The physical version of PAN card for NRI, OCI or Foreign Citizen maybe vital for financial matters in India. Individuals transferring or selling Indian property and taking advantage of banking interest rates require correct documentation and formats. Also, in terms of...
PAN Card Guides and Insights
A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is the tax identification number the Indian authorities use, and NRIs, OCIs and foreign citizens often need one to sell property, receive income or transact in India. These guides cover who needs a PAN, the application forms and the Form 95 route, PAN Card 2.0, e-PAN versus the physical card, and applying from the UK. Start with the guides, or browse the full list of insights below.
Start here
Complete guide
PAN card for NRIs & foreign citizens
Who needs a PAN and how to apply from the UK.
Read guide ›
Most read
Physical PAN card versus e-PAN
The difference and which one you need.
Read guide ›
How to apply
How to apply for an NRI PAN card (Form 95)
The application route for OCIs and foreign citizens.
Read guide ›
All PAN Card guides
Overseas Citizen of India From A PIO: Key Points
As the Overseas Citizen of India card gains significance, more individuals are contemplating obtaining OCI status. Essentially, until further updates by the authorities, the Indian Government authorises OCI status to be indefinite and valid for life. Similarly, the...
Transfer Indian Property: For NRI, PIO (OCI), India
To transfer Indian property, as a non-resident Indian (NRI) and PIO (OCI) property owner, you should understand the legal procedures and requirements for transferring immovable property in India. Furthermore, what are the options available to you in accordance with...
Overseas Indian Citizens: Considerations For 2024
Overseas Indian Citizens hold a vast scope of assets in India. According to a report by the World Bank, in 2022, for the first time a single country, India, is on track to receive more than $100 billion in yearly remittances. The figure includes Overseas Indians and...
Permanent Account Number: PIO (FAQs) 2024
The Permanent Account Number has become one of the most essential documents in India today. The card is issued by the Indian Income Tax Department on application. It plays a crucial role in financial transactions, tax filings, and identity verification. Whatsmore, it...
Indian Property Sale: Funds Repatriation: Do’s
Indian property sale has seen an interesting trend in recent years. With the rise of the real estate market, there has been an increase in the number of NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) investing in their home country. According to a report by JLL India, NRIs have invested...
OCI Application Should I Be An OCI: Insight 2024
In recent years, the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) application has gained significant importance in the Indian banking and real estate sectors. This is particularly important for foreign nationals of Indian origin. It allows non-Indian citizens of Indian...
Property Title Search Importance: Indian Property
Updated June 2026 Conducting a property title search in India can be a complex and intricate process. It involves a wide range of legal and regulatory requirements. It is also essential to understand the various types of land titles available in the country, the legal...
Allotted a PAN Card before 2000? Implications
Despite the common misconception, the PAN Card has been a requirement by the Government of India for quite some time. It is not a recent regulation as many people believe. However, it is now a mandatory requirement. In this article, we provide you with an overview,...
OCI Documents Required: Marriage Certificate
Despite a vast amount of information available online, the OCI documents required can sometimes cause confusion. In this article we consider a UK marriage certificate and its applicability when applying for an OCI from the United Kingdom. Also, what are the correct...
Common questions about the PAN card
Who needs a PAN card in India?
A PAN is generally needed by anyone who sells property, receives certain income, or files a return in India, including NRIs, OCIs and foreign citizens. It is also frequently requested during property and banking transactions. It is the tax identification number the Indian authorities use.
Can you apply for a PAN card from the UK?
Yes. NRIs, OCIs and foreign citizens can apply for a PAN from abroad using the form for their status. The application can be completed from the UK, and the card or e-PAN is issued once the application is accepted.
What is the difference between an e-PAN and a physical PAN card?
An e-PAN is the digital version of the card, issued as a PDF, while the physical PAN card is the printed card posted to the applicant. Both carry the same PAN number, but some transactions ask specifically for one or the other, so it is worth checking which is required.
How Whytecroft Ford can help
The Whytecroft Ford Indian law team helps UK-based NRIs, OCIs and foreign citizens apply for and correct PAN cards, from confirming the right route to assembling the supporting evidence. To discuss a PAN application with our team, call 0208 757 5751 or use the contact form.
The material in this article is provided for guidance and general information only and is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice upon which you should rely. In particular, the information should not be used as a substitute for a full and proper consultation with a suitably qualified professional. Indian Law is subject to change. Please do contact the Whytecroft Ford team if you require further advice.