PAN Card from France: How to Apply and Which Documents You Need

If you live in France and need an Indian Permanent Account Number (PAN), you can apply through an authorised PAN application channel. However, the process depends on whether you are an Indian citizen living abroad or a foreign national applying for an Indian PAN. Understanding the correct form, preparing acceptable documents, and checking the latest submission instructions can help you avoid common application errors.

This blog explains how to apply for a PAN card from France, which documents you may need, and what to check before submitting your application.

Who can Apply for an Indian PAN Card from France?

The following categories are particularly relevant:

• Indian citizens living in France: Indian citizens, including eligible non-resident Indians (NRIs), generally use the Indian-citizen route for a new PAN.
• French citizens and other foreign nationals: Individuals who are not Indian citizens generally follow the foreign-individual application route.
• OCI cardholders: An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card does not confer Indian citizenship. An OCI cardholder should select the application route based on their actual citizenship and the current requirements.
• Existing PAN holders: If you already have a PAN, you should request a correction or reprint when appropriate instead of applying for a second PAN.

How to Apply for a PAN Card from France

You can start the application online through an authorised PAN service provider. The remaining steps depend on the application method and verification requirements.

1. Choose an Authorised PAN Portal: Visit Protean or UTIITSL and select the correct application route.
2. Complete the Application Form: Enter your personal, citizenship, address, and contact details accurately. Foreign applicants using Form 95 must provide their country-of-residence TIN.
3. Submit Required Documents: Prepare valid identity, address, and date-of-birth proofs. Follow the latest instructions for document uploads, verification, photographs, and attestation.
4. Pay the Application Fee: Check the applicable charges and confirm that your chosen payment method is accepted for overseas applicants.
5. Save Your Acknowledgement: Keep your application reference number and payment receipt to track the PAN application and respond to any further requests.

Why is a PAN Card Necessary for NRI Indians in France?

A PAN card is an essential document that is important for financial and identification purposes. Here are some of the points below that explain why a Non-Resident Indian needs a PAN card. 

• A PAN card is necessary to apply for a credit card in India.
• Through a PAN card, you can open an NRE account or an NRO account in India as an NRI.
• If you want to apply for any personal loan, home loan, business loan, or any other type of loan, then you will need a valid PAN card in India. 
• If you are transferring funds of more than 50,000 INR, you will need a valid PAN card. 
• For buying or selling any property in India. 
• If you are getting a rental income in India, a salary, or any income that you are earning in India through any business, then you will need to file the Income tax return in India, for which you will need a PAN card.

Which PAN Application Form Should You Use?

The correct form depends on your citizenship and whether you are applying for a new PAN.

For most individuals applying from France, the relevant choice is Form 93 or Form 95.

Documents Required for a PAN Card from France

Applicants must provide the prescribed proof of identity, address, and date of birth. Accepted documents differ for Indian citizens and foreign citizens.

1. Documents for Indian Citizens Living in France

If you are an Indian citizen residing in France, follow the current Form 93 document requirements. Depending on the prescribed rules and your circumstances, you may need:

• Proof of identity: An accepted document, such as an Indian passport or another document permitted under the current rules.
• Proof of address: For an Indian citizen residing outside India, the current Form 93 guidance recognises a bank account statement from the country of residence or an NRE bank account statement as address proof.
• Proof of date of birth: An accepted document containing your date of birth, such as a passport or another document listed in the official requirements.
• Contact details: A valid email address and mobile number, including the country code.
• Foreign address details: Your complete residential address in France, including the postal code and country.

Not every document proves identity, address, and date of birth at the same time. Check the official list to ensure that your chosen documents satisfy each requirement.

2. Documents for French Citizens and Other Foreign Nationals

If you are not an Indian citizen, Form 95 sets out the prescribed supporting documents.

A French bank statement may be relevant as proof of address under the applicable rules. However, the document must meet the official requirements, and the applicant should confirm whether any additional certification is necessary.

Some foreign identification, TIN, and birth-certificate documents must be attested by apostille or by an Indian embassy, High Commission, or consulate, as specified in the rules. This requirement does not automatically apply to every document.

PAN Card Fees in India and for NRIs in France

PAN card charges depend on the applicant’s location, delivery preference, and application type. Fees may vary by provider, so verify the latest charges before applying.

Note: Fees depend on the application method and delivery address. Instant e-PAN is available only to eligible applicants. Check the latest official Protean PAN fee schedule before applying.

An e-PAN is an electronic form of PAN. However, eligibility for an e-PAN facility depends on the applicable scheme and application method. Do not assume that every applicant living in France qualifies for instant e-PAN issuance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid PAN Card from France 

A few checks can help prevent problems during the application process.

• Choosing the wrong form: Select the form based on citizenship and applicant category, not residence in France alone.
• Using outdated instructions: Check the current forms and rules rather than relying on older guidance without verifying it.
• Submitting inconsistent details: Make sure your name and date of birth match the supporting documents.
• Omitting the TIN: Foreign individual applicants must follow the TIN requirements in Form 95.
• Using unsuitable address proof: Confirm that your French address evidence meets the current requirements.
• Ignoring attestation requirements: Check whether a particular document needs apostille or consular certification.
• Applying for a second PAN: If you already have a PAN, use the applicable correction or reprint service instead.

For foreign applicants, Protean provides detailed Form 95 instructions, including guidance on citizenship, TIN, address, and application details.

How to Track Your PAN Application in France?

After submitting your application, use the acknowledgement or reference number to check its status through the service provider that handled it.

Keep your reference details safe and check the relevant provider's tracking facility. If additional documents or corrections are requested, follow the instructions supplied with your application.

Conclusion

Applying for an Indian PAN from France begins with identifying the correct applicant category. Choose Form 93 if you are applying as an Indian citizen or Form 95 if you are applying as an individual who is not an Indian citizen, subject to the current rules. Prepare the required documents and verify the latest submission, payment, and delivery instructions before proceeding.

If you need help preparing your application or reviewing your supporting documents, you can explore Visament's PAN application assistance, if available for your requirements. The application remains subject to the applicable official requirements and approval process.