FRRO Registration

If you’re staying in India longer than a short visit, at some point you’ll likely need to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The rule around this changed significantly in mid-2026 — if you’ve read an older guide, it’s probably now wrong on this specific point.

NOTE

General information only, not legal advice. This page reflects a genuinely recent rule change — confirm your exact obligation at indianfrro.gov.in. See our full disclaimer on the hub page.

180 daysRegistration threshold

Beforenot after — the mid-2026 rule change

24 hrsWindow for Pakistani nationals

ExemptOCI holders & children under 12

RULE CHANGED JUNE 2026

The old “14 days after crossing 180 days” grace period no longer exists. Under amendments notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 1 June 2026, foreign nationals who intend to stay beyond 180 days must now complete FRRO/FRO registration before reaching the 180-day mark — not within a window afterward. Late registration is now permitted only in exceptional circumstances, with tighter penalties for missing it. If you’re planning a long stay, build this into your timeline early — the recommended approach is starting the process 30–45 days before you’d hit 180 days, not waiting until you’re close to the line.

Do you actually need to register?

SituationRegistration needed?Notes

Visa valid 180 days or lessNoUnless you’re from Pakistan or Afghanistan, or intend to stay beyond 180 days

Visa valid more than 180 days (Student, Employment, Research, Medical, some Business)YesRegister before reaching the 180-day mark of your stay

OCI cardholdersNeverFully exempt regardless of stay duration

Children under 12NoExempt, even as dependents on a long-term visa

Nationality-specific rules

Pakistani nationals

Must register within 24 hours of arrival — significantly faster than the general rule — except those on Exemption from Police Reporting (EPR) visas, and Medical Visa holders (who get 7 days).

Afghan nationals

Must register within 14 days of arrival regardless of intended stay duration, unless entering on a visa valid 30 days or less with a local address already given to the Indian mission.

Where FRRO offices are

Full FRRO offices exist in a limited set of major cities; elsewhere, a designated police officer (FRO) handles registration.

CROSS-REFERENCE

FRRO offices operate in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Goa, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad — nearly all of them cities we already have full airport guides for. Elsewhere, registration goes through your local District Superintendent of Police acting as FRO.

How registration actually works

Almost entirely online now

The e-FRRO portal (indianfrro.gov.in) handles registration, extensions, conversions, address changes, and exit permits. You generally won’t need to visit an office in person unless specifically called in for an interview or verification.

What you get

Successful registration issues a Registration Certificate and Residential Permit — your proof of lawful long-term stay. It’s valid only for the period specified in your visa, so it needs renewing if your stay is extended.

Don’t rely on middlemen promising “guaranteed” or “express” FRRO approval — there’s no official fast-track, and approval genuinely depends on document accuracy and verification. Keep digital copies of everything: passport, visa, address proof, and any sponsor/institution documents.

Official sources

indianfrro.gov.in

The e-FRRO portal — registration, extensions, and all related services.

mea.gov.in

Ministry of External Affairs — official registration requirement summaries.