How soon must a baby born abroad be registered?

Within one year of the birth, with the Indian mission under Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act. Later registration needs the Home Ministry's approval and can take years.

Is a baby born abroad an Indian citizen automatically?

No. The birth must be registered, and both parents declare that the child holds no other country's passport.

Which Annexures does a baby's passport need?

Annexure E and D, signed by both parents; Annexure C too when one parent hasn't consented or the parents aren't married.

Can I take the baby's photo at home?

Yes. Picproved's baby mode lets you photograph the baby lying on a plain sheet and fits it to the Indian passport rules. BLS centres in the UAE don't photograph newborns.

Are the steps the same in every country?

The MHA registration and the Passport Seva form are. The photos, the prints, who attends and the attestation are each mission's own, listed below for UK, USA, UAE, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands, France; the app shows the one for where the baby was born.

First Indian passport for a baby born abroad

Free step-by-step guide to a baby's first Indian passport abroad: registering the birth within a year, the passport and e-SEWA forms, Annexure D and E, documents as PDFs and the baby photo, with sources.

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First Indian passport for a baby born abroad

Register the birth and get the baby's first Indian passport: the steps in order, the documents, the Annexures and the baby photo, each with its source.

Steps every mission shares

Register the birth with India's Ministry of Home Affairs under Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act, within one year of the birth. Indian citizenship for a child born abroad isn't automatic; after a year it needs MHA approval and can take years. indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in: registration of birth of a minor child at an Indian consulate (Section 4(1))
On indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in, choose "Registration of birth of a minor child at an Indian Consulate" and fill in the form in capital letters, the child's name exactly as on the birth certificate and the parents' as in their passports. Upload the documents your mission lists, note the MHA file number, then print the form for both parents to sign. indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in: registration of birth of a minor child at an Indian consulate (Section 4(1))
Apply for the first passport on Global Passport Seva for missions abroad, with the photo uploaded, and print the form. Both parents sign it. passportindia.gov.in: Global Passport Seva for Indian missions abroad

Born in UK: High Commission of India, London (birth registration, in person; or the Consulates in Birmingham and Edinburgh), then VFS Global for the passport

Register the birth in person at the High Commission's consular counter (or the Consulate in Birmingham or Edinburgh for their areas), with an online appointment. The parent named in Part II of the form signs the declaration in front of the consular officer. High Commission of India, London: birth registration of children eligible for Indian nationality
On the MHA form, upload the full birth certificate, both parents' passports (first two and last two pages) and the marriage certificate, then print it. High Commission of India, London: birth registration of children eligible for Indian nationality
Stick a square 35×35 mm photo of the baby on each printed form: face about 80% of the photo, light-colour background (not white), no border, not stapled or signed. High Commission of India, London: birth registration of children eligible for Indian nationality
Parents sign, or give a thumb impression (left for the father, right for the mother), in the signature boxes. High Commission of India, London: birth registration of children eligible for Indian nationality
Bring the Declaration Form with both parents' passport photos stuck on top, the full UK birth certificate with both parents' names, the marriage certificate, both parents' passports and visa or residence cards, and a UK address proof (a utility or council tax bill, or a driving licence). Originals plus one self-attested copy set. High Commission of India, London: birth registration of children eligible for Indian nationality
Fee £19, in cash or by crossed postal order to "High Commission of India, London"; no cards. A complete application is normally done the same day. After the first year, add an affidavit giving the reason for the delay. High Commission of India, London: birth registration of children eligible for Indian nationality
Then the passport through VFS: the printed Passport Seva form, ICAO photos, both parents' UK eVisa with share codes, the High Commission's birth registration certificate, the UK birth certificate, both parents' passports, Annexure D signed by both parents and the marriage certificate, all self-attested. High Commission of India, London: passport for a new born
The baby doesn't have to come to VFS. Both parents go with their original passports, or one parent goes with both passports and an authority letter from the other. High Commission of India, London: passport for a new born

Born in USA: Embassy of India, Washington, and the Consulates General, through VFS Global (birth registration under Miscellaneous Services)

Two printed copies of the online MHA birth registration form, signed by both parents as in their passports and notarised. Embassy of India, Washington: registration of birth and passport for a new born
Notarised copy of the local birth certificate, and two self-sworn affidavits by both parents: that the child has taken no other nationality, and no objection to the registration and the passport. Embassy of India, Washington: registration of birth and passport for a new born
Notarised copies of both parents' Indian passports (first and last pages) and of their US visa status. Embassy of India, Washington: registration of birth and passport for a new born
Fee US$25 plus US$2 for the Indian Community Welfare Fund per application, as separate money orders or cashier's cheques. Embassy of India, Washington: registration of birth and passport for a new born
VFS USA's registration checklist asks for two passport-size photographs of the child with the application. VFS Global USA: registration of birth checklist

Born in UAE: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, and Consulate General of India, Dubai, through BLS International

The Dubai consulate's birth registration page returned an error on 24 Oct 2026; the photo rule comes from its passport guide and the BLS warning from Gulf News. Check cgidubai.gov.in before your BLS appointment.

A recent colour photo with a white background, 51×51 mm, stuck on the printed passport form at BLS. Consulate General of India, Dubai: applying for a passport
BLS centres in the UAE don't photograph newborns, so bring the baby's photos with you. Gulf News: BLS alert for Indian passport applicants (2025)

Born in Canada: High Commission of India, Ottawa, and Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver, through BLS International

Choose "fresh passport" for the newborn on Passport Seva and print the form; two 35×45 mm photos go with it, the same as the uploaded one. BLS International Canada: passport checklist and information booklet (Vancouver)
Both parents' Canadian address proof and status in Canada, self-attested. BLS International Canada: passport checklist and information booklet (Vancouver)

Born in Australia: High Commission of India, Canberra, and Consulates General in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, through VFS Global

VFS Australia lists "First Passport for a Child" as its own service, but its checklist wasn't read (the old link gave a 404 on 24 Oct 2026), so the print count isn't confirmed. Ask VFS for the current minor checklist before you print.

VFS Australia's photo rule: 630×810 px colour, white background, face 80–85% of the photo, glasses off; incorrect photos are returned. VFS Global Australia: Indian passport photo specifications
Documents issued outside India are attested by a Justice of the Peace (in NSW, a notary), as for an adult passport. VFS Global Australia: Indian passport checklist, minor

Born in New Zealand: High Commission of India, Wellington, and Consulate General of India, Auckland

If the child is also a citizen of the country of birth: a letter from its passport office saying the child hasn't been given that country's passport. High Commission of India, Wellington: passport services and forms
Wellington takes the uploaded photo only: no printed photos, and don't paste one on the form. High Commission of India, Wellington: passport services and forms
The signed birth registration form is attested by a Justice of the Peace, unless both parents come in person. High Commission of India, Wellington: passport services and forms
Apply for the birth certificate on e-SEWA (indianconsularservices.mea.gov.in) with the MHA registration, then the passport on Passport Seva. High Commission of India, Wellington: passport services and forms

Born in Germany: Embassy of India, Berlin, and the Consulates General in Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich (by where you are registered)

The birth registration and the first passport are submitted together, in person, by appointment, within one year of the birth. Both parents must come, and for the passport the baby too. Embassy of India, Berlin: birth registration of a new born (read 24 Oct 2026)
Birth registration uploads: the baby's photo 35×45 mm on a white background as a JPG under 20 KB, both parents' signatures as JPGs under 20 KB, the Geburtsurkunde and both parents' passports (first and last page) as PDFs under 1 MB. Embassy of India, Berlin: birth registration of a new born (read 24 Oct 2026)
Bring copies and originals of the Geburtsurkunde from the Standesamt (not the Kindergeld or Elterngeld copy), both parents' Anmeldung, passports, residence permits and marriage certificate; if one parent is foreign, proof that the child holds no other nationality. Embassy of India, Berlin: birth registration of a new born (read 24 Oct 2026)
Passport: two recent ICAO-compliant photos, the baby's left thumb impression in the signature box on the first and last page, Annexure D, and a name split affidavit if the name is split differently from the birth certificate. Embassy of India, Berlin: fresh passport to a new born (read 24 Oct 2026)
If a parent is a foreign national, the specimen declaration for a minor's passport is signed before a German notary. Embassy of India, Berlin: fresh passport to a new born (read 24 Oct 2026)
Fees in cash at the Embassy, plus €2 ICWF; for return by post, a self-addressed prepaid C5 envelope with tracked postage of at least €4.45. Expect 6 to 8 weeks. Embassy of India, Berlin: fresh passport to a new born (read 24 Oct 2026)
After a year: a written reason, an affidavit that the child hasn't acquired German nationality, and the local authority's confirmation of that. Embassy of India, Berlin: fresh passport to a new born (read 24 Oct 2026)

Born in Netherlands: Embassy of India, The Hague (in person, 15-minute appointment)

Four 35×45 mm photos to Indian norms; the Embassy has no photo or photocopy service. The child's thumb print goes on the form in place of a signature. Embassy of India, The Hague: passport issue for a newborn child (Mar 2026)
The MHA birth registration (Section 4.1) and the Passport Seva form, each page on its own sheet in portrait; the newborn's name exactly as on the municipality's birth certificate. Embassy of India, The Hague: passport issue for a newborn child (Mar 2026)
Both parents' Dutch residence permits, their marriage certificate (apostilled if foreign), an Indian address proof (a utility bill) and an uittreksel with the child's Dutch address. Embassy of India, The Hague: passport issue for a newborn child (Mar 2026)
No objection letter signed by both parents (Annexure C or D); if one parent is abroad, Annexure H attested by an Indian magistrate or mission, or Annexure G with the parent present. Embassy of India, The Hague: passport issue for a newborn child (Mar 2026)
After a year, or if a parent is Dutch: a letter from the municipality that the child hasn't acquired Dutch nationality. Embassy of India, The Hague: passport issue for a newborn child (Mar 2026)

Born in France: Embassy of India, Paris

Every upload on the MHA and e-SEWA portals is a PDF or JPEG of at most 200 KB, in English, with a file name of letters and numbers only. Embassy of India, Paris: birth registration and first passport of a child
The local birth certificate, apostilled, with a sworn English translation if it isn't in English. Embassy of India, Paris: birth registration and first passport of a child
Both parents' passports: originals, and copies of the first and last pages and any endorsements. Embassy of India, Paris: birth registration and first passport of a child
Parents' marriage certificate, apostilled with a sworn English translation, or Annexure C when the parents aren't married or one parent can't be reached. Embassy of India, Paris: birth registration and first passport of a child
Proof of address under 6 months old (a utility bill) and both parents' visa or residence status. Embassy of India, Paris: birth registration and first passport of a child
Both parents declare that the child holds no other country's passport. Embassy of India, Paris: birth registration and first passport of a child
If only one parent can come: the other parent's signed consent letter and a copy of their passport. Embassy of India, Paris: birth registration and first passport of a child
After the first year only: the Late Birth Registration Form as well. Embassy of India, Paris: birth registration and first passport of a child
Apply on e-SEWA under Miscellaneous Services and book the appointment only once the Embassy approves it; the birth registration and the passport go in one appointment. Embassy of India, Paris: birth registration and first passport of a child
Three printed photos of the baby, square, at least 51×51 mm, face about 80% of the photo, plain light background; a baby who can't sit up may lie on a white or off-white blanket. Embassy of India, Paris: birth registration and first passport of a child

Checked 24 Oct 2026.

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Questions

How soon must a baby born abroad be registered?: Within one year of the birth, with the Indian mission under Section 4(1) of the Citizenship Act. Later registration needs the Home Ministry's approval and can take years.
Is a baby born abroad an Indian citizen automatically?: No. The birth must be registered, and both parents declare that the child holds no other country's passport.
Which Annexures does a baby's passport need?: Annexure E and D, signed by both parents; Annexure C too when one parent hasn't consented or the parents aren't married.
Can I take the baby's photo at home?: Yes. Picproved's baby mode lets you photograph the baby lying on a plain sheet and fits it to the Indian passport rules. BLS centres in the UAE don't photograph newborns.
Are the steps the same in every country?: The MHA registration and the Passport Seva form are. The photos, the prints, who attends and the attestation are each mission's own, listed below for UK, USA, UAE, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands, France; the app shows the one for where the baby was born.