1. Form 95: For Foreign Individuals

Strictly for individuals who are not citizens of India.

Who needs it: Foreign nationals, PIOs, or OCIs wishing to invest, work, or open bank accounts in India.

Key Requirement: Mandatory Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from country of residence.

2. Form 96: For Foreign Entities

Dedicated to entities incorporated or registered outside India.

Who needs it: Foreign companies, partnership firms, trusts, or AOPs opening Indian branches or registering as FPIs.

The Change: Removes personal fields (like "father's name") to focus purely on corporate structure.

John, a UK citizen, buying shares in an Indian EV startup. Previously, he used Form 49AA. Now, he uses Form 95, provides his UK Passport and National Insurance Number (TIN). To avoid "Exact Match" rejection, he must use his full name "John Albert Doe" as per passport, not "John A. Doe".

"Berlin Data Solutions GmbH" setting up in Noida. Previously used Form 49AA with many irrelevant blanks. Now uses Form 96 with an Apostilled German Registration Certificate and appoints an Indian Authorized Representative with mandatory digital tracking details.

A: Yes. Your existing PAN remains valid. Use new forms only for new applications or "Change Requests".

A: No. As of April 1, 2026, the "Aadhaar-only" route has ended for non-citizens. Separate proof of Date of Birth is mandatory.

A: The 2026 system is sensitive. No abbreviations are allowed unless they appear in the ID. Also, "Mother's Name" is now mandatory in Form 95.

A: Available on Protean (formerly NSDL) and UTIITSL portals. Old Form 49AA is no longer accepted.