PAN card for NRIs

NRI stands for Non-resident Indians. You need to fill up “Form 49AA” to apply for a new PAN card if you are an NRI. Please apply through “Form 49A” if you are an Indian citizen with a valid passport who lives abroad. Form 49AA should be filled up by incorporated organizations or companies outside India as well as unincorporated companies in foreign countries.

However, a QFI (Qualified Foreign Investor) has to apply for a new PAN card with a 49AA Form and submit it to a Depository Participant. Form 49AA is, thus, a PAN allotment application form for NRIs. Foreigners can reach out to Protean/UTIITSL for any query or complaint regarding Form 49AA. Foreign Companies and organizations applying from the NSDL website can reach out to Nodal Officers regarding PAN application enquiries and support. Nodal officers for PANs .You have to fill up Form 49AA manually in English; otherwise, it won’t be accepted. 

Documents required for new PAN card for NRIs

The following documents are required for Individual applicants to submit Form 49AA: -

1. Proof of Identity (POI) – Copy of Passport, Copy of PIO or OCI issued by Indian Government and so on. 
2. Proof of Address (POA) - Copy of Passport, Copy of PIO or OCI issued by Indian Government; Copy of bank statements in your country of residence; Copy of NRE bank statements in India and so on.

P.S.:

1. A copy of any Indian ID Proof Number or TIN attested by “Apostille”, Indian Embassy/Consulate in the country or authorised officials of overseas branches of Banks registered in India in a prescribed format. This document will also act as POI and POA for Individuals.
2. You need to provide proof of your office address if you choose your Indian communication address as “Office”. You also need to submit details and proof of residential address in India. 
3. The full list of acceptable documents is mentioned on protean-tinpan.com).
4. These documents are acceptable at NSDL and UTIITSL branches all over India. 

The following documents are required for applicants other than those in the “Individual” category to submit Form 49AA: -

• POI and POA for HUF/Trusts/Charitable Organizations, Body of Individuals and so on – A copy of its Company’s Registration Certificate where the applicant resides. The certificate should be attested by “Apostille”, the Indian Embassy/Consulate in the country or authorized officials of overseas branches of Banks registered in India.  

NRIs can apply for a new PAN card offline as well as online. In the online mode, NRIs can apply for a new PAN card at NSDL or UTIITSL websites. They can also fill up Form 49AA at MY PAN app or UMANG app. The procedure to apply for PAN for NRIs from the NSDL website is given below: -

• Visit NSDL website and  Apply to fill up Form 49AA.
• Select Application Type as “New PAN –Foreign Citizens (Form 49AA)”.
• Complete the application form and pay the fees through any online payment mode.
• Download the acknowledgement form and application form and print them out.
• Paste 2 colour photos in the space provided for photos.
• Sign the form at 3 places. If you use thumb impressions, make sure to attest and stamp the document from a Magistrate/Gazetted officer

1. On the left photo space, sign across the photo.
2. On the right photo space, sign at the space for signature.
3. On the 2nd page of the form, sign at the bottom right-hand box provided for signature.

• The envelope should be superscripted as 'APPLICATION FOR PAN -- N-15 digit Acknowledgement Number'.
• Send the envelope along with DD and attested copies of all documents to “'INCOME TAX PAN SERVICES UNIT, Managed by Protean eGov Technologies Limited 4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers, Baner Road, Baner, Pune - 411045.”
• If you have prepared a DD, send in the DD with the application. If you have paid through online payment, send in the acknowledgement form.

In the offline mode, NRIs can also visit the TIN Facilitation Centres/PAN Centres/IT PAN centres with their supporting documents and money to complete, verify and submit the application there only. You can also submit your Form 49AA filled up through the NSDL website at Designated centres accepting Online PAN documents. 

Processing time for new PAN cards for NRIs

A Physical PAN Card will be delivered to your communication address mentioned in Form 49AA, whether Indian or foreign, within 10-14 days by Speed Post. If an NRI opts for e-PAN, it will be mailed to his email ID mentioned in Form 49AA after processing.