mandatory).
  • Retrieve Indian passport from German authorities or Indian Embassy/Consulate as applicable.
    
    

 You can refer to the below Process Flow Chart to understand and follow the application process-

For Walkin-in Application with prior appointment (Creative required)–

• Register on our Website
• Complete the Government of India’s online form as guided.
• Schedule Appointment
• Visit Du Digital Global ICAC at your scheduled date & time.
• Submit Application & deposit Fees
• Track your Application Status on our website.
• Collect your processed document(s) or get it delivered to your doorstep.

For Postal Applications (Creative required)–

• Register on our Website.
• Complete the Government of India’s online form as guided.
• Apply for postal application and pay the fees online. You can also opt to pay fees through bank transfer.
• Prepare your postal package as per the checklist of documents. Attach proof of payment.
• Send your postal package to Du Digital Global ICAC as per your jurisdiction.
• Track your Application Status on our website.
• Have your processed document(s) delivered to your doorstep.

Here is a clear and organized Documents Checklist for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship (Based on the Citizenship Guarantee Letter) – specifically for Adults applying through Du Digital Global Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC):

Mandatory Documents to be Submitted:

1. Printed Copy of the Online Application Form
   Fill the form at: https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in/Renounce
   Page 1: Must be signed by the applicant in front of the ICAC Counter Staff.
   Page 2: Must be signed by an Indian citizen vouching for the correctness of your details before your ICAC visit.
   
   
2. Original Current Indian Passport
   Along with self-attested photocopies of:
   First & last pages (Personal details) of the current passport
   If available, first & last pages of the previous Indian passport
   
   
3. Proof of Current Address in South Korea
   Self-attested copy of City Registration
   Self – Attested copy of valid South Korea Visa / Residence Permit
   Self – Attested copy of Citizenship Guarantee Letter
   
   
4. Passport Copy of the Vouching Indian Citizen
   Self-attested copy of the valid Indian passport of the person signing Page 2 of your application form
   
   
5. Proof of Payment
   If paid via bank transfer, enclose payment receipt
   
   
6. Printed & Duly Filled Checklist
   Click Here to Download the Checklist
   
   
7. Applicant Consent Form
   Click Here to Download the Application Consent Form
   
   

IMPORTANT NOTE:
If your last Indian passport is not in your possession, you must:

• Obtain a written confirmation letter from the German authority to whom the passport was submitted.
• This letter must clearly state the whereabouts or current status of the passport.
• Submit this letter in place of the original passport at the time of your ICAC appointment.

Fees Details

Disclaimer: The Indian Embassy and Consulates in South Korea reserve the right to revise service fees at any time in accordance with directives issued by the Government of India, without prior notice.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and currency of the published fee structure, discrepancies may occasionally occur. In such cases, applicants may be required to pay the difference, even if the application has already been submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For Applicants Above 18 Years

1. Where can I apply?

• Applicants need to apply online on the Indian Citizenship Online Portal.

1. What documents are required?

• • You must submit the following documents:
  • Form 22 –<Link to download the form>
  • Copy of first and last pages of current Indian passport
  • Original Indian passport even if expired.
  • Copy of City Registration
  • Copy of Foreign Nationality Certificate
  • Copy of Foreign Passport
  • Particulars Form signed by an Indian national (non-family) – <Link to download the form>

Note:

• • All original documents must be presented at the time of verification.
  • Documents related to nationality (non-German) must be apostilled before submission.

1. What is the fee and how do I pay?

• • Fee:Amount
  • Payment Methods: Cash or Card at Du Digital Global ICAC

1. What are the document upload criteria?

• • PDFs must be max 1MB each
  • Photograph must be 5×5 cm, JPG format, max 50KB

1. How long is the processing time?

• • Minimum 10–12 weeks (from receipt of complete application)
  • Security clearances are mandatory before issuance
  • Avoid status queries within 12 weeks of submission
  • Use the Track Application feature for real-time updates

1. Can I track my status online?

Use the “Application Status” option on the Indian Citizenship Online Portal.

For Applicants Below 18 Years

1. Where can I apply?

Apply online via Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates.

1. When do I need to surrender my passport?

• • Within 3 years of acquiring foreign nationality.
  • Travel on Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship is prohibited.

1. What documents are required?

• • Form 22 – Download Here
  • Particulars Form (signed by an Indian national, non-family) – Download Here
  • Declaration Form signed by both parents – Download Here
  • Copy of first and last pages of Indian passport of minor and both parents
  • Original Indian passport of minor even if expired
  • Copy of City Registration
  • Copy of minor’s Foreign Nationality Certificate
  • Copy of minor’s Foreign Passport

Note:

• • All original documents must be presented for verification
  • Non-South Korea nationality docs must be apostilled

1. Is parental presence mandatory?

Yes. Both parents and the child must be physically present for submission at Du Digital Global ICAC.

1. What if my passport was taken by South Korean authorities?

• • Submit your application at Du Digital Global ICAC and mention this situation.
  • Follow up with the South Korean authority to ensure the passport is sent to the Indian Embassy / Consulate.
  • The surrender certificate process starts only after the Embassy receives the Indian passport.

1. Whose details should be filled in the Particulars Form?

An Indian national, not related to the applicant, must complete and sign the form to verify applicant identity.

1. How do I submit my application?

• • Application must be submitted in person at Du Digital Global ICAC (as per jurisdiction).
  • Prior appointment is mandatory. See “How to Apply” for details.

1. What if I have a passport from another country?

Nationality certificate and passport must be apostilled by the concerned authority before submission.

1. What is the document/image upload criteria?

• • PDFs: Max 1MB per file
  • Photo: 5×5 cm, JPG format, max 50KB

1. What is the processing time?

• • Takes 10–12 weeks (from date of complete application)
  • Certificate is issued only after necessary security clearances
  • Track status via the Track Application page

1. Can I track my application status?

Yes, via the “Application Status” section on the Government’s Citizenship Online Portal.

Jurisdiction