NRI PAN Card: Complete Application Procedure Explained
A clear, step-by-step explanation of the complete NRI PAN application procedure for non-residents living around the world, including eligibility, required documents, fees, timelines and much more.
If you’re an NRI (Non-Resident Indian), an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India), or a foreign citizen living outside India, you can apply for a PAN card without being physically present in India. This applies to non residents who have financial or tax-related links to India, such as investments, bank accounts, compliance needs, or business interests. Within the Indian diaspora, this is often referred to as an “NRI PAN card.”
As a non-resident, you can apply for a NRI PAN card through two government-authorized agencies—UTIITSL and Protean—or through independent PAN service providers based outside India like pancardnri.com, pancardexpress.com and pancard.co.uk to name a few.
Since the process involves specific forms, documents, and jurisdiction rules, it can feel confusing when applying from abroad. This guide explains the complete PAN card for NRI application procedure, including how to apply online, required documents, applicable fees, common mistakes to avoid, and country-specific considerations for applicants living outside India, including those based in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries globally.
Quick quiz to find the best way to get your NRI PAN card.
Clarification on the Term “Non Resident”
Before we begin, let’s clear up a common misunderstanding.
Many people assume that anyone living outside India is an NRI. That’s not correct. Not all non-residents are NRIs.
In income tax and compliance terms, “Non-Resident” is a broader category that includes multiple types of individuals and entities.
1. NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)
These are Indian citizens who hold Indian passports and live outside India. They are legally classified as Non-Resident Indians.
2. Foreign Citizens
These are individuals who hold foreign passports (such as US, UK, Canadian, or Australian passports). They are not Indian citizens and therefore are not NRIs, even if they have financial or personal links to India.
3. Foreign Citizens with OCI/PIO Cards
These are foreign passport holders, often of Indian origin, who hold an OCI or PIO card.
Even though they may have long-term ties to India, they are still foreign citizens, not Indian citizens or NRIs. From a legal and tax perspective, they are treated as non-resident foreign nationals.
4. Foreign Entities or Organizations
These include companies, funds, trusts, and other organizations that are incorporated outside India and do not have a permanent establishment (PE) in India.
Summary:
All the above — NRIs, Foreign Citizens, OCI/PIO Card Holders, and Foreign Entities — fall under the larger category of Non-Residents.
- Non-Residents is the umbrella (main) category.
- NRIs = Indian passport holders living abroad.
- Foreign citizens = Non-residents, but not NRIs.
- OCI/PIO cardholders = Foreign citizens, still not NRIs.
- Foreign entities = Non-resident entities.
This distinction is important because PAN application forms, documentation, and compliance rules differ based on the applicant category.
Throughout this guide, the term “non-resident” refers collectively to NRIs, foreign citizens, OCI/PIO cardholders, and foreign entities.
What is an NRI PAN Card?
A PAN card for NRI is not a separate or special type of card. It is the same standard PAN card issued to residents in India, printed on a laminated card and carrying a unique 10-character alphanumeric number. Issued by the Income Tax Department of India, it is mandatory for many financial and tax-related activities. This includes investing in India, opening or operating NRI bank accounts, filing income tax returns, and meeting various other regulatory requirements.
The term “NRI PAN card” is simply a commonly used phrase within the Indian diaspora. Over time, it became popular among NRIs and foreign citizens living in the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other countries worldwide. So when a non-resident applies for an NRI PAN, they are actually issued the same regular PAN that Indian residents receive—there is no difference in format, validity, or legal use.
NRI PAN Card vs Indian Resident PAN Card – What is the Difference?
To reiterate, a PAN issued to a non resident (NRI PAN) is not a special type of card. It is the same standard PAN card, but the applicant is treated as a non-resident in the income tax system. The real differences are in who can apply, which form they use, the kind of documents they must submit (including passport and visa), and whether those documents need to be attested by the Indian embassy/consulate or apostilled, depending on the case and the country.
The table below explains the key differences between the two:
| Feature | NRI PAN | Resident PAN |
|---|---|---|
| Type of card | Same standard PAN card issued by the Income Tax Department | Same standard PAN card issued by the Income Tax Department |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens living abroad (NRIs), OCI cardholders, and foreign citizens with financial links to India | Indian citizens who are tax residents of India |
| Number format | 10-character alphanumeric PAN (e.g. ABCDE1234F) | 10-character alphanumeric PAN (e.g. ABCDE1234F) |
| Application form | Form 49A for Indian citizens (including NRIs); Form 49AA for foreigners and OCIs | Form 49A for Indian resident individuals |
| Supporting documents | Passport copy, foreign address proof, visa or residence permit copy (where available), and OCI booklet copy if applicable | Aadhaar, voter ID, driving licence, or other Indian ID plus Indian address proof |
| Document attestation / apostille | In many cases, copies of passport, visa, and address proof may need to be attested by the Indian embassy/consulate in your country, or apostilled, depending on the case and the category of applicant | Usually not required; self-attested copies are normally accepted for resident applicants |
| Jurisdiction | Based on NRI/foreign category and processing centre; not linked to a fixed Indian address | Based on the Indian residential address given in the application |
| Delivery address | Can be sent to a foreign address or an Indian address (if allowed in the chosen mode of application) | Sent to the Indian residential address mentioned in the form |
| Income tax status in records | Marked as NRI/non-resident in the income tax database, based on residential status declared | Marked as resident in the income tax database |
Why Do Non Residents Need a PAN Number?
You need a NRI PAN card, if you have any financial dealings in India. That includes:
- Buying or selling real estate in India
- Investing in Indian mutual funds or stocks
- Opening a bank or DEMAT account in India
- Receiving rent or capital gains in India
- Repatriating money from India to your overseas account
- Filing income tax returns in India
- And for many other purposes.
Even if you’re not a citizen, having a PAN card makes financial transactions smoother and legally compliant.
Who Can Apply for a Permanent Account Number From Outside India?
You’re eligible and often required to apply for a PAN number from abroad, if you fall into any of these categories:
For Individuals:
- NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) with income or assets in India
- OCI cardholders who want to invest or manage finances in India
- Foreign citizens interested in Indian markets or real estate
For Entities:
- Foreign companies/organizations looking to set up offices, invest, doing business or other activities in India
Types of PAN Application Forms For Non-Residents
Choosing the correct form is important to avoid rejection:
Form 49A
- For Indian citizens only (residents of India)
- Not meant for NRIs or foreign citizens
Form 49AA
- Specifically for NRIs, OCI holders, and foreign citizens
- Most common for people applying from outside India
Form CSF
- CSF form is used by any type of non-resident when requesting corrections, reissue, or duplicate PAN cards
- Also used if your PAN card was lost or damaged
Documents Required for Applying a PAN as an NRI
Different types of documents are needed for applying for a NRI PAN depending on your country of residence and passport status:
✅ For NRIs:
- Copy of Passport (mandatory ID proof)
- Overseas address proof (utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement)
- Recent passport-size photo
- Signature on white paper
- May require apostille or notarization
✅ For OCI Holders:
- Same as above, plus a copy of OCI card
✅ For Foreign Citizens:
- Passport and foreign address proof
- Business or investment documents if applying for tax purposes
- May need embassy attestation or notary
Note: Check latest attestation rules based on your country—The United States, UK, UAE, Canada, Australia, etc.
How to Apply PAN Card for a NRI?
If you’re applying for a NRI PAN while residing outside India, the process is not Aadhaar-based and not instant. The application always involves proper forms, documents, and either an online submission with physical follow-up or a fully offline courier-based process.
Below are the only valid methods allowed under current government rules.
Option 1: Apply Directly Through Government Portals (Self-Service)
This is the official do-it-yourself route. You handle everything on your own, exactly as per government instructions.
Authorized government PAN portals
- PROTEAN
- UTITSL
How the government portal process works:
- Choose the correct PAN form
- Form 49A – Indian passport holders
- Form 49AA – Foreign passport holders
- Fill the PAN application online
- Upload photo and signature (where permitted)
- Pay the PAN fee online
- Submit the form and print the acknowledgment
- Paste photographs and sign at required places
- Attach supporting documents (passport, overseas address proof, etc.)
- Courier the complete set to the India address shown on the portal
Important things to know
- Aadhaar e-KYC and Instant PAN are not allowed for overseas applicants
- Physical documents are mandatory in most cases
- Any mistake can cause rejection or delay
This route is reliable, but it can feel technical and time-consuming, especially when applying from another country.
Option 2: Apply Through Trusted Third-Party PAN Services (Guided Support) 🚀
This option follows the same government rules, but the steps are handled with guidance and checks.
Well-known PAN service platforms used by NRIs:
- PANCardNRI.com
- PANCardExpress.com
How the assisted process works
- You receive a pre-filled PAN application form
- You get a clear document checklist based on your passport type
- You receive photo and signature samples
- Your details are reviewed before submission
- Documents are received at their India office
- The application is tracked until PAN is issued
This route is easy, and is commonly used by applicants in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, and Europe, mainly to avoid errors and back-and-forth.
Table Of Comparison: Government vs Assisted PAN Application Process for NRIs
The table below gives you a clear side-by-side view of the two application options available to non residents from outside India.
| Point of Comparison | Option 1: Government Portals (Self-Service) | Option 2: Assisted Services (Guided Support) |
|---|---|---|
| Who Applies | You apply on your own | You apply with guided support |
| Where You Apply | Official government PAN portals | Platforms like PANCardNRI.com, PANCardExpress.com, etc |
| Forms Used | Form 49A or Form 49AA | Form 49A or Form 49AA (pre-filled for you) |
| Online Step | You fill the form yourself on the portal | Form prepared with your details and checked |
| Documents | You identify, format, and attach documents yourself | You get a clear checklist and document samples |
| Courier to India | You courier documents directly to the government address | You courier documents to the service provider’s India office |
| Error Handling | You handle corrections and rejections yourself | Errors are checked before submission |
| Support | No personalized support | Email or WhatsApp support till PAN is issued |
| Processing Authority | PAN is issued by the ITD (Income Tax Department Of India) | |
| Best For | Applicants comfortable with forms and documentation | Applicants who want clarity and fewer delays |
NRI PAN Processing Time And Delivery Options
- e-PAN (Digital PDF format): Usually sent by email in 2–3 working days
- Physical PAN Card: Sent by India Post or courier; may take another 3–4 weeks internationally
Delivery Address Options:
- Can be delivered to your foreign address (extra courier charges may apply)
- Or to a local Indian address (if available)
e-PAN (electronic version) vs Physical PAN Card – What’s Better?
| Feature | ePAN (Electronic Version) | Physical PAN Card |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Hard PVC Card | |
| Delivery | Post/Courier | |
| Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Acceptance | Accepted for most services | Accepted everywhere |
Tip: Apply for both. e-PAN (digital version) is quick and often enough, but a physical card is useful for official verifications.
Common Mistakes To Avoid While Applying For an NRI PAN card
- Selecting Form 49A instead of 49AA
- Incomplete address or mismatch in proof
- Using an unclear photo or signature
- Missing apostille or notary (if required)
- Sending documents to the wrong address
Avoiding these will save time and rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a PAN number mandatory for NRIs?
Yes, if you have income, assets, or investments in India.
Can I apply for PAN card from the USA, UK, or Canada?
Yes. You can apply online using the government platforms or any good 3rd party agencies, and courier the documents to their respective India offices for processing. If you are a U.S resident looking to apply for a PAN card, then visit this post.
Do I need Aadhaar to apply for PAN as an NRI?
No. Aadhaar is not needed if you’re not a resident of India.
Can I update my address in PAN later?
Yes, by submitting Form CSF along with new address proof.
What if I lose my PAN card?
You can apply for a duplicate PAN using Form CSF.
Can I hold two PAN numbers?
No. That’s illegal and you may be fined. If you have more than one, you must surrender one.
Cost of PAN Application for NRIs and Foreigners
- Government Fee: Around INR 1,000–1,200 (including foreign courier charges).
- Third-Party Services Fee: Varies from USD 30 to USD 50 depending on the provider.
PAN Number Use Cases for Non-Residents
Some common examples:
- You live in the USA and inherited property in India – you need PAN to sell it
- You’re an OCI holder in the UK investing in mutual funds – PAN is required
- You’re a foreign citizen who owns shares in an Indian company – PAN is mandatory for dividend taxation
To Summarize
Whether you are living in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, or any other country, having an NRI PAN card connects you to India’s financial and tax systems, and helps you manage your money, stay compliant, and access opportunities.
You can apply online yourself by visiting the 2 government authorized portals (UTITSL and PROTEAN), or use third-party services like pancardnri.com, pancardexpress.com or others; for faster and smoother processing.
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