
Foreign nationals can obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card from India. The PAN card is a ten-digit alphanumeric number issued in the form of a laminated card by the Income Tax Department. It is required for most financial transactions in India, including bank KYC, buying or selling property, and conducting high-value financial transactions. Foreign citizens can apply for a PAN card either online or offline, and the process typically involves filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, and following the guidelines for obtaining a PAN. The success rate for foreign applicants is higher when they are represented by an agent who can submit applications in person and liaise with PAN officials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for a PAN card? | Indian Nationals, Foreign Nationals, Indian Entities, and Foreign Entities |
| Who needs a PAN card? | Foreigners starting a company or LLP in India |
| How to apply for a PAN card? | Online or offline mode |
| Documents required for foreign nationals | Citizenship Identification Number, Taxpayer Identification Number, Bank account statement in the country of residence, Non-resident External bank account statement in India, Certificate of residence in India, Visa, Appointment letter, Contract from the Indian company, Certificate of Indian Address issued by the employer |
| Fee for a PAN application for foreign nationals | ₹ 864 (Excluding GST) for a foreign communication address |
| PAN card delivery | Plastic PAN card will be delivered to the applicant's overseas address via International Speed Post |
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What You'll Learn

Foreign citizens can obtain a PAN card from India
To obtain a PAN card, foreign citizens must fill out an application form and submit the required documents, which include:
- A copy of their citizenship identification number or taxpayer identification number, duly attested by an "Apostille" (for countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961) or by the Indian embassy or High Commission or Consulate in the applicant's country.
- A copy of their bank account statement in their country of residence.
- A copy of their Non-resident External bank account statement in India.
- A copy of their certificate of residence in India or residential permit issued by the State Police Authority.
- A copy of the registration certificate issued by the Foreigner's Registration Office showing their Indian address.
- A copy of their Visa and appointment letter or contract from an Indian company, along with a certificate of their Indian address issued by the employer.
The application form and documents must be sent to India by post or courier, and applicants will receive a digital PAN via email. Later, a physical PAN card will be delivered to the applicant's overseas address. The entire process typically takes 7 to 10 working days, and foreign applicants often have better success rates when using an agent to represent them.
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The application process for a PAN card
Filling Out the Application Form
The first step is to fill out the PAN card application form. This can be done online through the NSDL or UTI-ITSL websites, offering convenience and accessibility to applicants. The online process provides a user-friendly platform with pre-filled forms, step-by-step guidance, and resources such as FAQs and calculators. However, it is important to ensure that all details on the form are correct and accurately reflect the applicant's information.
Submitting Required Documents
Along with the completed application form, applicants must submit various documents to support their application. The specific documents required may vary depending on the applicant's situation, but typically include proof of identity, address, and financial records. For foreign citizens or entities, additional documentation may be necessary, such as a copy of their visa, work permit, or registration certificate issued by the Foreigner's Registration Office. It is essential to attest and submit copies of the required documents, as specified by the guidelines.
Payment of Application Fees
There is a fee associated with applying for a PAN card, which varies depending on the mode of submission and the type of PAN card (physical or e-PAN) being requested. The fees can range from Rs. 66 to Rs. 1,017. It is important to refer to the official websites for the most up-to-date information on applicable fees.
Submission of Application Package
Once the application form is completed and the required documents are gathered, applicants can choose to submit their application package either online or through physical mail. For online submissions, applicants may need to scan and upload their documents, providing a convenient and faster option. Alternatively, applicants can opt for physical submission by sending the printed application form and documents through post or courier to the designated PAN card processing centres in India.
Processing Time and Receipt of PAN Card
After submitting the application, applicants can expect to receive their digital PAN by email within 7 to 15 days, depending on the processing time. This digital PAN is accepted for various purposes, including bank KYC and property registrations. Subsequently, a physical PAN card will be delivered to the applicant's overseas address via international speed post.
It is worth noting that the application process may vary slightly for foreign citizens or entities, and it is recommended to engage professional support to navigate the process smoothly and avoid common issues associated with foreign applications. Additionally, applicants should carefully review the guidelines and requirements provided by the official government sources to ensure a seamless application process for obtaining a PAN card.
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Documents required for a PAN card
A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card can be obtained by foreign nationals, and the documents required may vary depending on the type of applicant (i.e. individual or organisation) and citizenship. Here is a list of documents that may be required for foreign nationals to obtain a PAN card:
- Citizenship Identification Number or National ID Number, duly attested by "Apostille" (with respect to countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961) or by the Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in the applicant's home country.
- Taxpayer Identification Number, also attested as above.
- Copy of bank account statement in the country of residence.
- Copy of a Non-resident External bank account statement in India.
- Copy of the certificate of residence in India or a residential permit issued by the State Police Authority.
- Copy of the registration certificate issued by the Foreigner's Registration Office, showing an Indian address.
- Copy of the Visa granted and the appointment letter or contract from an Indian company.
- Certificate of Indian Address issued by the employer.
It is important to note that PAN is typically obtained by foreign nationals who are working in India or starting a company or Indian subsidiary. The application process can be done online or offline, and foreign applicants often have better success rates when using an agent to represent them. Once the application and documents are submitted, applicants usually receive their PAN card within 7 to 20 working days.
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PAN cards for foreign companies
Foreign companies can obtain a PAN card in India. The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is issued in the form of a laminated card by the Income Tax Department to any person or entity that applies for it. This includes Indian nationals, foreign nationals, Indian entities, and foreign entities.
A PAN card is crucial for several legal procedures in India, such as tax payments, recording transactional details, and financial transactions like loans. It is required for most persons and entities entering into financial transactions with persons or entities of Indian origin. Foreign companies wishing to establish themselves in India must apply for a PAN card to ensure compliance with taxes and other financial regulations.
The process for foreign companies to obtain a PAN card involves filling out an application form (Form 49AA for foreigners) and submitting the required documents. The application form must be sent to India by post or courier, along with copies of proof documents. The documents required for foreign companies to obtain a PAN card in India include:
- Copy of other national or Citizenship Identification Number or Taxpayer Identification Number duly attested by the relevant authority.
- Copy of the bank account statement in the country of residence.
- Copy of the Non-resident External bank account statement in India.
- Copy of the certificate of residence in India or Residential permit issued by the State Police Authority.
- Copy of the registration certificate issued by the Foreigner's Registration Office showing the Indian address.
- Copy of the Visa granted and the contract from the Indian Company, along with the Certificate of Indian Address issued by the employer.
After submitting the application and documents, the PAN card will be processed and issued within 7 to 10 working days in most cases. The applicant will first receive a digital PAN (ePAN) via email, which is accepted for Bank KYC and property registrations. Subsequently, a physical PAN card will be delivered to the overseas address of the foreign company.
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Tracking the status of a PAN application
A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a ten-digit alphanumeric number issued in the form of a laminated card by the Income Tax Department to any person or entity that applies for it. Foreign citizens can obtain a PAN number from India with a faster turnaround time and fewer required documents compared to Indian citizens.
To apply for a PAN card, foreign citizens must fill out an application form and submit the required documents. The application process can be done online, but applicants must eventually send physical documents to India by post or courier. The PAN card will be delivered to the applicant's overseas address via International Speed Post.
The National Government Services Portal offers a user-friendly platform for foreign citizens to register and log in with their PAN, fill out various ITR forms, and e-verify returns using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or DSC. This portal also allows taxpayers to track the status of their PAN application. To do so, users must select the application type, acknowledgement number, name, and date of birth of the applicant.
It is recommended that foreign applicants use an agent to represent them during the application process, as this increases the success rate. The agent will submit the application in person and liaise with PAN officials during every stage of processing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, foreign citizens can obtain a PAN card.
Foreign citizens can apply for a PAN card either online or offline. They must fill out an application form, submit the required documents, and follow the guidelines for obtaining a PAN. The application fee for a foreign communication address is ₹ 864 (excluding GST).
Foreign citizens need to submit an official copy of their address certificate, a copy of their appointment letter, and other identity and address proof documents. These include a copy of their visa, a copy of their bank account statement in their country of residence, and a copy of their registration certificate issued by the Foreigner's Registration Office showing their Indian address.










































