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Non-resident Nepalis, also known as NRNs, have been granted the privilege to apply for citizenship in Nepal as dual citizens. The New Amendment of the Citizenship Regulation has broadly defined the Rights of the Citizenship. Except for the Right to Vote, NRN Citizenship has amassed multiple Rights as that of Citizenship by Descent.
Furthermore, NRN Citizenship in Nepal has been guaranteed by the recent amendment to the Nepal Citizenship Act 2063. The Citizenship Certificate has conferred Social, Cultural, and Property Rights in Nepal. However, they must participate in an oath of Loyalty.
Process of NRN Citizenship in Nepal
The Process begins with submitting an Application for NRN Citizenship to the Embassy of Nepal.
Within 15 days of the Submission of the Application, the Embassy must forward the Application to the District Administration Office of their respective District.
After the CDO verifies the identity through the above documents, the NRN is granted the Citizenship Certificate.
The Process of Acquiring NRN Citizenship in Nepal is as follows:
Step 1: Obtain a Recommendation from the Local Level
The First Step for Obtaining NRN Citizenship is to obtain a recommendation for getting such citizenship from the Local Level Authorities through an online application form shown below.
Step 2: Obtain a Recommendation from the Nepalese Embassy
Thereafter, the applicant must approach the Nepalese Embassy in their Respective Country of Residence to obtain another Recommendation for acquiring such Citizenship. Nepali Citizenship isn’t granted with full rights though.
Step 3: Submit an Application to the District Administration Office of your Origin
Once the Local Level and Nepalese Embassy Recommendations are secured, you must submit a Formal Application for NRN Citizenship to the District Administration Office in their district of Origin within Nepal.
Step 4: Submit all the Required Documents
In Short, a Non-Resident Nepali who has obtained an NRN Card can apply for Nepalese Citizenship. They are required to provide a copy of their Passport, a Recommendation from their respective Embassy, a Recommendation from the Local Level, and other relevant documents as required, along with their Foreign Citizenship.
Step 5: Verification of Documents
The Submitted Documents are verified in a systematic process by the Chief District Officer of the Respective District. After the Verification, a Swearing Ceremony is held for securing Loyalty.
Step 6: Obtain the Dual Citizenship Certificate
After a successful Verification by the Chief District Officer, the Non-Resident Nepali is granted the NRN Citizenship in Nepal. Further, the Citizenship also secures Rights of Nonresident Nepali nrn.
How can I get Nepali citizenship in NRN?
The Procedure for Obtaining Nepali Citizenship as an NRN are:
- Local Level Recommendation
- Embassy Recommendation
- Application at District Administration Office
- Submission of Required Documents
- Verification of Documents
- Issuance of NRN Certificate
Can NRN own property in Nepal?
Yes, Non-Resident Nepalis NRN can legally own Property in Nepal as guaranteed by Non-Resident Nepali Rules, 2066. You can own up to 2 Ropani of Land in the Kathmandu Valley and other Limitations are as provided.
How long can you stay in Nepal as a NRN?
The Nepal Government has allowed the Provision for extending the Visa of NRN for a period of one year from its landing to Nepal. However, in original form, it is up to 3 Months.
Does Nepal allow dual citizenship?
Yes, according to the latest update to Citizenship Regulation, it is possible in Nepal to get Dual Citizenship for individuals holding NRN Card. For NRN What are Citizenship are limited in nature with Socio-Economic Rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is NRN Citizenship in Nepal?
NRN Citizenship is a non-voting citizenship given to Nepalis who:
Have acquired foreign citizenship of a non-SAARC country, but
Were born in Nepal OR
Have Nepali parents
Want to maintain limited ties with Nepal
It is not dual citizenship Nepal still does not allow full dual nationality.
NRN Citizenship gives identity and property rights but no political rights.
2) Who is eligible for NRN Citizenship?
You can apply if:
You were formerly a Nepali citizen, OR
Your parents or grandparents were Nepali citizens
You now hold foreign citizenship outside SAARC countries
You want certain rights inside Nepal (property, residence, business, etc.)
SAARC foreign nationals (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan) cannot get NRN Citizenship.
3) What documents are required for NRN Citizenship?
Standard documents include:
Passport of foreign country
Foreign citizenship certificate
Nepali parent(s)’ citizenship
Proof of former Nepali citizenship (if applicable)
NRN ID card (if available)
Birth certificate
Relationship documents
Application form
Immigration/arrival details
Embassies may ask for extra verification.
4) How to apply for NRN Citizenship from abroad?
Apply through your nearest:
Nepali Embassy,
Consulate, or
Mission
Steps:
Fill NRN Citizenship Application
Attach required documents
Book appointment
Submit for verification
Embassy forwards application to the Ministry of Home Affairs
Receive approval via Embassy
Processing may take 4–10 weeks.
5) Can NRN citizens own property in Nepal?
Yes, but with restrictions:
NRN Citizenship holders can own:
1 house in Nepal
1 piece of land (maximum size defined by law)
They cannot own unlimited land like normal citizens.
6) Does NRN Citizenship require visa to enter Nepal?
Yes and no:
With NRN Citizenship, you still travel on your foreign passport, but
You get free visa / NRN visa facilities while entering Nepal
Long-stay visas or residence visas are easier
It is much simpler than normal tourist visas.
7) Can NRN Citizens get Nepali passports?
No, NRN Citizenship is not full citizenship, so:
No Nepali passport
No dual citizenship
8) Can children of NRNs get NRN Citizenship?
Yes, if they meet:
Family origin requirement
Citizenship verification
Document proof
Children can apply independently once eligible.
9) Is NRN Citizenship the same as Dual Citizenship?
No, Nepal does not allow dual citizenship. NRN Citizenship is a limited, non-political, non-passport version of citizenship.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement of any sort from the firm or any of its members. The firm shall not be liable for consequences arising out of any action undertaken by any person relying on the information provided herein.