For the purpose of paying income taxes and obtaining government benefits, every person who earns money in India is given a 10-digit alphanumeric number that is a Permanent Account Number (PAN). If you are an OCI ( Overseas Citizenship of India) and want to apply for a PAN card, you need to fill the Form 49AA. In this article, we will discuss all the details regarding the PAN Card for OCI citizens.
Who is Called an OCI?
A person of Indian origin who is a foreign national and gets registered as Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 is called an OCI. Therefore, a long-term visa known as an OCI card is accessible to those foreign nationals with close family ties to India. They are eligible for many of the advantages that NRIs and Indian nationals enjoy.
PAN Card for OCI Holders- Important Usages
OCIs need a PAN card for the following reasons:
1. PAN card is mandatory if an OCI has taxable income in India.
2. OCIs need to have a PAN card to make an investment in securities or mutual funds.
3. If they wish to purchase property or vehicles in India.
4. A PAN card is mandatory to deposit amounts over a certain limit.
5. PAN serves a useful purpose to simplify the KYC procedure in most banks.
Can OCI get a PAN Card?
One can apply for a PAN card for OCI card holders by filling out the form 49AA which can be downloaded from UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure and Technology Services Limited), Protean eGov Technologies Limited official website or NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) e-Governance website.
How to Apply for an PAN Card for OCIs?
Form 49AA has 17 sections and a number of subsections to make it easier for applicants to complete the PAN card application. To apply for a PAN card, an OCI needs to take the following steps.
1. If you are applying online:
a. If you want to apply for a PAN Card online, you need to visit the website of NSDL or UTIITSL.
b. Click on the “New PAN for Foreign Citizens” or “Apply for a new PAN card” Tab respectively to fill the Form 49AA online.
c. Fill in all the necessary details and then click on the Submit Button.
d. Verify your details and click on Proceed to make a payment.
e. After the payment, you can download and print your pre-filled application form.
f. You can then paste your photo, sign, attach the necessary documents and post it to the mentioned address.
2. If you are applying offline:
a. The applicant must fill the PAN application form only in the English language and not in any other language.
b. The form should be filled in block letters and each box in the form must contain only one character.
c. It is advisable to use a ball pen instead of an ink one.
d. The applicant has to provide either left-hand thumb impression or signature on the photograph attached on the left top corner of the form.
e. Do remember to fill all the details accurately in the form as inaccurate information may lead to denial of the PAN application.
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Documents Required for OCI PAN Card:
One can apply for a PAN card for OCI citizens by submitting the form and attaching necessary documents. The documents required for the PAN card application are:
(i) Proof of identity (Any one of the following)
1. Passport
2. PIO card issued by Government of India
3. OCI card issued by Government of India
4. Other national/citizenship Identification Number/Taxpayer Identification Number duly attested by “Apostille” or by the Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate in the country where the applicant is located or authorized officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India.
(ii) Proof of address (Any one of the following)
1. Passport
2. PIO card (issued by GoI)
3. OCI card (issued by GoI)
4. Bank account statement in the country of residence
5. NRE bank account statement in India
6. Certificate of Residence in India or Residential permit issued by the State Police Authorities
7. Registration certificate issued by the Foreigner’s Registration Office showing Indian address
8. Visa granted and Copy of appointment letter/ contract from Indian Company & Certificate (in original) of Indian address issued by the employer.
Where Should One Submit the Form?
1. After you have finished filling up the form, submit the form to NSDL e-Govt. or UTIITSL office along with other required documents. In Digital Mode, application must be completed within 48 hours. If not completed within 48 hours from the date of payment, the amount will be refunded.
2. To submit your printed PAN card application form at Protean eGov Technologies Limited office, the application needs to be sent at – Protean eGov Technologies Limited, 4th floor, Sapphire Chambers, Baner Road, Baner, Pune – 411045
3. If the applicant has applied for the Permanent Account Number from UTIITSL, the application form along with the relevant documents can be submitted at the nearest UTIITSL office. If not submitted within 30 days from the date of payment, the amount will be refunded.
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Some addresses:
a. PAN PDC Incharge – Mumbai region
UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited, Plot No. 3, Sector 11, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai – 400614
b. PAN PDC Incharge – Kolkata region
UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited, 29, N. S. Road, Ground Floor, Opp. Gilander House and Standard Chartered Bank, Kolkata – 700001
c. PAN PDC Incharge – Chennai region
UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited, D- 1, First Floor, Thiru-Vi-Ka Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai – 600032
d. PAN PDC Incharge – New Delhi region
UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited, 1/28 Sunlight Building, Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi – 110002
OCI PAN Card Fees:
1. To apply for a physical PAN card for OCI citizens, you will have to pay an amount of Rs.107/- (including goods & service tax), however, if the PAN card is to be dispatched outside India then additional dispatch charge of 910/- needs to be paid.
2. OCI PAN card fee for an e-PAN card is Rs. 72/- (including goods & service tax). Applicants need to mention “Physical PAN Card not required” on the top of the application form and provide an email ID to receive their e-PAN card.
You can use credit card, debit card or net banking for submitting the fees for the process of the PAN application.
Processing Time for PAN Card for OCI Card Holders
- In India, PAN officials commence their work only upon receiving duly signed documents.
- Usually, it takes around 7 to 15 business days to receive a PAN Number.
- After the allocation of a PAN number, the Income Tax Department of India will send the applicant an email containing their ePAN or digital PAN card.
- Utilize the PAN number received via email for Indian banks or other appropriate purposes.
- Within one to two weeks of allocation, PAN officials dispatch the physical PAN Card through international speed post.
Updating Citizenship on Your PAN
If you’ve recently acquired foreign citizenship, updating your PAN records is crucial to ensure compliance with Indian tax laws. The Income Tax Department requires accurate citizenship details to determine your tax status and obligations. Failure to update this information can lead to complications in tax filings, investment transactions, and financial compliance.
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The update process involves submitting supporting documents such as your foreign passport, address proof, and a declaration of renounced Indian citizenship (if applicable). With SBNRI, NRIs can seamlessly update their citizenship status on PAN through a fully digital and hassle-free process, ensuring smooth financial operations in India.
Read more: How to change citizenship in Pan Card?
Is PAN Card Application for NRI Different from OCI?
People who hold Indian citizenship and are settled abroad i.e. NRIs can fill out the Form 49A. Whereas OCI card holders or people of Indian origin (PIO) having foreign citizenship or foreigners who are not of Indian origin are required to fill Form 49AA. Both the forms, Form 49A and Form 49AA can be obtained from the UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure and Technology Services Limited), Protean eGov Technologies Limited official website or NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) e-Governance website.
Update/Get Your OCI PAN Card with SBNRI
A PAN card is essential for financial transactions in India, but getting one as an NRI can be confusing. The Income Tax Department may reject applications due to incomplete documentation or errors, and in such cases, the fees are non-refundable. If your application is denied, you’ll have to reapply and pay the fees again. Hence, professional help is recommended.
How SBNRI Helps You Get Your PAN Card Without Hassle
Timeline
- E-PAN Issuance – Takes approximately 2 weeks.
- Physical PAN Card Delivery – An additional 5-10 days for international shipping (handled directly by the PAN authorities).
- Delivery Process – The physical card is sent to the overseas address provided in your submitted address proof. SBNRI does not handle the delivery directly.
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify Your Passport Type – Whether you hold an Indian or foreign passport determines the required documents.
- Document Submission – We provide a clear list of required documents based on your passport type.
- Transparent Pricing – Clear cost breakdown before proceeding.
- Document Review & Payment – Once you share your documents, we review them and send a secure payment link.
- Application Submission – After payment, we forward your application to the PAN authorities for processing.
SBNRI’s PAN Services for NRIs
- New PAN Card Application – Digital assistance for both E-PAN and physical PAN card delivery abroad.
- PAN Card Corrections – Update incorrect details on an existing PAN card.
- Reprint for Lost/Damaged PAN – Get a duplicate PAN card if yours is lost or damaged.
- PAN Activation – Reactivate inoperative or non-functional PAN cards.
- PAN-Aadhaar Linking – Ensure compliance with Indian regulations and helps make your PAN operative.
- PAN Citizenship Update – Modify citizenship details linked to your PAN.
Why Choose SBNRI?
- Expert Guidance from CA Professionals – Tailored advice for NRIs to simplify the PAN application process.
- Fully Digital & Hassle-Free – Apply online without the need to visit India.
- Compliance & Tax Savings – Assistance in ensuring smooth tax compliance and potential tax-saving opportunities.
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Don’t wait until the last minute—ensure your PAN card application is error-free and processed smoothly. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
Download the SBNRI App to experience the one-stop platform for NRIs. Also visit our blog and Youtube Channel for more details. Click on the button below to apply for an OCI PAN card NOW.
FAQs
A: OCIs can make the payment either through credit card, debit card, net banking or by using a demand draft.
A: If you have a PAN Card and later become an NRI/OCI, it is advisable that you continue using the PAN Card which you already have. However, you can apply for a new PAN Card as a foreign citizen by applying for it at the NSDL website.
A: No, you cannot do so. PAN Application form must only be filled in English and not in any other language.
A: Yes, if you are an OCI, you can apply for a PAN card by filling out the form 49AA which can be downloaded from UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure and Technology Services Limited), Protean eGov Technologies Limited official website or NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) e-Governance website.
A: The required documents depend on whether you are transitioning from an Indian citizen to a foreign citizen or vice versa. Generally, you need:
For Indian to Foreign Citizenship Update:
Copy of foreign passport
Proof of address abroad (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
Proof of Indian PAN card
Declaration of renounced Indian citizenship (if applicable)
For Foreign to Indian Citizenship Update (OCI/PIO holders applying as Indian Citizens):
Indian passport copy
Aadhaar card (if available)
Address proof in India
A: No, your PAN number remains the same. Only the citizenship status linked to your PAN will be updated in the government records.
A: Yes, you can continue using your PAN for financial transactions in India. However, it is essential to update your citizenship status to avoid tax complications.
