PAN Card for NRIs in the UK: Application Guide, Fees & Attestation

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is an essential identification document for anyone with financial ties in India. For NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) holders, and UK foreign residents, it’s particularly important for managing property, investments, or taxation. However, applying for, updating, or reissuing a PAN card from abroad can be confusing and time-consuming.

In fact, a PAN is legally required for most major financial activities in India, including opening NRE/NRO bank accounts, investing in mutual funds, and buying or selling property above $\text{₹10}$ lakh.

At DiuMitra, we provide expert advisory support for non-residents in the UK who need help with PAN card-related processes. Whether you are applying for the first time, correcting details, or reissuing a lost card, our step-by-step guidance makes the journey easier and helps avoid submission rejections.

Why Is a PAN Card Mandatory for UK NRIs?

A PAN card serves as the primary identifier for tax purposes and is mandatory for the following financial activities in India:

• Bank Accounts: Opening NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) and NRE (Non-Resident External) accounts.
• Property: Buying, selling, or renting any immovable property.
• Investments: Investing in the Indian stock market, mutual funds, and fixed deposits.
• Tax Filing: Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) in India for income earned there.
• High-Value Transactions: Any transaction exceeding $\text{₹50,000}$.

Who Needs a PAN Card?

• NRIs with property or income in India
• NRIs opening NRO/NRE accounts
• Investors in mutual funds or Indian stock market
• NRIs receiving rental income in India

Step-by-Step Guide: New PAN Card Application from the UK

Applying for a new PAN card is primarily an online process followed by the submission of physical documents.

1. Select the Correct Form: The key is citizenship:
   • Form 49A: Used by Indian Citizens (including NRIs holding an Indian passport).
   • Form 49AA: Used by Foreign Citizens (including OCI/PIO cardholders and UK nationals).
2. Apply Online: Go to the official NSDL (now Protean eGov Technologies) or UTIITSL PAN portal and select the correct form category.
3. Fill Details: Complete the online form, ensuring all personal details (especially name and Date of Birth) exactly match your passport.
4. Pay Fee: Pay the official government fee online (see Fees & Processing Time below).
5. Print & Sign: Print the generated acknowledgment form. Affix two passport-size photos and sign in the designated areas.
6. Courier Documents: Send the signed form, along with the required attested document copies, by courier to the address provided on the acknowledgment form in India.

Required Documents & The Attestation Rule (49A vs 49AA)

Strict documentation rules are the primary reason for application rejection.

⚠️ The Critical UK Attestation Rule

Documents submitted from abroad are the main point of failure. Because the UK and India are signatories to the Hague Convention, documents issued by UK authorities often require an Apostille from the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), not complex attestation from the Indian High Commission.

Incorrect attestation invalidates the application. Our advisory service provides a personalized, up-to-date checklist to ensure your UK documents are certified in the precise format required by the Indian tax authorities, saving you weeks of re-work.

PAN Card Renewal, Updates, & Reissue: The Process

If your PAN card is lost, damaged, or requires updates (name/address changes), you must use the official Change Request Form.

Action Required: Use the “Request for New PAN Card or/and Changes or Correction in PAN Data” application, also known as Form CSF.

• Updates & Corrections: We help ensure details like name corrections (due to marriage), address changes, or signature updates are correctly submitted with the necessary updated documentary proof.
• Reissue (Lost/Damaged): Apply for a reprint through Form CSF. You will only need to submit the existing PAN number and the payment.
• Aadhaar Linking: Aadhaar linking is not mandatory for NRIs. The exemption applies as long as your residency status is correctly declared as ‘Non-Resident’ on the form.

Fees & Processing Time

The fees are set by the Indian government and cover the processing and dispatch charges.

Frequently Asked Questions – PAN Card Help for NRIs, OCI & PIO

Disclaimer: DiuMitra is an advisory-only service. We do not provide legal, financial, or tax representation. All decisions, submissions, and fees paid to government agencies are the responsibility of the applicant.