NRN Citizenship Process in Nepal

What is the NRN Citizenship?

Non-Resident Nepali NRN Citizenship is a special category of citizenship provided to individuals of Nepali origin who have acquired foreign citizenship. It allows NRNs to enjoy certain economic, social, and cultural rights within Nepal while retaining their foreign citizenship.

The NRN Citizenship was introduced through an amendment to the Nepal Citizenship Act 2063 (2006) to maintain connections with the Nepali diaspora and encourage their involvement in Nepal’s development. NRN Citizenship aims to strike a balance between recognizing the global mobility of Nepalis and preserving their ties to their homeland. It grants specific rights and privileges to NRNs without extending full political rights.

Eligibility for NRN Citizenship

The Eligibility for NRN Citizenship are:

1. Foreign citizenship: The applicant must have acquired citizenship of a foreign country other than a member state of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
2. Nepali origin: The applicant, their parents, or grandparents must have previously held Nepali citizenship by descent or birth.
3. Renunciation of previous Nepali citizenship: If the applicant previously held Nepali citizenship, they must have formally renounced it before applying for NRN Citizenship.
4. Age requirement: The applicant must be at least 18 years old to apply for NRN Citizenship.
5. Residence outside SAARC: The applicant must be residing in a country outside the SAARC region.

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

Process of Obtaining NRN Citizenship in Nepal

Step 1: Relinquish the previous Nepali Citizenship

Step 2: Submit an Application to the DAO (District Administration Office)

Step 3: Verification of NRN in the District Police Office (DPO)

Step 4: Obtain Recommendation from the Ward Office

Step 5: Presence in DAO with Witnesses

Step 6: Oath in DAO Office with the Applicant

Step 7: Issuance of NRN Citizenship

Step 1: Relinquish the previous Nepali Citizenship

The first step in obtaining NRN Citizenship is to formally relinquish any previously held Nepali citizenship. This process involves submitting an application to the District Administration Office (DAO) where the original citizenship was issued. The applicant must provide their original Nepali citizenship certificate, a copy of their foreign passport, and a written declaration of intent to renounce Nepali citizenship. The DAO will then issue a certificate of citizenship renunciation.

Step 2: Submit an Application to the DAO (District Administration Office)

After relinquishing previous Nepali citizenship, the applicant must submit a formal application for NRN Citizenship to the DAO. This application should include the prescribed form, available at the DAO or downloadable from the Ministry of Home Affairs website. The form requires personal information, details of foreign citizenship, and information about the applicant’s Nepali origins. Along with the completed form, applicants must submit supporting documents, including proof of foreign citizenship, the citizenship renunciation certificate, and evidence of Nepali ancestry.

Step 3: Verification of NRN in the District Police Office (DPO)

Upon receiving the application, the DAO forwards the details to the District Police Office (DPO) for verification. The DPO conducts a background check to ensure the applicant has no criminal record in Nepal and verifies the authenticity of the submitted documents. The DPO typically completes this verification and sends its report back to the DAO.

Step 4: Obtain Recommendation from the Ward Office

The applicant must obtain a recommendation letter from the Ward Office of their ancestral place of residence in Nepal. This recommendation serves as local-level verification of the applicant’s connection to Nepal. The Ward Office assesses the applicant’s claim to Nepali origin based on local records and community knowledge. To obtain this recommendation, the applicant or their representative must visit the Ward Office with necessary documents, including proof of ancestral residence and family connections in Nepal.

Step 5: Presence in DAO with Witnesses

After completing the previous steps, the applicant must appear in person at the DAO with witnesses. These witnesses should be Nepali citizens who can vouch for the applicant’s identity and Nepali origin. The presence of witnesses adds an additional layer of verification to the process. During this visit, the DAO officials may interview the applicant and witnesses to confirm the information provided in the application.

Step 6: Oath in DAO Office with the Applicant

A crucial part of obtaining NRN Citizenship is taking an oath of allegiance to Nepal. This ceremony takes place at the DAO office with the applicant present. The oath typically includes a pledge to respect and uphold the Constitution and laws of Nepal, to promote Nepal’s interests, and to fulfill the responsibilities associated with NRN Citizenship.

Step 7: Issuance of NRN Citizenship

Upon successful completion of all previous steps and verification of all documents, the DAO issues the NRN Citizenship certificate. This document officially recognizes the holder’s status as a Non-Resident Nepali citizen. The certificate includes personal details, a unique identification number, and specifies the rights and limitations associated with NRN Citizenship.

Documents Required for NRN Citizenship in Nepal

1. Completed application form for NRN Citizenship
2. Certificate of citizenship renunciation (if previously a Nepali citizen)
3. Copy of valid foreign passport
4. Proof of foreign citizenship (naturalization certificate or equivalent)
5. Evidence of Nepali origin (parents’ or grandparents’ Nepali citizenship certificates)
6. Birth certificate or equivalent document
7. Recommendation letter from the local Ward Office in Nepal
8. Recent passport-sized photographs
9. Any additional documents required by the District Administration Office

Timeline for obtaining Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship in Nepal

The process of obtaining NRN Citizenship in Nepal typically takes between 3 to 6 days from the initial application to the issuance of the citizenship certificate.

Cost of NRN Citizenship in Nepal

The Official cost of obtaining NRN Citizenship in Nepal including the Application Fee, Legal Fees and the Citizenship Certificate Issuance Fees. Usually, the application Fee is NPR 10,000/-.

Rights and Benefits of NRN Citizenship

The Citizenship provides the following Rights

1. Economic Rights
2. Cultural Rights
3. Social Rights

The Citizenship provides Economic rights within Nepal such as the ability to own and transfer property, including land, subject to certain restrictions. NRN citizens have the right to invest in Nepali businesses and industries. They also have access to banking services, including the ability to open bank accounts in Nepali currency, facilitating financial transactions within the country. Furthermore, NRN citizens have the right to engage in trade and commerce within Nepal.

Grounds for Cancellation of NRN Citizenship

NRN Citizenship can be cancelled under the following Circumstances

1. Providing false information during the application process
2. Engaging in activities deemed harmful to Nepal’s national interests
3. Conviction of serious criminal offenses
4. Acquisition of citizenship in a SAARC member country
5. Failure to comply with the conditions and responsibilities of NRN Citizenship
6. Voluntary renunciation by the holder

Also Read: Non-Resident Nepali NRN Laws in Nepal

NRN Citizenship Certificate in Nepal

The NRN Citizenship Certificate is an official document issued by the Government of Nepal and include:

1. Personal identification details
2. Unique NRN citizenship number
3. Date of issuance and validity period
4. Official seals and signatures

NRN Lawyer in Nepal

NRN Lawyers in Nepal specialize in Immigration and Citizenship Law and provide the following services:

1. Application Preparation and Submission
2. Document Verification and Translation
3. Representation before Government Authorities
4. Assistance with Property Acquisition and Investment Matters
5. Rights and Responsibilities of NRN Citizens

FAQ

Contact NRN Lawyer in Nepal

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement of any sort from the firm or any of its members. The law office shall not be liable for consequences arising out of any action undertaken by any person relying on the information provided herein.