PAN Card for Foreign Citizens: Documents Required & How to Apply

For filing Income Tax Returns, taxpayers must hold a Permanent Account Number or a PAN card. A PAN number is a ten-digit number provided by the Income Tax Department. Similarly, if you are a non-resident Indian (NRI) and have an income in India that is taxable, you must have an NRI PAN card or pan card for foreigners.

Keep reading to learn more about the documents required and the application process.

When to Apply for a PAN for Foreign Citizens?

You can apply for a PAN as an NRI if you have a taxable income in India. Also, you must apply if you are looking to invest in India.

How to Apply for a Pan Card for Foreign Citizens?

Citizens can apply for a PAN card, either online or offline mode.

Steps to Apply for a PAN Card for Foreign Nationals Online

Step 1: Visit the official portal of TIN and choose ‘Apply Online’.

Step 2: Click on ‘Application Type’, and select 49A Form for individuals residing in foreign with Indian citizenship and Form 49AA for individuals with foreign citizenship.

Step 3: Provide additional details, and enter the captcha to click 'Submit'.

Step 4: Follow the redirection to land on the next page to fill out the NRI PAN Card application form. Then provide information and upload all documents along with your signature. Now, pay the required fee to complete the application fee.

Steps to Apply for a PAN Card for Foreign Nationals Offline

Step 1: Visit a TIN facilitation or IT PAN service centre. You also visit a UTI and NSDL to collect your application form.

Step 2: You need to fill in the form, input your signature, provide the required documents, and submit it.

What Is the Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a PAN Card for Foreign Citizens?

For PAN applications for foreign citizens online or offline, NRIs have to comply with a few eligibility criteria:

NRIs with an income source taxable in India.
NRIs are trading shares through a broker or a depository.
Individuals are willing to invest in mutual funds.
NRIs are looking to invest in land or property in India.

What Are the Documents Required to Apply for a PAN Card for Foreign Citizens?

A few of the documents for a PAN application:

1. Documents Needed along with 49 A

ID proof such as Voter ID, Aadhaar card, or Driving License.
Address Proof such as bank account statement, passport copy, etc.
Copy of OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card or PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card.
Recent passport-size photographs.

2. Documents Needed along with 49 AA

Apart from the above-mentioned documents, you also need to submit a few additional documents, such as:

An official copy of your address certificate issued by an Indian employer.
Copy of the appointment letter.
Details of the PAN card.

What Are the Charges to Apply for a PAN Card for Foreign Citizens?

The fee for a PAN application is ₹ 93 (Excluding GST) for an Indian communication address and ₹ 864 (Excluding GST) for a foreign communication address. You must also note that you can make the payment of the application fee through a demand draft credit/debit card or net banking.

Payment Methods for Applying for PAN Card for Foreign Citizens

The ways to pay the PAN charges after applying for it by the foreign nationals are as follows

The ways to pay the PAN charges after applying for it by the foreign nationals are as follows:

Online Payment Methods for Applying for PAN Card for Foreign Citizens

If one has provided his or her communication address in India or a foreign address, they can complete the payment through debit card, credit card and net banking. After completing the application procedure one can pay the charges through the official website of Protean (earlier known as NSDL eGov) or through the official website of TITSL.

Offline Payment Methods for Applying for PAN Card for Foreign Citizens

The offline method for applying a physical PAN or e-PAN involves drawing a cheque or a Demand Draft. The payee should draw the draft or cheque in favour of NSDL-PAN which is payable at Mumbai, at the Protean eGov Technologies Limited TIN Head Office.

FAQs About PAN For Foreign Citizens

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What to avoid while filling up the PAN application form for NRIs?

While filling a form offline, do not overwrite, staple photographs, or don’t do anything that is not instructed.

Do I need a passport to fill out a PAN application form?

Yes. You may provide your passport copy as a valid ID or address proof.

Is PAN cards different for non-residents of India than for Indian residents?

No. PAN for NRIs is the same as those issued to residents of India. They hold the same value and can be used for the process in which it is required, like making an investment in India.