Got Indian income, investments or property? Find out in seconds whether you need an Indian PAN card as a UK-based NRI.
A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is India's tax ID — and many NRIs need one without realising it. This free checker walks the common triggers so you know whether to apply.
A PAN is India's tax identification number, and several common NRI situations make it mandatory. Taxable Indian income — rental income, capital gains, or interest — requires a PAN to file and to avoid higher TDS deductions. Investing in Indian shares, mutual funds or opening a demat account needs one for KYC. Buying or selling Indian property triggers PAN requirements on the transaction. And operating certain NRO/NRE accounts or filing an Indian tax return both rely on it.
If none of these apply, you usually don't need a PAN yet.
NRIs and foreign citizens apply on Form 49AA. From April 2026, foreign and OCI passport holders move to the updated Form 95. Using the wrong form is a common cause of rejection.
NriDirect identifies the correct current form for your status, completes it accurately, and tracks your PAN through to issue — including the document attestation NRIs typically need.
The services this tool relates to — handled end to end, with document checks and VFS booking included.
You typically need a PAN if you have taxable income in India (rent, capital gains, interest), invest in Indian shares, mutual funds or hold a demat account, buy or sell Indian property, or need to file an Indian tax return. PAN is also often required to operate NRO/NRE accounts.
NRIs and foreign citizens generally apply using Form 49AA. From April 2026, foreign and OCI passport holders use the updated Form 95. NriDirect uses the correct current form for your status.
Yes. A PAN is mandatory to open a demat account and to invest in Indian shares or mutual funds, and to complete the related KYC. Without it, brokers and fund houses cannot onboard you.
Not necessarily. If you have no Indian income, investments, property or tax-filing obligation, you generally don't need a PAN yet. We'll tell you honestly rather than sell you something you don't need.