In case you live in Europe and are an Indian citizen, but the address has to be changed or even the name on the Indian passport needs to be updated, it can be done, however, it requires attention and accurate documentation and Highest regards to the instructions of the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the country of residence. In Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands or any other country in Europe know this: what you need to know about frontiers and watch movements.
At what point do I need to change address or name?
The most frequent reasons of a requested change are the following ones:
You have relocated to different abode within Europe or within India. What has just happened is that you are newly married or divorced and it is a name change you require. To alter your name you did it in form of an affidavit or gazette. The information on your present passport is wrong or out of date address information.
Documents to Change Name or Address
Depending upon country there may be slight differences but this is a broad list
In respect of Address Change:
Current passport (original) and photocopies of the first page and the last page.
Evidence of new residence (European residence permit, utility, rental agreement or registration certificate).
Indian address proof (in case you would prefer to keep/reflect on your Indian permanent address).
Most recent passport-photo size (embassy specifications).
Online application form duly filled online through Passport Seva Portal.
All original documents which, along with self-attested copies, contain the same information.
Post-Marriage Name Change or Legal Name Change:
Marriage certificate (of change of name after getting married).
Divorce decree (of moving name after divorce).
Name change affidavit (notarized).
Gazette notification (in case name has been changed in India).
Backing up ID in the new name.
Where to send it –Embassy or Consulate
This has to be applied to the Indian Embassy or Consulate under which your home place falls. Certain nations have contracted this to registered service providers such as VFS Global or BLS International. Visit the web site of your local embassy to see any specific instructions on how to submit.
The Procedure on Applying in detail
Enroll either on the Passport Seva Portal or passport portal of your local embassy.
Completely fill in the form of Re-issue of passport; select the reason as in change of personal particulars.
Complete and print the filled form and collect all the supporting documents.
Make an appointment (in case it is needed by your local mission).
Hand in the forms personally or by mail (according to the embassy regulations).
Pay its processing fee (depends on country and time the simple processing takes).
Time and costs of processing
Normal processing time:
2 4 weeks (may differ by location).
Tatkal service:
Not necessarily avail in other countries beyond India.
The range of price is 50-100 Euros per passport depending on the service provider and the number of pages that the passport requires.
Final Tips
Always look at the official site of your Indian Embassy or service provider to see country specific developments. Make sure that your papers are self-attested and translated, when necessary. Care to have the right photo size and background as in embassies requirements.
As long as you take the right steps and carefully prepare your documents, you may easily amend your address or name on your Indian passport even when you live in Europe- hassle free and without wasting time.