How to get a PAN card in Nepal (personal PAN, online)
A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is your tax identity in Nepal, now needed for salaries, bank accounts and many services. This guide shows how to register a free Personal PAN online through the IRD Taxpayer Portal and finish biometric verification at a tax office.
A PAN, or Permanent Account Number, is the unique number the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) uses to identify every taxpayer in Nepal. If you earn a salary, run a side business, freelance, or even open certain bank accounts, you will be asked for a PAN. The good news is that registering a Personal PAN is free and you can start the whole thing online.
There are two common types people mix up. A Personal PAN (PPAN) is for an individual — for example, a salaried employee or a freelancer reporting income under their own name. A business PAN (and VAT, if your turnover crosses the threshold) is for a registered firm or company and is a separate, more involved process. This guide focuses on the Personal PAN, which is what most individuals need first.
You no longer have to queue at a tax office for the whole thing. You fill the form on the IRD Taxpayer Portal, the system can pull your details from your National ID if you have one, and you only visit a tax office at the end for a quick fingerprint and photo verification before your card is printed.
What a PAN is and who needs one
PAN stands for Permanent Account Number. It stays the same for life — you never need a new one, even if you change jobs or cities. Employers report your salary tax (TDS) against your PAN, so having your own PAN means your tax is correctly credited to you.
In recent years a PAN has become required for many everyday situations, not just for businesses.
- Salaried employees — most employers now require staff to have a personal PAN so salary and TDS are reported correctly.
- Freelancers and consultants who invoice clients or earn from platforms.
- People claiming tax refunds, or who want to file their own income tax return.
- Anyone opening certain bank or investment accounts that ask for a PAN.
What you need before you start
Keep these ready before you open the portal. Having clear photos of your documents speeds things up, and linking your National ID (NID) means the form fills most fields automatically.
- Your Nepali citizenship certificate (and your National ID / NIN if you have one).
- A working mobile number to receive the OTP (one-time password). If you have a National ID, use the mobile number registered with it.
- A passport-size photo and basic personal details (permanent and current address, father's/mother's name).
- For a freelancer or sole trader: the type of income or business activity you will report.
Register your Personal PAN online
Follow these steps on the IRD Taxpayer Portal. The form usually takes between 5 and 30 minutes depending on whether your National ID is linked.
- Open ird.gov.np and click 'Taxpayer Portal' (taxpayerportal.ird.gov.np).
- In the left menu, expand 'Registration (PAN, VAT, EXCISE)' and choose 'Application for PPAN Registration'.
- Enter your mobile number and verify the OTP sent to it. If you have a National ID, enter your NIN so the system can auto-fill your name, date of birth and address.
- Complete the remaining fields, upload your photo and document images, and choose the IRD office / Taxpayer Service Office where you will do verification.
- Submit the form and note down your submission/reference number.
Finish biometric verification at the tax office
Online submission alone does not issue the card — you must complete a one-time biometric check in person at the office you selected.
This visit is usually short. Take your originals so the staff can match them against your application.
- Carry your original citizenship certificate and your application/reference number.
- Give your fingerprints and have your photo taken for the biometric record.
- Once verified, your PAN is generated; the card is typically issued within a few days.
- Registration is free — IRD does not charge a fee for a Personal PAN, so do not pay any 'processing fee' to a middleman.
Using the Nagarik App and checking a PAN
The government's Nagarik App also offers PAN-related services for Nepali citizens, which can be handy if you already use it for other documents. Whichever route you use, the final biometric verification at a tax office is still required.
If you ever need to confirm a PAN — yours or a vendor's — the IRD website has a PAN search tool. You can also log in to the Taxpayer Portal later to file returns, view your tax records and update details.
Common mistakes to avoid
A few small errors cause most rejections and repeat visits. Check these before you submit.
- Name spelling that does not match your citizenship certificate exactly (in English and Nepali).
- A mobile number you cannot access for the OTP, or one that differs from your NID-registered number.
- Blurry or cropped document photos that staff cannot read.
- Choosing a verification office far from where you live — pick one you can actually visit.
- Paying an agent for something that is free; only pay official charges, and there are none for a Personal PAN.
Key takeaways
- ✓A Personal PAN is your lifelong tax identity and is increasingly required for jobs, freelancing and banking.
- ✓You apply free of cost on the IRD Taxpayer Portal at ird.gov.np; the Nagarik App also offers PAN services.
- ✓Linking your National ID (NIN) auto-fills most of the form and saves time.
- ✓Online submission must be finished with a one-time biometric verification at a tax office.
- ✓Match your name and details exactly to your citizenship certificate to avoid rejection.
- ✓Never pay a 'fee' for a Personal PAN — registration is free.
How to Get a PAN Card in Nepal Online (Personal PAN, Step by Step) — FAQ
Is getting a Personal PAN free in Nepal?+
Yes. The Inland Revenue Department does not charge a fee to register a Personal PAN. You only need to cover your own travel to the office for biometric verification. If anyone asks for a registration fee, it is unofficial.
Can I complete PAN registration fully online without visiting an office?+
No. You fill and submit the form online, but a one-time biometric verification (fingerprints and photo) at your chosen IRD/Taxpayer Service Office is required before the card is issued.
Do I need a National ID (NID) to get a PAN?+
It is not strictly required to start, but having a National ID greatly speeds things up because the portal can auto-fill your name, date of birth and address from the NID database using the mobile number linked to it.
What is the difference between a personal PAN and a business PAN?+
A Personal PAN identifies you as an individual taxpayer (salary, freelancing, personal income). A business PAN is registered for a firm or company and may involve VAT registration if turnover crosses the threshold — that is a separate process.
How long does it take to get the PAN card?+
Once your form is submitted and biometric verification is done, the PAN is usually generated quickly and the card issued within a few days, though timelines vary by office workload.
Sources & data note
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