The Classic Partners LLP

Permanent Account Number (PAN) for NRIs

PAN is mandatory for NRIs earning taxable income in India, selling property or shares, or claiming TDS refunds. We handle NRI PAN applications, corrections, and Aadhaar–PAN issues end to end.

Apply for NRI PAN

What is PAN and Why NRIs Need It

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-character alphanumeric identity issued by the Income Tax Department. For NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs, PAN is essential to:

File a return of income in India and claim refunds of excess TDS.
Sell or purchase immovable property and execute property TDS compliance.
Invest in shares, mutual funds, and NRO/NRE banking products.
Avoid higher TDS rates that apply when PAN is not furnished.

How NRIs Apply for PAN

Form 49A — for Indian citizens, including NRIs holding an Indian passport.
Form 49AA — for foreign citizens, including OCI cardholders and PIOs.
Documents: passport copy, overseas address proof, photographs, and (for 49AA) OCI card or citizenship proof.
PAN can be applied online with a foreign communication address; the physical card is dispatched overseas.

For resident individuals and entities, see our general PAN Registration service. This page covers the NRI-specific route, documentation, and common pitfalls.

Common NRI PAN Issues We Resolve

Aadhaar–PAN linking: NRIs are generally exempt, but the status must be correctly updated with the department to avoid an inoperative PAN.
Multiple or duplicate PANs — surrender and consolidation.
Name, date of birth, or address corrections and reprints delivered abroad.
Citizenship change after obtaining PAN (Indian citizen who later became a foreign national).

Our PAN Services for NRIs

New PAN Application

Form 49A / 49AA preparation, document review, and submission.

Corrections & Reprint

Updates to name, DOB, photo, signature, or address with overseas delivery.

Inoperative PAN Fix

Restoring PANs marked inoperative due to Aadhaar-linking status.

PAN for Property Deals

PAN plus TDS compliance for NRI property sales — see capital gains.

PAN for Investments

KYC-ready PAN for mutual funds, shares, and NRO/NRE accounts.

Status Updates

Aligning PAN records with your residential status each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PAN mandatory for NRIs?

PAN is mandatory for any NRI who has taxable income in India, wants to file an income tax return, claim a TDS refund, or enter into specified financial transactions like buying or selling property and investing in securities.

Which form does an NRI use to apply for PAN?

NRIs holding Indian citizenship use Form 49A, while foreign citizens — including OCI cardholders and PIOs — use Form 49AA.

Do NRIs need to link PAN with Aadhaar?

Non-residents as per the Income Tax Act are generally exempt from mandatory Aadhaar–PAN linking, but the non-resident status must be updated in the department's records, otherwise the PAN can be marked inoperative.

What happens if an NRI sells property without PAN?

Without PAN, tax is deducted at higher rates and the NRI cannot file a return to claim a refund of excess TDS, making PAN essential before any property transaction.

Can an NRI get a PAN card delivered abroad?

Yes. PAN applications support foreign communication addresses, and the physical card is dispatched to the overseas address on payment of the applicable international dispatch fee.

Need a PAN as an NRI?

We prepare and file your Form 49A/49AA, fix inoperative PANs, and get your card delivered wherever you live.