Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Citizenship is a unique form of citizenship offered to individuals of Nepali descent who have acquired foreign citizenship. This special status allows NRNs to retain certain economic, social, and cultural rights within Nepal while still holding their foreign nationality.

The NRN Citizenship was introduced through amendments to the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063 (2006), aiming to preserve the connection between the Nepali diaspora and their country of origin. This category of citizenship offers specific privileges to NRNs without granting them full political rights, encouraging their contribution to Nepal’s development while recognizing their global mobility.

Criteria for NRN Citizenship

To qualify for NRN Citizenship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Foreign Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of a foreign country outside the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region.
  2. Nepali Origin: The applicant, or their parents or grandparents, must have previously held Nepali citizenship, either by birth or descent.
  3. Renunciation of Nepali Citizenship: If the applicant was formerly a Nepali citizen, they must have formally renounced their Nepali citizenship.
  4. Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
  5. Residence Outside SAARC: Applicants must reside in a country outside of the SAARC member states.

Note: Individuals who have obtained citizenship from SAARC countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan) are not eligible for NRN Citizenship.

Steps to Obtain NRN Citizenship

  • Renounce Previous Nepali Citizenship

Applicants must officially renounce any previously held Nepali citizenship by submitting a formal application to the District Administration Office (DAO), along with the necessary documents, including the original Nepali citizenship certificate and foreign passport.

  • Submit Application to DAO

Once the renunciation is complete, the applicant must submit a formal application for NRN Citizenship at the DAO. The required form, available online or at the DAO, must be accompanied by supporting documents, including proof of foreign citizenship, the renunciation certificate, and evidence of Nepali ancestry.

  • Verification by the District Police Office (DPO)

After the application is submitted, the DAO forwards the information to the District Police Office (DPO) for verification. The DPO checks the applicant’s background and confirms the authenticity of the documents, ensuring there is no criminal record associated with the applicant.

  • Obtain Recommendation from the Ward Office

The applicant must secure a recommendation from the Ward Office of their ancestral residence in Nepal. This recommendation serves as local verification of the applicant’s Nepali origin.

  • Appear at DAO with Witnesses

The applicant must attend the DAO in person with witnesses who can confirm their identity and Nepali heritage. This adds an extra layer of confirmation to the process.

  • Take the Oath

The applicant is required to take an oath of allegiance to Nepal in front of officials at the DAO. The oath involves a commitment to respect the Constitution and laws of Nepal and to fulfill the responsibilities associated with NRN Citizenship.

  • Issuance of NRN Citizenship

After completing all the necessary steps and verifications, the DAO issues the NRN Citizenship certificate, officially recognizing the applicant as a Non-Resident Nepali citizen.

Required Documents for NRN Citizenship

  • Completed application form
  • Certificate of renunciation of previous Nepali citizenship
  • Copy of valid foreign passport
  • Proof of foreign citizenship
  • Evidence of Nepali ancestry (such as parents’ or grandparents’ Nepali citizenship certificates)
  • Birth certificate or equivalent
  • Recommendation letter from the Ward Office
  • Recent passport-sized photographs

Duration and Fees for NRN Citizenship

The process of obtaining NRN Citizenship generally takes between 3 to 6 days, from submitting the application to receiving the citizenship certificate. 

Rights and Privileges of NRN Citizenship

NRN Citizenship provides various benefits, including:

  • Economic Rights: NRNs can own and transfer property, invest in businesses, and have access to banking services in Nepal.
  • Cultural and Social Rights: NRNs can also engage in cultural and social activities, maintaining a connection to their Nepali heritage.

Grounds for Cancellation of NRN Citizenship

NRN Citizenship can be revoked under certain circumstances, such as:

  • Providing false information during the application process
  • Engaging in activities harmful to Nepal’s national interests
  • Conviction of a serious criminal offense
  • Acquiring citizenship in a SAARC member country
  • Failure to meet the responsibilities of NRN Citizenship
  • Voluntarily renouncing NRN Citizenship

NRN Citizenship Certificate

The NRN Citizenship Certificate is a formal document issued by the Government of Nepal. It includes personal identification details, a unique NRN citizenship number, and the date of issuance, granting the individual specific rights as a Non-Resident Nepali citizen.

This special category of citizenship enables Nepali individuals living abroad to stay connected with their homeland, while also benefiting from certain legal and economic privileges in Nepal, without extending full political rights.

Disclaimer: This information is presented solely for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.

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