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.
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).
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 and enjoy the benefits of holding 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 Process 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
Benefits of NRN Citizenship
1. Visa Fee Waiver
Visa Fee is waved for 10 years in Nepal to the NRN’s holding NRN Citizenship.
2. Property Ownership
Under the Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2009, NRN citizens are allowed to purchase, own, and sell immovable property in Nepal, unlike foreign nationals who face restrictions. This includes land, houses, and apartments.
3. Investment Rights
NRN citizens have the legal right to invest in various sectors within Nepal, including businesses, industries, and real estate. They can also participate in development projects, subject to government regulations, which helps foster national economic growth.
4. Access to Financial Services
NRN citizens are permitted to open bank accounts, access credit facilities, and obtain loans in Nepal under the same conditions as Nepali residents. Financial institutions do not impose the same restrictions as they would on foreign nationals.
5. Tax Benefits
NRNs may be eligible for tax exemptions or reductions on income earned outside of Nepal, depending on existing tax treaties. This makes it easier for NRNs to engage in business activities and remittance-based investments in Nepal.
6. Legal Protections Abroad
NRN citizens can avail themselves of consular protection and legal assistance from Nepali embassies or consulates in case of disputes or legal issues while residing abroad, under Nepal’s diplomatic and consular policies.
7. Dual Citizenship Possibility
While the Constitution of Nepal does not allow full dual citizenship for Nepali citizens, NRN citizenship allows Nepali-origin individuals to hold foreign nationality without losing their Nepali citizenship. However, NRNs are not permitted to vote in Nepalese national elections unless they return to Nepal and meet residency requirements.
8. Residency and Return Rights
NRN citizens are entitled to a special category of visa for easier entry, exit, and residence in Nepal. They can also return and settle in Nepal without facing the complex immigration procedures that apply to non-Nepali citizens.
In short, NRN citizenship in Nepal provides significant legal advantages in areas like property rights, investment, financial services, tax benefits, consular protection, and residency. It also enables NRNs to maintain their Nepali citizenship without renouncing their foreign nationality, facilitating a deeper connection with the country.
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.
FAQs
What are the benefits of NRN Citizenship in Nepal?
NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) Citizenship allows eligible individuals of Nepali origin to enjoy several benefits in Nepal without giving up their foreign citizenship. Key benefits include:
- Right to own and inherit property in Nepal.
- Ability to incorporate business and make investments.
- Access to economic, cultural, and social rights (excluding political rights like voting and holding public office).
- Simplified immigration and legal recognition as a person of Nepali origin.
How to apply for NRN Citizenship in Nepal?
To apply for NRN Citizenship, an eligible individual must:
- Visit the District Administration Office in Nepal.
- Submit the prescribed application form along with supporting documents.
- Receive approval after background verification and legal vetting.
- Pay the applicable fee for NRN Citizenship issuance.
The application process generally takes a few weeks depending on document verification and administrative processing.
Where can I find the NRN Citizenship application form in Nepal?
The NRN Citizenship application form can be obtained from:
- Nepali embassies abroad.
- District Administration Offices (DAO) in Nepal.
The form typically requires personal information, details of foreign citizenship, proof of Nepali origin, and supporting documents.
What are the latest updates or news on NRN Citizenship in Nepal?
As of 2025, the Constitution of Nepal (Second Amendment) has allowed NRNs to obtain Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship. Recent legal changes ensure:
- Those holding foreign passports of countries that allow dual citizenship can now apply.
- NRN Citizenship is limited to economic and cultural rights not political rights.
- NRNs must renew their status periodically and remain in compliance with immigration laws.
What is the difference between an NRN Card and NRN Citizenship?
| Aspect | NRN Card | NRN Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Issued To | Nepalis living abroad | Foreign nationals of Nepali origin |
| Legal Status | Privilege/ID document | Legal citizenship (limited rights) |
| Ownership Rights | Limited investment rights | Full property ownership rights |
| Validity | Time-bound (renewable) | Permanent (subject to laws) |
| Political Rights | Not applicable | Not granted |
In essence, NRN Card is a facilitation document, whereas NRN Citizenship offers broader legal recognition.
Does an NRN Citizen and their relatives from foreign land need a visa to enter Nepal?
NRN Citizens are entitled tourist visa on arrival for free up to 10 years. However, the relatives from foreign land of the NRN citizens are not provided relationship visa. It is under discussion within the Ministry to provide the relationship visa to the family of the NRNs from foreign land.
What documents are required to obtain NRN Citizenship in Nepal?
Required documents typically include:
- Valid foreign passport (and its copy)
- Proof of prior Nepali citizenship (or of parents/grandparents)
- Birth certificate or naturalization proof
- Recent photographs
- NRN Card (if available)
- Application form duly filled
- Declaration of no criminal record
- Proof of residence abroad
What is an NRN Card in Nepal?
The NRN Card is an official identification card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to individuals of Nepali origin living outside Nepal. It grants benefits such as:
- Multiple entry visa-free travel to Nepal.
- Permission to invest in businesses or own fixed assets.
- Easier bank account opening and remittance facilities.
- Identity as a person of Nepali origin for legal and social purposes.
It is valid for up to 10 years and renewable upon expiry.
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