Oci: Linking Pan And Aadhaar

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders who live in India for a long time (over 182 days in the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application) and have an Indian address can enrol for an Aadhaar card. However, Aadhaar card enrolment is not mandatory for OCIs. If an OCI is eligible for an Aadhaar card, they must link it with their PAN card. If they are not eligible for an Aadhaar card, they do not need to link it with their PAN card.

OCI cardholders who have stayed in India for over 182 days in the preceding 12 months can enrol for an Aadhaar card

As an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholder, you can enrol for an Aadhaar card if you have stayed in India for over 182 days in the preceding 12 months. This is one of the most important documents for completing the KYC procedure for various transactions in India.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age: The OCI cardholder must be over the age of 3 years to be eligible for an Aadhaar card.
• Valid OCI Card: A valid OCI card is required for the enrolment process.
• Stay in India for over 182 Days: OCI cardholders must have resided in India for more than 182 consecutive days in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application for Aadhaar enrolment.
• Indian Address: An Indian address is mandatory to apply for an Aadhaar card.

Documents Required:

• Valid Photo ID: A valid photo ID proof such as an OCI card, NRI PAN card, driving license, or passport is required.
• OCI Status Proof: Documents that establish your OCI status and relationship with another country, such as a passport or OCI card, are necessary.
• Address Proof: Provide a utility bill or a photo ID that includes your valid Indian address.
• Birth Certificate: A birth certificate or any other government-approved document that includes your date of birth is required.

Steps to Apply for Aadhaar Card:

• Book an Appointment: Visit the official website of the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). Click on the 'My Aadhaar' option, select 'Book an Appointment', choose your location, and enter your Indian phone number or email address to receive an OTP. Select a convenient appointment slot. Alternatively, you can directly visit an Aadhaar centre in India to book a biometric appointment.
• Document Verification: Ensure that you carry all the required documents in their original form, along with a copy of each, when you visit the enrolment centre.
• Visit the Enrolment Centre for Biometrics: At the enrolment centre, the UIDAI officer will collect your biometric data, including scanning all ten fingers and irises of both eyes, and taking your photograph. This data is stored in the government's database and used to generate a unique Aadhaar number.

It is important to note that the presence of the OCI cardholder is mandatory during the appointment to complete the verification and enrolment process for the Aadhaar card.

Benefits of Aadhaar Card for OCI Cardholders:

• Completing KYC Procedures: The Aadhaar card helps OCI cardholders complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures for various transactions within India.
• Accepted as ID Proof: Most institutions in India accept the Aadhaar card as a valid identity proof for various operations, such as opening an NRI bank account, property-related documentation, and job applications.
• Mandatory for Income Tax Returns: As per Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, it is compulsory for OCI cardholders who need to file income tax returns to enrol for an Aadhaar card. This simplifies the entire ITR filing process.

In conclusion, OCI cardholders who have stayed in India for over 182 days in the preceding 12 months are eligible to enrol for an Aadhaar card by following the above-mentioned steps and providing the necessary documents. This Aadhaar card will facilitate their transactions and serve as a valid identity proof in India.

NRIs are not required to obtain an Aadhaar number

As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), you are not required to obtain an Aadhaar number. However, if you are an NRI and choose to obtain an Aadhaar card, you can do so by enrolling in the Aadhaar Yojna scheme.

The Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number linked to an individual's biometric data and serves as a replacement for other identification methods such as ration cards or birth certificates. It acts as proof of identity, date of birth, and address.

Previously, only Indian residents could obtain an Aadhaar card. NRIs could only obtain the card if they had resided in India for at least 182 days in the 12 months before the application date. However, since July 2019, NRIs have been able to obtain Aadhaar cards upon arrival in India, provided they have a valid Indian passport.

To obtain an Aadhaar card as an NRI, you will need to follow these steps:

Gather the required documents:

• Valid Indian passport
• Proof of address (if different from the address on your passport)
• Proof of relationship to another country (e.g., a photocopy of your stamped visa)
• School certificate
• Birth certificate
• Photo ID proof

Set up an appointment:

• You can book an appointment online through the UIDAI website by selecting a location and providing your phone number.
• Alternatively, you can visit an Aadhaar center and set up your appointment there.

Submit your documents:

• Submit your documents in person at the Aadhaar center.
• Ensure that your documents are valid and meet the criteria specified by the UIDAI.

Attend your biometric appointment:

• Provide biometric data, including iris and fingerprint scans and a photograph.
• Your physical presence is required for this appointment.

Wait for your card to arrive:

It may take up to 90 days for your physical Aadhaar card to be delivered to your registered Indian address.

You also have the option to obtain a digital version of the Aadhaar card, known as e-Aadhaar, by visiting the official UIDAI website and following the instructions provided.

Please note that while Aadhaar cards are not mandatory for most transactions abroad, they can be beneficial for financial transactions, investments, and property ownership in India.

The Income Tax Department has mandated that NRIs update their residential status on the income tax portal

To update their residential status, NRIs must follow the below steps:

Method 1: Update Your Profile Online

• Ensure you have a PAN card (Permanent Account Number) and an online income tax profile.
• Visit the income tax department’s website and use your PAN card number to create your profile.
• In the profile section, change your residential status to “Non-Resident.”

Method 2: Update Your PAN Card Data

• Visit either the NSDL or UTIISL websites, which manage PAN card data.
• Fill out the online form to update your PAN card data.
• Specify the change in your residential status to “Non-Resident.”
• Submit the required details and pay any associated fees.

A copy of your passport showing your stay as an NRI, or a copy of your PIO or OCI card, must be submitted to your respective Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (JAO) to reactivate your PAN card.

It is important to note that while PAN-Aadhaar linking is not mandatory for NRIs, it is mandatory for those eligible to obtain an Aadhaar Card. According to the Aadhaar Act, only a resident is entitled to get an Aadhaar Card. OCI cardholders who stay in India for a long time (over 182 days in twelve months immediately preceding the date of application for enrolment) and have an Indian address can also enrol for an Aadhaar Card in India.

NRIs with inoperative PANs can notify the IT department about their NRI status by submitting an application

To activate an inoperative PAN, NRIs need to take the following steps:

Step 1: Know Your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer's Email Address

Enter your PAN and mobile number (either overseas or Indian) on the relevant website. After verifying your details, the email ID of your jurisdictional assessing officer will be displayed. Note down this email address for the next step.

Step 2: Write an Email to Your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (JAO)

Send an email with supporting documents (a copy of your PAN card and a copy of your passport showing the period of residence outside India) to your respective JAO. Request them to update your residential status in the PAN database and activate your PAN as an NRI. Here is a suggested email format:

> [Subject]: Request to Activate My PAN as NRI

>

> Dear [Income Tax Officer’s Name],

>

> I have been residing in [Country Name] for the past [Number of Years/Months]. My PAN card has become inoperative because I have not linked it with my Aadhaar card. However, as an NRI, it is not mandatory for me to hold an Aadhaar card or link PAN with Aadhaar.

>

> I kindly request you to update my residential status in the PAN database and activate my PAN as an NRI. I have attached copies of the following documents for your consideration:

>

> 1. Name: [Your Full Name]

> 2. PAN: [Your PAN Number]

> 3. Indian Passport (with Departure and Arrival Stamp showing the period of residence outside India)

>

> Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.

>

> [Your Full Name]

> [Your Contact Information]

Once your residential status as an NRI is updated in the PAN database, your PAN will become operative. If you face any difficulties in updating your residential status or reactivating your PAN, you can contact the IT department for assistance.

NRIs with inoperative PANs can resolve the issue by providing supporting documents, including a copy of their PAN card and passport

Step 1: Know Your Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (JAO)

First, NRIs need to find out the email address of their Jurisdictional Assessing Officer. They can do this by visiting the income tax website and entering their PAN and mobile number (either overseas or Indian). An OTP will be sent to their mobile number for verification. Once verified, the email address of the JAO will be displayed on the screen.

Step 2: Write an Email to the JAO

NRIs then need to send an email to their respective JAO, requesting them to update their residential status in the PAN database and activate their PAN. They should attach the following supporting documents:

• A copy of their PAN card
• A copy of their passport showing their period of residence outside India

> [Subject]: Request to Activate My PAN as NRI

>

> Dear [Income Tax Officer’s Name],

>

> I have been residing outside of India for the past [number of years/months]. My PAN card has become inoperative because I have not linked it with an Aadhaar card. As an NRI, it is not mandatory for me to hold an Aadhaar card or link my PAN with Aadhaar.

>

> I kindly request you to update my residential status in the PAN database and activate my PAN as an NRI. I have attached copies of the following documents for your consideration:

>

> 1. Name: [Your Full Name]

> 2. PAN: [Your PAN Number]

> 3. Indian Passport (with departure and arrival stamps showing the period of residence outside India)

>

> Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.

>

> [Your Full Name]

> [Your Contact Information]

Step 3: Wait for the Update

Once the JAO has received the email and supporting documents, they will update the NRI's residential status in the PAN database, and their PAN will become operative again. This process may take up to 30 days from the receipt of all information, but the timeframe may vary on a case-by-case basis.

Frequently asked questions