How to obtain NRN citizenship in Nepal

NRN citizenship in Nepal

WHO ARE THE NRNS?

“Non-resident Nepali” refers to a foreign citizen of Nepali origin, as well as a Nepali citizen residing overseas. A “foreign citizen of Nepali origin” is someone who was a citizen of Nepal at some point in their lives or whose father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother was a citizen of Nepal and has since acquired the citizen of Nepal and has since obtained citizenship in any other foreign country that is not a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

A “Nepali citizen residing abroad” is a Nepali citizen who has lived in a foreign nation for at least two years and is involved in any profession, occupation, or company, or employment, except a Nepali citizen residing in a SAARC member country or serving in a diplomatic mission or consulate located in a foreign country under the assignment of the Government of Nepal and pursuing studies in a foreign country. NRN’s family members can also register as NRNs and acquire ID cards.

Many Nepalese have now left the country. Those who have traveled abroad have acquired foreign citizenship. NRN has been named in Nepal from 2007. On August 27, 2007, Nepalis living in foreign countries were awarded NRN recognition, and a separate law related to NRN 2007 was passed in Nepal.

Nepal’s citizenship law relating to NRN citizenship will be implemented on May 31, 2023.

The question of NRNs acquiring citizenship was raised in the Citizenship Act 2063.  this time

Non-resident Nepalis (NRN) are permitted to hold dual citizenship.

What is NRN ID (Identity Card)

NRN identity card is a card issued by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Nepalese Embassies or Consulates around the world. If you have renounced Nepalese citizenship or are of Nepalese origin, you are eligible to apply for a ten (10) year NRN identity card. Similarly, if you do not have a foreign passport but live in another country, you can apply for a Non Resident Nepalese Identity Card, which will be valid for two (2) years.

What are the Benefits of NRN Card?

The NRN Card provides Non-Resident Nepalis with several benefits, including identification of their NRN status, exemption from the requirement of a visa to enter or stay in Nepal (for persons holding citizenship of countries other than SAARC countries), the ability to open a foreign currency bank account that can be converted, and the ability to invest in foreign currency.The NRN Identity Card will grant various benefits in Nepal, such as visa exemption and the purchase of immovable property (land), as specified by the Non-Resident Nepalese Act of 2007 and the Non-Resident Nepalese Regulations of 2009.

• Travel Freedom: Non-SAARC nationals may enter and remain in Nepal without a visa.
• Open special bank accounts, invest, and take advantage of tax reductions on certain money transfers.
• Land and Home: In Nepal, you can buy and sell many sorts of land as well as keep family possessions.
• Start a Business: With the NRN Card, you can start a business in Nepal.
• Get tax benefits when you assist local community or charitable projects.

How Do I Obtain an NRN Card in Nepal?

• Fill out an Application Form

• Begin by completing the application form, which is outlined in the NRN Bylaws of 2009 (2066).

• Certificate of Naturalization

• A copy of your current country’s Naturalization Certificate is required. Keep one original for verification and one photocopy for submission.

• Passport and Prior Citizenship:

• You will need to bring a copy of your current passport. If you are a former Nepali citizen, you must show your old Nepali Citizenship Certificate as proof.

• Family Bonds

• A connection to your Nepali roots is essential. You may provide a copy of your father’s, mother’s, grandfather’s, or grandmother’s citizenship certificates.
• Business or Profession
• Proof of your existing occupation or business in your home country is required.
• Proof of Employment
• If you are employed, provide documentation proving your job status in the country of your present nationality.
• Photographs
• For the application form, please include a recent passport-size photo. Prepare two auto-sized photographs for the identity card as well.
• Fees
• The only fees you will have to pay to obtain an NRN Card are the application and card fees.

NRN Rights in Nepal

• Marriage in Nepal as NRN Rights in Nepal
• NRNs can marry in Nepal, according to the National Civil Code.
• Create a bank account
• They can open and operate accounts in Nepali commercial banks and financial institutions using their NRN ID Card.
• Obtain Nepalese Citizenship Again
• Those who intend to return permanently may reapply for Nepalese citizenship after surrendering their foreign citizenship.
• Investing as NRN rights in Nepal
• If you are an NRN considering investing in Nepal, the FITTA sees NRNs similarly to other foreign investors. NRN can invest in the following areas:
• Company stock.
• Stocks from companies that are offered for sale.
• can invest in venture capital funds and buy parts (shares) or even the entire stock of select Nepali enterprises.
  There are some investment guidelines:
• To begin, you must invest a large sum of money, at least NPR 50 million.
• The FITTA’s Negative List is one such list. You cannot invest in a firm if it is on this list.
• The company you want to invest in should be on the Industrial Enterprises Act of 2020’s “Industry” list.

 On what conditions are non-resident Nepalis granted Nepali citizenship?

Non-resident Nepali citizenship is dormant.

A person with “dormant citizenship” possesses dual citizenship, but their rights and status in the other country are “inactive” while they live permanently in the other. You must hold foreign citizenship if you live in another country.

Nepali nationals have the right to vote both at home (Nepal). Non-resident Nepali citizens who earn Nepali citizenship have no voting rights in Nepal. Non-resident Nepalis are not allowed to vote in Nepali elections.

 How Non Resident Nepali (NRN) get Nepali citizenship ?

A foreigner seeking Nepali citizenship must apply to the District Administration Office (CDO) after obtaining a letter of recommendation from the Municipality or Rural Municipalities of the relevant ward office stating and confirming the applicant’s ancestors, father, and mother’s residence in the said place. And the application must include detailed information such as addresses, as well as the names of the father, mother, grandfather, and grandmother.

Oath of NRN (Non Residence Nepali)

 There is a provision of taking Oath prior to obtaining  citizenship for NRNs. Non-residence Nepali must take an oath in the name of God, the Nation, and the People in order to get Nepali citizenship.Non-resident Nepalese who wish to earn Nepali citizenship must take an oath in the name of the God, the Nation, and the People.

The government changed the Citizenship Act on May 17, 2023, to allow non-resident Nepalese to get citizenship. Section 7 (a) of the revised Act provides that anyone seeking Nepali citizenship must take the specified oath.The technique and format of the oath taking have been prepared by regulations adopted in accordance with the same act.

Following the taking of the written oath, the person must write their name, Nepal address, and most recent address, along with their signature and the thumbprint on the side.

The Chief District Officer will administer the oath of citizenship to non-resident Nepalese. There is also a clause in the rule to commit not to do anything that goes against the spirit of Nepal’s current constitution and laws.

Legal oath is an attempt to make non-resident Nepalese more honest and faithful to their country by arranging for them to take an oath in the name of the country and people.

Disclose Identity:

The rules also state that non-resident Nepalese must clearly state whether they are male, female, or other in their application.

Apply NRN Citizen from foreign Country

Apply for NRN from a foreign country. You do not need to travel to Nepal to acquire NRN citizenship. You can stay in another country and acquire NRN citizenship.

 Non-resident Nepalese can apply at the embassy or consulate general of the nation where they are residing, according to the regulations. The laws state that a citizenship certificate from one’s own father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother is required in order to file an application.

Following the submission of the application, the candidate’s close relatives, or if no relatives, acquaintances, should come before the chief district officer or the officer selected by him and identify himself/herself. Similarly, the laws state that the Ministry of Home Affairs would build the required technologies to facilitate the application for citizenship through an internet medium.

The following documents are necessary to obtain a Non-resident Nepali citizenship certificate:

• Application for a recommendation letter from a related municipality’s ward office.
• Certificate of citizenship within three generations of the applicant
• Must have evidence that Nepali citizenship has been renounced or hold a Nepali citizenship certificate but have renounced citizenship
• Proof of a foreign nation’s citizenship certificate or as a citizen or permanent residence document.
• Proof of residency is required, except in SAARC countries.
• A photocopy of the passport of the person currently residing in that nation as a citizen of that country.
• Pledge letter in accordance with Schedule 8(d), and oath taking in accordance with Schedule 8
• Documents from the police on-site investigation report, as well as any other required documents.
• The system update is now underway, and once completed and approved by the Home Ministry, non-residence Nepalese will be issued a citizenship certificate.

Conclusion

If you have lived abroad and acquired foreign citizenship, you must now get Non Resident Nepali citizenship. Your property in Nepal will be safeguarded once you acquire this citizenship.

Nepal does not require a visa to visit.As a sign of your devotion for Nepal, you will be granted Non-Resident Nepali citizenship. Please contact us at +977-9745374671 or info@corporatelawyerenpal.com if you need assistance obtaining Non Resident Nepali citizenship.

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