How to Get an NRI PAN Card in India?

 If you are a non-resident Indian (NRI) with income or financial transactions in India, you might wonder how to get a PAN card. A PAN card is a permanent account number issued by the Income Tax Department of India.

It is a unique identification code mandatory for filing tax^* returns, opening bank accounts, investing in mutual funds, buying or selling property, and many other purposes.

This blog article will describe why you need a PAN card, how to file a PAN application for NRIs, what documents you need, how much it costs, and how long it takes to get one.

Why Do You Need a PAN For NRIs?

A PAN card is essential for various financial and economic activities in India. According to SEBI, NRIs trading in the Indian stock market² must have one. Here are some of the reasons why you must possess this document:
 

• Having a PAN card is a prerequisite to investing in mutual funds.
• When opening an NRE or NRO account in India, which are specialised accounts for NRIs to manage Indian rupees or foreign currency, a PAN card is essential.
• A PAN card is mandatory for property transactions exceeding ₹10 lakhs in India, including buying or selling.
• This document is also necessary if you have any taxable income in India, such as salary, rent, interest, dividends, or capital gains.
• The Income Tax Department utilises PAN cards to monitor your income and tax obligations.

How to Apply for an NRI PAN card?

There are two ways to proceed with a PAN card application for NRI: online or offline. You can pick either method depending on your convenience and preference. Here is what you need to do for an online application.
 

You may apply for a PAN card through the websites of UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited (UTIITSL) or Protean (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited).

These authorised agencies handle the PAN card applications on behalf of the Income Tax Department. Here are the steps to apply for a PAN card online:
 

• Visit the website of UTIITSL or Protean and select the option "New PAN for Indian Citizens (Form 49A)".
• Fill in the online application form with your name, birth date, address, contact number, and email ID. Also, select an applicant's category as "Individual" and the applicant's status as "Non-Resident Indian."
• Upload the necessary scanned documents. Ensure they are clear and legible.
• Pay the necessary application fee using your credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.
• Submit the application form and note down the acknowledgement number. You can use this number to track the status of your application on the website.
• Print out the acknowledgement receipt and sign it. You also need to paste two recent passport-size photographs on it.
• Within 15 days from your e-application submission, forward the signed acknowledgement receipt and the original documents (or copies authenticated by an Indian embassy or consulate) to the UTIITSL or Protean office. You can find the address of the office on the website. You should also write "APPLICATION FOR PAN - Acknowledgment Number" on the envelope.
• Wait for the dispatch of your PAN card to your address.

PAN Card for NRI: Documents Required

If you are a non-resident Indian (NRI) and want to apply for a PAN card, you will need to submit the following documents along with the PAN application form:
 

• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• A copy of your passport.
• A copy of your Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, if applicable.
• An overseas address proof, such as a copy of your overseas bank statement or a residential permit issued by the Foreigner's Registration Officer in India or the State Police Authorities.
• If you have one, a copy of your NRE bank account statement shows at least two transactions in the last six months duly attested by the Indian Embassy/Consulate/High Commission/Apostille or the bank manager where the account is held.
   

In case you are applying with an Indian office address, the additional documents required would be:
 

• Copy of your appointment letter by the concerned company with an address in India.
• Employer's PAN details.
• A certified copy of the address certificate issued by your Indian employer.

NRI PAN Card Fees

The cost of applying for a PAN card depends on whether you want a physical PAN card or an e-PAN card and whether you want it delivered to your foreign or Indian address. Here is the breakdown of the cost:
 

• Physical PAN card delivered to foreign address: ₹994 (dispatch charges + application fees). Nevertheless, it is crucial to highlight that this service is accessible to a specific list of 105 countries, which you can find on the official NSDL website.
• Physical PAN card delivered to Indian address: ₹107 (including GST)^@.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PAN Card for Foreign Nationals?  

The duration for obtaining a PAN card relies on the promptness of your document submission and the processing speed of the Income Tax Department and the authorised agencies. Generally, it takes 15 to 20 days to get a PAN card after submitting your application and documents.

However, it may take longer if there are any errors or discrepancies in your application or documents. You can track your NRI PAN card status on the website of UTIITSL or Protean using your acknowledgement number.

Guidelines for NRI PAN Registration

• Use black ink for filling out the form when applying through offline mode.
•  Bold the details in the form for clarity.
• Ensure accurate submission of the Assessing Officer code for NRIs.
• Attach proof of identity and address securely to the forms; providing false information may lead to rejection.
• Ensure the name in the submitted documents matches the one in the form.
• For a minor applicant, their representative may submit address and identity proofs.
• Avoid any corrections or overwriting on the form to prevent rejection.
• Attach the required photographs to the form without stapling or pinning.
• When signing the form, refrain from adding a date or place beneath the signature.
• Exercise caution when providing information in the form to avoid misinformation.
• You cannot apply for a second PAN card if you already possess one; surrender any duplicate PAN by submitting a PAN change or correction request form.

Conclusion

A PAN card is vital for NRIs with income or financial transactions in India. It aids them in complying with tax rules and regulations and facilitates various economic activities. Applying for a PAN card for foreigners is easy and convenient, whether online or offline.

You must fill in a simple form, submit some documents, pay a nominal fee, and wait for your PAN card to arrive at your doorstep. So, if you are an NRI needing a PAN card, do not delay and apply today!