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How to Obtain NRN Citizenship from Abroad

1. Introduction

The Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Citizenship is a legal recognition provided to Nepalis living abroad or foreign citizens of Nepali origin, allowing them to maintain their legal and economic ties with Nepal. Unlike the NRN Card, which primarily serves as an identity and privilege card, NRN Citizenship formally grants Nepali nationality under the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063 (2006). NRN citizenship enables holders to exercise legal rights in Nepal, including property ownership, investment, and participation in national affairs.How to Obtain NRN Citizenship from Abroad.

NRN citizenship is distinct from ordinary Nepali citizenship as it specifically caters to individuals residing outside Nepal or those who have acquired foreign citizenship but retain Nepali origin. Legal recognition of NRN citizenship abroad ensures that Non-Resident Nepalis can conduct legal, financial, and social activities in Nepal without violating the country’s nationality laws. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) oversees this legal framework, in collaboration with Nepali embassies and consulates worldwide. Contact: +977 9700499414.

2. Legal Basis and Authority

The issuance of NRN citizenship is governed by the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063 (2006) and the Nepal Citizenship Regulations, 2072 (2015).

  • Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063: Establishes the eligibility, application procedures, and rights of all Nepali citizens, including NRNs.

  • Nepal Citizenship Regulations, 2072: Provides detailed procedural guidelines for citizenship applications, including those from abroad.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) serves as the primary authority for citizenship verification, approval, and record maintenance. Nepali embassies and consulates act as initial points of submission for NRN applicants abroad, verifying documents and forwarding applications to MoHA in Kathmandu.

The NRN Secretariat coordinates with MoHA to ensure compliance with all legal provisions, maintains a central database of NRN citizens, and monitors the application process. This multi-tiered governance ensures transparency and adherence to legal standards in processing NRN citizenship applications. Medha Law and Partners Is a leading law firm in Nepal.

3. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants seeking NRN citizenship from abroad must meet specific criteria outlined under the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063:

  1. Nepali-origin foreign citizens: Individuals born to Nepali parents or with Nepali lineage who have acquired foreign citizenship.

  2. Previously Nepali citizens: Individuals who held Nepali citizenship but reside abroad and have obtained foreign nationality.

Key Conditions:

  • Applicants must provide proof of Nepali origin or previous citizenship.

  • Must not hold government employment in Nepal.

  • Should comply with all legal residency requirements, including providing valid proof of residence abroad.

  • Must not have a criminal record or legal restriction barring citizenship acquisition.

Eligibility ensures that NRN citizenship is granted to individuals maintaining a genuine connection to Nepal, as recognized by law.

4. Where to Apply

NRN citizenship applications can be submitted through the following channels:

  • Nepali Embassies or Consulates abroad: First point of submission, verification, and forwarding to MoHA.

  • Online portal (if available): Some embassies provide online pre-registration for documentation and fee submission.

  • NRN Secretariat, Kathmandu: For applicants applying in person, offering verification and direct processing.

Applicants must select the most convenient method based on location and accessibility while ensuring compliance with legal procedures.

5. Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for submission to either the embassy or NRN Secretariat:

  • Completed NRN Citizenship Application Form.

  • Proof of Nepali origin (citizenship certificate of parents or previous Nepali citizenship certificate).

  • Valid passport copy.

  • Proof of residence abroad (visa, work permit, or residency certificate).

  • Recent passport-sized photographs.

  • Payment receipt for the prescribed government fee.

Additional documents may be requested for verification purposes, including letters of recommendation or affidavit of identity.

6. Application Process (Abroad)

The embassy or consulate application process follows these steps:

  1. Step 1 – Collect Application Form: Obtain the official NRN Citizenship Application Form from the embassy.

  2. Step 2 – Complete Form: Fill all sections accurately, including personal details, parentage, and foreign residence information.

  3. Step 3 – Document Submission: Submit all required documents including passport, proof of Nepali origin, photographs, and residence proof.

  4. Step 4 – Fee Payment: Pay the prescribed government fee using embassy-approved methods.

  5. Step 5 – Verification: Embassy verifies authenticity of submitted documents and forwards the application to MoHA, Kathmandu.

  6. Step 6 – Track Application: Keep the receipt and tracking number to monitor status through embassy or online portal.

7. Application Process (In Nepal)

For applicants submitting in person:

  1. Visit the NRN Secretariat or the designated district administration office.

  2. Submit the completed application form along with supporting documents.

  3. MoHA and local authorities verify documents, parental origin, and compliance with the law.

  4. Background checks may be conducted to confirm identity and eligibility.

  5. Approved applications are registered in the citizenship database, and certificates are issued.

This process ensures secure and legal authentication of all NRN citizenship applications within Nepal.

8. Government Fees

The fee for NRN citizenship application depends on the applicant category:

  • Nepali-origin foreign citizens: Approximately USD 500.

  • Previously Nepali citizens applying from abroad: Fees may vary based on residency and embassy location.

Payment Methods:

  • Online payment via embassy portal.

  • Bank transfer or demand draft as prescribed by the embassy.

  • Direct payment at the NRN Secretariat in Kathmandu.

Fee payment is mandatory for application processing, and the receipt must be preserved as proof.

9. Processing Time

Processing duration may vary:

  • Embassy submission: 30–60 working days.

  • In-person application in Nepal: 15–30 working days.

  • Delays may occur due to document verification, background checks, or embassy forwarding.

Applicants should apply well in advance and track the status regularly.

10. Verification and Approval

Verification ensures that only eligible applicants receive NRN citizenship:

  • Embassies confirm identity, documents, and foreign residence proof.

  • MoHA cross-checks historical citizenship records and legal compliance.

  • Background checks ensure no legal or criminal restrictions exist.

Once verified, MoHA issues official approval and instructs the embassy or NRN Secretariat to prepare the citizenship certificate.

11. Citizenship Certificate Issuance

The NRN citizenship certificate can be collected through:

  • Physical collection at the embassy or NRN Secretariat office.

  • Mailing to the applicant’s registered address (if available).

The certificate is legally valid under Nepalese law and registered in the national citizenship database, providing proof of nationality and all associated legal rights.

12. Rights and Privileges

NRN citizens are entitled to several rights under Nepalese law:

  • Property ownership: Ability to own property, except agricultural land, under NRN regulations.

  • Investment rights: Participate in business, industry, and economic development in Nepal.

  • Voting and civic participation: NRN citizens may engage in legal and political activities under defined conditions.

  • Travel and entry: Entry to Nepal without visa restrictions during certificate validity.

These privileges ensure NRNs can maintain strong legal and economic ties with Nepal.

13. Renewal, Update, and Cancellation

  • Renewal: Update or renew citizenship certificate if there are changes in personal details.

  • Replacement: In case of loss or damage, submit an application along with proof of loss.

  • Cancellation: Certificates may be revoked if false information is provided or legal violations occur.

Proper management of NRN citizenship documents ensures uninterrupted benefits.

14. Common Issues and Solutions

Applicants may face challenges such as:

  • Missing or incorrect documents.

  • Embassy delays in verification and forwarding.

  • Technical issues with online portals or payment systems.

Solutions:

  • Double-check documents before submission.

  • Contact embassy helpdesk or MoHA support for guidance.

  • Maintain receipts and application tracking numbers.

Legal advisory services like Medha Law and Partners can assist in resolving application challenges efficiently.

15. Conclusion and Practical Tips

Obtaining NRN citizenship from abroad establishes legal identity and rights in Nepal for global Nepalis. Applicants should maintain complete documentation, submit applications through authorized channels, and ensure compliance with the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063, and related regulations.

Checklist for applicants:

  • Confirm eligibility and Nepali origin.

  • Prepare all required documents and photographs.

  • Pay government fees and retain receipts.

  • Submit application through embassy or NRN Secretariat.

  • Track status and collect the certificate upon approval.

Medha Law and Partners provides comprehensive legal guidance, assisting NRN applicants with documentation, embassy coordination, and legal compliance, ensuring smooth approval and effective exercise of citizenship rights.

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