Citizenship by Descent (Section 4)

To apply for Indian citizenship by descent under Section 4 of the Citizenship Act, you must register the birth of the child at an Indian Consulate. This process is primarily handled through the Global Gateway for Indian Citizenship online portal, followed by a physical submission of documents.

Step 1: Online Registration

You must register the birth within one year of the child's birth date. If more than one year has passed, you will need specific permission from the Central Government of India.

1. Visit the official MHA Citizenship Website.
2. Select the option for Registration of birth of a minor child at an Indian Consulate under Section 4(1).
3. Complete the application form accurately. You will be asked to provide details of both parents, including their citizenship status at the time of the child's birth.
4. Upload a digital photograph of the child and the required supporting documents.
5. Once submitted, the system will generate an Application ID. Print a copy of the completed application form.

Step 2: Prepare the Document Package

Gather the following original documents along with self-attested photocopies:

• The printed application form signed by both parents.
• The child’s foreign birth certificate.
• The parents' Indian passports (or the Indian passport of at least one parent).
• The parents' marriage certificate.
• A declaration signed by both parents stating that the minor child does not hold the passport of another country.

Step 3: Appointment and Submission

1. Book an appointment at the Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate having jurisdiction over your place of residence.
2. Both parents and the child should typically attend the appointment, though requirements can vary by consulate.
3. Submit the physical application, pay the required fees, and present original documents for verification.
4. The consular officer will review the application and, if approved, issue a Certificate of Registration of Birth.

Item	Cost
Registration Fee (within one year)	₹500 (or equivalent in local currency)
Late Registration Fee (after one year)	Subject to MHA approval/penalty
Consular Service Charge	Varies by location (approx. $2 - $5)
Postage/Courier Fee	Varies by location

Total Estimate: Approximately $10 - $25 USD (converted from INR), depending on your specific consulate's local service fees.

Note: This total does not include costs for document translation, notarization, or travel to the consulate.

• Online Application Review: 1 to 2 weeks.
• Consular Processing: 15 to 30 days from the date of the physical appointment, provided all documents are in order.
• Late Applications: If the birth is registered after one year, processing can take 6 to 12 months as it requires explicit clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi.

Document Validity: The Certificate of Registration of Birth does not expire, but it is the primary document required to apply for the child's first Indian Passport. You should apply for the passport immediately after receiving the citizenship certificate.