Authorities announce new rules for stays of 182 days or more

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Indian authorities have announced that foreign nationals who stay in India for 182 days or more in a one-year period will be required to obtain an Aadhaar card and pay domestic taxes.

What does the change mean? Affect foreign nationals should make plans to obtain an Aadhaar card and pay taxes. The change applies to foreign nationals who were in India for 182 days in the past 12 months even if they have already left the country. Those who have exceeded or will exceed the 182-day threshold must file taxes before July 1.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Aadhaar cards.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals who remain in India for 182 days in a one-year period.
• Impact on processing times: The change will add one step to the process of residing in India for foreign nationals who remain for at least 182 days in a one-year period.  
  

Background: Aadhaar Cards have an identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India and are linked to card holders’ biometrics. The card is required for expats when paying taxes in India. Authorities have recently clarified that any foreign nationals who stay in India for 182 days in a one-year period must obtain the card and pay taxes for the fiscal year during which they were in India.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals should take note of the change. Obtaining an Aadhaar card may prove difficult for foreign nationals who have already left India, but it is possible that India will make the cards available at Indian embassies and consulates. BAL will continue to follow the matter.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in India. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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