NRN Card Apply Portal Nepal

1. Introduction

The Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Card is a government-issued identity document provided to Nepalis living abroad or foreign citizens of Nepali origin. It is an official recognition of their continued connection to Nepal despite residing outside the country. The NRN Card enables its holders to enjoy several privileges, including investment opportunities, property ownership, and special entry rights. NRN Card Apply Portal Nepal.

The NRN Card Apply Portal in Nepal has simplified the process for applicants living in different parts of the world. Through this system, Non-Resident Nepalis can register, submit required documents, and track their application online. The initiative reflects the Government of Nepal’s efforts to integrate global Nepalis into national development.

The NRN Card is governed by the Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064 (2008) and the Non-Resident Nepali Rules, 2066 (2010). These laws define who qualifies as a Non-Resident Nepali and outline their rights, duties, and benefits. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) acts as the main authority for managing the NRN Card system, ensuring uniformity in registration and verification procedures.

2. Legal Basis and Authority

The legal foundation for the NRN Card lies primarily in the Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064 and Non-Resident Nepali Rules, 2066.

  • Section 3 of the Act defines a Non-Resident Nepali as:

    1. A Nepali citizen residing abroad for employment, business, or other purposes for at least two years.

    2. A foreign citizen of Nepali origin who holds citizenship of another country.

  • Section 5 provides for the issuance of an NRN Card to such individuals upon submission of an application.

  • Section 9 outlines privileges including investment in Nepal, owning property, and repatriating income.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is responsible for overseeing the NRN Card system. Nepali embassies and consulates abroad act as the frontline agencies for collecting applications, verifying documents, and coordinating with MOFA.

The NRN Secretariat in Kathmandu manages the central database and monitors compliance. The coordination among MOFA, NRN Secretariat, and embassies ensures uniform implementation and integrity in processing.

3. Where to Apply

Applicants can apply for an NRN Card in three primary ways:

  1. Online through the official portal:

    • The official online application can be submitted at https://nrn.mofa.gov.np or through the MOFA NRN portal or contact at +977 9700499414.

    • This digital system allows for document upload, fee payment, and tracking.

  2. At the Nepali Embassy or Consulate abroad:

    • Individuals residing abroad can directly apply at their nearest Nepali Embassy or Consulate.

    • The embassy verifies and forwards documents to MOFA for approval.

  3. In-person at the NRN Secretariat, Kathmandu:

    • Applicants visiting Nepal may apply directly at the NRN Secretariat office for expedited processing.

The introduction of the NRN Card Apply Portal has made the process efficient and transparent, allowing global Nepalis to connect easily with the Nepali government.

4. Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility for an NRN Card is clearly defined under the Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064. The two primary categories are:

  1. Nepali Citizens Residing Abroad

    • Must have resided outside Nepal for at least two consecutive years.

    • Must not be employed in Nepal’s Government, constitutional bodies, or public institutions.

  2. Foreign Citizens of Nepali Origin

    • Individuals who previously held Nepali citizenship or whose parents/grandparents were Nepali citizens.

    • Must hold valid citizenship of another country.

Key Conditions

  • Applicants must not have been convicted of criminal offenses.

  • Must not be holding dual citizenship illegally.

  • Valid passport and proof of foreign residence are mandatory.

5. Required Documents

Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following documents during the online or embassy application process:

  • Valid passport copy.

  • Nepali citizenship certificate (if applicable).

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

  • Recent passport-sized photographs (digital format for online applicants).

  • Completed NRN Card application form.

  • Payment receipt of prescribed government fees.

Additional documents may be requested by the embassy or NRN Secretariat for verification purposes.

6. Application Process (Online Portal)

The NRN Card Apply Portal provides a convenient way to complete the entire process online. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Visit the official portal

Go to https://nrn.mofa.gov.np and select “NRN Card Application.”

Step 2: Register and create a user account

Provide your full name, contact email, and nationality details to register. Verify your account through an email link.

Step 3: Fill out the online application form

Enter all personal, contact, and travel details. Ensure that information matches official documents.

Step 4: Upload required documents

Attach scanned copies of passport, citizenship certificate, and residence proof.

Step 5: Pay the prescribed government fee

Use online payment gateways or embassy-approved payment methods.

Step 6: Submit and track application

After submission, note your application ID for future tracking through the portal.

The portal provides real-time status updates, reducing delays and in-person visits.

7. Application Process (Embassy/In-Person)

For applicants who prefer or require in-person submission, the following process applies:

  1. Visit the nearest Nepali Embassy or Consulate.

  2. Collect and fill the NRN Card application form.

  3. Submit passport copies, photographs, and proof of residence.

  4. Pay the applicable fee in local currency as directed by the Embassy.

  5. Embassy officials verify and forward documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kathmandu.

  6. Upon approval, the NRN Card is issued and dispatched to the applicant.

This option is beneficial for those who cannot complete the online process due to technical limitations or document verification needs.

8. Fees and Payment Method

The NRN Card application involves government fees prescribed by MOFA. The fee structure may vary depending on applicant category and location:

  • For Nepali citizens living abroad: NPR 10,000 (approximately USD 75).

  • For foreign citizens of Nepali origin: USD 500.

Fees can be paid using the following methods:

  • Online payment through the NRN portal.

  • Bank transfer or demand draft (for Embassy applications).

  • Cash payment at NRN Secretariat in Kathmandu.

Applicants should retain the payment receipt, as it is required for verification during card collection.

9. Processing Time

Processing time for an NRN Card varies depending on location and verification procedures:

  • Online application: 2 to 3 working days.

  • Embassy submission: 3 to 5 working days.

  • In-person in Nepal: Usually within 1 or 2 working days.

The validity of the NRN Card is two years from the date of issuance.

10. Verification and Approval

The verification process is designed to ensure authenticity and prevent misuse.

  • Embassies verify foreign residence proof and identity.

  • MOFA cross-checks the applicant’s citizenship records and travel history.

  • NRN Secretariat verifies compliance with legal provisions.

After successful verification, approval is granted electronically, and the card is prepared for issuance.

11. Collection of NRN Card

Once approved, applicants receive notification via email or the NRN portal dashboard.

Collection Methods:

  • In Nepal: Collect directly from the NRN Secretariat office in Kathmandu.

  • Abroad: Collect from the Embassy or Consulate where the application was submitted.

Some missions also allow authorized representatives to collect on behalf of the applicant, with a formal authorization letter.

12. Benefits and Use of NRN Card

The NRN Card offers several legal and financial privileges under Section 9 of the NRN Act, 2064:

  • Right to invest in industry, business, and real estate within Nepal.

  • Ownership of property in the applicant’s name (except agricultural land).

  • Visa exemption — entry and stay in Nepal without a separate visa for the card’s validity period.

  • Financial remittance and repatriation rights.

  • Participation in NRN Association and programs.

The card acts as a bridge between Nepal and its diaspora community, promoting economic participation and cultural linkage.

13. Renewal, Replacement, and Cancellation

Renewal:

  • Renewal must be done within 30 days before expiry.

  • The process is similar to a new application through the NRN portal or Embassy.

  • Required documents: expired NRN Card, updated passport, proof of residence, and payment of renewal fee.

Replacement:

  • In case of loss or damage, submit an application for reissuance with police report and identification proof.

Cancellation:

  • The NRN Card can be cancelled if false documents are used or if the holder violates Nepali law.

  • The MOFA holds authority to revoke and blacklist ineligible applicants.

14. Common Issues and Solutions

Frequent issues faced by applicants:

  • Difficulty in uploading documents due to file size or format.

  • Delays in embassy forwarding of applications.

  • Incorrect personal information entries.

  • Payment verification errors.

Solutions:

  • Ensure all uploads are in PDF or JPEG format under 2MB.

  • Cross-check details before submission.

  • Contact the NRN Portal Helpdesk via info@medhacorplaw.com for technical support.

  • Retain all receipts and application IDs for reference.

15. Conclusion and Practical Tips

The NRN Card Apply Portal Nepal has made the process simple, transparent, and accessible to the global Nepali community. The system allows NRNs to legally maintain a relationship with their homeland while enjoying specific benefits defined under Nepali law.

Applicants are advised to maintain updated documentation, apply early before expiry, and ensure all legal conditions are fulfilled. The NRN Card not only represents an identity but also a connection between global Nepalis and Nepal’s development.

Medha Law and Partners, a leading corporate law firm in Nepal, provides professional legal services related to NRN applications, investment advisory, and document authentication. Our team assists clients in understanding the NRN Act, filing procedures, and embassy coordination.

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