PAN Card for NRIs – Complete Guide with 30 FAQs
Step-by-step guide for NRIs to apply for a PAN card in India. Covers eligibility, documents, online/offline process, NRE/NRO use, taxation, investment rules, and 30 detailed FAQs.
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Every NRI (Non-Resident Indian) who wishes to invest, open a bank account, buy property, or pay taxes in India needs a PAN card (Permanent Account Number). This guide explains step-by-step how NRIs can apply for a PAN, documents required, and answers the most common questions in detail.
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Step-by-Step Process to Apply for PAN Card as an NRI
- Decide application route: NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL official portal.
- Fill Form 49AA online (for NRIs/foreign citizens).
- Choose whether you need PAN with an Indian communication address or overseas address.
- Upload identity proof (passport mandatory) and overseas address proof.
- Pay fees (different for Indian vs overseas dispatch).
- Submit form online with e-sign or send signed printout + documents to NSDL/UTI office.
- Track application using acknowledgement number.
- Receive physical PAN card (by post) and/or e-PAN (by email).
30 FAQs – PAN Card for NRIs
1. What is a PAN card and why do NRIs need it?
Short Answer: PAN is India’s tax identification number.
Long Answer: The PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-digit alphanumeric ID issued by the Income Tax Department. NRIs need it for filing taxes, investing in stocks or mutual funds, buying property, and even opening NRO/NRE accounts.
Long Answer: The PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-digit alphanumeric ID issued by the Income Tax Department. NRIs need it for filing taxes, investing in stocks or mutual funds, buying property, and even opening NRO/NRE accounts.
2. Is it mandatory for every NRI to have a PAN card?
Short Answer: Not always.
Long Answer: PAN is only mandatory if the NRI has taxable income in India, plans to invest in securities, or conduct financial transactions requiring PAN (like buying property). If an NRI has no financial connection with India, they don’t need a PAN.
Long Answer: PAN is only mandatory if the NRI has taxable income in India, plans to invest in securities, or conduct financial transactions requiring PAN (like buying property). If an NRI has no financial connection with India, they don’t need a PAN.
3. Which form should NRIs use to apply for PAN?
Short Answer: Form 49AA.
Long Answer: NRIs and foreign citizens must apply using Form 49AA (not Form 49A which is for residents). This can be filled online via NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL portals.
Long Answer: NRIs and foreign citizens must apply using Form 49AA (not Form 49A which is for residents). This can be filled online via NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL portals.
4. Can NRIs apply for PAN online?
Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer: NRIs can apply online via Protean eGov (NSDL) or UTIITSL websites. Identity and address proof documents are uploaded or couriered, and the application fee can be paid in INR using international cards or net banking.
Long Answer: NRIs can apply online via Protean eGov (NSDL) or UTIITSL websites. Identity and address proof documents are uploaded or couriered, and the application fee can be paid in INR using international cards or net banking.
5. What documents are required for NRI PAN application?
Short Answer: Passport and overseas address proof.
Long Answer: Key documents include: (i) Passport copy, (ii) Overseas address proof (foreign utility bill, driving licence, bank statement, resident permit), (iii) Two photographs, (iv) Indian communication address proof if chosen. All documents must be self-attested or attested by Indian consulate/notary.
Long Answer: Key documents include: (i) Passport copy, (ii) Overseas address proof (foreign utility bill, driving licence, bank statement, resident permit), (iii) Two photographs, (iv) Indian communication address proof if chosen. All documents must be self-attested or attested by Indian consulate/notary.
6. Can OCI and PIO card holders apply for PAN?
Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer: OCI and PIO holders can apply for PAN just like NRIs, by filling Form 49AA and submitting relevant documents. PAN is essential for their investments or property dealings in India.
Long Answer: OCI and PIO holders can apply for PAN just like NRIs, by filling Form 49AA and submitting relevant documents. PAN is essential for their investments or property dealings in India.
7. How much does it cost to apply for PAN as an NRI?
Short Answer: Around ₹100 for Indian address, ₹1,000+ for overseas address.
Long Answer: The fee varies depending on whether the physical PAN card is delivered within India or abroad. For dispatch abroad, charges are higher due to courier costs. E-PAN may have reduced costs.
Long Answer: The fee varies depending on whether the physical PAN card is delivered within India or abroad. For dispatch abroad, charges are higher due to courier costs. E-PAN may have reduced costs.
8. How long does it take for NRIs to get a PAN card?
Short Answer: Usually 15–30 days.
Long Answer: After submitting the application and documents, NRIs typically receive the PAN card within 2–4 weeks. E-PAN can be issued faster (within days) if documents are verified quickly.
Long Answer: After submitting the application and documents, NRIs typically receive the PAN card within 2–4 weeks. E-PAN can be issued faster (within days) if documents are verified quickly.
9. Can NRIs hold more than one PAN card?
Short Answer: No — only one PAN per individual.
Long Answer: Having multiple PANs is illegal. NRIs who already had a PAN before moving abroad must continue using the same number; they should not apply again unless updating details.
Long Answer: Having multiple PANs is illegal. NRIs who already had a PAN before moving abroad must continue using the same number; they should not apply again unless updating details.
10. Do NRIs need PAN to invest in Indian mutual funds?
Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer: PAN is mandatory for investing in Indian mutual funds. It is linked to your KYC and FATCA details, which are checked by AMCs and registrars before allowing investments.
Long Answer: PAN is mandatory for investing in Indian mutual funds. It is linked to your KYC and FATCA details, which are checked by AMCs and registrars before allowing investments.
11. Is PAN required for opening NRE/NRO accounts?
Short Answer: Yes, usually.
Long Answer: Most Indian banks require PAN for opening NRE/NRO accounts, especially if you plan to make investments or high-value transactions linked to the account.
Long Answer: Most Indian banks require PAN for opening NRE/NRO accounts, especially if you plan to make investments or high-value transactions linked to the account.
12. Can NRIs apply for PAN without visiting India?
Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer: NRIs can complete the entire process online and courier documents from abroad. Attested copies from an Indian consulate or notary are accepted in place of in-person verification.
Long Answer: NRIs can complete the entire process online and courier documents from abroad. Attested copies from an Indian consulate or notary are accepted in place of in-person verification.
13. Do NRIs need an Aadhaar card along with PAN?
Short Answer: No.
Long Answer: Aadhaar is not mandatory for NRIs unless they stay in India for over 182 days in a year. NRIs can apply for PAN without Aadhaar.
Long Answer: Aadhaar is not mandatory for NRIs unless they stay in India for over 182 days in a year. NRIs can apply for PAN without Aadhaar.
14. What happens if an NRI doesn’t have a PAN but has income in India?
Short Answer: They may face higher TDS and compliance issues.
Long Answer: If PAN is not provided, banks and companies deduct tax at higher rates (up to 20%). Filing ITR also becomes difficult. Hence, PAN is strongly recommended if you have taxable income in India.
Long Answer: If PAN is not provided, banks and companies deduct tax at higher rates (up to 20%). Filing ITR also becomes difficult. Hence, PAN is strongly recommended if you have taxable income in India.
15.Can NRIs apply for e-PAN?
Short Answer: Yes, if Aadhaar e-KYC is not required.
Long Answer: Some portals issue e-PAN (PDF by email) for NRIs who provide valid overseas KYC. However, Aadhaar-linked instant e-PAN is only for residents.
Long Answer: Some portals issue e-PAN (PDF by email) for NRIs who provide valid overseas KYC. However, Aadhaar-linked instant e-PAN is only for residents.
16. What is the difference between NRI PAN and Resident PAN?
Short Answer: The number format is the same.
Long Answer: PAN itself is identical; the difference is in the application form (49AA vs 49A), documents required, and whether the address is overseas or Indian. Status is updated in the IT system as NRI when applying.
Long Answer: PAN itself is identical; the difference is in the application form (49AA vs 49A), documents required, and whether the address is overseas or Indian. Status is updated in the IT system as NRI when applying.
17. Is digital signature required for NRI PAN application?
Short Answer: Not mandatory.
Long Answer: E-sign can be used if available; otherwise, a physical signature on the application printout is accepted, which is then couriered to the processing center.
Long Answer: E-sign can be used if available; otherwise, a physical signature on the application printout is accepted, which is then couriered to the processing center.
18. How do NRIs track their PAN application status?
Short Answer: Using acknowledgement number online.
Long Answer: After submitting Form 49AA, you receive a 15-digit acknowledgement. Enter this number on NSDL/UTI portals to track real-time status until the PAN is issued.
Long Answer: After submitting Form 49AA, you receive a 15-digit acknowledgement. Enter this number on NSDL/UTI portals to track real-time status until the PAN is issued.
19. Can foreign nationals of Indian origin also apply for PAN?
Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer: Foreign citizens, including OCI/PIO, can apply for PAN using Form 49AA. This is essential if they invest in India or own Indian assets.
Long Answer: Foreign citizens, including OCI/PIO, can apply for PAN using Form 49AA. This is essential if they invest in India or own Indian assets.
20.Is it possible to update or correct details in PAN?
Short Answer: Yes, via change request.
Long Answer: NRIs can submit a PAN change request form to update name, address, or date of birth. The process is similar to new application but requires proof of new details.
Long Answer: NRIs can submit a PAN change request form to update name, address, or date of birth. The process is similar to new application but requires proof of new details.
21.What if an NRI already has a PAN card before moving abroad?
Short Answer: Keep using it.
Long Answer: PAN remains valid for life, even if you change residency status. Simply update your address and contact details if required.
Long Answer: PAN remains valid for life, even if you change residency status. Simply update your address and contact details if required.
22. Can NRIs apply for PAN through agents?
Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer: Many service providers and chartered accountants offer PAN facilitation for NRIs. Ensure they are authorised and use official NSDL/UTI channels to avoid fraud.
Long Answer: Many service providers and chartered accountants offer PAN facilitation for NRIs. Ensure they are authorised and use official NSDL/UTI channels to avoid fraud.
23. Is PAN linked to bank accounts automatically?
Short Answer: Only if you provide it.
Long Answer: PAN must be given to your bank to link it with NRE/NRO accounts. Banks regularly update PAN to comply with tax reporting norms (Form 26AS).
Long Answer: PAN must be given to your bank to link it with NRE/NRO accounts. Banks regularly update PAN to comply with tax reporting norms (Form 26AS).
24.Can NRIs get duplicate PAN if lost?
Short Answer: Yes, via reprint.
Long Answer: If PAN is lost, NRIs can apply online for a reprint using the same PAN number. E-PAN can also be downloaded once reissued.
Long Answer: If PAN is lost, NRIs can apply online for a reprint using the same PAN number. E-PAN can also be downloaded once reissued.
25.Is PAN required for property purchase in India by NRIs?
Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer: NRIs must quote PAN when buying/selling property in India. It is used for TDS deduction and registration purposes.
Long Answer: NRIs must quote PAN when buying/selling property in India. It is used for TDS deduction and registration purposes.
26.Do NRIs need PAN for stock market trading?
Short Answer: Yes, mandatory.
Long Answer: PAN is linked to demat accounts, trading accounts, and PIS compliance. Without PAN, NRIs cannot trade in Indian equities.
Long Answer: PAN is linked to demat accounts, trading accounts, and PIS compliance. Without PAN, NRIs cannot trade in Indian equities.
27.Is PAN required for filing Indian Income Tax Returns?
Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer: PAN is your tax ID and is mandatory for filing ITR in India. All tax records, Form 26AS, and refunds are linked to PAN.
Long Answer: PAN is your tax ID and is mandatory for filing ITR in India. All tax records, Form 26AS, and refunds are linked to PAN.
28.Can NRIs give Indian address in PAN application?
Short Answer: Yes, optional.
Long Answer: NRIs can choose to provide either an Indian communication address or overseas address. Courier costs differ based on choice. E-PAN ensures faster delivery regardless.
Long Answer: NRIs can choose to provide either an Indian communication address or overseas address. Courier costs differ based on choice. E-PAN ensures faster delivery regardless.
29.What mistakes should NRIs avoid in PAN application?
Short Answer: Incorrect form, wrong documents, multiple PANs.
Long Answer: Common errors include filling Form 49A instead of 49AA, not attesting overseas address proof, mismatched name formats with passport, or applying for a new PAN when you already have one.
Long Answer: Common errors include filling Form 49A instead of 49AA, not attesting overseas address proof, mismatched name formats with passport, or applying for a new PAN when you already have one.
30.Is PAN valid for life?
Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer: PAN is permanent and does not expire. NRIs only need to update details if personal or address information changes.
Long Answer: PAN is permanent and does not expire. NRIs only need to update details if personal or address information changes.
Official Resources for NRI PAN Card Application
Here are the verified government links you can use to apply for or track your PAN card as an NRI:
Tip: Always apply through these official sites only. Avoid third-party agents unless absolutely necessary.
