India Revises Registration Rules for Foreigners Staying Beyond 180 Days
NEW DELHI — The Indian government has revised registration rules for foreign nationals seeking to stay in the country beyond 180 days, requiring them to register before the 180-day period expires rather than after crossing the threshold.
The changes were introduced through amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025.
Under the revised rules, foreigners entering India on visas valid for 180 days or less who intend to extend their stay beyond the permitted period must register at any point before the 180-day limit expires.
The new provision replaces the earlier rule that required registration within 14 days after completion of 180 days from arrival in India.
The revised rules also apply to foreigners holding visas valid for more than 180 days but subject to a condition that each individual stay must not exceed 180 days. Such individuals will now be required to complete registration before crossing the 180-day threshold.
The government said registration beyond the permitted period in such cases will be allowed only under emergency circumstances.
The rules also make changes related to children born in India to parents where one or both parents are foreign nationals. Earlier provisions required parents to electronically notify registration authorities within 30 days of a child’s birth to access visa-related services, including obtaining a visa or exit permission.
Under the revised framework, that requirement will not apply when either parent is an Indian citizen and wishes to retain Indian citizenship for the child. If the child later acquires citizenship of another country while living in India, either parent must inform the registration officer within 30 days of the change in citizenship status.
The notification also revised reporting requirements and administrative procedures for hospitals, nursing homes and other medical institutions that provide lodging or accommodation facilities. (Source: IANS)
