Table of Contents
Nepali citizenship is the foundation of legal identity in Nepal — it determines your right to vote, own land, hold public office, and access government services. The Constitution of Nepal 2072 (2015) defines who qualifies for citizenship and how to obtain it. Whether you were born in Nepal, are of Nepali descent living abroad, married a Nepali citizen, or want to naturalise, the pathways and requirements are distinct. This guide covers every type of Nepali citizenship, the application process, required documents, and how citizenship intersects with court marriage in Nepal and family law.
Nepali citizenship is governed by the Constitution of Nepal 2072, Part 2 (Articles 10–15). There are 5 types: by descent (वंशज), by birth (जन्मसिद्ध), by naturalisation, by marriage (for foreign women married to Nepali men), and honorary. Apply at the District Administration Office (DAO) in your home district with required documents. Processing: 1–6 months depending on type. Minimum age: 16 years. Nepal does not allow dual citizenship — acquiring foreign citizenship automatically revokes Nepali citizenship (Article 289).
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Types of Nepali Citizenship
The Constitution of Nepal 2072, Part 2 establishes five categories of citizenship:
| Type | Constitutional Basis | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| By descent (वंशज) | Article 11(2)–(3) | Father or mother is a Nepali citizen |
| By birth (जन्मसिद्ध) | Article 11(1) | Born in Nepal before the Constitution came into effect + both parents Nepali |
| By naturalisation | Article 11(5)–(6) | 15 years continuous residency + other conditions |
| By marriage (वैवाहिक) | Article 11(6) | Foreign woman married to Nepali man + renounce foreign citizenship |
| Honorary | Article 11(8) | Special contribution to Nepal — granted by the Government |
Citizenship by Descent (Wansaja Nagarikta)
This is the most common type — for people born to Nepali parents:
If Both Parents Are Nepali Citizens
- Automatic entitlement — child is a citizen by descent regardless of birthplace
- Apply at the District Administration Office (DAO) of either parent's home district
- No age restriction for entitlement, but the citizenship certificate is typically issued at age 16+
If Father Is Nepali and Mother Is Foreign
- Child is entitled to citizenship by descent — straightforward process
- Father's citizenship certificate serves as the primary basis
If Mother Is Nepali and Father Is Foreign
- Child can get citizenship by descent, but the Constitution adds conditions — this has been a major constitutional controversy
- Article 11(5): The child gets naturalised citizenship (not descent) if the father is a foreign national
- Naturalised citizens face restrictions: cannot hold certain government positions, cannot become President/PM
- This provision has been challenged as discriminatory and remains a politically sensitive issue
Note: The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued directives urging equal treatment, but the constitutional text has not been amended as of 2026.
Citizenship by Birth (Janmasiddha Nagarikta)
Citizenship by birth applies to persons who:
- Were born in Nepal before the Constitution of Nepal 2072 came into effect (September 20, 2015)
- Had permanent domicile in Nepal at the time of the Constitution's commencement
- Both parents were Nepali citizens at the time of birth
This category primarily addresses the transitional period — ensuring that existing citizens were not affected by the new constitutional provisions. Most citizens who already held citizenship under the old Constitution fall into this category.
Citizenship by Naturalisation
Foreign nationals can apply for naturalised citizenship if they meet these conditions under Article 11(5):
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Continuous residency | Minimum 15 years of continuous residence in Nepal |
| Means of livelihood | Must have a stable income source in Nepal |
| Nepali language | Must be conversant in Nepali (spoken and basic written) |
| No criminal record | No conviction for criminal offences involving moral turpitude |
| Renounce foreign citizenship | Must surrender foreign citizenship before naturalisation is granted |
| Character and conduct | Good character and conduct as assessed by the government |
Restrictions on naturalised citizens: Cannot hold the positions of President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker, or heads of security agencies. Cannot hold positions in the National Security Council.
Citizenship After Marriage
Marriage to a Nepali citizen creates different citizenship pathways depending on gender — a provision that has attracted significant criticism:
| Scenario | Citizenship Pathway | Constitutional Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign woman married to Nepali man | Can apply for naturalised citizenship after renouncing foreign citizenship | Article 11(6) |
| Foreign man married to Nepali woman | Permanent residency only — cannot get Nepali citizenship through marriage | Article 11(7) |
| Former Nepali (either gender) wanting citizenship back | Must renounce foreign citizenship and reapply | Article 289 + Article 11 |
The gender disparity in citizenship-by-marriage provisions has been challenged in the Supreme Court and criticised by international human rights organisations. However, the constitutional text remains unchanged as of 2026.
For the complete guide on post-marriage citizenship, see citizenship after marriage in Nepal.
Documents Required for Citizenship Application
Citizenship by Descent (Standard)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship application form | Available at the District Administration Office (DAO) |
| Recommendation from Ward Office | Ward chairperson's recommendation confirming identity and residence |
| Parent's citizenship certificate | Father's or mother's citizenship certificate (original + copy) |
| Birth certificate | From the Ward Office or hospital |
| Relationship proof | Birth certificate showing parent-child relationship, or family lineage document |
| Passport-size photographs | Recent photos (as specified by the DAO) |
| National ID (if applicable) | National Identity Card if already issued |
Additional for Naturalisation or Marriage-Based Citizenship
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage certificate | For marriage-based applicants — from the District Court |
| Spouse's citizenship certificate | Nepali spouse's citizenship (original + copy) |
| Proof of foreign citizenship renunciation | Official document showing surrender of foreign nationality |
| Proof of 15-year residency | For naturalisation — tax records, utility bills, rental agreements, etc. |
| Police clearance | No criminal record certificate |
| Nepali language proficiency | May require an assessment or recommendation |
Where to Apply: The Application Process
| Step | Action | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obtain Ward Office recommendation | Your local Ward Office |
| 2 | Collect all required documents | Various (hospital, courts, ward office) |
| 3 | Submit application at District Administration Office | DAO of your home district |
| 4 | Biometric data and photograph captured | DAO office |
| 5 | Verification and investigation | DAO + local police (if required) |
| 6 | Chief District Officer (CDO) approval | DAO |
| 7 | Citizenship certificate issued | DAO |
For Kathmandu residents: Apply at the District Administration Office, Kathmandu (located in the Kathmandu district administration complex). For other districts, apply at your respective DAO.
Timeline and Fees
| Citizenship Type | Typical Processing Time | Government Fee |
|---|---|---|
| By descent (straightforward) | 1–4 weeks | Minimal (NPR 10–50 for forms) |
| By descent (complex — mixed parents) | 1–6 months (may require investigation) | Minimal |
| By naturalisation | 3–12 months+ | As prescribed by government |
| By marriage | 1–6 months | Minimal + renunciation costs |
| Citizenship certificate replacement | 1–2 weeks | Minimal |
Note: Processing times vary significantly by district. Kathmandu and urban DAOs tend to be busier and may take longer. Remote districts may process faster but have less frequent operating schedules.
Citizenship Certificate vs National ID Card
| Feature | Citizenship Certificate (Nagarikta) | National ID Card (NID) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Proof of Nepali citizenship | Biometric identity card |
| Legal basis | Constitution of Nepal 2072 | National Identity Card Act 2076 |
| Format | Paper certificate with photo | Smart card with biometric data |
| Who issues it | District Administration Office (CDO) | Department of National ID and Civil Registration (DONIDCR) |
| Required for | All citizenship matters, property, banking, government services | Planned to replace Nagarikta as primary ID — rollout ongoing |
| Current status | Primary ID document for all citizens | Distribution in progress — not yet universal |
For details on the National ID card, see National ID card Nepal.
Renouncing Nepali Citizenship
Under Article 289 of the Constitution:
- Any Nepali citizen who acquires foreign citizenship automatically loses Nepali citizenship — no formal process required from the Nepal side
- For formal renunciation (required by some foreign governments as proof): apply at the DAO or Nepal embassy abroad
- Renunciation is irreversible unless you re-apply (and there is no guarantee of re-acquisition)
For detailed information on how the dual citizenship ban affects marriage rights, see dual citizenship and marriage in Nepal.
Restoring Nepali Citizenship
Former Nepali citizens who acquired foreign citizenship and want Nepali citizenship back must:
- Formally renounce their foreign citizenship
- Provide documented proof of renunciation to the Nepal government
- Apply for re-acquisition through the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Wait for government approval — re-acquisition is discretionary, not automatic
Warning: Between renouncing foreign citizenship and re-acquiring Nepali citizenship, there is a period of statelessness. This is a serious legal risk that should not be undertaken without professional legal advice.
NRN Card: The Alternative for Overseas Nepalis
Nepalis who have acquired foreign citizenship and cannot (or choose not to) renounce it can obtain an NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) ID Card under the NRN Act 2064. This provides limited rights in Nepal — visa-free entry, investment privileges, and exemption from the 15-day marriage residency requirement — without requiring Nepali citizenship. For the full NRN guide, see NRN citizenship in Nepal.
Whether you need citizenship guidance, marriage registration, or NRN-related legal advice — our lawyers can help.
Contact us for a free consultation on citizenship and family law →
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Constitution of Nepal 2072, Article 289 strictly prohibits dual citizenship. Acquiring foreign citizenship automatically revokes Nepali citizenship. There are no exceptions, treaties, or special arrangements. The NRN card provides limited rights but is not citizenship.
Citizenship by descent (standard): 1–4 weeks. Complex cases (mixed parents): 1–6 months. Naturalisation: 3–12 months or more. Marriage-based: 1–6 months. Processing times vary by district — urban DAOs tend to be busier.
Yes — if at least one parent is a Nepali citizen. Children born abroad to Nepali parents can apply for citizenship by descent at a Nepal embassy or consulate abroad, or at the District Administration Office when visiting Nepal. Parent's citizenship certificate is the key document.
Being born in Nepal alone does not automatically grant citizenship. Nepal does not follow unrestricted jus soli (citizenship by birth). You would need to qualify through other pathways — naturalisation after 15 years of continuous residency, or if one parent later acquires Nepali citizenship.
It depends on gender. Foreign women married to Nepali men can apply for naturalised citizenship after renouncing foreign citizenship (Article 11(6)). Foreign men married to Nepali women get permanent residency only, not citizenship (Article 11(7)).
No. The citizenship certificate (Nagarikta) is a paper document proving citizenship, issued by the DAO. The National ID card (NID) is a biometric smart card being rolled out under the National Identity Card Act 2076. Currently, the citizenship certificate remains the primary ID document.
You lose all citizen rights: cannot own land, vote, hold public office, or pass citizenship to children. You may apply for an NRN card (limited rights) or attempt re-acquisition by renouncing foreign citizenship first. Re-acquisition is not guaranteed — it requires government approval.
Only by renouncing their foreign citizenship first and then applying for re-acquisition through the Ministry of Home Affairs. This creates a risk of statelessness during the transition period. The NRN card itself does not provide a pathway to citizenship.
No — living abroad does not affect your Nepali citizenship, as long as you have not acquired foreign citizenship. Permanent residency, work permits, or student visas in foreign countries do not revoke Nepali citizenship. Only acquiring foreign citizenship triggers automatic loss.
The standard age to apply for a citizenship certificate is 16 years. The entitlement to citizenship exists from birth (for those qualifying by descent), but the certificate is typically issued when the applicant reaches 16. Minor identification documents serve until then.
Article 11(5) provides that children with a Nepali mother and foreign father receive naturalised citizenship (with restrictions), while children with a Nepali father and foreign mother get descent citizenship (full rights). This gender disparity has been widely criticised as discriminatory.
At the District Administration Office (DAO) of your home district. You first need a Ward Office recommendation, then submit the application with documents at the DAO. The Chief District Officer (CDO) approves and issues the certificate. Overseas applicants can start at Nepal embassies.
The Constitution provides limited provisions. Persons who have been residing in Nepal since before the Constitution's commencement and have no other country's citizenship may apply through special provisions. However, statelessness cases are complex and often require legal assistance and court intervention.
Nepali citizenship is required for the Nepali spouse (citizenship certificate is a mandatory document). Foreign nationals do not need Nepali citizenship — they file with their passport and embassy NOC. The court verifies identity through whichever document applies to each party.
Not fully. The Department of National ID and Civil Registration (DONIDCR) has digitised some processes, but citizenship applications still require in-person appearance at the DAO for biometric capture, document verification, and the CDO's approval. Check your local DAO for current procedures.
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