The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a unique alphanumeric identification number issued to individuals and entities in India. While it is primarily used for tax purposes, it has become an essential document for various financial transactions. If you are a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), or a British citizen with financial interests in India, obtaining a PAN card is crucial. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of applying for a PAN card online from the UK, documents required for PAN card, and more.
Who is NRI as per Income Tax
According to Income Tax regulations, a citizen will be a resident of India in the previous year, if:
- He/she is in India for at least 182 days in that year, OR
- If the individual was not in India for at least 182 days in the previous year but he/she was in India for at least 365 days during the last 4 years to that year and at least 60 days during that year
The individuals not satisfying the two cases mentioned above will be treated as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) according to the Income Tax Regulations.
Also read: PAN Card for NRI: The Ultimate Guide 2023
Who is called an OCI?
A person of Indian origin who is a foreign national and gets registered as an 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.
Also read: PAN Card for OCI Citizens: Apply Online
Who needs a PAN Card?
- NRIs (Non-Resident Indians): NRIs who earn income in India or have financial interests, such as property, investments, or bank accounts, are required to have a PAN card. It is used to ensure the proper taxation of their Indian income.
- OCIs (Overseas Citizens of India): OCIs, who enjoy many of the same privileges as NRIs, are also required to have a PAN card if they have income or financial dealings in India.
- British Citizens: British citizens with financial ties to India, including investments or business transactions, may need a PAN card in the UK to facilitate these activities.
Also read: What are the uses of a PAN Card for NRIs?
What is PAN Card UK?
PAN Card is a unique alphanumeric number identification number that is issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is mandatory for all British citizen to apply for a PAN Card if they have financial relations that include any investment or business transaction in India. PAN Card allows you to legally conduct your business and financial transactions in India under the purview of regulations.
What are the benefits of having a PAN card for NRIs, OCI, and British Citizens?
Here are some of the benefits of having a PAN card for NRIs, OCIs, and British Citizens:
- Income Tax Purposes: NRIs, OCI, British Citizens and foreign citizens who engage in financial transactions or business activities in India, which includes earning income or investment activities need to report such income. For this, they need to file an income tax return and fulfill their tax obligations which requires a PAN card.
- Opening of NRO/NRE Bank Accounts: Opening an NRO/NRE bank account in India mentions a PAN Card as a mandatory requirement. Any NRI, OCI, British citizen, or foreign nationals looking to open a bank account in India will require a PAN card.
- Investment: Investing in Indian markets via mutual funds, PMS, commercial real estate, Micro-VC funds, Pre-IPO and more will require a PAN card to be submitted as part of the onboarding process to validate the authenticity of the investors.
- Avoiding Withholding Tax: In the absence of a PAN card, individuals like NRI, OCI, British citizens, and foreign nationals may be subject to higher withholding tax rates. By applying for a PAN Card, these users can ensure that appropriate tax deductions are made.
Also read: PAN Card for NRI without Aadhaar Card – A Complete Guide
How to apply for PAN Card online from the UK?
NRIs, OCI, and British Citizens can apply for PAN Card online from the UK without any hassle. Here’s how you can do it
1. If you are applying online:
- If you want to apply for a PAN Card online, you need to visit the website of NSDL or UTIITSL.
- Click on the “Apply Now” Tab to fill the Form 49AA online.
- Fill in all the necessary details and then click on the Submit Button.
- Verify your details and click on Proceed to make a payment.
- After the payment, you can download and print your pre-filled application form.
- You can then paste your photo, sign, and attach the necessary documents.
Note: After you have finished filling up the form, submit the form to NSDL e-Govt. or UTIITSL office along with other required documents.
Also read: NRI Account for Indians in UK: Apply for NRI account online
Documents Required for PAN Card for NRI, OCI, and British Citizen from the UK
One can apply for a PAN card for NRI, OCI, and British citizens from UK by submitting the form and attaching the necessary documents. The documents required for the PAN card application are:
(i) Proof of identity (Any one of the following)
- Passport
- OCI card issued by the Government of India
- 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)
- Passport
- OCI card (issued by GoI)
- Bank account statement in the country of residence
- NRE bank account statement in India
- Certificate of Residence in India or Residential permit issued by the State Police Authorities
- Registration certificate issued by the Foreigner’s Registration Office showing Indian address
- Visa granted and Copy of appointment letter/ contract from Indian Company & Certificate (in original) of Indian address issued by the employer.
Contact SBNRI
SBNRI is the one-stop solution for all your NRI/OCI PAN, taxation, repatriation, and investment. We at SBNRI, understand this struggle and are here to help you out with everything. Connect today and apply for a PAN card for NRI, OCI, and British citizens from the UK without any hassle.
You can get in touch with our expert using the button below to resolve your doubts and queries. Also, visit our blog and YouTube channel for more details.
FAQs
Is PAN card different for NRI?
- A PAN is mandatory when filing Income-Tax return, TDS or any transaction that attracts tax. PAN works completely the same way for both NRI and Resident Indian except for one factor – the type of Application Form alone changes with respect to your current Residential Status.
What is the difference between an NRI PAN card and normal PAN card?
- There is no difference between an NRI PAN card and normal PAN card. An NRI PAN card is the same as a PAN card issued to individuals living in India. However, to apply for a PAN card for OCI or people of Indian origin who hold foreign citizenship, an applicant is required to fill Form 49AA.
Is a PAN card mandatory for NRI, OCI and British Citizens?
- PAN is not compulsory for all NRIs, OCI and British Citizens. PAN card is mandatory only for NRIs, OCIs and British Citizen who have a source of income in India to file their taxes or if they want to invest in stocks or mutual funds in India.
Can OCI holders get PAN card?
- People who hold Indian citizenship and settled abroad should use the Form 49A available for Indian citizens. Whereas NRIs who hold foreign citizenship, such as OCI holders or people of Indian origin who possess foreign citizenship or foreigners who are not of Indian origin are required to fill Form 49AA.
Can I apply for a PAN card more than once?
- No, you cannot apply for a PAN card if a PAN card is already allotted to you. However, you can apply for a new PAN card with the same PAN data or/and Changes or Correction in PAN data by filling out ‘Request for New PAN Card or/and Changes or Correction in PAN Data’ form available on UTIITSL or NSDL website.
What is form 49A used for?
- People who hold Indian citizenship and are settled abroad i.e. NRIs can fill out the Form 49A. The applicants can get the form 49A from UTIITSL, Protean eGov Technologies Limited official website or NSDL e-Governance website.
What is the procedure for filling form 49AA through online mode?
- If you want to apply for a PAN Card online, you need to visit the website of NSDL or UTIITSL. Click on the “Apply Now” Tab to fill the online application form for a PAN card. Fill in all the necessary details and then click on the Submit Button. Verify your details and click on Proceed to make a payment. After the payment, you can download and print your pre-filled application form. You can then paste your photo, sign, attach the necessary documents and post it to the mentioned address.
What are the rules for filling form 49AA through offline mode?
- The applicant must fill the PAN application form only in the English language and not in any other language. The form should be filled in block letters and each box in the form must contain only one character. It is advisable to use a ball pen instead of an ink one. The applicant has to provide either left-hand thumb impression or signature on the photograph attached on the left top corner of the form. Do remember to fill all the details accurately in the form as inaccurate information may lead to denial of the PAN application.
Can I fill the form in my native or regional language?
- No, you cannot do so. PAN Application form must only be filled in English and not in any other language.
What are the documents required to apply for a NRI PAN card?
- NRIs need to have the given below documents to apply for a PAN card:
1. Passport size photographs
2. Passport/ Aadhaar Card/ Voter ID
3. Address proof
4. Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card (A copy)
