How To Apply For A PAN Card If You Are Overseas

Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of obtaining a PAN card as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI)?

Whether you’re planning to invest in India’s dynamic economy, manage inherited property, or simply file your taxes, understanding the process of acquiring an NRI PAN card is essential.

But how to get it? Well, worry not!

This comprehensive blog has all the essential details of why NRIs need a PAN, the required documents, application procedures, do’s and don’ts, and common queries.

01 Why do NRIs need a PAN card?

A PAN, or Permanent Account Number, is a 10-digit alphanumeric code mandated for various financial transactions in India.

Let’s consider you want to turn your charming Indian ancestral property into a passive income source by renting it out. But one hindrance that you must overcome before really thinking about making this dream true is the PAN card requirement.

NRIs specifically require a PAN in the following scenarios:

• Filing Income Tax Returns: Whether you earn income from property rentals, investments, or any other source within India, filing your taxes becomes mandatory with a PAN.
• Investing in Financial Instruments: From mutual funds to shares, participating in India’s financial markets often necessitates a PAN card.
• Purchasing Property: Dreaming of your owning a home in India? Owning immovable property like houses or land hinges on having a PAN.
• Opening Bank Accounts: Managing your finances in India seamlessly becomes possible with a PAN, allowing you to open bank accounts, both NRE (Non-Resident External) and NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary).

02 Documents Required for NRI PAN Card

To initiate the PAN card application process, NRIs need to provide the following documents:

• Proof of Identity: Your passport is the perfect identity card for an NRI.
• Proof of Address: This can be a bit tricky. Options include:Passport, Copy of passport; or Copy of the bank account statement in country of residence.

– Passport copy: This document can be more convenient as a proof but, it might not reflect your current address abroad.
– Bank account statement: Showing at least two transactions from your overseas bank account in the past six months, duly attested by the Indian Embassy or a designated official.

• Certificate of Residence: Issued by the relevant authorities in your country of residence.
• Registration Certificate: Issued by the Foreigner’s Registration Office in India, showing your Indian address.
• Employment documentation: For those with an Indian office address, documents like appointment letters and employer-issued address certificates are required.

03 Which form do you need to fill out to apply for an NRI Pan Card?

Here’s where things get a tad technical. Depending on your nationality and Indian citizenship status, you’ll need to choose the appropriate form:

• Form 49A: This applies to Indian citizens residing abroad, including those holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards.
• Form 49AA: This one is for individuals with foreign citizenship, including OCI and PIO cardholders, and those without any Indian connection.

04 Application Procedure for NRI PAN Card

Let’s first understand the two different ways in which you can apply:

• Online: Through the official websites of TIN-NSDL or UTIITSL. This convenient route allows you to upload documents and track your application’s progress digitally.
• Offline: Submitting the completed form and documents at designated PAN application centres of UTIITSL or Protean (formerly NSDL eGov).

Here is a step-by-step procedure which you need to go through:

Choose the Right Form
NRIs holding foreign citizenship or OCI status should use Form 49AA.

Online and Offline Application
PAN applications for NRIs are accepted both online and offline.

Online Application
Visit the official websites of TIN-Protean eGov Technologies Limited or UTIITSL to apply online.

Offline Application
Submit the filled application form, along with necessary documents and fees, at the nearest UTIITSL or Protean PAN application centre.

Pay the Fees
You’ll have to pay a fee before successfully submitting your application.

Track Your Application
Use the acknowledgment number generated during the application process to track the status online.

05 Fees for NRI PAN Card

Be prepared for a nominal fee. This varies depending on your chosen application method and communication address. But the following are the fees you’ll have to pay:

Online Application

• Indian citizens: INR 101 (Including GST)
• Foreign citizens: INR 1011 (Including GST)

Offline Application

• Indian citizens: INR 107 (Including GST)
• Foreign citizens: INR 1017 (Including GST)

PAN Card Correction or Re-issuance

• Indian citizens: INR 50 (Including GST)
• Foreign citizens: INR 959 (Including GST)

Patience is key, as processing times can take anywhere between 15-20 working days, depending on the accuracy of your application and documentation.

Common FAQs about NRI PAN Card

06 Do’s and Don’ts While Applying for an NRI PAN Card

To ensure a seamless application process, follow the following Do’s and Don’ts:

Do’s:

• Fill out the application form in black ink and use clear block letters.
• Sign only in the provided box, not across the photograph.
• Provide the correct AO code.
• Ensure details on Proof of Identity (POI) and Proof of Address (POA) match the application details.

Don’ts:

• Avoid overwriting or making corrections on the application.
• Do not staple or pin the photograph, instead, attach it with proper adhesive.
• Errors in your PAN details can attract penalties.
• Avoid applying for a PAN card if you already have one.

---

CONCLUSION:
Acquiring a PAN card as an NRI is a straightforward process, ensuring compliance with Indian tax and financial regulations.
By following the above steps and providing the necessary documents, NRIs can easily obtain a PAN card for smooth financial transactions and income tax filing in India.
Remember, a PAN card is not just a mandatory requirement, it’s a key identification for various financial activities in the country.