How NRIs in UAE can add local address to Indian passport
<h3><strong>Explained: How NRIs in UAE can add their local address to an Indian passport</strong></h3><p>Indian citizens living in the UAE who no longer maintain a permanent address in India can now update their passports to include their <strong>local UAE address</strong>. This service, introduced in <strong>2020</strong> by the <strong>Consulate General of India (CGI)</strong> in Dubai, helps long-term expatriates maintain accurate and valid address details on their Indian passports.</p><p>Here’s a step-by-step guide on how Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the UAE can apply for this service, along with the required documents, fees, and processing timeline.</p><h3><strong>Step 1: Apply for a new passport</strong></h3><p>The Indian Consulate has clarified that the local address update <strong>cannot be made on an existing passport</strong>. Instead, applicants must apply for a <strong>new passport (re-issue)</strong> reflecting the UAE address.</p><p>You can start the application in one of two ways:</p><h4><strong>Option 1: In-person at a BLS Centre</strong></h4><p>Visit any <strong>BLS International Service Centre</strong>, the official passport and visa outsourcing partner for the CGI. Request the <strong>EAP-II form</strong> (Application Form for Miscellaneous Services on Indian Passport) to update your address.</p><h4><strong>Option 2: Online application</strong></h4><p>Go to the official <strong>Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates portal</strong>:<br>👉 <a href="https://portal5.passportindia.gov.in">https://portal5.passportindia.gov.in</a></p><p>Select the option to <strong>re-issue an ordinary passport with a new address</strong>.</p><p>Complete the form online, print it out, and submit it along with required documents at a BLS centre.</p><h3><strong>Step 2: Visit BLS Centre and provide address details</strong></h3><p>Once at the BLS centre, submit your printed application or complete the process in person. You’ll need to provide your <strong>UAE address details</strong>, including:</p><p>Emirate of residence</p><p>Street name and area</p><p>House number</p><p>Mobile number and email</p><p>You must also list <strong>one Indian address</strong> (for police verification). This can be your <strong>parent’s or relative’s address in India</strong>, as required by the <strong>Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)</strong>.</p><h3><strong>Step 3: Submit proof of UAE address</strong></h3><p>To confirm your UAE residency, you’ll need to provide the following documents:</p><p><strong>Original valid Indian passport</strong></p><p><strong>Registered tenancy contract</strong> or <strong>title deed</strong> (you must have lived at the property for at least one year)</p><p><strong>Valid Emirates ID</strong></p><p><strong>Recent utilities bill</strong>, depending on your emirate:</p><p><strong>Dubai:</strong> Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)</p><p><strong>Abu Dhabi:</strong> Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC)</p><p><strong>Sharjah:</strong> Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA)</p><p><strong>Ajman, UAQ, Fujairah, RAK, Dhaid:</strong> Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE)</p><p>Your <strong>current passport</strong> must also be submitted during the application process. Once approved, both your old and new passports will be returned via <strong>courier</strong>.</p><h3><strong>Step 4: Pay the applicable fees</strong></h3><p>The cost of updating your passport depends on where you apply:</p><p><strong>Dh415</strong> – Standard BLS Service Centre</p><p><strong>Dh650</strong> – Premium BLS Lounge (faster service and additional facilities)</p><p>The fee includes service and courier charges.</p><h3><strong>Step 5: Processing time</strong></h3><p>The processing period usually takes <strong>10 to 15 working days</strong>, depending on the <strong>Consulate General of India’s discretion</strong>. Applicants will receive an <strong>SMS notification</strong> once the new passport is ready for collection or dispatch.</p><h3><strong>Important Notes</strong></h3><p>Police verification in India remains <strong>mandatory</strong> for all reissue applications.</p><p>Ensure all documents are <strong>valid and up to date</strong>, especially your tenancy contract and Emirates ID.</p><p>The service applies only to <strong>Indian citizens residing in the UAE</strong> with valid residency permits.</p>