Birth Registration and Issue of First Passport to a Child

BIRTH REGISTRATION and ISSUE OF FIRST PASSPORT

Any child born abroad to Indian parent (s) need to be registered with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under Section 4 (1) of the Citizenship Act 1955. It is recommended that birth registration of a child be done within one year from the date of birth. Online appointment may be obtained at Book an Appointment. However, in case an applicant is unable to book a slot through online portal, an email may be sent at oci.paris@mea.gov.in requesting an appointment through email. Please follow step by step information on the procedure which is given below.

SECTION A: ELIGIBILITY & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

A1 — Who Needs to Register

Legal Basis

Law	Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955
Who Must Register	Any child born abroad to Indian parent(s)
Parent Condition	One or both parents are Indian citizens at the time of birth
Date Applicability	Child born on or after 03.12.2004
First Step	Registration with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) — mandatory before any Embassy service
Effect of Registration	Only after MHA registration is the child legally an Indian citizen

📌 NOTE

For children born before 03.12.2004, different provisions apply. Please consult the Embassy directly for the applicable procedure.

A2 — Registration Deadline

Deadline	Within ONE YEAR from the date of birth*
Where	Jurisdictional Indian Mission / Consulate (Embassy of India, Paris)
Late Registration	Requires prior approval of the Central Government (MHA)
Late Registration Time	Can take considerably longer — sometimes years

⚠ IMPORTANT

*Do NOT delay registration. Always register within one year of the child's birth. Applications after one year require MHA approval and can take years to process. If you are unable to obtain a slot through online portal, please write to oci.paris@mea.gov.in for an appointment.

A3 — Is Indian Citizenship Automatic?

No. When a child is born outside India, an Indian citizenship by descent is NOT automatic.

The following conditions must all be met:

The birth must be actively registered with MHA under Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955
Both parents must submit a declaration that the child does not hold the passport of any other country
Only after MHA registration is the child legally recognised as an Indian citizen and eligible for an Indian passport and consular services

A4 — Dual Nationality if a child is minor

During Minority	Indian and French citizenship can coexist until the child turns 18
Upon Majority (18 yrs)	Child must opt for one citizenship and renounce the other
Constitutional Position	Constitution of India does not permit dual citizenship for adults
If Indian Passport Retained	A Renunciation Certificate station renunciation of French citizenship will be required

💡 TIP

Inform the child well before they turn 18 about the requirement to make a citizenship choice to allow adequate preparation time.

SECTION B: STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS

B1 — Overview: The Three-Portal Process

Birth registration and first passport issuance involves THREE separate online portals. All must be completed in addition to the Embassy visit.

Portal	Purpose	URL
MHA Portal	Citizenship registration under Section 4(1)	https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in
Passport India	First passport application for the child	https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in/
e-SEWA Portal	Miscellaneous Consular Service — mandatory Embassy pre-application	https://indianconsularservices.mea.gov.in/consularServices/
Appointment Portal	Book Embassy submission appointment	https://appointment.eoiparis.com/

⚠ IMPORTANT

e-SEWA (Miscellaneous Service) is separate from the MHA birth registration portal. BOTH must be completed before your Embassy appointment. Completing only one is not sufficient.

B2 — Step 1: MHA Online Registration

STEP 1A: Go to the MHA Portal

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"
Click 'Apply Online'
Register with a unique email ID and mobile number

STEP 1B: Fill Form I

Fill all details in BLOCK / CAPITAL letters.

All details must exactly match the child's local (French) birth certificate
Upload all required documents — in English only (translate before uploading)
Upload the child's photograph meeting OCI/passport specifications

💡 TIP

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

STEP 1C: Submit & Note the MHA File Number

After submission:

Note the MHA File Number shown on screen — also sent to your registered email
This number is required for all follow-up actions — keep it safe
Use the 'Upload Documents / Print Application' option to complete uploads if not done in one session

STEP 1D: Print the MHA Application Form

The print option activates only after all required documents are uploaded.

Print two copies of the completed MHA application form
Both parents must sign the printed form at the designated places

⚠ IMPORTANT

Do NOT submit a second application if you make an error. Contact the Embassy with your

MHA File Number. Creating a duplicate record causes significant delays.

B3 — Step 2: Passport Application

STEP 2: Apply for the Child's First Passport Online

Portal: https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in/

Select the appropriate category for a minor's first passport
Fill in all details accurately
Print the passport application form
Both parents must sign the printed form on the last page

📌 NOTE

The passport application can be submitted simultaneously with the birth registration at the Embassy in a single appointment. This is the recommended approach to save time.

B4 — Step 3: e-SEWA (Miscellaneous Service Application)

STEP 3A: Access the e-SEWA Portal

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

Select 'Miscellaneous Services'
Choose the relevant category: Birth Registration / Minor Passport
Create an account or log in

STEP 3B: Fill and Submit the e-SEWA Application

Important rules for e-SEWA:

If a field (e.g., Issue Date, Certificate Number) is not applicable for your document, enter "NA" — do NOT leave mandatory fields blank
Upload all documents following the file upload rules in Section F3
Submit the application online

📌 NOTE

After online submission, the Embassy scrutinises the e-SEWA application before confirming the appointment. Do not book an appointment until the e-SEWA application is approved.

STEP 3C: Handle Any Objections

If your application is objected to:

Review the objection remarks carefully in your e-SEWA account
Upload corrected/additional documents as specified
Click 'Resubmit to Mission' to resubmit

⚠ IMPORTANT

Always use 'Resubmit to Mission' for an objected application. Do NOT create a new application — this creates duplicate records and further delays.

B5 — Step 4: Appointment Booking

STEP 4: Book Your Embassy Appointment

Portal: https://appointment.eoiparis.com/

Select: 'Birth Registration / First Passport of a child
Choose an available date and time slot

Monthly slots released	25th of every month at 09:00 hrs
Weekly slots released	Every Friday at 09:00 hrs

💡 TIP

Check the appointment portal on slot-release days — slots fill up quickly. Set a calendar reminder for the 25th of every month and every Friday at 09:00 hrs.

If unable to book a slot through online portal, an email may be sent at oci.paris@mea.gov.in for an appointment.

⚠ IMPORTANT

Walk-in submissions are strictly NOT permitted. An appointment is mandatory. Incomplete applications may not be processed even with an appointment.

B6 — Step 5: Embassy Visit & Submission

STEP 5A: Who Must Attend

As a general rule, BOTH parents must be present at the Embassy for submission.

If one parent cannot attend:

Provide a duly signed consent letter from the absent parent
Provide a photocopy of the absent parent's passport
Provide Annexure 'C' Affidavit if the child is born out of wedlock or the other parent's whereabouts are unknown

📌 NOTE

Both parents' signatures on the MHA form and the passport application are mandatory requirements regardless of who attends the Embassy.

STEP 5B: Documents to Carry (Full Checklist)

Organise all documents in this order before attending:

Printed appointment confirmation
Printed and signed MHA registration form — TWO copies, signed by both parents
Printed and signed passport application form — signed by both parents on the last page
Original apostilled French birth certificate + sworn English translation
Original passports of both parents (for verification)
Photocopies of all supporting documents
THREE photographs of the child (per Indian Government specifications — see Section C2)
Marriage certificate (apostilled + sworn English translation) OR Annexure 'C' Affidavit
Proof of address — utility bill not older than 6 months
Proof of immigration status in France — Carte de Circulation / Resident Card / Visa OR Immigration Declaration Form
Completed Declaration Form
Late Birth Registration Form — only if registering after one year from the date of birth
Cash for Embassy fees

⚠ IMPORTANT

Incomplete document sets will NOT be accepted. A new appointment will be required. Double-check all documents before attending.

STEP 5C: At the Embassy

Address: 20–22 Rue Alberic Magnard, 75016 Paris, France

Entry: Please show an auto-generated email or email from the Embassy at the gate for entry.
Present all original documents for verification — they will be returned after checking
Pay the applicable fees in cash/card at the counter
Biometrics (if applicable for the passport) may be captured at this stage

B7 — Step 6: After Submission

Stage	What Happens
Document Verification	Embassy verifies all originals and forwards the MHA application to the Ministry of Home Affairs, India
MHA Processing	MHA reviews and processes the citizenship registration application
MHA Approval	MHA issues the Birth Registration Certificate confirming the child's Indian citizenship
Passport Processing	Passport application processed in parallel
Notification	Applicant is notified to collect documents once ready

📌 NOTE

Processing time for MHA registration depends on whether the application is within one year (normal course) or late (requires MHA approval — can take years).

B8 — Step 7: Collection of Documents

When	After Embassy notification — once Birth Registration Certificate and passport are ready
Collection Hours	1500 hrs – 1600 hrs on Embassy working days
Who Can Collect	Either parent OR an authorised representative (with written authorisation and ID proof)
What is Collected	Birth Registration Certificate + Child's First Passport

💡 TIP

Check the Embassy website for updated collection timings and public holiday closures before visiting: https://www.eoiparis.gov.in

SECTION C: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

C1 — Complete Document Checklist

#	Document	Applies To	Notes
1	Miscellaneous Service application form (e-SEWA)	Both (Reg + Passport)	Duly filled online via e-SEWA portal
2	MHA registration form — TWO copies	Birth Registration	Signed by both parents at designated places
3	THREE photographs of the child	Both	Per Indian Government photo norms — see C2
4	Photocopies of both parents' passports (first/last page + endorsements)	Both	Originals to be produced for verification
5	Proof of immigration status in France	Both	Carte de Circulation / Resident Card / Visa OR Immigration Declaration Form
6	Original apostilled French birth certificate + sworn English translation	Both	Apostilled original; translation by certified sworn translator
7	Marriage certificate + sworn English translation OR Annexure 'C'	Both	Apostilled + certified translation; see C6 for Annexure 'C'
8	Proof of address	Both	Utility bill — electricity, gas or telephone — not more than 6 months old
9	Declaration Form	Birth Registration	Both parents must declare child does not hold another country's passport
10	Printed & signed passport application form	First Passport	Both parents' signatures required on last page
11	Late Birth Registration Form	Birth Reg after 1 year	Only if registering more than one year after birth

⚠ IMPORTANT

All documents must be uploaded in English only on the MHA portal. Non-English documents must be translated before uploading. Any certificate issued outside India must be apostilled and submitted in original with a sworn English translation.

C2 — Photo Specifications for the Child

Shape	Square
Minimum Size	51 × 51 mm
Face Coverage	Approximately 80% of the photo
Background	Plain light-coloured (not white), no border
Pose	Front view, full face and shoulders
For newborns/infants	Eyes open, facing camera; baby may be lying on a white/off-white blanket if unable to sit
File Format	JPEG / JPG
File Size	Maximum 200 KB
Number Required	THREE copies for Embassy submission

INFO

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

C3 — What is an Apostille?

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

What it is	Official authentication under the Hague Convention 1961
Who can issue in France	Tribunal Judiciaire or the relevant French authority
Which documents need it	Child's French birth certificate (acte de naissance); marriage certificate of parents
Accepted without further attestation	Yes — documents apostilled by Hague Convention countries are accepted directly by the Embassy
Time to obtain	Allow several weeks — plan ahead

💡 TIP

Obtain the apostille well in advance — this often takes a few weeks through the French courts. Do not leave this to the last minute.

C4 — Sworn Translations

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

Required for	French birth certificate; marriage certificate of parents; any other foreign-language document
Who can translate	Only translators officially sworn before the French Court of Appeal
Where to find them	https://www.courdecassation.fr (list of certified translators)
Non-certified translations	NOT accepted by the Embassy

⚠ IMPORTANT

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

C5 — Declaration Form

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

Both parents must declare:

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

⚠ IMPORTANT

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.

C6 — Annexure 'C' Affidavit

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

Situation	Action Required
Child born out of wedlock	Submit Annexure 'C' in place of marriage certificate and absent parent's consent
Other parent's whereabouts unknown	Submit Annexure 'C'
One parent deceased	Submit Annexure 'C' + death certificate of the deceased parent
Single parent attending Embassy	Only the present parent needs to attend (with notarised Annexure 'C')

📌 NOTE

The Annexure 'C' format is available on the Embassy's Birth Registration page: https://www.eoiparis.gov.in/page/Birth_Registration_and_Issue_of_First_Passport/

SECTION D: FEES & TIMELINES

D1 — Fee Structure

Service	Fee (EUR)	Payment Method	Notes
Birth Registration	€21	Payment by card is accepted	All ages
First Passport — child up to 8 years	€38		Age at time of issuance
First Passport — child above 8 years	€42		Age at time of issuance
TOTAL (Birth Reg + Passport up to 8 yrs)	€59		Combined service
TOTAL (Birth Reg + Passport above 8 yrs)	€63		Combined service

⚠ IMPORTANT

Fees are subject to revision. Always verify current fees with the Embassy or on the Embassy website before your visit.

D2 — Processing Timelines

Application Type	Expected Timeline
Applications within one year of birth	Normal processing — MHA standard timeline 10-15 working days
Late applications (after one year)	Requires MHA approval — can take considerably longer, sometimes several years
Passport issuance	Similar to standard minor passport issuance timelines
Notification to collect	Embassy will notify applicant once both Birth Registration Certificate and passport are ready

ℹ INFO

Submit early — ideally well within the first year — to avoid delays, complications, and the need for MHA approval.

SECTION E: SPECIAL CASES

E1 — Late Registration (After One Year)

If your child was born more than one year ago and has not been registered:

Registration 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
Contact the Embassy at the earliest with your child's details for specific guidance

⚠ IMPORTANT

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.

E2 — Single Parent / Born Out of Wedlock

Birth registration is available to single parents
Submit Annexure 'C' Affidavit (notarised) in place of the marriage certificate and absent parent's consent is mandatory
Only the present parent needs to attend the Embassy
The child's Indian citizenship by descent is established through an Indian parent

NOTE

See Section C6 for full details on Annexure 'C' and when it is required.

E3 — Non-Indian Parent

If only one parent is an Indian citizen, the child is still eligible for Indian citizenship by descent.

Documents required from the non-Indian parent:

Passport of the non-Indian parent (photocopy + original for verification)
Proof of immigration status in France — Carte de Circulation / Resident Card / Visa or Immigration Declaration Form

On the MHA online form:

Enter the non-Indian parent's name and nationality details in the relevant sections
Leave the Indian citizenship fields (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

E4 — No Marriage Certificate Available

Situation	Action
Unmarried parents	Submit Annexure 'C' Affidavit in place of marriage certificate
Certificate lost or never issued	Provide a written explanation + any available supporting documentation (religious marriage records, family registry extracts)
Review	Embassy will review such cases individually

E5 — Child Holds / Will Hold French Nationality

A child born in France can hold both nationalities when minor — Indian and French can coexist
Upon attaining the age of majority (18 years), the child must opt for one citizenship and renounce the other
The Constitution of India does not permit dual citizenship for adults
If Indian citizenship is retained, a Renunciation Certificate for French citizenship will be required

📌 NOTE

Registering the birth under Section 4(1) with MHA does not prevent the child from also holding French nationality when he/she is a minor. Both can coexist until the age of 18.

SECTION F: PORTAL & TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

F1 — Navigating the MHA Portal

Step	Action
1. Go to portal	https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in
2. Select service	'Registration of birth of a minor child at an Indian Consulate Under Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955' — this is the last option on the page
3. Register	Click 'Apply Online' — register with a unique email ID and mobile number
4. Fill Form I	All details in Block/Capital letters — exactly matching the child's local birth certificate
5. Upload documents	All documents in English; use translated versions if originals are in French
6. Submit	Note the MHA File Number from the screen (also sent to your registered email)
7. Print	Use 'Upload Documents / Print Application' option — print only activates after all uploads are complete
8. Sign	Both parents sign the printed form at designated places — TWO copies

💡 TIP

Use Google Chrome for best compatibility. Enable pop-ups to allow the PDF print function. A screen recording of any errors is more helpful than a screenshot when contacting the Embassy for support.

F2 — e-SEWA Portal — Key Rules

Portal: https://indianconsularservices.mea.gov.in/consularServices/
Select 'Miscellaneous Services' → choose 'Birth Registration / Minor Passport'
The Embassy scrutinises the e-SEWA application before confirming any appointment
If a field is not applicable (e.g., Issue Date, Certificate Number), enter "NA" — never leave mandatory fields blank
Do not visit the Embassy without completing and receiving approval on the e-SEWA application first

F3 — File Upload Rules (Both MHA & e-SEWA Portals)

Rule	Requirement
Maximum file size	200 KB per document
Accepted formats	PDF or JPEG
File naming	No special characters: @, #, %, &, (, ), spaces, or punctuation marks
Recommended naming	Simple alphanumeric names only (e.g., BirthCertificate.pdf, ParentPassport.jpg)
Document quality	Clear, complete, and fully legible — no blurry, cropped, or partially visible documents
Language	English only — translate before uploading if originals are in French

💡 TIP

Rename all files before uploading. Example: use 'BirthCert_John.pdf' instead of 'Acte de Naissance (apostillé) & traduction #2025.pdf'.

F4 — Handling Objections on e-SEWA

Step	Action
1. Review	Log in to e-SEWA and read the objection remarks carefully
2. Correct	Upload the required or corrected documents as specified in the objection notice
3. Resubmit	Click 'Resubmit to Mission' — do NOT create a new application
4. Await	The Embassy processes the resubmitted application from their end

⚠ IMPORTANT

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

F5 — Technical Troubleshooting

Cannot print MHA application:

Ensure all required documents have been uploaded — the Print button activates only after all uploads are complete
Allow pop-up windows in your browser settings
Use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox
Log back in and use 'Upload Documents / Print Application' with your MHA File Number
Try on a different device or from a different network connection

Cannot save or proceed on e-SEWA:

Try a different browser (Chrome or Firefox) or incognito/private browsing mode
Clear cache and cookies and retry
Try from a different device or internet connection
Retry after some time if the portal is temporarily unavailable

If issues persist — contact the Embassy with:

A screen recording clearly showing the error (more helpful than a screenshot)
Your MHA File Number / e-SEWA application number (if already generated)

A description of the steps taken before the error occurred

SECTION G: USEFUL LINKS & CONTACTS

Service / Purpose	Link / Address
MHA Birth Registration Portal	https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in
Passport Application (Minor)	https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in/
e-SEWA (Miscellaneous Consular Services)	https://indianconsularservices.mea.gov.in/consularServices/
Embassy Appointment Booking	https://appointment.eoiparis.com/
Embassy Birth Registration Page	https://www.eoiparis.gov.in/page/Birth_Registration_and_Issue_of_First_Passport/
Embassy of India, Paris (Main)	https://www.eoiparis.gov.in/
Embassy Address	20–22 Rue Albéric Magnard, 75016 Paris, France
Document Collection Hours	1600 hrs – 1700 hrs (Embassy working days)
Certified Sworn Translators (France)	https://www.courdecassation.fr

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

Portal: https://ociservices.gov.in | Appointments: https://appointment.eoiparis.com

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Birth Registration and Issue of First Passport to a Child