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PAN Card Process Explained

There are two ways to apply for a PAN number for UK residents (NRIs, British citizens and Entities): online and offline. Let's explore both the application procedures in detail for different applicant categories mentioned below:

What is the process of PAN card? 

Primarily there are 2 ways to apply: Offline and online. We have explained these 2 procedures with full details right here , however, we are giving a quick brief process flow below:

  1. The very first step is to understand your eligibility. If you are a non-resident Indian (NRI), person of India origin (PIO) or a foreign citizen (with or without an OCI) and not a citizen of Pakistan & Bangladesh, then you are eligible to apply for a "Permanent Account Number" from outside India, and can proceed with following steps below.
  2. Download the requisite form, like 49A (if you are a NRI) or form 49AA (if you are a foreign and UK citizen) from our website or directly from the Income Tax Department of India's official website.
  3. The forms shall ask for your personal information, such as your complete name, birth date, address, contact information, etc. In case you have any confusion filling out your form correctly, you may seek assistance from our adviser.
  4. The fourth step would be to attach all your relevant documents, such as identification, proof of address, and a recent photograph.
  5. Pay the necessary fee online using a UK debit or credit card in pound sterling (£/GBP) if you are using our services, or in rupees person (if you are in India) or online on the government PAN portals like: UTITSL or PROTEAN.
  6. Submit all of your necessary supporting documents, like proof of identity (POI) and proof of address (POA), along with your correctly filled form online, or to the nearest nodal office/PAN centers.
  7. The government department then processes your form and verifies the accompanying documents. If they find no errors, then they allot you a PAN number in the form of an e-PAN that is sent to your email in about 2-3 days, followed by the actual printed PAN card delivery in 3 weeks time via India Post to your Indian or UK address specified in the application.
process for pan number

The online process is convenient and suitable for applicants familiar with digital platforms. You can apply through UTITSL, Protean, or with assistance from us.

  1. Choose the Website:

    • Visit the official portals of UTITSL or Protean.
    • Alternatively, use our platform, PanCard.co.uk, for a guided process tailored for NRIs, foreign passport holders, OCI/PIO cardholders, and overseas entities.
    • Select the correct application form: Form 49A for Indian citizens or Form 49AA for foreign nationals.

  2. Select the Signing Mode: Online applications require you to pick one of these modes:

    • Aadhaar-based e-KYC: Authenticate your identity using Aadhaar and electronically sign the form.
    • eSign Mode: Use Aadhaar to eSign the form.
    • DSC Mode: Sign with a Class II or Class III Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) issued by an Indian CCA.
    • If you apply through us, we guide you in selecting the most suitable mode and ensure compliance.

  3. Fill the Form:

    • Provide accurate personal details like name, address, and date of birth.
    • With PanCard.co.uk, we review and verify your form to ensure there are no errors or missing details.

  4. Upload Required Documents: Submit scanned copies of:

    • ID Proof: Passport, OCI/PIO card, or Aadhaar.
    • Address Proof: Utility bills, overseas address proof, or bank statement.
    • Date of Birth Proof: Passport or birth certificate.
    • Our service eliminates the need for notarization or embassy attestation of documents, saving you time and effort.

  5. Pay the Fee:

    • Government fees must be paid in INR via net banking, credit/debit cards, or demand draft.
    • With PanCard.co.uk, you have the added flexibility to pay in GBP or INR, whichever suits you.

  6. Track Your Application:

    • Government portals provide an acknowledgment number to track your status.
    • With PanCard.co.uk, we track the progress for you, provide updates, and follow up with government agencies on your behalf.

Detailed explanation about the process to apply for a PAN number:

You can apply for a 'permanent account number' online or offline through government-authorized agencies like UTITSL and Protean (formerly NSDL). Alternatively, you can also use an independent PAN service providers like us ( PanCard.co.uk ), that can make the process easier, especially for NRIs and foreign passport holders.

Here’s a step-by-step instructions for both the methods.

Online Process

The online process is convenient and suitable for applicants familiar with digital platforms. You can apply through UTITSL, Protean, or with assistance from us.

  1. Choose the Website:

    • Visit the official portals of UTITSL or Protean.
    • Alternatively, use our platform, PanCard.co.uk, for a guided process tailored for NRIs, foreign passport holders, OCI/PIO cardholders, and overseas entities.
    • Select the correct application form: Form 49A for Indian citizens or Form 49AA for foreign nationals.

  2. Select the Signing Mode: Online applications require you to pick one of these modes:

    • Aadhaar-based e-KYC: Authenticate your identity using Aadhaar and electronically sign the form.
    • eSign Mode: Use Aadhaar to eSign the form.
    • DSC Mode: Sign with a Class II or Class III Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) issued by an Indian CCA.
    • If you apply through us, we guide you in selecting the most suitable mode and ensure compliance.

  3. Fill the Form:

    • Provide accurate personal details like name, address, and date of birth.
    • With PanCard.co.uk, we review and verify your form to ensure there are no errors or missing details.

  4. Upload Required Documents: Submit scanned copies of:

    • ID Proof: Passport, OCI/PIO card, or Aadhaar.
    • Address Proof: Utility bills, overseas address proof, or bank statement.
    • Date of Birth Proof: Passport or birth certificate.
    • Our service eliminates the need for notarization or embassy attestation of documents, saving you time and effort.

  5. Pay the Fee:

    • Government fees must be paid in INR via net banking, credit/debit cards, or demand draft.
    • With PanCard.co.uk, you have the added flexibility to pay in GBP or INR, whichever suits you.

  6. Track Your Application:

    • Government portals provide an acknowledgment number to track your status.
    • With PanCard.co.uk, we track the progress for you, provide updates, and follow up with government agencies on your behalf.

Offline Process
The offline process is ideal for applicants who prefer physical interactions or need extra assistance. You can submit applications at UTITSL or Protean centers or opt for our expert service.

  1. Obtain the Application Form:

    • Get Form 49A or Form 49AA from the nearest UTITSL/Protean center or download it from their websites.
    • Alternatively, visit our office or use PanCard.co.uk, where we provide the correct forms pre-verified for your needs.

  2. Fill the requisite Form:

    • Carefully enter all required details. Errors may lead to rejection.
    • If you visit our office, our team will help you fill out the form accurately and submit it for you.

  3. Attach Supporting Documents: Include:

    • ID Proof: Passport, OCI/PIO card.
    • Address Proof: Utility bill, bank statement, or overseas address proof.
    • Date of Birth Proof: Passport or birth certificate.
    • If you choose us, we ensure all documents are verified, and notarization or embassy attestation is not required.

  4. Submit the Application:

    • Hand-deliver your form and documents to the UTITSL/Protean office.
    • Or let PanCard.co.uk submit your application on your behalf, saving you time and effort.

  5. Pay the Fee:

    • Government fees must be paid in INR at the application center.
    • PanCard.co.uk allows payments in GBP or INR and provides a seamless offline payment process.

  6. Track and Follow-Up:

    • Offline applications can be tracked using the acknowledgment number.
    • Our agency ensures real-time updates and follows up with government offices to resolve any issues.


Why choose an independent agency like us?

  • No Notarization or Attestation Needed: We simplify the documentation process. 
  • Expert Guidance: Avoid errors with personalized advice.
  • Multiple Payment Options: Pay in GBP or INR.
  • Comprehensive Support: From filling forms to follow-ups, we handle everything.
  • Whether you apply online or offline, PanCard.co.uk ensures a smooth and error-free process, making it easy for NRIs, foreign nationals, and overseas entities to obtain their PAN cards.

Below Is Our Procedure (online process):

STEP 1   Read Everything Carefully

Once you begin your PAN application process with us, you will receive a PAN kit with forms, samples, instructions, and our step-by-step support and guidance from beginning to end until you receive your PAN card at your Indian or UK address (as directed by you). Simply fill out the forms based on the simple samples and instructions included in the PAN kit and return them to us for processing along with document copies mentioned in STEP 2 below.

Total Fee :: ​£32 per applicant. This includes the Govt fee, our service charges & postal delivery charges. No other hidden charges ever.

Time :: e-PAN comes to your email in 3 to 5 days and postal deliver to your ​UK address or India address as you instruct [in 3 weeks time].

Indian passport holder (Non Resident Indian)

1). ID Proof: Indian passport's 1st page & last page copy 
AND
2). Address Proof: Copy of UK bank statement copy showing your name and address.
OR
Copy of any other UK address proof like utility bill or driving license

OCI or PIO Holder With Foreign/UK/British Passport

1). ID Proof: Copy of your UK or foreign passport's 1st page showing your name and photo
AND
2). Address Proof: Copy of your
OCI or PIO card's page showing your photo/name & address
OR
Copy of UK bank statement or any other UK address proof like utility bill or driving license

Foreign/UK/British Passport Holder With No OCI or PIO

1). ​ID Proof: Copy of your UK or foreign passport's 1st page showing your name and photo
AND
2). Address Proof: Copy of British passport's address page. Every UK passport has a blank emergency/contact page where you can fill your UK address.
OR... 
UK bank statement or driving license or utility bill

Some frequently asked questions by our clients:

What is a PAN card, and how does it work?

PAN stands for a Permanent Account Number, which is a unique ID for tax purposes in India. It is given to both Indian citizens living in India, and non-residents residing overseas. In a nutshell, it tracks all your tax-related transactions like:
- Filing income tax returns.
- Opening bank accounts.
- Making investments in India.
- Buying or selling property.
- In fact, it is essential for anyone doing financial transactions in India, even if you live abroad. 

Can I apply for a PAN card from outside India?

Yes, you can apply for a PAN card from abroad by following these steps:

  1. Use Form 49AA for if you are a foreign national, and 49A in case you are an Indian citizen.
  2. Submit proof of identity, proof of overseas address, and a recent photo.
  3. Complete the application online or mail it to the relevant processing centers.
  4. For NRIs or OCI cardholders, adding the correct documents is essential to avoid delays.

Can I apply for a PAN card from outside India?

Yes, you can apply for a PAN card from abroad.

How to get PAN card from outside India?

To get a PAN from outside India, simply go ahead and download the application form depending on your passport status and category from the Income Tax Department or our website right here. 

For example, if you are an Indian passport holder (NRI), then kindly use the form 49A , and for foreign nationals (including OCI card holders), use the 49AA form . And once you have your appropriate form, start by filling it out correctly with your personal information, attach the required documents, pay the fee online, and submit the form to an authorized PAN card service agent in the UK or any center in India. 

In case you have questions or trouble filling the forms, you may use a registered agent or service provider to assist with the application process. Once approved, the PAN card will be sent to the Indian or foreign address you provided in the application form. 

How many days does it take to get physical card? 

The time it takes to receive an e-PAN and a physical PAN card shipped overseas varies based on numerous factors, including the recipient's location and the postal service's effectiveness. However, based on our experience, it would be fair to say that the e-PAN can take up to 2–3 days to arrive at your email and around 15–30 business days to arrive via postal mail at an overseas address after the application is completed and processed. 

Is it possible to get PAN card in 2 days?

The simple answer is no. You probably will get your ePAN (electronic version) at the email address provided in your application; however, the actual hard copy cannot be delivered within 2 days. The reason for this is that the income tax department takes time to verify all of your supporting documents, check your application for accuracy, and finally print and send the card via India Post. All these factors increase the delivery time. As a result, it is correct to estimate that the actual card will arrive in the mail at the address specified in your application form within 15-30 days.  

How to fill up PAN card form online? 

There are 2 ways of fill up a PAN card form online. First and the most easy way is to use a PAN agent who can file your PAN application case with the government on your behalf. You may find the process relatively easy and fast as compared to the actual government procedure. Know more more it here.

Second way, is to file directly through the website of the Income Tax Department of India.

  1. Start by creating a new account on the website. Go to the home page and click the "Register Yourself" button. You can skip this step if you already have an account.

  2. Once logged in, go to the "Register New PAN" section and choose the form you wish to fill out, such as Form 49A for Indian nationals and NRIs or Form 49AA for foreign nationals holding international passports (including OCI).

  3. Fill in all sections with your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, gender, address, and contact information.

  4. Upload the relevant papers in the required format, such as proof of identification and proof of address.

  5. Check that all of the information you've provided is correct and complete.

  6. Pay your fee in Indian rupees.

  7. Submit the form and wait for the confirmation page to appear. You should print the confirmation document for future reference, and this must be attached to your application form as well.

Please keep in mind that the processes outlined above are generic and may differ depending on the individual PAN card form you are filling out and the website you are visiting. To ensure the success of your application, carefully read and follow all the instructions provided on the page.