Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 12-digit alphanumeric code issued in the form of a laminated card called the PAN Card. The PAN Card has your name, date of birth, father’s name, spouse’s name, photograph, and the Permanent Account Number issued by the Income Tax Department. The PAN is unique for every person.
Every individual who is required to file taxes or wants to carry out a financial transaction needs to quote the PAN. This applies even to Non-Residents of India (NRIs) looking to file taxes or invest. Specific documents must be submitted to apply for an NRI PAN Card. Let’s discuss the process of applying for a PAN.
How To Apply for PAN?
Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form
There are two forms for NRI PAN Cards based on the individual’s citizenship.
- NRIs holding Indian citizenship can apply for a PAN by submitting Form 49A.
- NRIs holding the citizenship of another country need to submit Form 49AA.
These forms are accessible through the NSDL and UTIITSL websites. They can be filled and submitted on the same platform. When the respective form is submitted, an acknowledgement copy with a 15-digit number is generated. This copy needs to be sent to the designated address along with other documents.
Step 2: Applicable Fees
The NRI Pan Card fees vary depending on the communication address provided by the NRI.
- If the address provided is within India, the fees are ₹107.
- If the communication address is outside India, the fee is ₹989, as it includes application fees and dispatch charges.
For online applications, the fees are accepted through debit/credit card or net banking. Other modes of payment include a demand draft favouring UTIISL/NDSL, which can be dispatched with the documents and form
Note: If the NRI has no residential or office address in India, they can provide a foreign address. However, it is important to note that the PAN Card dispatch facility outside India is only available in a few countries. It is best to check the list before proceeding with the application.
Step 3: Documents Required
NRI PAN Card documents include two passport-size photographs that are required to be pasted in their designated place provided in the acknowledgement form. For proof of identity, a photocopy of the passport is required. For address proof, duly attested photocopies of any one of the following documents can be submitted:
- Passport
- Bank Account Statement (In the country of residence)
- NRE bank account statement with at least two transactions in 6 months
Step 4: Post the Required Documents
After which, the signed acknowledgement form accompanied by the required documents should reach the designated address within 15 days from the date of submission of the online application. If the payment mode chosen is a demand draft, the NRI PAN Card shall be issued on the realisation of payment and dispatched to the communication address specified by the applicant.
How To Check NRI Status in PAN Card?
With the following steps, you can check the NRI status on your PAN:
- Go to the Income Tax Portal.
- Click on Know Your AO.
- Fill in your PAN and mobile number.
- Fill in the OTP and click on validate.
Once you have completed the steps mentioned above,
- Log in to the Income tax e-portal.
- Click on My Profile and select Edit.
- Select Non-Resident and then click on Save (If the NRI Status is not updated).
Note:
If you already have issued a PAN Card under your name, a change in the residence status does not require a new PAN Card to be issued. However, you are required to change the PAN status to NRI.
Read More About How to Check PAN Card Status?
Final Word
In conclusion, obtaining a PAN card as an NRI can be a smooth process that can be completed online. Follow the steps mentioned above and submit the relevant form, required fees, and documents to acquire your PAN card. Remember to confirm dispatch availability to your chosen communication address if it’s outside of India.
With a PAN card, NRIs can fulfil their Indian tax obligations and participate in a wider range of financial activities within the country. This includes investing in the Indian stock market! Opening a Demat account with Angel One allows you to conveniently invest in Indian stocks and build your wealth from anywhere in the world. Angel One’s online platform offers a user-friendly experience with competitive brokerage fees.
FAQs
What are the forms required for NRIs to apply for a PAN Card?
NRIs with Indian citizenship need to fill out Form 49A, while those with citizenship of another country should use Form 49AA. Both forms are available on the NSDL and UTIITSL websites.
What are the fees for an NRI PAN Card application?
The fee is ₹107 if the communication address is in India and ₹989 if the address is outside India. The latter includes application and dispatch charges.
What documents do NRIs need to apply for a PAN Card?
NRIs must provide two passport-size photographs, a photocopy of their passport for identity proof, and one of the following for address proof: their passport, bank account statement from their country of residence, or NRE bank account statement.
How can NRIs check their status on the PAN Card?
NRIs can check their status by visiting the Income Tax Portal, clicking on “Know Your AO,” filling in their PAN and mobile number and following the OTP validation steps. Then, login, click “My Profile,” select “Edit,” choose “Non-Resident,” and save.
What should NRIs do if they change their residential status?
If an NRI changes their residential status, they don’t need a new PAN Card but must update their PAN status to NRI through the Income Tax e-portal.
