Looking to obtain NRN Citizenship in Nepal? At Onesphere Law Associates, an internationally recognized corporate and immigration law firm in Nepal, we specialize in assisting individuals of Nepali origin residing abroad to secure NRN Citizenship under the prevailing laws of Nepal. This comprehensive guide outlines the eligibility criteria, required documents, application process, and legal implications under the latest regulatory framework as of 2025.
Who Qualifies as a NRN?
The legal definition of a Non-Resident Nepali is provided under the Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2008. It classifies NRNs into two categories:
Foreign Citizens of Nepali Origin
An individual shall be deemed a foreign citizen of Nepali origin if:
- He or she has acquired foreign citizenship outside of SAARC member countries, and
- Either the applicant, or their parent or grandparent (father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother), held Nepali citizenship at any time in the past.
Nepali Citizens Residing Abroad
A person remains a Nepali citizen but qualifies as an NRN if:
- He or she has been residing in a foreign country for a minimum period of two years, engaged in employment, business, or any profession.
- The person is not residing in a SAARC member country, and is not employed by the Government of Nepal (such as diplomatic postings or studying abroad on government assignment).
What Is NRN Citizenship?
NRN Citizenship is a special class of citizenship granted to eligible Non-Resident Nepalis. It confers economic, social, and cultural rights within the territory of Nepal, while excluding political and administrative rights, such as voting or holding public office.
Governing Laws for NRN Citizenship
The legal provisions regulating NRN Citizenship are derived from the following statutes:
- Constitution of Nepal
- Nepal Citizenship Act, 2006
- Nepal Citizenship Rules, 2006
- Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2008
Eligibility for NRN Citizenship
Pursuant to the existing legal framework, the following individuals may apply for NRN Citizenship in Nepal:
- A person who previously held Nepali citizenship and has subsequently acquired foreign citizenship (excluding SAARC countries).
- A foreign national whose parent or grandparent was a Nepali citizen by descent or birth, provided they have acquired foreign citizenship outside the SAARC region.
Note: Individuals holding citizenship of any SAARC member nation are explicitly excluded from eligibility under the NRN Citizenship regime.
Competent Authority for NRN Citizenship Application
Applications for NRN Citizenship must be submitted to the District Administration Office (DAO) in the district where:
- The applicant, or
- Their parent or grandparent,
was previously registered as a Nepali citizen.
Mandatory Documentation for NRN Citizenship
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documentation:
- Duly filled application form (available at the DAO)
- Citizenship renunciation certificate issued by DAO after renunciation of Nepali citizenship
- Copies of parents’ Nepali citizenship certificates
- Copies of foreign passport and foreign citizenship certificate
- Any available old Nepali passport or citizenship certificate
- NRN Identity Card (if issued)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Copy of citizenship certificate of Nepali relative who will be present for verification at DAO
Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining NRN Citizenship
The official procedure for acquiring NRN Citizenship involves multiple stages of verification and legal formalities. Below is the stepwise outline:
Step 1: Submission of Application
Submit the prescribed application along with supporting documents at the concerned District Administration Office (DAO).
Step 2: Police Verification
DAO forwards the application to the local police authority for background verification.
Step 3: Report Submission by Police
The police authority submits the investigation report to the DAO after completing due diligence.
Step 4: Obtain Citizenship Renunciation Certificate
For those who held Nepali citizenship earlier, DAO will issue a Citizenship Renunciation Certificate upon request.
Step 5: Obtain Recommendation from Ward Office
The applicant must approach the concerned local level Ward Office to obtain a recommendation letter endorsing their NRN Citizenship application.
Step 6: Verification by Nepali Relative
A close Nepali relative must appear before the DAO for verification and signatory attestation to support the applicant’s claim.
Step 7: Final Issuance of NRN Citizenship
Upon completion of verification and documentation, the DAO will issue the NRN Citizenship Certificate.
Required Original Documents at DAO and Ward Office
Applicants are required to present the following original documents at the time of submission and verification:
- Original foreign passport
- Citizenship renunciation letter
- NRN Identity Card (if available)
- Previous Nepali citizenship/passport
- Original citizenship of the relative appearing for verification
Grounds for Cancellation of NRN Citizenship
NRN Citizenship is liable to cancellation under the following legal grounds:
Fraud or Misrepresentation – If the citizenship was obtained by submitting false, misleading, or forged documents.
Acts Against National Interest – If the NRN citizen is found guilty of any action that threatens the sovereignty, integrity, or national security of Nepal.
Here is an updated version of the article with an additional section covering Visa Provisions for NRN Citizenship Holders in Nepal — using legal language and aligned with the rest of the article’s SEO and structural tone:
Visa Provisions for NRN Citizenship Holders in Nepal
Non-Resident Nepalis who have been granted NRN Citizenship are eligible to obtain special visa privileges under the laws of Nepal. These provisions are established to facilitate easier entry and prolonged stay in Nepal for NRN citizens while preserving national security and immigration protocols.
Visa Entitlement for NRN Citizens
Holders of NRN Citizenship are entitled to obtain the following visa under the Immigration Rules of Nepal:
- Non-Tourist Visa: This visa is granted to NRN citizens and allows for extended stay in Nepal without the limitations generally imposed on tourist visa holders.
Duration and Renewal
- The Non-Tourist Visa granted to an NRN citizen is typically issued for up to one year at a time and is renewable annually.
- Renewal requires the NRN to maintain valid NRN Citizenship and present updated identification and proof of residency or other qualifying activity in Nepal.
Authority for Issuance
The Non-Tourist Visa for NRN citizens is issued by the:
- Department of Immigration, Kathmandu, or
- Nepalese Embassies or Consulates abroad (prior to arrival in Nepal)
Required Documents for Visa Application
To apply for or renew a Non-Tourist Visa, an NRN Citizenship holder must submit:
- Copy of NRN Citizenship Certificate
- Valid foreign passport
- Copy of NRN ID Card (if applicable)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Completed visa application form
- Payment of applicable visa fee
Visa Fee Waivers and Benefits
In certain cases, visa fee waivers or exemptions may be provided to NRN citizens contributing to social, economic, or cultural projects in Nepal, based on governmental policies in effect at the time of application.
Need Legal Support for NRN Citizenship in Nepal?
Our expert team at Onesphere Law Associates provides end-to-end legal services for Non-Resident Nepalis seeking to obtain or verify their citizenship rights in Nepal. Whether you’re applying for the first time or facing legal challenges, we ensure a smooth and compliant process from documentation to final issuance.
Contact us today to speak with our NRN Law Experts.
Visit: www.onespherelaw.com
Offices in Kathmandu, Nepal | Serving Clients Globall