Birth Registration of a newborn child/minor of Indian parent/s 

and issue of First passport

Birth of a child to Indian parents need to be registered with MHA under section 4(1) of the citizenship Act 1955. Subsequently, the printed application along required documents may be submitted at the Consular Wing of the Embassy of India, Paris. 

2. Steps:

Step 1. Apply for registration of birth of new born child by registering at MHA web portal https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in/initial?formcode=09 , take print out and sign (by both parents)

Note: Documents should be uploaded in English only, as per requirement of above MHA portal

Step 2. Apply for passport as per A above, and documents to be submitted as per A1 above + Marriage certificate of parents with English translation by registered translator in France
OR Affidavit for a single parent where child is born out of wedlock or other parent’s whereabouts is unknown: Annexure ‘C’ (See at the bottom)
Note: Printed passport application form to be signed by both parents on the last page. 

3. Documents to be submitted for Birth Registration:
4. A Miscellaneous Service application duly filled
   ii. Two copies of signed (by both parents) MHA registration form 
   iii. Three photograph conforming to Indian Government norms. For Photo specification, may please see at the bottom: 
   iv. Photocopy of both parents passport (first and last pages as well as any pages including any endorsements) and original for verification
   v. Photocopy of Carte de Circulation/Resident Card/Visa 
   OR Immigration declaration form (please see at the bottom of this page) of parents if status NOT regular in France
   vi. Original apostilled birth certificate with English translation by sworn translator in France
   vii. Marriage certificate of parents with English translation by sworn translator in France
   OR Affidavit for a single parent where child is born out of wedlock or other parent’s whereabouts is unknown: Annexure ‘C’ (See at the bottom)
   viii. Photocopy of one of the following to prove your address: electricity, gas, landline/mobile telephone bill (not more than 6 months old)
   ix. If the birth registration is applied after one year of birth please fill the “Late Birth Registration Form” (see the bottom of this page)
   x. Declaration form: to be filled when submitting any application
5. For submitting the application, an online appointment may be obtained by using the link: https://appointment.eoiparis.com/

Note: Any certificate issued outside of India must be apostilled (with English translation) and should be given in the original

Total fees will be Euro 21 (For Birth Registration) + Euro 38 (For Issue of First Passport upto 8 years of age of minor / newborn child) =Total Euro 59. (If the first passport of the minor is issued after completion of 8 years of age of the child the fees will be Euro 21 (for birth registration + Euro 42 (for passport) = Euro 63/-)

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Birth Registration of a Newborn Child / Minor of Indian Parent(s)
& Issue of First Passport

Legal Basis: Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 — Every child born abroad to Indian parent(s) must be registered at an Indian Consulate within one year of birth. Registration with MHA is the mandatory first step before any Embassy service, including passport issuance.

SECTION A — Eligibility & Legal Framework

Q1. Who needs to register the birth of a child under Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955?

• Any child born abroad to Indian parent(s) must be registered under Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

• This applies where:

• One or both parents are Indian citizens at the time of the child's birth

• The child is born on or after 03.12.2004

• Registration with MHA is the mandatory prerequisite — only after registration does the child become an Indian citizen and become eligible for Indian passport and other consular services.

Q2. What is the legal deadline to register the birth?

• The birth must be registered within one year from the date of birth at the jurisdictional Indian Mission/Consulate.

• If registration is applied for after one year, prior approval of the Central Government (MHA) is required.

• Late registration takes considerably longer — sometimes years — to process.

Do NOT delay. Registration after one year requires MHA approval and can take a very long time. Always register within one year of the child's birth.

Q3. Is a child born in France to Indian parent(s) automatically an Indian citizen?

• No. Citizenship by descent is not automatic.

• The birth must be actively registered with MHA under Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

• Additionally, both parents must submit a declaration that the child does not hold the passport of any other country.

• Only after registration is the child legally recognised as an Indian citizen and eligible for Indian passport and consular services.

A child born in France acquires French citizenship by birth. Registering with MHA as an Indian citizen does not prevent this — dual status is possible during minority. However, the child must declare a choice of citizenship upon attaining majority.

Q4. What if only one parent is an Indian citizen?

• Registration is still valid — the child is eligible for Indian citizenship by descent if even one parent is an Indian citizen at the time of birth.

• Both parents must sign the MHA registration form and the Embassy application.

• If one parent is absent (e.g., unknown whereabouts, single parent, born out of wedlock), an Annexure 'C' Affidavit must be submitted in lieu of the absent parent's consent.

Q5. Are children born before 03.12.2004 covered under the same rules?

• No. Different provisions apply to children born before 03.12.2004.

• Children born on or after 03.12.2004 are governed by the amended provisions requiring active registration and a declaration that the child does not hold another country's passport.

• For children born before this date, please consult the Embassy directly for the applicable procedure.

SECTION B — The Application Process

Q6. What is the correct step-by-step process for birth registration and first passport?

Step 1 — MHA Online Registration

• Visit the MHA portal: https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in

• Select: "Registration of birth of a minor child at an Indian Consulate Under Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955"

• Fill the online Form I in Block/Capital letters — details must exactly match the child's local birth certificate

• Upload all required documents in English only (as per MHA portal requirement)

• Submit the application online — note down the MHA File Number generated

• Take a printout of the completed MHA application form (which will display the MHA File Number and child's photograph)

• Both parents must sign the printed MHA form at designated places

Step 2 — Passport Application (can be done simultaneously)

• Apply for the child's first passport online at: https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in/

• Print the passport application form — it must be signed by both parents on the last page

Step 3 — Embassy Appointment & Submission

• Book an appointment online at: https://appointment.eoiparis.com/

• Attend the Embassy with both parents and submit all required documents (see Q7)

Walk-in submissions are not accepted. An appointment is mandatory.

Q7. What documents are required for submission at the Embassy?

For Birth Registration

1. Miscellaneous Service application form — duly filled

2. Two copies of the MHA registration form — signed by both parents

3. Three recent photographs of the child — conforming to Indian Government photo norms

4. Photocopy of both parents' passports — first and last pages, plus any pages with endorsements (originals to be produced for verification)

5. Proof of immigration status in France (if not regularised): Photocopy of Carte de Circulation / Resident Card / Visa OR completed Immigration Declaration Form

6. Original apostilled French birth certificate with sworn English translation by a certified translator in France

7. Marriage certificate of parents with sworn English translation by a certified translator in France — OR — Annexure 'C' Affidavit (for single parent / unknown whereabouts of other parent)

8. Proof of address: photocopy of electricity, gas, or landline/mobile telephone bill — not more than 6 months old

9. Declaration Form — to be filled and submitted with every application

10. Late Birth Registration Form — only if registering after one year from the date of birth

Additional documents for First Passport

• All documents listed above for birth registration

• Marriage certificate of parents with sworn English translation — OR — Annexure 'C' Affidavit

• Printed and signed passport application form

Any certificate issued outside India must be apostilled and submitted in original with a sworn English translation. Originals will be verified and returned.

All documents must be uploaded in English only on the MHA portal. Non-English documents must be translated before uploading.

Q8. Do both parents need to be physically present at the Embassy?

• Yes. As a general rule, both parents are required to be present at the Embassy for submission.

• If one parent is absent and unavoidably unable to attend, the following must be provided:

• Duly signed consent letter from the absent parent

• Photocopy of the absent parent's passport

• Annexure 'C' Affidavit — if the child is born out of wedlock or the other parent's whereabouts are unknown

• Both parents must sign the MHA registration form and the passport application form regardless.

Q9. Can birth registration and passport application be submitted at the same time?

• Yes. Both applications can be submitted simultaneously at the Embassy in a single appointment.

• Both the MHA registration application and the passport application must be prepared and signed in advance.

• This is the recommended approach to save time and reduce visits.

Q10. What happens after submission at the Embassy?

• The Embassy verifies original documents and forwards the MHA registration application to the Ministry of Home Affairs, India for processing.

• On approval, MHA issues a Birth Registration Certificate confirming the child's Indian citizenship.

• The passport application is processed in parallel and the passport is printed and dispatched from India to the Embassy.

• The applicant is notified to collect documents once ready.

• Final documents must be collected in person from the Embassy.

SECTION C — Documents, Translations & Apostille

Q11. What is an apostille and why is it required?

• An apostille is an official authentication stamp/certificate that verifies a public document for use in another country, issued under the Hague Convention of 1961.

• France is a signatory to the Hague Convention, so French public documents can be apostilled by the French authorities.

• The child's local French birth certificate (acte de naissance) must be apostilled before being accepted by the Embassy.

• Documents apostilled by a Hague Convention country are accepted without further attestation by the Indian Mission.

The apostille on a French birth certificate is obtained through the Tribunal Judiciaire or the relevant French authority. Allow sufficient time as this may take a few weeks.

Q12. What is a sworn translation and where can I get one?

• A sworn translation (traduction assermentée) is a certified translation prepared by a translator officially sworn before the French Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel).

• The Embassy requires sworn/certified English translations for:

• The French birth certificate (apostilled original + English sworn translation)

• The marriage certificate of parents

• Any other foreign-language document submitted

• Sworn translators in France can be found at: https://www.courdecassation.fr (list of certified translators)

• Translations by non-certified translators are NOT accepted.

All documents in French or any other language must be accompanied by a sworn English translation. Untranslated documents will not be accepted.

Q13. What are the photo specifications for the child?

• Square shape, minimum size 51 x 51 mm with approximately 80% face coverage

• Plain light-coloured background (not white), no border

• Front view showing the full face and shoulders

• For newborns/infants: eyes should be open and facing the camera; the photo may show the baby lying down on a white/off-white blanket if the baby cannot sit

• File format: JPEG/JPG, max size 200 KB

• Three copies of the photograph are required for submission at the Embassy

For very young infants, taking an acceptable passport-quality photograph can be challenging. Ensure the face is clearly visible and unobstructed.

Q14. What is the Declaration Form and what does it contain?

• The Declaration Form must be filled and submitted with every application at the Embassy.

• For birth registration specifically, both parents must declare that:

• The minor child does not hold the passport of any other country

• The information provided is true and correct to the best of their knowledge

• This declaration is a mandatory requirement under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

The child's registration will not be processed unless this declaration is submitted. If the child later acquires another country's passport, Indian citizenship may be affected.

Q15. What is Annexure 'C' and when is it needed?

• Annexure 'C' is a notarised affidavit submitted by a single parent in place of the absent or unknown parent's consent.

• It is required when:

• The child is born out of wedlock

• The other parent's whereabouts are unknown

• One parent is deceased (in which case death certificate should also be provided)

• The Annexure 'C' format is available at the bottom of the Birth Registration page on the Embassy website: https://www.eoiparis.gov.in/page/Birth_Registration_and_Issue_of_First_Passport/

SECTION D — Fees, Timelines & Collection

Q16. What are the applicable fees?

• Payment is made in cash at the Embassy at the time of submission.

• Fees are subject to revision — always verify current fees with the Embassy before your visit.

Q17. How long does the birth registration process take?

• The MHA registration process involves central government processing in India and timelines can vary.

• Applications submitted within one year of birth are processed in the normal course.

• Late applications (after one year) require MHA approval, which can take considerably longer — sometimes several years.

• Passport processing timelines are similar to standard minor passport issuance.

Submit early — ideally well within the first year — to avoid delays and complications.

Q18. How and where do I collect the documents after processing?

• Final documents — including the Birth Registration Certificate and the child's passport — must be collected in person from the Embassy.

• The Embassy will notify the applicant when the documents are ready for collection.

• Document collection timings: 1600 hrs – 1700 hrs on Embassy working days.

• Collection can be done by either parent or an authorised representative (with written authorisation and ID proof).

Always check the Embassy website for updated collection timings and public holidays before visiting: https://www.eoiparis.gov.in

SECTION E — Late Registration & Special Cases

Q19. My child was born more than one year ago and I have not registered. What should I do?

• Registration after one year from the date of birth is still possible but requires prior approval from the Central Government (MHA).

• Submit the Late Birth Registration Form (available on the Embassy website) along with all standard documents.

• Be prepared for a significantly longer processing time — approval from MHA can take years in some cases.

• Contact the Embassy at the earliest with your child's details for specific guidance on the late registration process.

There is no defined upper time limit beyond which registration becomes impossible, but the process becomes progressively harder and longer after the one-year deadline. Do not delay further.

Q20. My child was born out of wedlock / I am a single parent. Can I still register the birth?

• Yes. Birth registration is available to single parents.

• Submit Annexure 'C' (Affidavit) in place of the marriage certificate and the absent/unknown parent's consent.

• Only the present parent needs to attend the Embassy (with the Annexure 'C' Affidavit duly notarised).

• The child's Indian citizenship by descent is established through the Indian parent.

Q21. My child holds / will hold French nationality. Can the child also be registered as Indian?

• Yes. A child can hold both nationalities during minority.

• Indian citizenship and French citizenship can coexist until the child turns 18.

• Upon attaining the age of majority (18 years), the child must opt for one citizenship and renounce the other, as the Constitution of India does not permit dual citizenship for adults.

Parents should inform the child well before they turn 18 about the requirement to make a citizenship choice. If Indian citizenship is retained, a Renunciation Certificate for French citizenship will be required.

Q22. What if the parents do not have a valid marriage certificate?

• If no marriage certificate is available, the reasons must be clearly stated in writing.

• For unmarried parents: submit Annexure 'C' Affidavit.

• For married parents where the certificate has been lost or was never issued: provide a written explanation and any available supporting documentation (e.g., religious marriage records, family registry extracts).

• The Embassy will review such cases individually.

Q23. One parent is not an Indian citizen. What documents are needed from the non-Indian parent?

• The non-Indian parent's passport (photocopy + original for verification)

• Proof of immigration status in France (Carte de Circulation / Resident Card / Visa or Immigration Declaration Form)

• The non-Indian parent's name and nationality details should be entered in the relevant sections of the MHA online form

• In the MHA online form, leave the Indian citizenship details (e.g., Citizen of India by, Certificate No.) blank for the non-Indian parent

• The non-Indian parent must still sign the MHA form and the passport application form

SECTION F — MHA Online Portal & Technical Issues

Q24. Where do I register the birth online and how do I navigate the MHA portal?

• Go to: https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in

• Select the last option: "Registration of birth of a minor child at an Indian Consulate Under Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955"

• Click "Apply Online" and register with a unique email ID and mobile number

• Fill Form I — all details in Block/Capital letters

• Upload all documents in English; use translated versions if originals are in French

• Submit and note the MHA File Number shown on screen (also sent to the registered email)

• Print the application using the "Upload Documents / Print Application" option after upload is complete

Use Google Chrome for best compatibility with the MHA portal. Allow pop-ups in your browser to enable the PDF print function.

Q25. I am unable to print the MHA application form. What should I do?

• Ensure all required documents have been uploaded — the 'Print Application' button is only enabled after all uploads are complete

• Allow pop-up windows in your browser settings

• Try on Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox

• If issues persist:

• Log back in and use the 'Upload Documents / Print Application' option

• Enter your MHA File Number and access the print function from there

• Try on a different device or from a different network connection

Q26. I made an error in the MHA online form after submission. What should I do?

• Contact the Embassy immediately with your MHA File Number and details of the error.

• Do NOT submit a second application for the same child — this creates duplicate records.

• Minor corrections may be possible through the Embassy — the Embassy will advise on the correct procedure.

Do not submit a second online application. Always use the same MHA File Number for any corrections or follow-up actions.

SECTION G — Appointment & Embassy Visit

Q27. How do I book an appointment at the Embassy?

• All appointments are booked online at: https://appointment.eoiparis.com/

• Select the appropriate service category: Birth Registration / Minor Passport

• New slots are typically released on the 25th of every month at 09:00 hrs and every Friday at 09:00 hrs — check regularly

• Walk-in appointments are strictly NOT permitted

Do not visit the Embassy without a confirmed appointment. Incomplete applications may not be processed even with an appointment.

Q28. What should I carry to the Embassy on the appointment day?

• Printed confirmation of your appointment

• Printed and signed MHA registration form (both parents' signatures)

• Printed and signed passport application form (both parents' signatures on last page)

• Original French birth certificate (apostilled) + sworn English translation

• Original passports of both parents (for verification)

• Photocopies of all supporting documents

• Three photographs of the child (per Indian Government specifications)

• Marriage certificate (apostilled + sworn translation) or Annexure 'C' Affidavit

• Proof of address (utility bill not older than 6 months)

• Completed Declaration Form

• Completed Late Birth Registration Form (if applicable)

• Cash for payment of Embassy fees

Organise all documents in the order listed above before your appointment. Incomplete document sets will not be accepted and a new appointment will be required.

SECTION I — e-SEWA, Miscellaneous Services & Practical Guidance

Q29. Is e-SEWA required for birth registration at the Embassy?

• Yes. The Miscellaneous Service application through the e-SEWA portal is mandatory before visiting the Embassy for birth registration.

• Portal: https://indianconsularservices.mea.gov.in/consularServices/

• Under e-SEWA, select 'Miscellaneous Services' and choose the relevant category.

• After online submission, the Embassy scrutinises the application before confirming the appointment.

• Do not visit the Embassy without completing the e-SEWA application first.

e-SEWA is separate from the MHA birth registration portal. Both must be completed: MHA portal (https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in) for citizenship registration AND e-SEWA for the Embassy miscellaneous service application.

Q30. What should I enter in the 'Issue Date' or 'Certificate Number' fields in e-SEWA if they are not applicable?

• If your supporting document (e.g., utility bill, bank form, or other non-certified document) does not have an issue date or certificate number, enter "NA" (Not Applicable) in those fields.

• Do not leave mandatory fields blank as this may cause the application to be rejected during scrutiny.

Q31. What are the file upload rules on e-SEWA and MHA portals?

• Maximum file size: 200 KB per document

• Accepted formats: PDF or JPEG

• File names must NOT contain special characters such as @, #, %, &, (, ), spaces, or punctuation marks

• Rename files to simple alphanumeric names before uploading (e.g., BirthCertificate.pdf, ParentPassport.jpg)

• Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, complete, and fully legible

• Blurry, cropped, or partially visible documents will be rejected during scrutiny

ℹ Rename all files before uploading. Example: 'BirthCert_John.pdf' not 'Acte de Naissance (apostillé) & traduction #2025.pdf'

Q32. My e-SEWA application has been objected to. What should I do?

• Review the objection remarks carefully in your e-SEWA account.

• Upload the required or corrected documents as specified in the objection.

• Click 'Resubmit to Mission' on the e-SEWA portal to resubmit your application online.

• Once resubmitted, the Embassy will process the application from their end.

• Do NOT create a new application — always resubmit using the same application.

Always use 'Resubmit to Mission' for an objected application. Creating a new application will result in duplicate records and further delays.

Q33. Can someone else attend the Embassy appointment on my behalf?

• Personal presence of at least one parent is generally required for birth registration submission.

• In exceptional circumstances, an authorised representative may attend on behalf of one parent if:

• A written authorisation letter from the absent parent is provided

• A copy of the absent parent's passport is included

• The attending representative carries their own valid photo ID

• Both parents' signatures on the MHA form and passport application are still mandatory — these must be completed before the appointment.

• Emergencies or special circumstances are handled on a case-by-case basis by the Embassy.

Q34. What if I face technical issues on the e-SEWA portal?

• Try a different browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended) or use incognito/private browsing mode

• Clear cache and cookies and try again

• Try from a different device or internet connection

• Retry after some time if the portal is temporarily unavailable

• If the issue persists, contact the Embassy and share:

• A screenshot or screen recording clearly showing the error

• Your application number (if already generated)

• A description of the steps taken before the error occurred

A screen recording is more helpful than a screenshot for technical issues — it shows the exact sequence of actions and errors encountered.

Q35. What if I do not have a Birth Certificate for the child or myself?

• If the child's French birth certificate is unavailable or not yet issued, contact the relevant French civil registry (Mairie or Service central d'état civil) to obtain it before applying.

• If a parent does not have their own Indian birth certificate (e.g., for proving Indian origin), the following alternatives may be considered:

• Affidavit in lieu of birth certificate — a notarised sworn statement by the parent declaring their details

• Indian passport of the parent (which already establishes Indian citizenship)

• Other official documents establishing Indian origin (domicile certificate, nativity certificate, etc.)

• The Embassy will advise on acceptable alternatives on a case-by-case basis.

Q36. Are there any emergency or urgent cases where walk-in is permitted?

• Walk-in visits are not permitted as a general rule — all services are appointment-based.

• In genuine emergency situations (e.g., imminent travel with a critically ill child, medical emergency), contact the Embassy in advance by email or telephone to explain the situation.

• Emergency cases are assessed individually and the Embassy will advise if a walk-in or priority appointment can be accommodated.

• Supporting evidence of the emergency may be required (e.g., medical certificate, travel booking).

'Urgency' due to a self-planned travel date is not considered an emergency. Plan applications well in advance of any intended travel.

Q37. Where is the Embassy of India, Paris located and what are its working hours?

• For consular queries, use the contact form on the Embassy website or visit in person only with a confirmed appointment.

Total fees will be Euro 21 (For Birth Registration) + Euro 38 (For Issue of First Passport up to 8 years of age of minor / new born child) =Total Euro 59. (If the first passport of the minor is issued after completion of 8 years of age of the child the fees will be Euro 21 (for birth registration + Euro 42 (for passport) = Euro 63/-)

SECTION H — Useful Links & Contacts

For further assistance, contact the Consular Section — Embassy of India, Paris