How to Apply for PAN Card from Outside India (NRI Guide)
Are you worried about How to Apply for PAN Card from Outside India (NRI Guide)? Applying for a PAN card as an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) is an essential step for anyone looking to invest, earn, or carry out any financial transactions in India. Though you may reside outside the country, the Permanent Account Number (PAN) acts as your financial identity in India, ensuring tax compliance and ease of doing business or investment. Read more about PAN Card Status.
This guide offers a step-by-step explanation of the application process, required documents, fees, and the benefits of owning a PAN card as an NRI.
Why Do NRIs Need a PAN Card?
Even while living abroad, NRIs are often involved in financial activities in India. A PAN card is mandatory for several such transactions:
Situations Where PAN Is Required:
- Investing in Mutual Funds or Indian Stock Market
- Buying or Selling Property valued above ₹10 lakh
- Opening NRE/NRO Bank Accounts
- Receiving Rental Income
- Filing Income Tax Returns if earning income from India
- Deposits Above ₹50,000 in a single day or more than ₹5 lakh annually
- Purchase or Sale of Vehicles
Without a PAN, many of these activities cannot be legally completed, making it an essential document for NRIs.
Documents Required to Apply for NRI PAN Card
Before applying, make sure you gather the correct documents. These must be uploaded online and sent as attested physical copies.
| Document Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Photographs | Two recent passport-sized color photos |
| Proof of Identity | Copy of valid Passport |
| Proof of Status | Copy of PIO/OCI card, if applicable |
| Proof of Address | Any of the following: |
| – Foreign bank statement | |
| – Residential permit | |
| – Overseas utility bill (recent) | |
| Banking Proof | NRE bank account statement showing at least 2 transactions in last 6 months |
| (attested by the bank or Indian embassy/consulate) |
How to Apply for PAN Card as an NRI – Step-by-Step Process
NRIs can apply for PAN online via either of the two authorized government portals:
Application Steps:
- Visit the official NSDL or UTIITSL website.
- Select Form 49A for Indian citizens (NRIs with Indian nationality).
- Choose “Individual” as category and mark your status as “Non-Resident Indian”.
- Fill in your personal details, such as:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Overseas Address
- Contact Number and Email ID
- Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents.
- Make payment using:
- Credit/Debit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
- After submission, note down the Acknowledgement Number to track the application.
- Print the acknowledgment receipt, paste your photographs, and sign it.
- Courier the signed acknowledgment form and attested documents to the chosen center (NSDL or UTIITSL) within 15 days.
Check: PAN Card Dowload Process
Fees for PAN Card Application (NRI)
The application fee varies based on where the PAN card will be delivered:
| Delivery Location | Fee (INR) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Within India | ₹107 | Includes GST; cheapest option if you have an Indian address |
| Outside India | ₹994 – ₹1020 | Includes dispatch + processing fees |
| e-PAN only (via email) | ₹66 | Sent to registered email; no physical card |
Note: Payment must be made using an Indian card or net banking. International cards may not be accepted.
Where to Send the Application?
Send the physical form and documents to either:
Protean eGov Technologies Limited
TIN Head Office, Times Tower, 1st Floor,
Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg,
Lower Parel, Mumbai – 400013, India
OR
UTIITSL PAN Service
UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Ltd
Plot No. 3, Sector 11, CBD Belapur,
Navi Mumbai – 400614, India
Tracking Your PAN Application
To check your application status:
- Visit the NSDL or UTIITSL website.
- Go to “Track PAN Status”.
- Enter your Acknowledgement Number.
- See the current status (Processing / Dispatched / Delivered).
Do’s and Don’ts While Filling NRI PAN Application
✅ Do’s
- Fill in BLOCK letters using black ink.
- Ensure all names match exactly with passport details.
- Paste (not pin) your photograph in the space provided.
- Include correct AO code based on your international jurisdiction.
- Use valid and updated documents.
- Sign within the designated boxes (no overflow).
❌ Don’ts
- Don’t leave any fields blank.
- Don’t overwrite or make corrections on the form.
- Don’t use foreign credit cards for payment.
- Don’t submit invalid or expired documents.
- Don’t submit multiple applications. If you already have a PAN, apply for corrections instead.
Benefits of PAN Card for NRIs
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Access | Essential for operating NRE/NRO bank accounts |
| Tax Compliance | PAN is mandatory for filing returns and paying taxes in India |
| Investment Gateway | Required to invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds |
| Property Transactions | Must-have document for buying or selling property in India |
| Ease of KYC Compliance | Required for opening bank or demat accounts |
| Transparency in Transactions | Helps the Indian government track high-value NRI transactions |
How Long Does It Take?
Typically, the entire process takes 15–20 working days from the date of submitting your complete application, including:
- Payment confirmation
- Receipt of physical documents
- Successful verification
Your PAN card will be sent to your provided address or email (in case of e-PAN).
FAQs – PAN Card for NRIs
Q. Can NRIs opt for e-PAN only?
Yes. NRIs can choose e-PAN, which is sent via email and is equally valid.
Q. Is PAN mandatory for all NRIs?
No, but it’s required if you plan to earn income, invest, or own property in India.
Q. Can I apply for PAN using my overseas address?
Yes. You can use your foreign address, but dispatch fees will be higher.
Q. Can NRIs use foreign cards for payment?
Most Indian portals currently do not accept foreign cards. Use Indian banking services or Demand Drafts.
Q. Can PAN applications be rejected?
Yes. Inaccurate details, invalid documents, or mismatch in names can lead to rejection.
Final Thoughts
A PAN card is more than just a number—it’s your access key to India’s financial ecosystem. For NRIs who wish to manage property, investments, or earnings in India, getting a PAN card is a wise and often mandatory move.
Ensure you follow every instruction, attach the correct documents, and track your application carefully. With digital platforms simplifying the process, getting your NRI PAN card is easier than ever in 2025.
