Overview & Eligibility
A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-character alphanumeric ID issued by India’s Income Tax Department. NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)—i.e., Indian citizens residing outside India—often need PAN to open NRO/NRE accounts, invest in India, buy/sell property, or file Indian tax returns.
Who should use this guide?
- Indian citizens living abroad (NRI).
- Indian passport holders with overseas address.
- NRIs needing PAN for banking/investments/property/tax.
Not covered here - Use PAN Card Express
- Foreign citizens of Indian origin (apply via Form 49AA).
- Entity PAN (LLP/Company/Trust).
Documents Checklist (NRI)
Exact requirements can vary by portal and country of residence. Keep clearly scanned, color copies (PDF/JPG).
| Category | Accepted Documents | Attestation |
|---|---|---|
| Identity (Indian citizen) | Passport (photo page) | Notarized / Indian Embassy or Consulate attested / Apostille (country-specific) |
| Date of Birth | Passport; or Indian birth certificate (if applicable) | Same as above |
| Overseas Address | Recent utility bill / bank statement / driver license / residence card | Attested copy; English translation if needed |
| Indian Address (optional) | For correspondence in India if chosen | Attested copy |
| Photograph | Recent color passport photos as per portal specs | As required |
| Signature/Specimen | Black ink signature within boxes; same style throughout | As per form / e-signature flow |
| Aadhaar (if held) | Aadhaar (name/DOB must match PAN data) | — |
PAN process for NRI (2025)
Choose a genuine portal servicing NRI
PAN applications are accepted by authorized service providers (e.g., PAN Card Express). Use the NRI option and select Form 49A for Indian citizens. For Domestic PAN Applicants, use Protean or UTI ITSL.
Create account & fill details
Enter full legal name (as in passport), parents’ names, date of birth, and overseas address for communication (or Indian address if you prefer).
Upload documents
Provide attested passport copy (ID & DOB), overseas address proof, photos, and signature as per portal specs.
Pay fees
Fees differ for foreign communication addresses. Pay via international card/net banking where supported.
e-Sign / Physical dispatch (if asked)
Some flows allow e-sign; others require couriering signed acknowledgment with photos and documents. Follow the portal’s instructions precisely.
Change / Correction in PAN
Use the “Change/Correction in PAN Data” service to fix name, date of birth, parent’s name, photograph, signature, or address.
- Select the correction service and enter your existing PAN.
- Update only the fields that actually changed (e.g., name after marriage).
- Upload supporting evidence (marriage certificate, gazette notification, passport, etc.).
- Pay fees and complete e-sign or courier the acknowledgment (as directed).
Name / DOB corrections
- Ensure updated name appears in passport or supporting document.
- Minor spelling fixes still need documentary proof.
Address updates
- NRI can keep overseas address for communication.
- Attach recent proof (utility bill/bank statement).
PAN–Aadhaar Linking (NRI)
- Linking rules are primarily for residents who hold Aadhaar; NRIs without Aadhaar can generally proceed without linking.
- If you do hold Aadhaar, ensure name, DOB, gender match across PAN and Aadhaar before linking.
- If you became NRI after issuance of Aadhaar, ensure your residential status is correctly updated in Aadhaar records.
Tracking & Timelines
Typical Timelines
- Online application: ~10–20 business days after complete documentation.
- Physical card delivery abroad may take longer; e-PAN (PDF) often arrives earlier by email.
- Corrections/updates: similar timelines post-verification.
Track Application
- Use the portal’s acknowledgment number to track status.
- Check spam/junk for e-PAN emails.
- If couriering documents, track the shipment and confirm receipt.