This Complete Guide to PAN Card for NRIs in 2025 breaks down everything you need to know—from eligibility and the online process to frequently asked questions.
In today’s global financial landscape, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) often maintain strong financial ties with India—whether through investments, property, banking, or business. To carry out most of these financial activities, a Permanent Account Number (PAN) is mandatory. But how does an NRI apply for a PAN? Is it compulsory? What documents are needed?
Table of Contents
- What Is a PAN Card?
- Is PAN Card Mandatory for NRIs?
- Who Can Apply for a PAN Card as an NRI?
- How to Apply for a PAN Card as an NRI (2025)
- Can NRIs Apply for PAN Offline?
- PAN Card for Minors (NRIs)
- Updating/Changing PAN Card Details for NRIs
- Understanding PAN Card Status for NRIs
- Aadhaar-PAN Linking for NRIs
- Common Challenges & Troubleshooting for NRIs
- Key Updates for 2025
- FAQs – PAN Card for NRIs (2025)
- Final Thoughts
What Is a PAN Card?
A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It serves as a unique identifier for individuals, companies, and entities for tax-related purposes.
Is PAN Card Mandatory for NRIs?
Yes, in many cases. An NRI must obtain a PAN card if they:
- Earn taxable income in India. Filing ITR in India, Avoiding high TDS on NRO accounts.
- Required to open NRO/NRE/FCNR accounts, Mandatory for fixed deposits.
- Invest in mutual funds, stocks, PMS, bonds, SEBI compliance and KYC
- Buy or sell immovable property, TDS on sale of property.
- Are a director in an Indian company
- Large cash deposits/withdrawals, Credit card applications, Opening demat accounts.
If you only maintain a savings account and do not have taxable Indian income, a PAN may not be mandatory—but it’s highly advisable to get one to avoid compliance issues later.
Who Can Apply for a PAN Card as an NRI?
Any NRI—whether Indian citizen living abroad or a foreign national of Indian origin—can apply for a PAN card if they have a legitimate financial or legal reason.
This includes:
- Indian citizens working or residing abroad (holding Indian passport)
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
- Foreign nationals with business or income in India
How to Apply for a PAN Card as an NRI (2025)
You can apply either through NSDL (now Protean eGov) or UTIITSL—two authorized government portals.
Step-by-Step Online Process:
1: Choose Application Form
- Use Form 49A if you are an Indian citizen (NRI)
- Use Form 49AA if you are a foreign national (OCI/PIO/others)
2: Go to the official portal
3: Fill in the details
You’ll need to provide:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Overseas address
- Email ID
- Indian representative (optional, for delivery)
Step 4: Upload Documents (if applying online)
For NRIs (Indian citizens):
- Copy of passport (identity and address proof)
- Copy of overseas address proof (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
- Recent passport-size photograph
For foreign citizens (OCI/PIO):
- Copy of OCI/PIO card
- Passport and visa copies
- Address proof outside India
Step 5: Pay the Fee
As of 2025:
- PAN card with Indian communication address: ₹107
- PAN card with foreign communication address: ₹1,017
Payment options: Credit/debit card, net banking, or demand draft.
Step 6: Submit and Track
Once submitted, you’ll get a 15-digit acknowledgment number. PAN is usually issued within 15–20 business days.
Note: for documents issued outside India, attestation by an Indian Embassy/Consulate, High Commission, or Apostille (if the country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention) is often mandatory for them to be accepted. This is a very common point of rejection for NRI applications.
Can NRIs Apply for PAN Offline?
Yes. You can download Form 49A or 49AA from the NSDL/UTIITSL websites, fill it manually, attach documents, and courier it to:
NSDL e-Gov
Income Tax PAN Services Unit,
NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited,
5th Floor, Mantri Sterling, Plot No. 341,
Survey No. 997/8, Model Colony,
Near Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune – 411016
PAN Card for Minors (NRIs)
Yes, minors can apply for PAN if required for investments or inheritance. The application must be made by the legal guardian.
Documents needed:
- Minor’s birth certificate
- Guardian’s passport and overseas address proof
- Guardian’s photo and signature
Updating/Changing PAN Card Details for NRIs
What changes can be made?
- Name
- Address (Indian or overseas)
- Father’s name
- Date of birth
Documents Required
- Proof of name change: Gazette notification, marriage certificate, etc.
- New address proof (overseas utility bill, bank statement)
- Passport (for verifying DOB or name)
Online vs. Offline
- Both NSDL and UTI portals allow online correction.
- Offline: Submit Change/Correction Form with documents via courier.
Understanding PAN Card Status for NRIs
Active PAN: Valid and usable for all financial transactions.
Inactive/Deactivated PAN: Happens due to non-linking with Aadhaar (if resident) or non-filing of returns.
How to Reactivate:
- File pending ITRs (if required)
- Submit reactivation request via TIN NSDL portal with documents
Aadhaar-PAN Linking for NRIs
Current Rules (2025)
- Not required for NRIs unless they become residents for tax purposes.
- Rule applies to those staying in India for 182+ days in a year.
How to Link (if required)
- Visit https://incometax.gov.in
- Use ‘Link Aadhaar’ service with OTP verification
Common Challenges & Troubleshooting for NRIs
| Frequent Issues | Solutions |
| Document rejection due to unclear scans | Use high-resolution, clearly scanned documents |
| Signature mismatch | Match passport signature style |
| Address proof not accepted | Use recent overseas utility bills or bank statements as proof |
| Form submission delays | Ensure timely and complete submission of accurate information |
Contact Support:
- NSDL Helpline: +91-20-27218080
- Email: tininfo@nsdl.co.in
- UTIITSL: customercare@utiitsl.com
Key Updates for 2025
- Digital Aadhaar exemption tool: Now available on the Income Tax portal to check Aadhaar exemption for NRIs.
- e-PAN in under 48 hours: Fast-track digital PAN issuance introduced for verified documents.
- Updated document checklist: More countries’ utility bills now accepted as valid address proof.
FAQs – PAN Card for NRIs (2025)
Q1: Can NRIs have more than one PAN card?
A: No. It is illegal to possess more than one PAN. If you have duplicates, surrender the extra immediately.
Q2: Is Aadhaar mandatory for NRI PAN holders?
A: No. Aadhaar is not mandatory for NRIs unless they become residents under the Income Tax Act (staying in India for 182+ days).
Q3: Can I use my PAN abroad?
A: Yes, but PAN is valid only for Indian financial and legal transactions.
Q4: How do I update my PAN card if I move countries?
A: Use the correction form on NSDL or UTI portal and submit with new address proof.
Q5: Can I get a reprint if I lose my PAN card overseas?
A: Yes. Use the ‘Reprint PAN Card’ service online. You’ll get an e-PAN and optionally a physical card.
Q6: Is PAN required to inherit property in India?
A: Yes. It’s mandatory for capital gains and title transfer purposes.
Q7: Do minors or dependents abroad need PANs?
A: Only if earning income or involved in Indian investments.
Q8: What does it mean if my PAN is inactive?
A: Your PAN may be deactivated for non-filing or Aadhaar non-linking. Reactivate via NSDL with proper documentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an NRI with any financial, legal, or property connection to India, having a PAN card is not just convenient—it’s essential. From tax filings to opening accounts and buying property, it unlocks seamless access to India’s financial ecosystem.
Take the step—apply or update your PAN today.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Regulations can change, and individual situations may vary. Always verify details before making decisions.
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