Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Citizenship is a special constitutional provision that allows foreign citizens of Nepali origin to maintain legal, economic, and emotional ties with Nepal. After the amendment of the Constitution of Nepal and enactment of the Nepal Citizenship (First Amendment) Act, 2079 (2023), the process for obtaining NRN Citizenship has become clearer and more structured.
If you are a person of Nepali origin residing abroad and wish to invest, own property, or conduct business in Nepal, this guide explains how to apply for NRN citizenship in Nepal, including eligibility, required documents, legal procedures, costs, timeline, and compliance requirements.
NRN Citizenship is governed by the following laws:
Article 14 of the Constitution of Nepal (2015) – Provides for Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship.
Article 11 – Citizenship provisions including descent and naturalization.
Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063 (2006)
Nepal Citizenship (First Amendment) Act, 2079 (2023)
Nepal Citizenship Rules, 2063
Immigration Act, 2049
Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2075
Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Circulars
Department of National ID and Civil Registration Directives
These laws collectively regulate eligibility, rights, and limitations of NRN citizenship holders.
A person who has acquired foreign citizenship, and who has Nepali origin, may obtain Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship in accordance with federal law.
NRN Citizenship holders:
Cannot vote in Nepal
Cannot hold constitutional or political office
Cannot obtain Nepali passport
Cannot enjoy full political rights
They are primarily granted economic, social, and cultural rights, not political rights.
The following authorities handle NRN citizenship applications:
District Administration Office (DAO) – Primary authority for application processing.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) – Policy and final oversight.
Department of National ID and Civil Registration – Identity registration.
Nepali Embassy/Consulate – Document verification abroad.
Ward Office / Local Municipality – Ancestral verification.
Applications must generally be filed at the District Administration Office of ancestral origin in Nepal.
A special citizenship status granted to foreign citizens of Nepali origin for economic and social rights in Nepal.
Foreign citizens of Nepali origin (except SAARC nationals).
To:
Invest in Nepal
Own property (subject to law)
Conduct business
Maintain cultural connection
At the District Administration Office (DAO) in Nepal.
Any time after acquiring foreign citizenship and meeting eligibility criteria.
Submit required documents at DAO → Verification → Approval → Issuance of NRN Citizenship Certificate.
To qualify:
Must have acquired foreign citizenship.
Must be of Nepali origin (self, parents, or grandparents were Nepali citizens).
Must not be a citizen of a SAARC country.
Must renounce previous Nepali citizenship (if applicable).
Must provide proof of ancestral linkage.
Applicants must submit:
Application form (prescribed format)
Copy of foreign passport
Foreign citizenship certificate
Proof of previous Nepali citizenship (if applicable)
Citizenship certificate of parents/grandparents
Birth certificate
Relationship verification certificate
Migration certificate (if required)
Passport-size photographs
Recommendation letter from Ward Office
Verification from Nepali Embassy (if applying from abroad)
All foreign documents must be:
Notarized
Translated into Nepali (if necessary)
Authenticated
Collect and authenticate all required documents.
Obtain verification from the local ward office confirming ancestral relationship.
Submit application to the District Administration Office.
DAO conducts:
Citizenship record verification
Police clearance check
Genealogical verification
In certain cases, file is forwarded to Ministry of Home Affairs.
Upon approval, applicant receives NRN Citizenship Certificate.
Government Fees:
Application Fee: Approx. NPR 10,000 – 15,000 (subject to regulation updates)
Additional Costs:
Document notarization
Translation charges
Legal consultation fees
Travel expenses
Professional legal service fees may vary depending on complexity.
Typical Processing Time:
30 to 90 days
Factors Affecting Timeline:
Completeness of documents
Ancestral verification complexity
Ministry-level review
Administrative backlog
Incomplete documentation may significantly delay approval.
NRN Citizenship holders must:
Comply with Nepali tax laws
Follow FITTA regulations for foreign investment
Obtain PAN/VAT registration if conducting business
Follow property ceiling laws
Maintain immigration compliance
Failure to comply may lead to cancellation or legal penalties.
Yes, NRN citizens can purchase property in Nepal subject to prevailing land and property ceiling laws.
No. NRN citizenship does not grant political or voting rights.
No. They retain their foreign passport.
Generally 1–3 months, depending on document verification.
No. Citizens of SAARC countries are not eligible.
Nepal does not allow dual citizenship. NRN citizenship is a special status, not full dual citizenship.
Yes, if obtained through fraud or misrepresentation.
Yes. NRN citizens can invest under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA).
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws relating to NRN citizenship in Nepal are subject to amendment and administrative interpretation. Applicants are advised to consult a qualified legal professional or the District Administration Office before initiating the application process
February 20, 2026 - BY Admin