There is considerable lack of clarity about whether or not there is a difference between a Foreign Citizen and Indian Citizen PAN Card. Further, there is a vast amount of information online attempting to answer this question. However, it is still unclear. In this...
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.
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Complete guide
PAN card for NRIs & foreign citizens
Who needs a PAN and how to apply from the UK.
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Most read
Physical PAN card versus e-PAN
The difference and which one you need.
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How to apply
How to apply for an NRI PAN card (Form 95)
The application route for OCIs and foreign citizens.
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All PAN Card guides
KYC Indian Banks – Overseas Indian Citizen
As an Overseas Indian Citizen with Indian bank accounts, you should know about KYC. In this segment we look at KYC and its application in Indian banking. Before you begin, if you've not read our previous segments for Non Resident Ordinary Account (NRO) and Non...
Link Aadhaar PAN – Deadline 2023 NRI
If you are an NRI and are unsure whether you must link Aadhaar PAN, it is now a mandatory requirement. However with exception to those who fall under the exempt list. Furthermore, you may have received recent notifications from your Indian bank to link Aadhaar and...
Overseas Indian Citizen – Mutation of Property
For an Overseas Indian Citizen, the mutation of property in an Indian property sale process is an important part of know-how. It can have a considerable impact on the overall selling plan if things are not in order. In this segment we look at the "title ownership of...
PAN Card Status – Track PAN 2023
When applying for your PAN Card, you should know what the different stages of your PAN Card Status indicate once your application is with the depositary. This segment answers three key questions that Overseas Indian Citizens find confusing, despite the information set...
Indian Property Sale – Overseas Indian Citizen
Overview As an Overseas Indian Citizen you may wish to sell property in India. Our previous segments, selling your property in India, or executing a power of attorney, discuss legal requirements around the ownership of property as an Overseas Indian Citizen. In...
PAN Card for British Indian
UK citizens who are Indian by origin, also known as British Indians, maintain and inherit property as well as hold financial interests in India. It is also common for UK Indian’s to hold multiple asset interests in India. In this segment we consider the importance of...
PAN Card – 3D Secure
If you’re attempting to apply for your Overseas Citizen PAN card online, you may have come across intermittent issues when trying to make payment for your PAN - 3D Secure. In this article you will find helpful information in relation to making payment for your PAN...
Update PAN Card – NRI OCI Overseas Indian
Existing PAN card holders may want to update PAN Card. How to update a change of details on an existing PAN for NRI OCI Foreign Citizens.
Non Resident External (Indian Assets) – NRI OCI
If you’re an Overseas Indian, you should know about the Non Resident External Account and its key benefits to your Indian financial affairs.
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.