For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), a PAN card is more than a formal requirement—it plays a key role in managing finances and making investments in India. It helps maintain tax compliance and enables smoother investment processes, making it an important part of your financial dealings in the country.

Why a PAN Card is Important for NRIs

A PAN card is an important document for NRIs who need to manage financial activities in India. Here’s why it is required:

• Needed for investing in the Indian stock market or mutual funds.
• Required to open NRE/NRO bank accounts for handling finances in India.
• Mandatory for buying or selling property worth more than ₹10 lakh.
• Necessary for filing income tax returns on income from salary, rent, or other sources in India.

Documents Required for NRI PAN Card Application

To apply for a PAN card as an NRI, the following documents must be submitted:

• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Photocopy of a valid passport
• Copy of PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card or OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card
• Proof of overseas address, such as a bank statement or residential permit
• For NRE account holders, a bank statement with at least two transactions in the last six months, attested by authorized officials

Step-by-Step Process for PAN Card Application for NRIs

NRIs can apply for a PAN card online by following these steps:

1. Visit the official website of UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited) or Protean (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited), both authorized to process PAN applications.
2. Select “New PAN for Indian Citizens (Form 49A)”.
3. Fill in the online form with details such as full name, date of birth, and contact information, selecting ‘Non-Resident Indian’ as your status.
4. Upload clear, scanned copies of all required documents.
5. Pay the application fee through credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.
6. After submission, note the acknowledgment number for tracking your application.
7. Print the acknowledgment, sign it, and attach two passport-size photographs.
8. Send the signed acknowledgment along with original or attested documents (certified by the Indian embassy or consulate) to the chosen agency within 15 days. Mark the envelope with “APPLICATION FOR PAN – Acknowledgment Number“.
9. The PAN card will be sent to the address provided in the application.

Payment Process for PAN Card Application

The fee for a PAN card varies based on the type of card and the delivery location:

• For a physical PAN card delivered to an overseas address, the total fee is ₹994, covering both application and dispatch charges.
• For delivery within India, the fee is ₹107, inclusive of GST.
• Payments can be made online through Internet Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, or UPI.

Do’s When Filling the PAN Application Form

• Carefully check all personal details to avoid errors that may cause rejection or delays.
• Ensure your name matches exactly with the name on your passport.
• Attach a clear, recent passport-size photograph for identification purposes.

Don’ts When Filling the PAN Application Form

• Do not leave any required fields blank, as incomplete forms may be returned.
• Avoid submitting expired or invalid documents.
• Do not leave the payment process incomplete or with errors, as this may delay processing or cause payment failures.

Is a PAN Card Required for NRIs?

A PAN card is not mandatory for every activity carried out by NRIs, but it is necessary for certain financial transactions in India. Any activity that involves paying income tax or filing returns—such as investing in securities, purchasing property, or operating bank accounts—requires a valid PAN.

Benefits of PAN for NRIs

• Simplifies the process of opening bank accounts, an important step for building a financial presence in India.
• Supports tax compliance by making it easier to file returns and manage tax responsibilities with Indian authorities.
• Required for investments in mutual funds and other financial products, serving as proof of identity and ensuring proper tax documentation.
• Banks like Axis Bank provide NRI-focused services, such as NRE Savings Accounts, NRO Savings Accounts, and FCNR (B) deposits, to meet the financial requirements of Indians living abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – NRI PAN Card

Q. Is the PAN card fee for NRIs different from that for Indian residents?
Yes. The fee depends on the communication address provided. If an overseas address is mentioned, additional dispatch charges apply.

Q. How can NRIs track the status of their PAN card application?
The status can be checked online using the acknowledgment number received after submitting the application.

Q. What is the usual processing time for an NRI PAN card?
It generally takes about 15–20 working days, subject to successful document verification and accurate details.

Q. Is there any visible difference between a PAN card for an NRI and one for a resident Indian?
No. Both cards look the same and follow the same application process.

Q. Can NRIs apply for only an e-PAN instead of a physical card?
Yes. NRIs can opt for a digitally signed e-PAN sent by email, which is equally valid as a physical PAN card.

Q. What if incorrect information is submitted in the application?
The application may be rejected, or the issued PAN card may require corrections through a formal update process.

Q. Can NRIs update or correct their PAN details later?
Yes. They can submit a ‘Change Request Form’ through UTIITSL or Protean, along with the necessary documents.

Q. Is linking PAN with Aadhaar mandatory for NRIs?
No. Aadhaar linking is not required for NRIs, as they are generally not issued an Aadhaar unless they meet the eligibility criteria for residence in India.