PAN Card

A Guide to Applying for NRI PAN Card Without Aadhaar Card

autohr img By Ritesh Jain | Last Updated : 15 Dec, 2025

Applying for PAN Card Without Aadhaar Card

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) looking to apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card without an Aadhaar card, understanding the importance of the PAN card is important. The PAN card plays an important role in managing financial and legal aspects of their connections in India. It is required to open bank accounts, invest in assets like real estate and mutual funds, and also fulfill tax obligations.

In this blog, we will outline the specific process NRIs must follow to obtain a PAN card without an Aadhaar number. We will detail the necessary forms, application steps, and associated fees.

Key Takeaways
  • NRIs require a PAN card for various purposes, including banking, investment, tax compliance, and identity verification.
  • Indian citizens residing abroad must use "Form 49A", while Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) should use "Form 49AA".
  • The fee for obtaining a PAN varies based on the communication address, with costs set at Rs. 101 for Indian addresses and Rs. 1,011 for overseas addresses.

Why Do NRIs Need a PAN Card?

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is important for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) due to its various benefits. A PAN card for NRIs has multiple uses. Here are some of the benefits of having an NRI PAN card:

Why Do NRIs Need a PAN Card?

  • Opening NRI Bank Accounts: A PAN card is required to open NRE, NRO, or FCNR (B) accounts.
  • Investment Opportunities: It allows NRIs to invest in mutual funds, shares, and real estate in India.
  • Filing Tax Returns: NRIs with Indian income must file tax returns, and a PAN card is mandatory for NRIs who are required to file an income tax return (ITR) in India.
  • Loan Applications: A PAN is essential when applying for personal, home, or business loans in India.
  • Identity Verification: The PAN card is often required for passport and visa applications and serves as a valid identity proof in various situations.

Which Form Should NRIs Use for PAN Card Application?

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), seeking a PAN card without an Aadhaar card, individuals who hold Indian citizenship and reside abroad should complete Form 49A. On the other hand, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) with foreign citizenship, as well as foreign nationals without Indian roots, are required to fill out Form 49AA.

The application process allows for online payment of fees, and the PAN card will be sent to the address you provided during registration.

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What are the Documents Required for an NRI PAN Card Application?

While submitting the PAN application form, you also need to attach the necessary documents. The documents you need to submit for the PAN card application are as follows:

  • Identity proof
  • Address proof
  • Any document reflecting your date of birth.

What are the Steps to Apply for an NRI PAN Card Without Aadhaar?

An NRI can apply for NRI PAN card without having an Aadhaar card by following the steps mentioned below.

Steps to Apply for an NRI PAN Card Without Aadhaar

  • Step 1: Visit the official portal of NSDL/UTIITSL.
  • Step 2: Fill out Form 49A or 49AA, depending on your status.
  • Step 3: Enter the required details, such as your name, birth date, parents' details, address, etc.
  • Step 4: Upload all the required documents, including your passport and proof of address.
  • Step 5: Upload your photograph and digital signature as per the specified format.
  • Step 6: Pay the international fee.
  • Step 7: Download the filled form.
  • Step 8: Sign and attach the required documents (apostille documents).
  • Step 9: Courier the documents to India (if needed)

What are the PAN Card Application Fees and Processing Time for NRIs?

The fees for PAN card delivery vary depending on the communication address that is registered by the NRI. The table below shows the applicable PAN card application fees for NRIs:

Communication Address Fees
Indian Address Rs. 101
Foreign Address Rs. 1,011
E-PAN Card Rs. 66

Note that the table shows the fee for paperless applications. You can pay the fee using a credit card, debit card, or via net banking.

Processing Time

The delivery time for international couriers may take up to 20-30 days. However, if you choose an Indian communication address, the delivery time gets faster.

NRIs can also receive an e-PAN at their email within just a few days.

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Final Thoughts

Obtaining a PAN card is vital for NRIs who wish to manage their financial matters effectively in India. It opens the door to various banking options, investment opportunities, and compliance with tax obligations. Understanding the application process is relatively easier, ensuring that NRIs can secure their PAN card efficiently, even without an Aadhaar number.

Additionally, to ensure accurate processing and compliance with current regulations, consulting an expert may be beneficial. In the field of expert services, Savetaxs stands out. We have a team of professionals who have been helping NRIs from more than 90 countries with their PAN card issues. Our team will stay in contact with you throughout the process and assist you by providing end-to-end guidance until your work is done and you are satisfied.

Reach out to us right away as we are working 24*7 across all time zones to provide you with the best.

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this guide are personal and do not constitute the views of Savetaxs. Savetaxs or the author will not be responsible for any direct or indirect loss incurred by the reader for taking any decision based on the information or the contents. It is advisable to consult either a CA, CS, CPA, or a professional tax expert from the Savetaxs team, as they are familiar with the current regulations and help you make accurate decisions and maintain accuracy throughout the whole process.

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Ritesh Jain (Tax Expert)

Mr. Ritesh has 20 years of experience in taxation, accounting, business planning, organizational structuring, international trade financing, acquisitions, legal and secretarial services, MIS development, and a host of other areas. Mr Jain is a powerhouse of all things taxation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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No, NRIs generally don't need to obtain an Aadhaar card, and hence they can apply for a PAN card without an Aadhaar number.

If an NRI has already obtained an Aadhaar card or becomes a "resident" for Aadhaar purposes, meaning they stayed in India for more than 182 days in the last 12 months. Then, linking PAN card with their Aadhaar becomes mandatory to avoid your PAN card from becoming inoperative.

An NRI can apply for a PAN card via Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL portals by filling out Form 49A for an Indian citizen or Form 49AA for a foreign citizen, providing passport and overseas/Indian address proofs instead of an Aadhaar.

Some alternatives for an Aadhaar card for an NRI PAN application are passport, visa, OCI/PIO card, overseas bank statement, or utility bill reflecting foreign address, and NRE/NRO statement or Indian address proof if using an Indian communication address.

If your PAN profile correctly reflects your "Non-Resident" status, you fall in the exempt category, and your PAN will remain active even without linking it with the Aadhaar. You will face problems when your PAN card is still tagged as "Resident".

Update your residential status to an NRI on the Income Tax portal or through your Assessing Officer by submitting your passport and stay details. Once your status is corrected to non-resident, PAN can be restored without paying any Aadhaar-linking penalty.