Indian nationals living in the United Arab Emirates will soon face stricter requirements when applying for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card or updating existing details. From April 1, 2026, Aadhaar alone will no longer be sufficient for PAN applications, and additional supporting documents will be required.

The change is part of revised rules under the Income Tax Act, 1961, aimed at strengthening identity verification and reducing discrepancies in financial records. Until March 31, applicants can continue using the simplified Aadhaar-only process, after which multiple documents will become mandatory.

Under the new framework, applicants must submit valid proof of identity and date of birth along with Aadhaar. Accepted documents include a passport, voter ID, driving licence, or birth certificate. Authorities have stressed the importance of consistency in personal details across all documents to avoid delays or rejection.

The application process itself will also be updated, with new forms replacing the existing ones. These changes are intended to enhance verification standards and ensure greater accuracy across India’s financial systems.

For UAE-based NRIs, the impact is largely procedural. Those planning to apply for a PAN card or update their details will need to prepare additional documentation in advance. While the process may take slightly longer, it is expected to improve data accuracy and reduce duplication over time.

The move signals a shift from a simplified system to a more robust, verification-driven approach, reinforcing the role of PAN as a critical financial identifier in India.