Indian Passport Surrender Fees in Abu Dhabi 2025: Your Essential Guide

So, you've acquired foreign citizenship while living in Abu Dhabi, and now you're wondering about the next crucial step: surrendering your Indian passport. This guide is designed to walk you through the process, focusing specifically on the fees you can expect in 2025, the required documents, and the steps involved. Think of this as advice from someone who's navigated these waters before.

Let's get straight to what matters most.

What are the Indian Passport Surrender Fees in Abu Dhabi for 2025?

While the official Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and BLS International (the outsourced service provider for passport services) typically update their fee schedules annually, the core structure remains quite consistent. For 2025, based on current trends and 2024 fees, you can expect the following approximate charges:

• Passport Surrender Fee (Renunciation Fee): This is the primary fee for surrendering your Indian passport after voluntarily acquiring foreign citizenship.
  • Estimated Cost for 2025: AED 365 (This is based on the current INR 8,000 fee, converted at an approximate exchange rate. Please note: This is an estimation, and the actual fee in AED may vary slightly based on the prevailing exchange rate and any updates by the Embassy/BLS.)
• Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) Fee: A mandatory fee collected for welfare activities.
  • Estimated Cost for 2025: AED 8
• BLS Service Charge: This is the administrative fee charged by BLS International for processing your application.
  • Estimated Cost for 2025: AED 9 (plus applicable VAT)

Total Estimated Basic Cost: Approximately AED 382 (subject to change).

Important Note on Fees: The fees mentioned above are estimates for 2025, derived from current schedules. It's crucial to always check the official BLS International website for Abu Dhabi (under the "Passport Surrender" section) closest to your application date for the most accurate and up-to-date fee structure. Fees are typically paid at the BLS center via cash or card.

Why Do You Need to Surrender Your Indian Passport?

Under Indian law, if you voluntarily acquire citizenship of another country, your Indian citizenship automatically ceases. It is then a legal requirement to surrender your Indian passport. Holding onto your Indian passport after gaining foreign citizenship is a punishable offense. The surrender certificate issued after the process is proof that you have duly renounced your Indian citizenship.

Who Needs to Surrender Their Indian Passport?

Anyone who has acquired non-Indian citizenship, regardless of whether they are an adult or a minor, is legally required to surrender their Indian passport. This applies to individuals who have become citizens of the UAE, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, or any other country.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Surrendering your Indian passport in Abu Dhabi primarily involves an online application followed by a visit to the BLS International center.

1. Online Application Form:

   • Visit the official Passport Seva website (usually passport.gov.in/nri/).
   • Register and fill out the "Application for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship" form online.
   • Ensure all details match your Indian passport and foreign citizenship documents exactly.
   • Print out the completed application form. You'll need two copies.

2. Gather Required Documents:

   • This is where attention to detail really pays off. Missing documents can lead to delays.
   • Make sure you have originals and photocopies (usually two sets) of everything.

3. Book an Appointment with BLS International:

   • Visit the BLS International website for Abu Dhabi.
   • Book an appointment specifically for "Passport Surrender" or "Renunciation of Indian Citizenship."
   • Appointments are mandatory and can fill up quickly, so book in advance.

4. Visit the BLS International Centre on Your Appointment Date:

   • Arrive on time with all your original documents and their photocopies.
   • Your documents will be verified, and your application will be accepted.
   • Pay the applicable fees (surrender fee, ICWF, BLS service charge).

5. Collection of Surrender Certificate:

   • Once processed, you will receive an SMS or email notification.
   • You can collect your "Surrender Certificate" from the BLS center. This certificate is vital proof of your renunciation. Your canceled Indian passport will usually be returned to you along with the certificate.

Required Documents for Passport Surrender

Having your documents in order is half the battle won. Here’s a typical checklist:

• Original Indian Passport: The passport you are surrendering.
• Photocopies of Indian Passport: First and last pages, and any pages with visas/stamps (usually two sets).
• Original Foreign Passport: Your new passport (e.g., UAE, USA, UK passport).
• Photocopies of Foreign Passport: Bio-data pages (usually two sets).
• Proof of Foreign Citizenship:
  • Naturalisation Certificate (if applicable).
  • Citizenship Certificate.
  • Letter from the foreign government confirming citizenship.
  • For UAE Nationals: Naturalisation Order/Certificate, or a copy of your UAE Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid) in Arabic with an English translation, attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MOFAIC).
• Two Passport-Size Photographs: Recent, color, white background, as per Indian passport specifications.
• Printed Online Application Form: Two copies, with your signature.
• Declaration Form: Any specific declaration required by BLS/Embassy, usually available on their website or at the center.
• Proof of Residence in UAE: Copy of your Emirates ID.

Practical Tip: Always carry extra photocopies. Sometimes, due to specific circumstances or updates, BLS might request additional copies.

Important Considerations and Practical Tips

• Processing Time: Typically, the processing time for a surrender certificate is 4-6 weeks. However, this can vary depending on individual cases, verification requirements, and the volume of applications. Plan accordingly.
• Penalties for Late Surrender: If you surrender your passport significantly after acquiring foreign citizenship, you may be subject to a penalty fee in addition to the regular surrender fee. The penalty amount can vary, so it's always best to surrender your passport as soon as possible.
• Keep Copies: Before submitting, make sure you have scanned or photocopied all your documents, especially your foreign citizenship proof and the filled-out application form.
• Check Official Websites: Always cross-reference information with the official BLS International UAE website and the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi website for the most current forms, fees, and requirements.
• Renunciation Certificate vs. Surrender Certificate: While often used interchangeably, the official term is usually "Surrender Certificate" when you've already acquired foreign citizenship. "Renunciation" often implies actively giving up citizenship before acquiring another, but for practical purposes, the process is the same for most individuals.
• Minors: If a minor has acquired foreign citizenship, their Indian passport also needs to be surrendered. The application will be filled out and signed by the parents/legal guardians, and their passports/IDs will also be required.

Common Questions Answered

Q: Can I apply for passport surrender by post? A: No, generally, you must apply in person at the BLS International center in Abu Dhabi after completing the online form and booking an appointment.

Q: What if I lost my Indian passport before surrendering it? A: If your Indian passport is lost, you first need to report the loss to the police and obtain a police report. You then apply for a "Lost Indian Passport" service, and once that is processed, you can proceed with the surrender. There might be additional fees and a slightly different process for lost passports.

Q: Do I need to surrender my Indian passport if I only have a Green Card/Permanent Residency in another country? A: No, you only need to surrender your Indian passport if you have acquired citizenship of another country. Holding a Green Card or Permanent Residency does not mean you have lost your Indian citizenship.

Q: How will I know when my Surrender Certificate is ready for collection? A: BLS International usually sends an SMS or email notification once your document is ready. You can also track your application status online using the reference number provided during submission.

What Happens Next?

Once you have your Surrender Certificate and your canceled Indian passport, you have officially completed the process. This certificate is a vital document, so keep it safe. It serves as proof that you have legally renounced your Indian citizenship, fulfilling your obligations under Indian law.

While the process might seem a bit daunting, breaking it down into these steps, gathering your documents meticulously, and staying informed will make it a smooth experience. Good luck!