A Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) is an individual of Nepalese origin who has acquired foreign citizenship. The legal framework governing NRN property and investment rights in Nepal has been significantly strengthened following amendments to the Nepal Citizenship Act and Regulations.
Under the current legal regime, NRNs may acquire Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship with social, economic, and financial rights, including the right to own limited immovable property in Nepal. However, the exercise of these rights is contingent upon obtaining a Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Identity Card.
NRN Registration and Identity Card
Any non-resident Nepali or eligible family member intending to register as an NRN must apply for an NRN Identity Card by submitting the prescribed application along with applicable fees and supporting documents.
Upon verification of the application and satisfaction of legal requirements, the concerned authority shall register the applicant as a Non-Resident Nepali within seven (7) days of receipt of the application.
Validity of NRN Identity Card
- Foreign citizens of Nepalese origin: Valid for 10 years
- Nepalese citizens residing abroad: Valid for 2 years
Property and Investment Rights of NRNs in Nepal
1. Right to Invest in Nepal
A Non-Resident Nepali may make capital investments in Nepal in accordance with prevailing laws. Key compliance requirements include:
- Disclosure of investment details to the concerned Ministry
- The Ministry shall forward investment information to the Department of Industry
- The recipient bank transferring capital into Nepal shall issue a capital investment certificate to the NRN investor
2. Repatriation of Investment and Profits
NRNs are legally entitled to repatriate their principal investment and earned profits from Nepal, subject to regulatory compliance. An application for repatriation must be submitted along with the following documents:
- Copy of investment approval granted under prevailing law
- Board resolution of the concerned company approving repatriation
- Valid tax clearance certificate
- Audited financial statements for the fiscal years preceding the repatriation application
- Evidence of settlement of liabilities or loans, if applicable
- Details of the bank (name, branch, and address) for repatriation
- Notarized affidavit
3. Right to Purchase Land in Nepal
NRNs may acquire immovable property in Nepal within legally prescribed limits:
Land Ownership Limits
- Kathmandu Valley: Maximum 2 ropani
- Terai municipalities: Maximum 8 kattha
- Other municipalities: Maximum 4 ropani
- Village Development Committees (Terai): Maximum 1 bigha
- Other rural areas: Maximum 10 ropani
If an NRN intends to purchase property beyond the above limits or in a special case, an application specifying the location, area, and agreed purchase price must be submitted to the relevant authority. Upon approval by the Secretary, the concerned land revenue office shall register the property in the name of the foreign citizen of Nepalese origin.
NRN Identity Card: Required Information
The application for an NRN Identity Card must include the following details:
A. Applicant Information
- Full name
- Permanent address in Nepal
- Father’s and/or Mother’s name and address
- Age
- Nepalese citizenship certificate number, issuing district, and date
- Nepalese passport number
- Passport issuing authority, place, and date
B. Foreign Residence Details
- Name and address of the country of residence
- Date of commencement of residence (continuous history if multiple countries)
C. Occupation or Business Abroad
- Nature of occupation or business (continuous record)
- Country and place of registration
- Average annual transaction (USD)
D. Employment Details (if applicable)
- Employment history abroad
- Current employer name and address
- Employment commencement date, duration, and tentative end date
- Monthly or annual salary and benefits
E. International Organization Employment (if applicable)
- Name of organization
- Country and place of work
- Period of service (past and future)
- Salary and benefits
F. Skills and Experience Acquired Abroad
G. Intended Sector of Investment in Nepal and Estimated Capital
- Applicant’s signature
- Date of application
Documents Required for NRN Identity Card
Applicants must submit the following supporting documents:
- Copy of Nepalese citizenship certificate
- Copy of Nepalese passport
- Business registration documents (if engaged in business abroad)
- Employment verification documents (if employed abroad)
- Appointment letter and current status documents (if employed by an international organization)
- Two (2) recent passport-size photographs
Legal Advisory Note
NRN property ownership, investment, and repatriation rights in Nepal are subject to evolving statutory provisions, administrative directives, and sector-specific regulations. Proper legal structuring and compliance are essential to avoid regulatory delays or disputes.
Law Firm in Nepal provides comprehensive legal advisory services to NRNs, including:
- NRN registration and identity card processing
- Property acquisition and land registration
- Investment structuring and regulatory approvals
- Repatriation and foreign exchange compliance
For tailored legal assistance, professional consultation is strongly recommended.