FAQ on NRN ( Non-resident-Nepali) card and its status

Who is the NRN?

The term “Non Resident Nepali” (NRN) is defined by Nepal’s Parliamentary Act. This phrase refers to two types of people. It is used for people of Nepali origin who have citizenship in countries other than South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member states, as well as Nepali nationals who live outside of SAARC member states.

Why was NRNA created?

The Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) was formed to bring together the Nepali Diaspora, to use their knowledge, skills, and resources in the service of Nepal, and to involve them in the socioeconomic development of Nepal and the Nepali people.

How was the NRNA founded?

In 2002, Nepali living in Russia proposed the formation of a global Nepali organization (NRNA). To globalize and materialize the idea, a few Nepali community leaders from various countries met in London in 2003 and decided to form the Nepali Diaspora Coordination Committee. They also discussed the possibility of holding an international conference of NRNs in Nepal.

The idea was quickly supported by the Nepalese government and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

This resulted in the joint organization of the First Non-Resident Nepali Conference on October 11-14, 2003. The assembled NRN delegates at that conference decided to work together to organize NRNA.

When was the NRNA founded?

The date of the First NRN Global Conference, i.e. October 11, 2003, is considered the establishment date of NRNA. Nepal’s government has also designated October 11th as NRN day. The Government of Nepal formally registered NRNA on October 20, 2013.

What exactly is an NRN Card?

The NRN Card is an identity card issued by the Government of Nepal to Non-Resident Nepalis. The NRN card entitles the cardholder to the various benefits outlined in the NRN Act and bylaws. It is given to those who approach the appropriate government agency.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu (+977014200182) issues the NRN card. The Nepali Embassies and Missions issue NRN cards outside of Nepal.

What are the benefits of having an NRN Card?

• Identification of the person’s status as NRN
• No visa required to enter or stay in Nepal (for persons having citizenship of countries other than SAARC Countries)
• Right to open a convertible foreign currency bank account
• The ability to invest in convertible foreign currency
• Provision for repatriation of investment proceeds out of Nepal in convertible foreign currency if investment is made in the same currency.
• Limited purchase and sale of land (as defined in NRNA bylaws) Inheritance of ancestral property and ownership of that property in Nepal
• Tax exemption on initial investment capital
• Certificate of Investment Tax Exemption on up to NPR15 Lakhs remitted to NRN’s close relatives in one fiscal year for personal expenses
• Tax exemption on funds remitted via formal banking channel for Social, Political, Cultural, Religious, Charity, Sports, and Disaster Relief Projects
• Rights to establish Industry and Business and enjoy investment facilities as enjoyed by Foreigners

What steps are involved in obtaining an NRN Card?

NRNs who wish to obtain an NRN Card must register their names by providing detailed information in the format specified in the NRN Bylaws 2009 (2066) and submit the application to the Nepal Government – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kathmandu, or Nepal Embassy and Mission offices abroad.

What Documents Do I Need To Get My NRN Card?

FOREIGN NATIONALS OF NEPALI ORIGIN

• A duly completed application form (as prescribed in NRN Bylaws 2009(2066) -Naturalization Certificate and its copy provided by respective country -Copy of Passport issued by respective country Citizenship Certificate and a copy of it as proof of Nepali Origin for person who previously held Nepali citizenship)
• Copy of Father/Mother/Grandfather/Citizenship Grandmother’s Certificate or any other document proving their Nepali Nationality and proof of relationship
• Document/proof of any profession or business in the country of current nationality
• Documentation/proof of employment in the country of current nationality.
• A recent passport-size photograph (for the application form)
• Two recent auto size photos (for the identity card)
• Application and Card Fee

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