For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in the UAE, having a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is essential for managing financial transactions in India. Whether it is investing in property, opening a bank account, or filing income tax returns, a PAN card is mandatory. In 2025, the Indian government has made the process fully digital, allowing NRIs in the UAE to apply with ease. Nera News explains the step-by-step process.

Why NRIs in UAE Need a PAN Card

A PAN card is a 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department of India. For NRIs, it is required for:

Opening a bank account in India
Buying or selling property
Filing income tax returns
Investing in shares, mutual funds, or real estate
Receiving remittances above a certain limit

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for PAN Card from UAE

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

NRIs can apply for a PAN card through:

Protean eGov Technologies (NSDL): www.onlineservices.nsdl.com
UTIITSL portal: www.pan.utiitsl.com

Both portals are authorized by the Income Tax Department.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Form

Form 49AA is used for NRIs and foreign citizens.
Select “NRI” option under residential status.

Step 3: Fill in Personal Details

Provide accurate details such as:

Full name and date of birth
Passport number
UAE residential address (for correspondence)
Indian address (if applicable)
Mobile number and email for verification

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

NRIs must upload scanned copies of:

Identity Proof: Passport (mandatory)
Address Proof: UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, utility bill, or bank statement
Photograph: Recent passport-size color photo
Signature: Digital signature in black ink on white paper

Step 5: Make Payment

The fee for NRI applicants is around ₹1,020 (approx. AED 45–50), payable online via debit/credit card, net banking, or international payment options.

Step 6: Submit and Print Acknowledgment

After submission, download and print the acknowledgment slip generated by the portal. This contains a unique 15-digit acknowledgment number for tracking.

Step 7: Courier Documents (if required)

Some applicants may need to courier signed acknowledgment and supporting documents to:

NSDL e-Governance Office, Pune, India, or
UTIITSL PAN Processing Center, Mumbai, India

Step 8: PAN Card Processing

Once documents are verified, the PAN card is issued. Applicants can track the status online using the acknowledgment number.

Step 9: Receive PAN Card

The PAN card is dispatched to the UAE residential address provided. Delivery usually takes 2–3 weeks.

Key Tips for UAE Applicants

Ensure your name on passport and PAN application matches exactly.
Provide an international credit/debit card for smooth payment.
Use an active UAE address for delivery to avoid delays.
Keep scanned copies of all documents in JPEG/PDF format under the required size.

Timeline for PAN Card from UAE

Online application submission: 1–2 days
Couriering documents (if required): 5–7 days
Processing and dispatch: 10–15 days
Total time: 2–4 weeks

Applying for an Indian PAN card from the UAE in 2025 is simple thanks to online portals and digital verification. With the right documents and accurate details, NRIs can complete the process in under a month. Having a PAN card not only makes financial transactions smoother but also ensures compliance with Indian tax regulations.