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The Daily Insight

Is surrender certificate same as renunciation certificate?

Author

Matthew Wilson

Updated on April 30, 2026

What is difference between Surrender Certificate & Renunciation Certificate? A. Both are same. Consulate will cancel it and returned to you along with a ‘Renunciation/Surrender Certificate’ issued by Consulate.

How do I get proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship?

One of the following can be produced as proof of Renunciation:

  1. Copy of the certificate of Renunciation issued by a Consulate in India.
  2. Copy of Indian passport with a stamp that indicates “Cancelled as holder acquired US/Foreign citizenship.”

How can I get renunciation certificate?

Step-by-step guide

  1. Identify the renunciation service type.
  2. Get started with your Renunciation related application.
  3. Applicants opting to submit application in person as against postal application are required to schedule an appointment to submit their application at the VFS Indian Consular Application Centre.

How long does renunciation of Indian citizenship take?

approximately 7 to 15 working days
Applications sent by mail take approximately 7 to 15 working days to process from the date of receipt by the Indian Embassy/Consulate. Business day or working day excluding any weekends and public holidays. And it does not include transit time/ shipping duration.

Can I apply for OCI without surrender certificate?

If you do not have proof of Renunciation (either a Renunciation Certificate or Cancelled Stamp due to acquisition of Foreign Nationality), you will have to apply for the same before you can get your Visa / OCI card application sent to the Consulate.

What is Indian citizenship renunciation?

A: A Surrender Certificate is issued to applicants willing to surrender their passport at Passport Offices mainly for renunciation of Indian citizenship and acquiring foreign nationality.

What happens if you don’t surrender Indian passport?

Those who fail to surrender their Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship may face the following penalties. $500 penalty for renewing Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship. $250 penalty if Indian passport is used for any consular defined miscellaneous services.

How do I cancel my Indian citizenship?

A. Renunciation of Indian Citizenship:

  1. Duly filled and signed application form (to be filled online at ).
  2. Indian passport in original and one copy of first, last and relevant pages.
  3. Self attested copy of foreign passport.
  4. Self attested copy of Carta Identita.

How long does it take to get renunciation certificate?

Normal processing time for issue of a Surrender Certificate is 3-6 days. Applicants can simulatenously apply for Renunciation Certificate while applying for Visas or OCI Cards.

Do I need to renounce my Indian citizenship?

If a person has ever held an Indian passport and has obtained the passport of another country, they will be required to surrender their Indian passport immediately after gaining another country’s nationality. After Renunciation of Indian Citizenship, it is necessary to apply for Surrender or a Renunciation certificate.

Can Indian citizenship be renounced?

Renunciation is covered in Section 8 of the Citizenship Act, 1955. If an adult makes a declaration of renunciation of Indian citizenship, s/he loses Indian citizenship. In addition, any minor child of that person also loses Indian citizenship from the date of renunciation.

How can I become an Indian citizen?

For naturalisation, here are the documents you need: A copy of valid Foreign Passport A copy of Residential Permit/LTV A copy of Bank Challan in original amounting to Rs.1500/- deposited in the State Bank of India. One affidavit from self (applicant) and two affidavits from two Indians testifying to the character of the applicant in the prescribed language available in the application form.

What are the citizenship requirements for India?

Citizenship by Naturalization. You can acquire Indian citizenship by naturalization if you have been a resident of India for twelve of the last fourteen years. In addition, you must have spent the twelve months preceding your application in India, without interruption.

Is there a provision of dual citizenship in India?

“There is no provision of Dual Citizenship in India. If any Indian Citizen opt Citizenship of any other country, than he/she shall cease to be a Citizen of India. ” The Government of India decided to grant Overseas Citizenship of India which is also mistaken as dual citizenship by India.