Living in the UK doesn’t stop you from needing a PAN card in India. Whether you’re buying or selling property, filing an Income Tax Return, opening an NRO or NRE account, investing in mutual funds, or claiming a TDS refund, a valid PAN is often mandatory. The challenge for many NRIs is knowing which application form to use, what documents are accepted from the UK, how much the application costs, and whether the entire process can be completed online without visiting India. This guide explains exactly how to apply for NRI PAN card from UK in 2026, including the required documents, fees, application process, and common mistakes to avoid.
Key Takeaways
NRIs can apply for a PAN card from the UK entirely online without visiting India or providing an Indian residential address.
From 1 April 2026, Indian passport holders must generally use Form 93, while foreign passport holders, including OCI and PIO cardholders, should use Form 95.
The government fee is approximately ₹1,017 for a physical PAN card delivered to a UK address, while an e-PAN costs around ₹66–₹72.
An e-PAN is usually issued within 2–3 working days, whereas a physical PAN card typically reaches the UK in about 3–4 weeks.
Can You Apply for NRI PAN Card from UK Without Visiting India?
Yes. NRIs living in the UK can apply for a PAN card without travelling to India. The entire application process can be completed online through the authorised PAN service providers, with document upload, fee payment, and application submission handled digitally. Depending on the application mode, you may only need to courier signed supporting documents to India. Once your application is approved, you can receive an e-PAN by email or have the physical PAN card delivered directly to your UK address.
Who Needs an NRI PAN Card in the UK?
Not every NRI in the UK needs a PAN card immediately. However, if you have financial, tax, or investment activities in India, obtaining a PAN becomes essential. Some of the most common situations include:
- Property: Buying, selling, or registering any Indian real estate transaction above ₹10 lakh requires a PAN.
- ITR: Filing an Indian income tax return, whether on rental income, capital gains, or salary, needs a valid PAN.
- Investment: Opening a demat account or investing in Indian mutual funds and stocks is not possible without one.
- Bank: Opening or operating an NRE/NRO bank account in India requires PAN as mandatory KYC.
- TDS Refund: Claiming back excess TDS deducted on rent, interest, or property sale requires PAN-linked ITR filing.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for NRI PAN Card from UK?
| Applicant Category | Eligible? |
| Indian citizen living in the UK (holds Indian passport) | Yes |
| OCI cardholder (holds foreign passport) | Yes |
| Person of Indian Origin (PIO) | Yes |
| British citizen with taxable income/assets in India | Yes |
| Non-resident minor (Indian or foreign passport) | Yes, via parent/guardian |
| UK-registered company/LLP/Trust with Indian financial dealings | Yes, using the entity form |
Which PAN Application Form Should You Choose in 2026?
This is where most NRI PAN cards from the UK applications go wrong, and it changed recently. Under the Income-tax Act, 2025 and the Income-tax Rules, 2026, the old Form 49A and Form 49AA were retired effective 1 April 2026 and replaced with four category-specific forms:
- Form 93 for Indian citizens, including NRIs holding an Indian passport. If you’re an NRI with an Indian passport living in the UK, this is your form.
- Form 95 for foreign passport holders, including OCI cardholders, PIO holders, and British citizens with financial ties to India.
- Form 94 for Indian entities.
- Form 96 for UK-based entities such as limited companies, LLPs, or trusts.
Your citizenship decides the form, not your country of residence. If you already applied under the old Form 49A or 49AA before 31 March 2026, that application remains valid and doesn’t need to be redone. Already have a PAN card but recently became an NRI or changed your citizenship? Read our guide on How to Update Citizenship Status in PAN Card for NRIs to update your PAN details correctly.
Documents Required to Apply for NRI PAN Card from UK
| Document Type | Accepted Proof |
| Identity proof | Copy of passport (Indian or foreign) |
| Date of birth proof | Passport showing date of birth |
| Address proof (UK) | UK bank statement, utility bill, or UK driving licence |
| Photographs | Two recent passport-size photos |
| OCI/PIO card (if applicable) | Copy of OCI or PIO card |
| Attestation | Self-attested copies; some documents may need Indian High Commission/embassy attestation or apostille |
How to Apply for NRI PAN Card from UK: Step-by-Step Process
The entire application can usually be completed online in less than an hour if your documents are ready. Follow these six steps to apply for an NRI PAN card from the UK.
Step 1: Choose your portal. You can apply through either of the two government-authorised PAN service providers Protean eGov Technologies (formerly NSDL) or UTIITSL. If you’d prefer to avoid paperwork, document verification, and application errors, you can also apply through SaveTaxs, where our experts handle the entire process on your behalf.
Step 2: Select the Correct PAN Application Form
Choose the correct application form based on your citizenship. Indian citizens (including NRIs) should generally use Form 93, while OCI holders and other foreign citizens should use Form 95. Selecting the wrong form is one of the most common reasons PAN applications are delayed or rejected.
Pro Tip: Before submitting your application, make sure your name, date of birth, and passport details match exactly across all supporting documents. Even small mismatches can delay PAN processing.
Step 3: Keep Your Documents Ready
Before starting the application, gather all the required documents, including your passport, UK address proof, recent photograph, signature, and any additional documents based on your citizenship status. Double-check that every document is clear, valid, and matches the information entered in the application form.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application and Pay the Fee
Fill in your personal details carefully, upload the required documents (where applicable), choose whether you need an e-PAN or a physical PAN card, and pay the applicable government fee. Before submitting the application, review every detail to ensure there are no spelling mistakes or document mismatches.
Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents (If Required)
Depending on the application mode you choose, you may need to print, sign, and courier your acknowledgement along with supporting documents to the authorised PAN service provider. Always follow the submission instructions provided after completing the online application.
Step 6: Track Your PAN Application Status
After your application is successfully submitted, you’ll receive an acknowledgement number. Use this reference number on the Protean or UTIITSL portal to track your application status until your e-PAN is issued or your physical PAN card is delivered to your UK address.
PAN Card Fees for UK Applicants (2026)
| Delivery Option | Fee |
| Physical PAN card to Indian address | Approx. ₹107 (inclusive of GST) |
| Physical PAN card to UK/foreign address | Approx. ₹1,017 (includes application fee, tax, and international dispatch) |
| e-PAN only (digital copy, no physical card) | Approx. ₹66–₹72 |
Most PAN application delays are caused by incorrect form selection or document mismatches. Reviewing every detail before submission can save both time and re-application fees.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PAN Card in the UK?
Once your documents are verified, the e-PAN is usually generated within 2–3 working days and emailed to you; this alone is often enough for opening NRE/NRO accounts or completing KYC. If you’ve opted for a physical card, expect it to arrive at your UK address in about 3–4 weeks, since it involves international courier timelines on top of standard processing.
Common Mistakes That Delay PAN Applications
- Using the wrong form Indian passport holders mistakenly applying with Form 95 instead of Form 93, or vice versa.
- Name or date-of-birth details on the form not matching exactly with the passport.
- Submitting unattested or poor-quality scanned copies of documents.
- Providing an incorrect or outdated Assessing Officer (AO) code.
- Missing the courier deadline for sending signed documents after online submission.
If your application is rejected for any of these reasons, you can reapply immediately after correcting the issue, but you’ll need to pay the fee again.
How to Track Your PAN Card Application Status
You can track your application anytime using the 15-digit acknowledgment number generated at submission. If you applied through Protean, use their status tracking page; if you applied through UTIITSL, use their portal instead. Status updates typically show whether your application is under process, dispatched, or requires corrected documents.
Conclusion
Applying for an NRI PAN card from the UK doesn’t require a trip to India or a mountain of paperwork, it just requires the right form and accurate documents the first time. Pick Form 93 or Form 95 based on your passport, keep your UK address proof and passport copy ready, and you can have your e-PAN in your inbox within a few days.
Disclaimer
The content published on NriTaxs is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided.
