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Over 2 million Nepalis live and work outside Nepal — in the Gulf states, Malaysia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and dozens of other countries. For these overseas Nepalis, the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Act 2064 (2007) created a formal legal status that reconnects them to Nepal with defined rights, including the ability to own property, invest in businesses, and access government services. But NRN status is not the same as Nepali citizenship, and the distinction matters for everything from property ownership to voting rights to marriage registration. This guide explains exactly what NRN status means, how to get an NRN identity card, what rights it gives you, and how it relates to court marriage in Nepal if you are planning to marry as an NRN.
Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) status is defined by the NRN Act 2064 (2007). It applies to persons of Nepali origin who have acquired foreign citizenship, or Nepali citizens who have been living abroad for more than 2 years. NRNs can obtain an NRN identity card that allows them to own property, invest in businesses, and access banking in Nepal. However, NRN status is not citizenship — NRNs cannot vote, hold government office, or get a Nepal passport. Nepal does not allow dual citizenship. NRNs who want full citizenship must renounce their foreign citizenship and complete the naturalisation process.
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What Is a Non-Resident Nepali (NRN)?
The NRN Act 2064 (2007) defines two categories of NRN:
| Category | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Category A: Foreign citizen of Nepali origin | A person who was previously a Nepali citizen (or whose parents/grandparents were) but has acquired citizenship of a foreign country | A person born in Nepal who later became a US citizen, UK citizen, or Australian citizen |
| Category B: Nepali citizen living abroad | A Nepali citizen who has been residing outside Nepal for more than 2 continuous years and holds a valid Nepali passport | A Nepali worker on a labour permit in Qatar, Malaysia, or South Korea for 3+ years |
The key distinction: Category A NRNs have given up their Nepali citizenship and hold a foreign passport. Category B NRNs are still Nepali citizens but live abroad. Both categories can obtain an NRN identity card, but their legal rights in Nepal differ — particularly regarding property and citizenship.
NRN Identity Card: What It Is
The NRN identity card is a government-issued card that formally recognises your NRN status. It is issued by the Department of Immigration in coordination with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA). The card is not a passport, not a citizenship certificate, and not a visa — it is a separate identity document that grants specific privileges within Nepal.
How to Apply for an NRN Identity Card
- Check eligibility: Confirm you meet the NRN definition under either Category A or B
- Prepare documents: Gather all required documents (see table below)
- Submit application: Apply online through the NRNA portal or at a Nepali embassy/consulate abroad, or at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu
- Pay the fee: NRN card fee applies (varies by location of application)
- Receive the card: Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks; card is valid for 10 years
Documents Required
| Document | Category A | Category B |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Nepali citizenship certificate (or parents'/grandparents') | Required | Not required |
| Current foreign passport | Required | Not applicable |
| Current Nepali passport | Not applicable | Required |
| Proof of Nepali origin (birth certificate, family records) | Required | Not required |
| Proof of foreign residency (visa, residence permit, work permit) | Required | Required (2+ years) |
| Passport-size photographs | Required | Required |
| Application form | Required | Required |
NRN Card Renewal
The NRN identity card is valid for 10 years. Renewal requires the same documents plus the expired NRN card. Apply for renewal before the card expires to avoid a gap in your NRN status. Renewal can be done at any Nepali embassy/consulate or at the Department of Immigration in Nepal.
Benefits of NRN Status in Nepal
The NRN identity card grants several important privileges:
Property Rights
NRNs can own land and property in Nepal — this is one of the most significant benefits. Foreign nationals who are not NRNs generally cannot own property in Nepal. The process requires:
- NRN identity card as proof of status
- Property registration at the Land Revenue Office (Malpot Karyalaya)
- The property must be in the NRN's own name
- There are limits on the amount of land an NRN can own — the ceiling varies by property type and location
Business and Investment Rights
NRNs can invest in Nepal's economy with preferential treatment:
- Foreign direct investment: NRNs can invest in Nepali companies and businesses
- Banking: NRNs can open foreign currency accounts and NRN savings accounts in Nepali banks
- Stock market: NRNs can invest in the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) through designated NRN accounts
- Tax incentives: Certain investment categories offer tax benefits for NRN investors
Other Benefits
- Visa-free entry: Category A NRNs (foreign passport holders) can enter Nepal without a visa for up to 150 days per year
- Education: NRN quota available in some government educational institutions
- Banking services: Access to NRN-specific banking products, remittance services, and fixed deposit schemes
- Government services: Access to certain government services available to Nepali citizens
Limitations of NRN Status
NRN status is not the same as citizenship. Key limitations include:
| Right | Nepali Citizen | NRN (Category A) | NRN (Category B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vote in elections | Yes | No | Yes (if registered) |
| Hold government office | Yes | No | Yes |
| Nepal passport | Yes | No (foreign passport) | Yes (already holds one) |
| Own property | Yes (no limit) | Yes (with limits) | Yes (as citizen) |
| Invest in Nepal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pass citizenship to children | Yes (by descent) | No (must apply separately) | Yes (by descent) |
The most important limitation for Category A NRNs: you cannot get a Nepal passport, you cannot vote, and your NRN card does not function as a citizenship certificate. For legal purposes in Nepal (such as property registration and court proceedings), the NRN card is used in place of a citizenship certificate.
NRN Status vs Dual Citizenship
Nepal does not allow dual citizenship. This is a critical point that many NRNs misunderstand:
- If you acquire foreign citizenship, your Nepali citizenship is automatically revoked under Nepal law
- The NRN identity card is not a form of dual citizenship — it is a special status recognition that grants certain privileges but not citizenship rights
- You cannot hold a Nepali passport and a foreign passport simultaneously
- The NRNA has advocated for dual citizenship provisions, but as of April 2026, no legislative change has been made
Can NRNs Regain Full Nepali Citizenship?
Yes — but the process requires significant commitment. Category A NRNs (who hold foreign citizenship) must:
- Renounce their foreign citizenship — this is irreversible and must be completed before applying
- Return to Nepal permanently — establish continuous residency
- Apply for citizenship at the District Administration Office (DAO) in the district of intended permanent residence
- Meet all naturalisation requirements — including residency period, clean criminal record, and basic Nepali language ability
The citizenship obtained is naturalised citizenship — not by descent. Naturalised citizens have the same rights as other citizens except they cannot hold certain high constitutional positions (President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker).
For foreign spouses of Nepali citizens who are not of Nepali origin, the pathway is different — see our guide on citizenship after marriage in Nepal, which covers the Article 11(6) seven-year residency requirement.
Considering returning to Nepal? Our lawyers can advise on the citizenship process →
NRN and Marriage in Nepal
NRNs — whether Category A or Category B — can register a marriage in Nepal. The process differs slightly depending on your category:
Category B NRN (Nepali Citizen Abroad)
Since you are still a Nepali citizen, you follow the standard court marriage process — the same as any domestic couple. You need your Nepali citizenship certificate, and the standard Section 70 conditions apply. No additional documentation is required beyond what any Nepali citizen provides.
Category A NRN (Foreign Citizen of Nepali Origin)
Since you hold foreign citizenship, you are treated as a foreign national for marriage registration purposes. You must:
- Provide your foreign passport (not expired Nepali passport)
- Provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or affidavit of eligibility from your embassy, or a sworn affidavit if the embassy does not issue NOCs
- Provide a single status certificate from your country of citizenship or a sworn declaration
- Complete the 15-day continuous residency in Nepal before the District Court processes the registration
- Your NRN identity card may serve as additional supporting documentation
For the complete process and document requirements for foreign nationals marrying in Nepal, see our guide on court marriage for foreigners in Nepal.
NRN Marrying Another NRN
Two NRNs can marry in Nepal. If both are Category B (Nepali citizens), the standard process applies. If one or both are Category A (foreign citizens), the foreign national process applies for each foreign citizen party. The court treats each party individually based on their citizenship status.
NRN Property Rights in Detail
Property ownership is often the primary reason NRNs apply for the identity card. Here is what the law allows:
What NRNs Can Own
- Residential property: Houses, apartments, and residential land
- Commercial property: Office space, shops, and commercial buildings
- Agricultural land: Subject to ceiling limits that vary by district
Restrictions
- Land ceiling: There are limits on the amount of land an NRN can own — the ceiling varies by location (Kathmandu Valley vs Terai vs hills)
- Strategic areas: Property in certain border areas or restricted zones may not be available to NRNs
- Registration: Property must be registered at the Land Revenue Office with the NRN identity card as the ownership document
Comparison with Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals who are not NRNs generally cannot own land or property in Nepal. This is one of the key advantages of NRN status — it bridges the gap between being a foreign citizen and having property rights in Nepal. Foreign spouses of Nepali citizens who do not have NRN status must register property in their Nepali spouse's name.
NRN in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada
The largest NRN communities are in these four countries. Key considerations:
| Country | Key Consideration |
|---|---|
| USA | US citizenship renunciation fee is substantial. NRN card allows property ownership without renouncing US citizenship. Tax reporting: US citizens must report worldwide income including Nepal property |
| UK | British-Nepali community is large (Gurkha connection). NRN card widely used for property investment. UK allows dual nationality — but Nepal does not |
| Australia | Growing Nepali community. NRN card process through Nepali embassy in Canberra or consulates. Same rights and limitations as NRNs from other countries |
| Canada | Significant Nepali diaspora especially in Alberta and Ontario. NRN card through Nepali embassy in Ottawa. Canadian-Nepali community actively uses NRN investment provisions |
Common Mistakes About NRN Status
- "NRN card is like dual citizenship." It is not. Nepal does not allow dual citizenship. The NRN card is a privilege recognition — not a citizenship document
- "I can vote with my NRN card." Category A NRNs (foreign citizens) cannot vote in Nepali elections. Only Category B (Nepali citizens abroad) retain voting rights
- "I can get a Nepal passport with my NRN card." No. Only Nepali citizens can hold a Nepal passport. Category A NRNs must renounce foreign citizenship and regain Nepali citizenship first
- "My children automatically get NRN status." Children born abroad to Category A NRNs are foreign citizens — they must apply for NRN status separately based on their Nepali ancestry
- "NRN card means I can live in Nepal permanently." Category A NRNs can enter visa-free for up to 150 days per year. For longer stays, a visa is required. The NRN card does not grant permanent residency
Conclusion
NRN status is Nepal's way of maintaining a legal connection with its diaspora — granting property rights, investment opportunities, and access to services without requiring full citizenship. For the millions of Nepalis abroad, the NRN identity card is a valuable document that opens doors in Nepal. But it is essential to understand what it is and what it is not: it is not citizenship, it does not allow dual nationality, and it does not grant all the rights that Nepali citizens enjoy. Whether you are looking to invest in property, register a marriage, or explore returning to Nepal permanently, understanding your NRN rights is the first step.
Our lawyers advise NRN clients on marriage registration, property transactions, citizenship applications, and family law matters in Nepal. We handle cases from clients in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and across the globe.
Contact our lawyers for a free consultation on NRN legal matters →
Frequently Asked Questions
An NRN is a person of Nepali origin who has acquired foreign citizenship (Category A) or a Nepali citizen who has lived abroad for more than 2 continuous years (Category B). NRN status is defined by the NRN Act 2064 (2007).
No. Nepal does not allow dual citizenship. The NRN identity card grants specific privileges (property, investment, banking) but is not a citizenship document. You cannot hold a Nepal passport and a foreign passport simultaneously.
Yes. NRNs can own land and property in Nepal — this is one of the primary benefits of the NRN identity card. There are ceiling limits on the amount of land that can be owned, varying by property type and location.
Apply through the NRNA portal online, at a Nepali embassy or consulate abroad, or at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Submit proof of Nepali origin, your foreign passport (Category A) or Nepali passport (Category B), and other required documents.
The NRN identity card is valid for 10 years. Apply for renewal before expiry with the same documents plus the expired card. Renewal is available at Nepali embassies or the Department of Immigration.
Category A NRNs (foreign citizens) cannot vote. Category B NRNs (Nepali citizens abroad) retain their voting rights if they are registered voters, but must be present in Nepal to vote in person.
Children born abroad to NRN parents can apply for NRN status separately based on their Nepali ancestry. They do not automatically receive NRN status. The application requires proof of the parent's Nepali origin and the child's relationship to them.
Yes. Category B NRNs (Nepali citizens) follow the standard court marriage process. Category A NRNs (foreign citizens) follow the foreign national process — requiring a foreign passport, embassy NOC, single status certificate, and 15-day residency.
Yes. A Category A NRN must renounce their foreign citizenship, return to Nepal permanently, and apply for naturalised citizenship at the District Administration Office. The citizenship obtained is naturalised — with certain restrictions on high constitutional positions.
No. Only Nepali citizens can hold a Nepal passport. Category A NRNs (foreign citizens) must first renounce their foreign citizenship and regain Nepali citizenship before they can apply for a Nepal passport.
Yes. NRNs can invest in the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) through designated NRN accounts. NRN-specific banking products and investment provisions are available at major Nepali banks for both Category A and Category B NRNs.
Category A NRNs can enter Nepal visa-free for up to 150 days per year. For longer stays, a visa is required. The NRN card does not grant permanent residency or unlimited stay.
Category A: Person of Nepali origin who has acquired foreign citizenship — holds a foreign passport. Category B: Nepali citizen living abroad for 2+ years — still holds a Nepali passport. Category B NRNs retain more rights (voting, government positions).
No. NRN status requires Nepali origin. A foreign spouse of an NRN does not qualify for NRN status. However, they may apply for citizenship after marriage under Article 11(6) of the Constitution — requiring 7 years of continuous residency in Nepal.
The NRN Act 2064 covers persons whose parents or grandparents were Nepali citizens. Third-generation Nepalis (grandchildren of Nepali citizens) may qualify if they can provide documentary proof of their grandparents' Nepali citizenship.
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