FOREIGNER PAN CARD

FOREIGNER PAN CARD

For a foreign national to apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card in India, they must submit a specific application form (Form 49AA) with identity and address proofs. The application can be completed online, but the supporting documents must typically be sent by post to the issuing agency for verification. 

Eligibility

Foreign nationals who engage in financial transactions in India are required to have a PAN. This includes: 

• Earning taxable income in India.
• Investing in Indian stocks or mutual funds.
• Purchasing or selling immovable property.
• Opening bank accounts in India. 

Application process

The application is made through the official websites of the authorized PAN service providers, Protean eGov Technologies (formerly NSDL eGov) or UTIITSL. 

1. Select the correct form: On the portal, choose Form 49AA for foreign citizens and entities.
2. Fill and submit the online application: Complete the form with your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, and overseas address.
3. Pay the application fee: The fee is higher for foreign nationals with an overseas communication address. This can be paid online via a credit/debit card, though some restrictions may apply.
4. Send supporting documents: After submitting the online form, you will receive an acknowledgement. Print and sign this acknowledgement and send it, along with the required documents, to the designated address of the PAN service provider in India.
5. Authenticate documents: Your identity and address proofs must be attested to prove their authenticity. Depending on your country, this may require:
   • Apostille: For countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention of 1961.
   • Indian Embassy/Consulate: For countries that are not part of the convention.
   • Authorized bank officials: In some cases, officials of an overseas branch of a Scheduled Bank registered in India can attest documents. 

Required documents

A foreign national must submit proof of identity and address along with their Form 49AA application. 

Proof of identity and address 

Acceptable identity proofs include a passport or a National/Citizenship Identification Number. Address proofs can include a passport, a bank account statement, or certain certificates and registration documents. Many documents require apostille or attestation by the Indian Embassy. 

Application for a foreign company 

Foreign companies operating or earning taxable income in India need a PAN. This requires Form 49AA, a copy of the Certificate of Registration (apostilled or attested by the Indian Embassy), and proof of the company's address.