• Article 14 of the Constitution of Nepal (2015) – Provides for Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship.

• Article 11 – Citizenship provisions including descent and naturalization.

Statutory Laws

• 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

Relevant Directives

• 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.

3. Key Legal Provisions on NRN Citizenship

Article 14 of the Constitution of Nepal

A person who has acquired foreign citizenship, and who has Nepali origin, may obtain Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship in accordance with federal law.

Important Legal Limitations

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.

4. Administrative Authorities Involved

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.

5.  NRN Citizenship in Nepal

What is NRN Citizenship?

A special citizenship status granted to foreign citizens of Nepali origin for economic and social rights in Nepal.

Who Can Apply?

Foreign citizens of Nepali origin (except SAARC nationals).

Why Apply?

To:

• Invest in Nepal

• Own property (subject to law)

• Conduct business

• Maintain cultural connection

Where to Apply?

At the District Administration Office (DAO) in Nepal.

When to Apply?

Any time after acquiring foreign citizenship and meeting eligibility criteria.

How to Apply?

Submit required documents at DAO → Verification → Approval → Issuance of NRN Citizenship Certificate.

6. Eligibility Criteria for NRN Citizenship

To qualify:

1. Must have acquired foreign citizenship.

2. Must be of Nepali origin (self, parents, or grandparents were Nepali citizens).

3. Must not be a citizen of a SAARC country.

4. Must renounce previous Nepali citizenship (if applicable).

5. Must provide proof of ancestral linkage.

7. Documents Required for NRN Citizenship Application

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

8. Step-by-Step Process to Apply for NRN Citizenship in Nepal

Step 1: Document Preparation

Collect and authenticate all required documents.

Step 2: Ward Verification

Obtain verification from the local ward office confirming ancestral relationship.

Step 3: Submission at DAO

Submit application to the District Administration Office.

Step 4: Background Verification

DAO conducts:

• Citizenship record verification

• Police clearance check

• Genealogical verification

Step 5: Ministry Approval

In certain cases, file is forwarded to Ministry of Home Affairs.

Step 6: Issuance of NRN Citizenship Certificate

Upon approval, applicant receives NRN Citizenship Certificate.

9. Cost of NRN Citizenship in Nepal (2026)

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.

10. Timeline for NRN Citizenship Approval

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.

11. Other Compliance Requirements

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.

12. FAQs on NRN Citizenship in Nepal 

1. Can NRN citizens buy property in Nepal?

Yes, NRN citizens can purchase property in Nepal subject to prevailing land and property ceiling laws.

2. Does NRN citizenship allow voting rights?

No. NRN citizenship does not grant political or voting rights.

3. Can NRN citizenship holders get a Nepali passport?

No. They retain their foreign passport.

4. How long does it take to get NRN citizenship in Nepal?

Generally 1–3 months, depending on document verification.

5. Can Indian citizens of Nepali origin apply?

No. Citizens of SAARC countries are not eligible.

6. Is dual citizenship allowed in Nepal?

Nepal does not allow dual citizenship. NRN citizenship is a special status, not full dual citizenship.

7. Can NRN citizenship be revoked?

Yes, if obtained through fraud or misrepresentation.

8. Can NRN citizens invest in Nepal?

Yes. NRN citizens can invest under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA).

13. Disclaimer

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