Bhutan Citizenship for Indian

Bhutan does not provide a formal program of permanent residency for any foreign nationals. Bhutan’s immigration policies are designed to preserve its unique cultural heritage and environment.

Hence, the government of Bhutan is known to tightly control the number of foreigners allowed to reside in the country.

If you want immigration to Bhutan from India for an extended period, you can do so through employment with a Bhutanese company or if you are eligible for citizenship in Bhutan for Indian nationals.

There are multiple ways to get citizenship in Bhutan. Thus, the citizenship requirements can vary depending on the citizenship pathway you opt for.

However, the following are the standard criteria that you must meet to be eligible for citizenship in Bhutan for Indian nationals :

Length of Residency:

You must have resided in Bhutan for a specified period, usually ranging from 10 to 20 years continuously, depending on the circumstances.

Knowledge of Bhutanese Culture:

You are required to demonstrate proficiency in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan, along with knowledge of the Bhutanese culture and traditions.

Good Character:

You must demonstrate good character and moral conduct during your residency in Bhutan.

Financial Stability:

You need to demonstrate financial stability and contribute positively to the Bhutanese economy.

Sponsorship:

You may require sponsorship or recommendation from a Bhutanese citizen or authorities, depending on the circumstances.

While obtaining Bhutan citizenship by investment is not an option that is provided yet, immigration policies offer Bhutan Citizenship for Indian Nationals under the following circumstances:

Bhutan Citizenship By Birth

Children born to two Bhutanese citizens automatically gain citizenship.

Bhutan Citizenship By Descent

Individuals born before June 10, 1985, to a Bhutanese father residing in Bhutan at the time automatically acquire citizenship, irrespective of their country of birth.

Individuals born on or after June 10, 1985, to both a Bhutanese mother and father, irrespective of their country of birth, are also granted citizenship.

Bhutan Citizenship By Registration

Individuals permanently residing in Bhutan by December 31, 1958, and registered in the census maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs are granted citizenship.

Bhutan Citizenship By Naturalisation

Individuals who fit the above-mentioned criteria are eligible for citizenship by naturalisation.

However, the petition must be approved by a government authority.

Bhutan Citizenship By Marriage

When a Bhutanese woman marries a foreign man, both the husband and children must apply for citizenship through naturalisation.

When a Bhutanese man marries a foreign woman, the wife must apply for citizenship through the advised ways.

However, children born to the couple are automatically granted citizenship by descent, regardless of their mother’s nationality.

The Bhutanese citizenship process begins with a thorough review of the eligibility criteria. This is done to ensure that you, as the applicant, meet all necessary requirements based on your chosen reason for applying.

Once eligibility is confirmed, you must gather the documents and forms stipulated by Bhutan’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

Upon submission of all completed forms and required documents, the Ministry of Home Affairs will conduct verifications, assessments, and interviews to ensure all criteria are met.

Upon approval, you are required to take a solemn oath of allegiance to the King, country, and people of Bhutan.

Gaining Bhutan Citizenship for Indian Nationals is a difficult process. Submission of incorrect and incomplete documents is one of the most prominent reasons behind the rejection of citizenship applications. Hence, it is vital to have all your supporting and main documents aligned and ready.

While the list of documents varies depending on the citizenship pathway you choose, some documents remain common for all methods. These are as follows:

• Copy of original passport

• Original identity proof from home country

• Birth certificate

• Bhutan residence proof

• Proof of fund to prove stable livelihood

• Employment documents

• Application form depending on the pathway you choose.

Acquiring Bhutan Citizenship for Indian Nationals offers many advantages that reflect the country’s unique cultural heritage. Here are some of the key benefits of holding Bhutanese nationality:

Cultural Connection: As a Bhutanese citizen, you get to be a part of a rich cultural society that is deeply rooted in its traditions and heritage. You get the opportunity to actively participate in the vibrant festivals, rituals, and customs that define Bhutanese identity.

Residence: Bhutanese citizens have the right to reside permanently in the country, allowing them to enjoy the serene beauty of the Himalayan landscape and immerse themselves in the country’s tranquil way of life.

Access to Social Services: Bhutanese citizens are entitled to access government-sponsored social services, which include healthcare, education, and welfare programmes, aimed at promoting the well-being and prosperity of all citizens.

Employment Opportunities: Citizenship provides access to a wide range of employment opportunities within Bhutan, whether in the public or private sector. This enables citizens to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy and development.

Sense of Belonging: Holding Bhutanese nationality fosters a deep sense of belonging and connection to the country and its people.

The applications for Bhutan citizenship for Indians may incur various charges. These typically include application fees, document processing fees and any other administrative costs. The same will be conveyed during the application on a case-by-case basis.

Although there is no digitised tracking process available as of yet, you can check the progress of your application by contacting the Ministry of Home Affairs Department of Immigration for more details.

When applying for Bhutanese citizenship from India, it is essential to navigate the process carefully to avoid mistakes that could delay or jeopardise the chances of approval.

Here are some of the key mistakes that you should avoid:

Incorrect/Fake Documents: One of the most common errors is submitting incomplete documentation. It is crucial to ensure you have gathered all the required documents and filled all relevant forms accurately.

Failure to meet Eligibility: It is crucial to review and understand all the details related to the eligibility criteria for Bhutanese citizenship. Depending on the reason for application, these might vary.

Lack of Language Proficiency: Bhutanese citizenship applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in Dzongkha as well as their knowledge of the Bhutanese culture and customs. It is crucial to ensure you meet these requirements before submitting your application.

Insufficient Residency Period: Depending on your pathway, you are required to meet a specific residency period. It is vital to ensure you have resided in Bhutan for the necessary duration to avoid rejection.

In addition to avoiding the mistakes mentioned above, here are some tips that might help increase your chances of obtaining Bhutan Citizenship for Indian Nationals:

• Familiarise yourself with the different pathways to Bhutanese citizenship and determine which one suits you best for applications.

• Take legal help for your application process

• Demonstrate your commitment to the country by actively participating in community activities and cultural events.

• Invest time in learning Dzongkha and familiarise yourself with the culture and customs in Bhutan.

• Keep your legal record clean and avoid involvement in criminal activities.

• Establish stable residency in Bhutan by maintaining a consistent presence in the country.

Bhutan is an incredible country in terms of culture, natural landscapes, and way of living. Below are some interesting facts you should know about:

Gross National Happiness: Bhutan prioritises the well-being and happiness of its citizens over economic growth. The concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) measures the country’s progress based on factors such as psychological well-being, health, education, cultural diversity and environmental sustainability.

No traffic lights: The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, is one of the few capital cities in the world without traffic lights. Instead of traffic lights, police officers direct the traffic at major intersections to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

Gross National Income: Bhutan measures its economic progress not by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but by Gross National Income (GNI). GNI takes into account the social and environmental costs of economic activities, aligning with Bhutan’s holistic approach to development.

Limited Tourist Numbers: Bhutan restricts the number of tourists entering the country each year through a ‘high-value, low-impact’ tourism policy. This approach aims to preserve Bhutan’s unique culture and environment while ensuring sustainable tourism practices.

In case you are planning to visit Bhutan shortly, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do’s

• Dress modestly.

• Show respect to older individuals.

• Ask for permission before taking pictures.

• Remove your hat while entering religious sites, and take off your footwear while entering temple altar rooms.

• Be responsible for your waste and dispose of it in designated areas.

• Follow traffic rules and use designated zebra crossing for your safety.

Don'ts

• Avoid Smoking in public places in Bhutan. You will be fined if you are seen smoking.

• Don’t misbehave within the premises of the monasteries, temples and dzongs.

• Don’t point your fingers at people or art; it is seen as rude.

• Do not throw anything into lakes, swim in the river, disturb nature by throwing stones, etc. All these are considered holy, and deities live in their depths.

While your citizenship applications are in process, your travel to Bhutan or any other foreign country for tourism or business purposes must be covered by comprehensive overseas travel insurance.

Although a Bhutan visa for Indians does not mandate one, you must obtain a travel insurance policy for unforeseen incidents during your travel.

Beyond third-party liabilities, travel insurance provides crucial assistance in medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and even loss of belongings. This offers you peace of mind during your overseas endeavours and helps you enjoy your trip without any worries.

However, investing in travel insurance can get tricky with all the clauses and limitations involved. Hence, opting for a reliable insurance provider like Tata AIG is a wise choice. Not only does the Tata AIG travel insurance provide comprehensive coverage, but our 24/7 Toll-Free Number, 1800-266-7780, will always have someone on the line to help you through your claims and other queries.

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Obtaining a Bhutan Citizenship for Indian Nationals offers numerous advantages. It especially frees you from the repetitive process of renewing your work permits or visas. This status grants you the freedom to reside in the country without constraints, fully enjoying the rights and privileges that citizenship entails.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is subject to change depending on immigration laws and policies. It is recommended that you stay updated regarding such changes and confirm the details through an official source before proceeding further.