NRN Citizenship in Nepal

Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Citizenship is a special type of citizenship granted to individuals of Nepali origin who have acquired foreign citizenship. This provision allows NRNs to retain economic, social, and cultural rights in Nepal while maintaining their foreign nationality.

The concept of NRN Citizenship was introduced through amendments to the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063 (2006). It seeks to strengthen the bond between Nepali expatriates and their homeland by offering privileges that encourage contributions to Nepal’s growth while respecting their global mobility.

Criteria for NRN Citizenship

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

1. Foreign Citizenship: Applicants must hold citizenship from a country outside the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
2. Nepali Origin: The applicant, their parents, or grandparents must have been Nepali citizens by birth or descent.
3. Renunciation of Nepali Citizenship: Former Nepali citizens must have officially renounced their Nepali citizenship.
4. Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
5. Residence Outside SAARC: Applicants must reside in a country outside SAARC member states.

Note: Individuals with citizenship in SAARC countries are not eligible for NRN Citizenship.

Steps to Obtain NRN Citizenship

1. Renounce Previous Nepali Citizenship: Submit a renunciation application to the District Administration Office (DAO).
2. Submit Application: Apply for NRN Citizenship at the DAO with required documents.
3. Verification by District Police Office (DPO): The DAO sends the application to the DPO for a background check.
4. Ward Office Recommendation: Obtain a recommendation from the ancestral Ward Office.
5. Present Witnesses at DAO: Appear at the DAO with witnesses to verify identity and origin.
6. Take the Oath: Take an oath of allegiance to Nepal at the DAO.
7. Receive Citizenship Certificate: The DAO issues the NRN Citizenship certificate upon completion.

Required Documents for NRN Citizenship

• Completed application form
• Certificate of renunciation of Nepali citizenship
• Copy of valid foreign passport
• Proof of foreign citizenship
• Evidence of Nepali ancestry (e.g., parents’ or grandparents’ citizenship certificates)
• Birth certificate
• Recommendation from the Ward Office
• Passport-sized photographs

Duration and Fees for NRN Citizenship

The process typically takes 3 to 6 days to complete. The application fee, along with other administrative costs, is approximately NPR 10,000.

Rights and Privileges of NRN Citizenship

NRN Citizenship offers several benefits, including:

• Economic Rights: Ability to own property, invest in businesses, and access banking services.
• Cultural and Social Rights: Participation in cultural and social activities to maintain ties with Nepali heritage.

Grounds for Cancellation of NRN Citizenship

NRN Citizenship can be revoked under the following circumstances:

• Submission of false information during the application process
• Engagement in activities harmful to Nepal’s national interests
• Conviction of a serious criminal offense
• Acquiring citizenship of a SAARC country
• Failure to meet responsibilities associated with NRN Citizenship
• Voluntary renunciation of NRN Citizenship

NRN Citizenship Certificate

The NRN Citizenship Certificate is a legal document issued by the Government of Nepal. It grants Nepali expatriates specific rights as Non-Resident Nepali citizens while maintaining their foreign nationality. This provision allows NRNs to stay connected to their homeland and contribute to its development.

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