Acquisition and transfer of immovable property in India by NRIs / PIOs / Foreign Nationals of Non-Indian Origin is regulated by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. Popularly referred to as FEMA Act. This segment continues from our last article(s) Buying Indian...
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 Indian, Buying Indian Property
Following on from our last segment - Repatriation of sale proceeds from sold property in India. We now look at another area of property in India, specifically; buying property - as an Overseas Indian. Broadly speaking, from our previous segments on immovable property...
PAN Card – Useful Information
In view of our last segments discussing PAN Card for NRI, OCI, we look at some further useful information that may apply to you. If you’ve missed the most recent segments, you can read them here - Form 49AA, Avoid mistakes. As an NRI, OCI, Non resident of India...
NRI OCI Property – Repatriation of Sale Proceeds
In this article we discuss Immovable assets. Specifically property that an NRI, OCI may sell in India and subsequently require to repatriate proceeds of the sold property. We look at NRI OCI Property - Repatriation of Sale proceeds inline with the guidelines of RBI -...
NRO Account For NRI OCI Real Estate
The NRO Account for NRI OCI Real estate is an important aspect to consider when required in instances where you are; Acquiring or Selling property which may involve transferring immovable property in India as well. Accordingly, it enables you to manage your...
Determining The Value – NRI OCI Real Estate
Continuing from our previous segment for NRI OCI assets in India, we touch on movable and immovable assets in India. Specifically, as detailed by Income Tax Department Government of India, Acts (WT). Firstly, are there any rules for determining the value - NRI OCI...
Top 5 Mistakes – NRI PAN Card Application
Below you'll find a list of top 5 common mistakes that you can avoid when applying for your NRI PAN Card Application from abroad. This article discusses frequent mistakes where NRI Individuals are attempting to apply for their PAN from abroad incorrectly. To provide...
No Objection Certificate to Transport Ashes To India
Step-by-step guide to getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to transport ashes from the UK to India. Learn about documents, fees, and NRI inheritance
The Difference Between NRI, OCI, and PIO Status Explained (2026 Guide)
NRI, OCI, or PIO, which status applies to you? This 2026 guide explains the differences, travel rights, and PIO changes | Whytecroft Ford.
PAN-FORM 49AA
Is there a difference between PAN application for an Indian National, NRI, Overseas Citizen of India, Foreign Citizen? Yes there is. When applying for your PAN as an NRI, Overseas Citizen of India, Foreign Citizens, firstly you must apply using the correct form....
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.