According to a recent reform in the citizenship law, non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) can apply for Nepali citizenship from abroad.
Following that, NRNs must apply to the district officer in charge of the district where their father, mother, or grandparents obtained citizenship. They must also provide a duplicate of their current foreign passport, a vow to defend Nepal’s Constitution, proof of their foreign citizenship, and other essential papers.
Individuals residing in SAARC countries are not eligible for NRN citizenship.
Once an NRN submits the application, the Nepali Embassy or consulate general is responsible for forwarding the application to the respective chief district officer within 15 days. Upon receiving the application, the chief district officer must verify the identity of the non-resident Nepali with the assistance of a Nepali citizen.
If the chief district officer has doubts about the foreign citizenship and passport submitted by the NRN, he can ask the relevant embassy or consulate general to check the validity.
Before granting an NRN citizenship, the chief district officer has to make take an oath to obey the constitution and laws of Nepal.
By obtaining Nepali citizenship, NRNs will find it easier to invest in Nepal along with owning properties. They can also engage in other social and cultural activities. However, the citizenship will not allow the NRNs any political rights. This means those who have both international and Nepali citizenship will not be allowed to vote, contest an election, or hold government posts.
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