Renunciation of Indian Citizenship
Indian Citizens in Panama/Costa Rica/Nicaragua are informed that as per the latest guidelines given below, the process of renunciation and issuance of Renunciation certificate may take approx. 1-2 months or even more in specific cases. So, applicants are suggested to plan accordingly and apply for the same well in advance.
A. Instructions to applicants for renunciation of Indian Citizenship
1. Any Indian citizen can renounce his/her citizenship by making a declaration in the Form XXII specified in Rule 23 of The Citizenship Rules, 2009. The application Form has to be filled only on the online portal of MHA Renunciation of Indian Citizenship https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in/Renounce
2. The applicant can apply at Indian Mission/Post concerned based on his present address.
3. The renouncer would fill all his/her details and upload relevant documents in above mentioned website, take a print-out and visit the Indian Mission/Post concerned for interview, signing the declaration before the concerned authority (i. e. Consular officer) and to submit the print-out of the application with supporting documents.
4. Separate application has to be filed for each applicant.
5. The online form should be filled in Block/Capital.
6. Once the application form is submitted online by the applicant, then no further modifications are allowed. Hence applicants are requested to carefully verify the details before submitting the online application form.
7. MHA File Number would be generated automatically after the submission of online application and the same will be communicated to the applicant by e-mail. Applicant must keep note of it for tracking the status and refer this file number for any future correspondence.
8. Applicant can pay the fees directly online as per the amount shown on the MHA website. In case, if the applicant is unable to pay the prescribed fee online, he may pay the same in offline mode by depositing the amount in Embassy account. The fees for renunciation is as follows:
• For those persons of Indian origin who have already acquired foreign citizenship till 31 May 2010, the fee is US$ 27.
• For those, who acquired foreign citizenship on or after 1 June 2010, the fee is US$ 132.
(All the above fees includes US$ 2.00 towards ICWF as per Govt. orders w.e.f. 01.09.2017)
9. Complete step by step instructions for filling a fresh online application, modifying a partially filled online application, printing an application submitted online may be referred in MHA website at STEP BY STEP GUIDE
10. Applicant must take the print out of the online submitted application and personally submit the same at the Indian Mission/Post concerned along with original documents for further action by authority.
11. Applicant will be provided acknowledgment in Form XXIII after his signed application/declaration is successfully uploaded by the Indian Mission/Post. This may be sent to applicant through e-mail.
12. The decision of the competent authority on declaration of renunciation of Indian citizenship shall be conveyed to the applicant through e-mail. On acceptance of the declaration by the Competent Authority, a signed Renunciation Certificate (RC) will be sent by post in due course of time.
13. Applicant may note the legal provision under section 8 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 which provides that where a person ceases to be a citizen of India on renunciation of citizenship under section 8 (1),every minor child of that person shall there upon ceases to be a citizen of India However, such child may, within one year after attaining full age, can make a declaration in the prescribed form and manner that he wishes to resume Indian citizenship.
14. A person who has ceased to be Indian citizen is required to surrender the documents which he had acquired on the basis of his Indian citizenship (e.g. Voter ID Card etc)to the authorities.
15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Renunciation of Indian Citizenship. (CLICK HERE)
******
B. Documents to be submitted at Embassy for processing of Renunciation applications.
• Original Indian Passport along with copy of Indian Passport (front and back). Completed, printed, and signed Application form of Renunciation of Indian Citizenship (as explained in Step A)
• Letter Explaining the reasons why the person is applying for renunciation of Indian Citizenship, along with contact details (email, current address, mobile number) and for how long you have been living in Panama/Costa Rica/Nicaragua.
• Proof of residency in Panama/Costa Rica/Nicaragua (Employer’s letter or copy of any public service bill of residence or any proof of the permanent residence)
• Three (3) photographs 5 cm x 5 cm
• Proof of Online payment or Original Deposit slip if the fees is deposited in Embassy's account.
• Address to Send/Submit all the Documents:
10325, Calle Federico Boyd,
Apdo 0823-05815,
Bella Vista, Panama,
Republic of Panama.
DHL(optional) : Applications sent through DHL courier Services should be accompanied with the return service envelope in order send the canceled passport back to the applicant.
For any assistance or further clarifications, please send an email to cons.panama@mea.gov.in or cons2.panama@mea.gov.in
*******
