Introduction to the NRN ID Card in Nepal
The Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) ID Card is an official identification document issued by the Government of Nepal to individuals of Nepali origin who live abroad. Governed by the Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064 (2008), the card facilitates a legal identity for Nepali citizens and persons of Nepali origin living outside Nepal. The NRN ID Card enables access to specific benefits and legal rights in Nepal, including the right to open businesses, invest, and, in certain cases, own property.
The card aims to maintain strong ties between Nepal and its diaspora and is recognized by all state institutions. It is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) through its diplomatic missions and the NRN Secretariat in Kathmandu. Medha Law and Partners Is a leading law firm in Nepal.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for NRN Card
Eligibility for the NRN ID Card is defined under the Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064 (2008) and its accompanying regulations.
Applicants must fall under one of the following categories:
- Nepali citizens residing abroad for more than two consecutive years (excluding SAARC employment-based stay)
- Individuals of Nepali origin who have acquired foreign citizenship (except citizenship of SAARC countries)
Applicants must not currently hold employment in any SAARC nation as government staff or military personnel. Eligibility also requires that the applicant does not hold permanent residency or citizenship of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, or Sri Lanka.
Step-by-Step NRN Card Application Process
The process for obtaining the NRN ID Card includes multiple steps through either the NRN Secretariat or Nepali diplomatic missions:
- Visit the official NRN portal: nrn.org.np
- Fill out the application form online or in-person at the embassy or secretariat.
- Upload or attach all required documents in specified format.
- Pay the applicable fee through the authorized channel.
- Submit the application either online or manually.
- Wait for verification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or concerned embassy.
- Receive the NRN card either by mail or in-person collection.
Applications may be submitted through Nepali embassies abroad or directly at the NRN Secretariat in Kathmandu.
Required Documents for NRN ID Card
The following documents are required while applying for an NRN ID Card:
- Valid Passport copy (Nepali or foreign)
- Passport-sized photographs (2–4 copies)
- Citizenship certificate of Nepal (for foreign nationals of Nepali origin)
- Proof of foreign citizenship or residence (if applicable)
- Document showing the applicant has lived abroad for over two years
- Employment or residency proof (e.g., utility bills, visa, work permit)
- Copy of foreign national ID or Green Card (if applicable)
- Payment receipt of NRN card fees
All documents should be translated into English or Nepali, if in another language.
Fees and Costs for Obtaining the NRN Card
The government fees for NRN ID Cards vary depending on the applicant’s category:
- NRNs holding Nepali citizenship: USD 500
- Foreign citizens of Nepali origin: USD 1000
Fees may be revised by the Government of Nepal. Additional bank charges, courier fees (for foreign delivery), or embassy processing charges may apply.
These fees are non-refundable and must be paid through designated banks or embassies. Fee receipts must be submitted with the application form.
Timeline to Get Your NRN ID Card
The standard processing time for NRN ID Card issuance is between 15 to 30 working days, depending on the volume of applications and accuracy of documentation.
Applicants submitting through embassies may experience longer wait times due to additional coordination. Incomplete applications, missing documents, or discrepancies may delay the process further. Tracking services are available online after application submission.
Checklist for Non-Resident Nepali Application
Applicants must ensure the following before submission:
- All sections of the form are fully completed.
- Documents are scanned and clear (if applying online).
- Photos meet passport specifications.
- Applicable fees have been paid.
- Proof of two years of continuous foreign residence.
- Citizenship proof (for both Nepali and foreign nationals of Nepali origin).
- No conflicting data in identification documents.
- Translations of non-English documents are attached.
Failing to meet any checklist item may result in rejection or delay.
Legal Framework Governing NRN ID Card
The NRN ID Card is governed primarily by:
- Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064 (2008)
- Non-Resident Nepali Regulation, 2066 (2010)
- Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075 (2019) (for business rights)
These laws define eligibility, procedures, rights, and obligations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the overseeing authority and reserves the right to cancel or suspend an NRN Card if misuse or fraud is identified.
Government Bodies Issuing NRN ID Card
The following authorities are responsible for NRN ID Card issuance:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) – Central overseeing body.
- Department of Consular Services – Verification and processing.
- Embassies/Consulates of Nepal – Overseas application submission and distribution.
- NRN Secretariat, Kathmandu – In-country application handling.
MoFA is the final authority in disputes, complaints, and appeals concerning the card.
Benefits and Services Linked to NRN Card
Cardholders enjoy a range of privileges, including:
- Right to invest in Nepal under foreign direct investment (FDI) policies
- Permission to open bank accounts in convertible currency
- Tax benefits and simplified investment processes
- Eligibility for certain visas and long-term stay permissions
- Easier entry and exit at immigration
- Purchase of fixed assets (land, housing) under restricted provisions (for NRNs of Nepali origin)
Note that civil, political, and voting rights are not granted under this card.
Renewal Process for an Expired NRN Card
NRN ID Cards are typically valid for two years and must be renewed before expiry. The process includes:
- Submission of renewal form
- Re-submission of residency proof
- Updated photographs and documentation (if changed)
- Payment of renewal fee (same as original)
Renewals can be processed at embassies or the NRN Secretariat. Delayed renewal may require re-application.
How to Apply from Outside of Nepal
Applicants living abroad can apply through the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate:
- Visit the embassy website or in person.
- Collect or download the application form.
- Submit the completed form with all required documents.
- Pay the fee in the local equivalent.
- Track application via embassy contact or portal.
Processing may take longer due to diplomatic channel verifications.
Common Mistakes in NRN Card Application
Applicants often make errors that delay approval, such as:
- Incomplete or incorrect forms
- Missing or invalid documents
- Unclear residency proof
- Incorrect fee payment or currency
- Submitting without proper translations
- Applying with ineligible nationality (e.g., Indian)
Rights and Restrictions of NRN Cardholders
Rights granted under the NRN ID Card include:
- Investment rights under Nepalese FDI laws
- Tax concessions on repatriated income
- Ability to establish companies
However, NRN Cardholders:
- Cannot vote or hold political office
- Cannot apply for government jobs
- Are not eligible for social security or citizenship benefits
- Cannot purchase agricultural land (foreign nationals)
The card offers economic rights but not civil or political entitlements.
Where to Get Help and Legal Assistance
Legal assistance can be sought through:
- Medha Law and Partners, a leading law firm in Nepal, specializing in NRN services
- Nepali embassies or consulates abroad
- Authorized legal representatives or immigration attorneys
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Department
Medha Law and Partners provides full service for NRN ID Card applications, document verification, renewals, and dispute resolution.
FAQs
Who can apply for an NRN card?
Any Nepali citizen living abroad over 2 years or foreign citizen of Nepali origin can apply.
What is the cost of NRN ID card?
The card costs USD 500 for Nepali citizens and USD 1000 for foreign nationals of Nepali origin.
Can I apply from abroad online?
Yes, you can apply online or through the nearest Nepali embassy.
Is NRN card a citizenship card?
No, the NRN card does not grant citizenship or voting rights.
What benefits does NRN card provide?
Benefits include investment rights, property rights, and banking access.
Do I need passport for applying?
Yes, a valid passport is mandatory to apply.
Can NRN buy land in Nepal?
Yes, but only non-agricultural land under regulated provisions.
Where to submit NRN application?
Submit at the NRN Secretariat or nearest Nepali embassy/consulate.
For full-service assistance with your NRN ID Card, contact Medha Law and Partners, Nepal’s leading law firm for NRN legal matters.