Can a Non-resident Indian Apply for a PAN Card?

If you are a Non-Resident Indian, then you should absolutely get a PAN card. You may need the card for several reasons, like if you earn any income in India, be it through rent, dividend, or capital, you need a PAN card to file taxes for the same. Also, if you wish to buy or sell a property in India, open a bank account in India, invest in the Indian stock market, apply for a loan, or even start a business in India, then for all of this, you need a PAN card. It is better to apply for one before it's too late.

An NRI can definitely apply for a PAN card. Even if they stay abroad, certain financial activities in India do need a PAN card.

I am an NRI, and I recently applied for my PAN card through the NSDL portal. Firstly, I got the Form 49A from the official website and filled it out. Then, I gathered and submitted all the documents that were needed and submitted my application. At last, I paid the application fee, and once my application got verified, I received my PAN card within 15-20 days.

Although an NRI doesn't need to apply for a PAN card but it is better to acquire one. If you don't have any property or any income in India, then it's okay not to have a PAN card.

Yes, an NRI can definitely apply for a PAN card by using the Form 49A, which is specifically for a Non-resident Indian, along with submitting the other required documents and paying the prescribed fees at any PAN application center of UTIITSL or Protean, which was formerly NSDL eGov. They also need to submit a copy of their passport as identity proof and any other required documents as per their situation.