What is a PAN Card?

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is an essential document for financial and tax-related activities. While it is mandatory for Indian residents earning taxable income, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) may also need a PAN card for various reasons.

Why Do NRIs Need a PAN Card?

NRIs may require a PAN card for several purposes, such as:

  • Investing in Indian stock markets (through NRE/NRO accounts)
  • Buying or selling property in India
  • Starting a business in India
  • Filing income tax returns in India (if they have taxable income in India)
  • Receiving taxable income like rent, dividends, or capital gains
NRI PAN APPLY PROCESS

Who is Considered an NRI?

An individual is considered an NRI if they live outside India for more than 182 days in a financial year. NRIs include Indian citizens working abroad, persons of Indian origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs).

Documents Required for NRI PAN Application

To apply for a PAN card as an NRI, the following documents are typically required:

  • Proof of Identity: Passport (mandatory for NRIs)
  • Proof of Address: Foreign address proof like utility bill, bank statement, etc.
  • Two Passport-size Photos
  • Signed PAN Application Form (Form 49AA for NRIs)

Note: All documents must be self-attested. In some cases, embassy attestation or apostille may be required.

How Can NRIs Apply for a PAN Card?

There are two ways NRIs can apply for a PAN card:

  1. Online Application: Visit an authorized PAN portal like NSDL or UTIITSL and fill out Form 49AA. Upload documents and make payment. The physical copy of documents must be couriered to India for verification.
  2. Through an Agent or Service Provider: NRIs can also use a trusted PAN card agent like Sharif Digital Point to handle the full process securely and quickly.

Fees for NRI PAN Application

The government fee for PAN application is around ₹107 for communication within India and approximately ₹1,017 (including taxes and courier charges) for NRIs whose address is outside India.

How Long Does It Take?

After submission and verification of documents, the PAN card is usually processed within 15–20 working days. You can track the status online using the acknowledgment number.

Important Tips for NRIs

  • Use your foreign address in the application (do not use an Indian address if you live abroad).
  • Ensure all documents are clear, valid, and correctly signed.
  • Double-check your name and date of birth – it must match your passport.
  • Keep the acknowledgment number safe for tracking your application.

Conclusion

A PAN card is not just for Indian residents. If you're an NRI with financial interests in India, having a PAN card makes your transactions smoother and compliant with Indian laws. For a hassle-free experience, consider applying through Sharif Digital Point – a trusted platform for online PAN services.