Do I need to renounce my Indian citizenship if I get permanent residency abroad?
No, you do not need to renounce your Indian citizenship just for obtaining permanent residency abroad. India does not recognise dual citizenship, but PR status still lets you remain an Indian citizen and travel on your Indian passport, since renunciation is only required if you acquire foreign citizenship.
No, you do not need to renounce your Indian citizenship simply because you hold permanent residency abroad. India does not recognise dual citizenship, but PR status is not the same as foreign citizenship, so your Indian passport stays valid and you remain an Indian citizen throughout.
PR Status vs Foreign Citizenship
| Scenario | Renunciation Required? | Your Indian Passport |
|---|---|---|
| You hold a PR visa, green card, or similar PR status abroad | No | Remains valid, use it for travel and renewal as usual |
| You voluntarily acquire another country's citizenship and passport | Yes | Must be surrendered once foreign citizenship is confirmed |
How Travel Works Under PR
- You travel on your Indian passport, using your foreign PR card or visa as your authorisation to enter and reside in that country.
- Keep your Indian passport current and unexpired, since it remains your primary travel document as long as you hold only PR status.
- Only once you formally take up citizenship elsewhere does India require you to surrender your Indian passport and citizenship.
My Advice
Keep renewing your Indian passport on schedule while you hold PR abroad, and treat the citizenship decision as a separate, deliberate step you only take later, once you are certain you want to formally naturalise in your new country.
Planning to settle abroad after your master's?
PR pathways, timelines and which countries make it easier. Honest guidance.
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