The PAN or Permanent Account Number, issued to the country’s liable taxpayers is one of the most important documents to be submitted for a variety of purposes such as loan or credit card application, filing income tax returns, purchasing jewellery above the prescribed amount, and so on. Non-taxpayers and foreign nationals may also be issued a PAN card under certain conditions.
While a PAN card is an important document to have, it is only given to those who meet the eligibility requirements. Furthermore, even a single missing/expired document can result in a failed PAN card application process. This blog is a comprehensive guide to what is actually required to obtain a PAN card and what eligibility criteria must be met.
What are the Eligibility Criteria to Acquire a PAN card?
For Indian Nationals
Form 49A must be completed and submitted to the appropriate authorities by Indian nationals. However, it should be noted that failure to provide supporting documents can hinder the PAN application process. The documents that an applicant must submit are listed in the table below. It is important to note that the applicant can be a person, a company, a trust, a partnership, etc.
Indian Nationals | Eligibility Criteria |
Individual | Indian citizens should have-Identity Proof, Address Proof,Date of Birth Proof |
Partnership Firms | A firm should have-Copy of Certificate of Registration issued by Registrar of Firms or Copy of Partnership Deed |
Limited Liability Partnership | The LLP should submit-Copy of Certificate of registration issued by the Registrar of LLPs |
Trusts | A trust is liable to provide-Trust Deed and Certificate of Registration number issued by Charity Commissioner |
Local Authorities | Local Authorities need to submit a Copy of the Agreement |
Association of Persons | Registered Associations are required to submit a Registration Certificate |
Artificial Judicial Person | Artificial Judicial Person will be asked to submit Registration Certificate or Government Identity and Address Proof |
Hindu Undivided Families | HUF’s Head can apply for a PAN card on behalf of the family members by submitting the following-Head’s Proof of Identity, Head’s Proof of Address, Date of Birth Proof, Head’s Fathers Name, Address of all the Coparceners, Affidavit with all the details has to be created and submitted by the Head of HUF |
Minors | Parents, on behalf of the minor, can also apply for a PAN card by submitting the following-Parents of a minor can sign Form 49A on the minor’s behalf, Parents Proof, Minor’s Date of Birth Proof, AADHAR card of the minor should be quoted in the Form 49A |
Person with Intellectual Disability | On behalf of a person, his/her representative can apply for a PAN card |
For Foreign Citizens
A PAN card is required for any foreign national who wishes to work in India, establish a company, or establish an Indian subsidiary. To obtain one, foreign nationals must complete Form 49AA and submit the following documents to the relevant authorities, along with the PAN card fee:
Foreign Citizens | List of Documents |
Proof of Identity | Taxpayer Identification Number, Citizenship Identification Number attested by the Ministry of External Affairs or High Commission or Indian Embassy, Passport/OCI card/PIO card *Applicant can get the TIN and CIN documents attested from the Country’s Consulate where he/she is residing or from the overseas Authorized Official of Indian Scheduled Bank Branch |
Proof of Address | Taxpayer Identification Number, Citizenship Identification Number attested by the Ministry of External Affairs or High Commission or Indian Embassy, Passport/OCI card/PIO card, Bank statement (from the Country where he/she resides)Bank statement from the NRE (Non- Resident External) Account opened in India, Certificate of Residence Address in India or Residence Permit issued by Police Authorities, Certificate of Registration having an Indian Residential Address- issued by Foreigner’s Registration Office, Contract/Letter/Visa granted by the Indian company, Address Proof issued by the Indian employer *Applicant can get the TIN and CIN documents attested from the Country’s Consulate where he/she is residing or from the overseas Authorized Official of Indian Scheduled Bank Branch |
For Foreign Entities
A foreign entity can apply for a PAN card by submitting the following documents along with a PAN card fee to the concerned authorities-
- Photocopy of the entity’s registration certificate issued by the country in which it is located. The certificate must be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs, a High Commission, or an Indian Embassy. An applicant can get the document attested at the Consulate of the country in which he or she is residing or from an overseas Authorized Official of an Indian Scheduled Bank Branch
- Copy of India’s Registration Certificate or approval copy obtained from Indian Authorities to open an office in India