How To: Register with the FRRO in Dehradun (Residence Certificate)

So here you are, just arrived in India with your shiny new resident visa (Student, Employment, etc.) and you need to register with the FRRO! What is it? Why do you need to register, and most importantly HOW do you do it? Your visa says you have 14 days to get it done, so read on! The clock is ticking!

What is it?

The FRRO is the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office, and it is the local branch of the Bureau of Immigration responsible for visa and residence related services for all foreigners. In the last few years the FRRO has moved to an online system to reduce the amount of in-person work required. People on long-term visas are required to register within 14 days of arrival. Short-term visas do not require registration, unless you are staying in-country beyond the length of stay stipulated in your visa.

Be sure to review the most current policies at the time of your application, because policies have been changing regularly, especially in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Why register?

Registration is important! Not only because it’s the law, but because your Registration Certificate will function as proof of your residence in India. This document will help you do things like open a local bank account, buy a vehicle, obtain local forms of ID such as Aadhaar card or Driver’s License, and more. Failure to register can also cause big headaches when you leave the country including delays in being allowed to leave, and expensive fines.

How do I register?

Registration is done via online application. You will need to create an account on the e-frro online portal, and then from there you can open a new application for registration.

What documents do I need?

For the online application you will need to upload various supporting documents. Here’s a list of the most common things you’ll need to provide.

• Passport-sized photo (.jpg format, less than 1MB size)

• Scanned copy of your passport information page

• Scanned copy of your visa

• Proof of residence (this is your rental agreement, or invoice from the hotel where you are staying)

• Relevant documents from your inviting organization/institute

Depending upon the visa type you may be asked to provide additional information, such as proof of funds (a recent bank statement showing available balance).

Documents must be uploaded in .pdf format, and are subject to size limits as well.

Okay, I’ve submitted my application; Now what?

Once you’ve submitted the online application, you’ll just need to wait and keep an eye on your sms and email! If anything further is required, you will be contacted and instructed on the next steps. Once your application is processed, you will be sent an email with your Registration Certificate, which you can print and keep for your records.

If you need to check the status of your application, you can log back into the e-frro portal and check the status there.

I hope this helps you navigate one of the complexities of your first two weeks in-country. Check out the other things you’ll want to do on arrival!

ABOUT ETHAN
Ethan moved to Dehradun in 2015 with his family, and has enjoyed introducing people to this amazing city ever since. He loves exploring new places, spending time outdoors, and geeking out about culture. Ethan stays busy developing and running cross-cultural trainings, helping out newcomers to the area, and taking pictures of this incredible part of the world in his spare time.

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