Apply PAN Card Online in Saudi Arabia

A PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is an essential financial identifier for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) who have financial obligations or investments in India. Although having a PAN card is not mandatory for NRIs, it's a crucial document that is required for various activities in India. It includes investing in the Indian stock market, opening a bank account, buying or selling a property, filing ITR, etc.

Additionally, without a PAN card, you can't file ITR, may face higher TDS rates, and be forbidden from major financial transactions and investments. Keep reading to know more about applying for a PAN card in Saudi Arabia and everything related. 

Who Needs an Indian PAN Card in Saudi Arabia?

If you are an NRI (Non-Resident Indian), OCI (Overseas Citizen of India)/PIO (People of Indian Origin), or a foreign citizen in Saudi Arabia having financial ties with India. Then, you must have an Indian PAN card. You will need an Indian PAN card in Saudi Arabia if:

• You are earning rental income, interest, salary, or capital gains from India
• Seek to invest in Indian shares, mutual funds, NPS bonds, or FDs
• Wish to buy or sell property in India or hold director/partner roles in Indian entities.

What are the Benefits of Having an Indian PAN Card in Saudi Arabia?

Having a PAN card while staying in Saudi Arabia can carry several financial benefits and unlock various tax facilities in India. Here are some of the key benefits of holding an Indian PAN: 

• You can file income tax and claim refunds on TDS deducted in India easily.
• It helps in investing in stocks, mutual funds, bonds, PMS, and AIFs.
• To complete KYC verification for NRE/NRO bank accounts, demat accounts, and portfolio services, a PAN card is mandatory.
• A PAN card is required for high-value property transactions, purchase/sale of immovable property, and business registrations. 

Who is Eligible to Apply for a PAN Card in Saudi Arabia?

Not every individual residing in Saudi Arabia can apply for a PAN card. You must fulfill some basic identity and purpose criteria to apply for an Indian PAN card from Saudi Arabia. Individuals who are eligible to apply for an Indian PAN card include:

• OCI/PIO cardholders having financial ties with India.
• Indian citizens holding a valid Indian passport, whether resident or NRI. 
• Foreign citizens who have taxable income, property, or business in India.
• Foreign or Indian companies/firms operating or having registrations in India. 

Every individual or entity can hold only one PAN card. If you hold multiple PAN cards, it will be considered a serious offence, and you might attract penalties. 

What are the Documents Required to Apply for a PAN Card in Saudi Arabia?

You need to submit the following documents to apply for a PAN card in Saudi Arabia:

• Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph for physical submission. 
• Identity Proof (any one of the following):
  • Indian Passport (for NRIs)
  • OCI/PIO card (if applicable)
  • Foreign passport (for foreign citizens)
• Overseas Address Proof (any one of the following):
  • Utility bill in Saudi Arabia
  • Overseas bank statement (Saudi bank)
  • Passport address page that shows the Saudi address
  • NRE/NRO bank statement with recent transactions

Entities (companies/firms) require registration certificates and proof of business and address presence in India. 

How to Apply for a PAN Card From Saudi Arabia?

The process to apply for a PAN card from Saudi Arabia can be straightforward, provided that you follow the right steps. Here are the steps to apply for a PAN card based on the type of service you need: 

Application Process for a New PAN Card in Saudi Arabia 

Follow the process step-by-step to apply for a new PAN card in Saudi Arabia:

Choose Portal and Accurate Form 

• Go to the Protean (NSDL) PAN or UTIITSL PAN website. 
• Select "New PAN for NRI/Foreign Citizen" and choose the correct form:
  • Form 49A: For Indian citizens and NRIs holding an Indian passport.
  • Form 49AA: Foreign citizens or foreign entities. (including NRIs with foreign citizenship).

Fill Out the Online Application Form 

• Provide personal details like name, date of birth, parents' names, mobile number, email address, etc. 
• Enter a communication address (Saudi Arabia). When you choose Saudi Arabia, your card will be dispatched overseas.
• Choose the appropriate AO code for NRI or non-resident applicants. 

Upload the Documents and Make the Payment 

• Upload scanned copies of the required documents, such as proof of identity and address.
• Pay the applicable fees using a card/net banking, or a demand draft. For communication addresses outside India, the fee may be higher. 

Print and Courier (If Needed)

• Some applicants may require printing the acknowledgement, attaching photos, signing, attaching self-attested documents, and couriering them to the NSDL/UTIITSL processing centres in India. 

Upon successful processing of your application, you will receive an e-PAN via email and/or a physical PAN card at the communication address you provide. 

Application Process to Apply for a Lost PAN Card

Instead of applying for a new PAN number, you must reissue the same PAN in case of lost, stolen, or damaged PAN card. Here is the process to apply in case of a lost PAN card:

• Visit the NSDL/Protean or UTIITSL website and select the "Reprint PAN" or "Change/Correction in PAN data" option.
• Fill in the required details and provide your existing PAN.
• Submit identity and address proofs (A copy of FIR, if the service provider asks for the same).
• Pay the fee for the PAN reprint and submit. Also, courier the documents if needed. 

You will get a duplicate PAN card with the same number in either physical or e-PAN form. 

Applying to Make Corrections in the PAN Card

You can use the PAN change/correction service if there is an error in your name, date of birth, photograph, parents' names, or any other information. Follow the steps below to apply for corrections in the PAN card:

• On the portal, choose the "Change/Correction in the PAN" service.
• Tick the fields you want to make corrections in. Fill out the chosen fields with the correct information as per your current valid documents (e.g., passport).
• Upload documents as proof to show the correct details.
• Pay the fee. Also, courier the signed forms and proofs to the processing centre (if needed).

Upon successful verification, the Income Tax Department will update the PAN database. Additionally, you will get a new PAN card issued with the corrected details. 

What are the PAN Card Fees and Processing Time in Saudi Arabia?

The PAN card fees may vary based on the mode of application and whether you need a physical copy or an e-PAN card. The table below lists the fee for a PAN card application based on your application type:

Furthermore, the processing time for a PAN card application may vary based on the type, application mode, document submission, and fee payment. If you apply for a physical PAN card and pay the fee online, you will receive the card at your mentioned address within 15-20 working days.

On the contrary, if you choose to apply for an e-PAN card and pay the fee online, you will receive your card in a short timeframe via email at your registered address. 

How Can I Track the PAN Card Status Online in Saudi Arabia?

You can keep track of your PAN card status online from anywhere, including Saudi Arabia. Here is how you can check the status of your PAN card online:

• Protean/NSDL: Use "Track PAN Status" with your acknowledgment number.
• UTIITSL: Use the "Track PAN Card Application Status" option with coupon number or application details.
• Income Tax Department: Use the "Status of PAN-UTIITSL" service to cross-verify PAN generation. 

Importance of NRI PAN Card Regarding Tax and Compliance

For NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) residing in Saudi Arabia, a PAN card is essential to comply with Indian tax laws. It is required to:

• Prevent a higher rate of TDS
• File ITRs and claim TDS refunds on Indian income
• Complete KYC verification for NRE/NRO, demat, and investment accounts
• Take part in property, business, and capital market transactions in India legally

Without a PAN card, several financial operations may be blocked, or you may attract punitive tax deductions. 

Wrapping Up 

For NRIs, a PAN card is an essential document required to manage their legal tax obligations and financial transactions in India. It is required to file income tax, complete KYC verification, make investments, and even claim refunds on TDS deductions. An NRI can apply for a PAN card easily from Saudi Arabia using the NSDL/UTIITSL website. However, if you are not sure of the application process and need assistance with the same, contact Savetaxs. 

We have a team of experts carrying 30 years of combined expereince who can guide you through the PAN application process. They will ensure that you accurately fill out the correct application form, submit all the required documents, and get everything verified on time. Our team will also ensure that there are no errors in your PAN application form, preventing any delays or rejections. Contact us right away to secure your PAN card easily and avail of the benefits that come along.