1. Who is considered a Non-Resident Nepali (NRN)?

The Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064 categorizes individuals as NRNs under two main definitions:

I. Foreign Citizens of Nepali Origin:

• Individuals who themselves, or whose father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother, were citizens of Nepal at any time.
• Have subsequently acquired citizenship of a foreign country that is not a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

II. Nepali Citizens Residing Abroad:

• Nepali citizens who have been living in a foreign country for at least two years.
• Engaged in any profession, occupation, business, or employment in that foreign country.
• Excludes Nepali citizens residing in SAARC member countries.
• Excludes Nepali citizens serving in diplomatic missions or consulates abroad under the Government of Nepal.
• Excludes Nepali citizens studying in academic institutions abroad.

2. Eligibility Criteria for NRN Citizenship

To be eligible for NRN Citizenship in Nepal, you must meet the following requirements:

• Foreign Citizenship Requirement: Must currently hold citizenship of a country other than Nepal.
• Residence Outside SAARC Region: Country of residence must not be a member of the SAARC region (India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan).
• Proof of Nepali Origin: Direct ancestors (father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother) must have been citizens of Nepal by birth or descent prior to acquiring foreign citizenship.

3. Required Documents for the NRN Citizenship

The following documents are necessary when applying for NRN Citizenship:

Phase 1: Documents Required for Renunciation of Nepali Citizenship (if applicable)

1. Complete Application Form (available at the District Administration Office – DAO in Nepal).
2. Original Nepali Citizenship Certificate and Passport (if previously held).
3. Copies of Nepali Citizenship Certificates of the person with the direct incestry.
4. Foreign Citizenship Documents:
   • Copy of your foreign citizenship certificate.
   • Copy of your valid foreign passport.
5. Copy of your NRN Identity Card (if you have one).
6. Recent Passport-Sized Photographs meeting official specifications.
7. Police Clearance Certificate.

Phase 2: Additional Documents Required for NRN Citizenship Application (after receiving the Renunciation Letter)

• Official Letter confirming the Renunciation of Nepali Citizenship issued by the DAO.
• Recommendation from the Local Ward Office in permanent residence in Nepal.

4. Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining NRN Citizenship

The process for acquiring NRN Citizenship involves these steps:

Step 1: Renunciation of Existing Nepali Citizenship (If Applicable)

For individuals who previously held Nepali citizenship, the first step in obtaining Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Citizenship is to formally renounce their Nepali citizenship. This involves the following steps:

i. Submission of Application and Required Documents:
The applicant must submit a formal request for renunciation along with all necessary supporting documents to the District Administration Office (DAO).

ii. Document Verification by DAO
Upon receiving the application, the DAO will carefully review and verify all submitted documents to ensure their authenticity and completeness.

iii. Referral to Police for Criminal Record Check
After the initial verification, the DAO will forward a request to the police department to conduct a background check to confirm whether the applicant has any criminal records.

iv. Submission of No Criminal Record Certificate
Once the police issue a certificate confirming that the applicant has no criminal background, this document must be submitted back to the DAO.

v. Issuance of Citizenship Renunciation Confirmation Letter
Upon satisfactory review of all documents and background checks, the DAO will issue an official letter confirming the renunciation of Nepali citizenship.

Step 2: Application for NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) Citizenship

Once the renunciation of previous Nepali citizenship is confirmed (if applicable), the applicant can proceed with the NRN Citizenship application process. This includes the following steps:

i. Submission of NRN Citizenship Application and Supporting Documents
The applicant must complete the NRN Citizenship Application Form and submit it, along with all required documents—including the Citizenship Renunciation Confirmation Letter—to the relevant ward office for an official recommendation.

ii. Background Verification by Ward Office
The ward office will conduct a background check to verify the applicant’s identity, history, and other relevant details. If the information is found to be accurate and satisfactory, the ward office will issue a Recommendation Letter.

iii. Submission to District Administration Office (DAO)
The applicant must then submit the complete application package—including the ward’s recommendation letter and all supporting documents—to the District Administration Office (DAO).

iv. In-Person Verification by a Close Relative
A close relative who holds valid Nepali citizenship must appear in person at the DAO. Their role is to verify the applicant’s identity, relationship, and background information.

v. Issuance of NRN Citizenship Certificate
Upon successful completion of all verifications and formalities, the District Administration Office will issue the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Citizenship Certificate, officially recognizing the applicant’s status as an NRN citizen.

5. Rights Granted by NRN Citizenship

NRN Citizenship confers specific rights, primarily in the economic, social, and cultural spheres. It does not grant political or administrative rights, such as the right to vote or hold public office.

For expert guidance and hassle-free NRN Citizenship services, please contact Moksha Legal Group. Our experienced legal team ensures a smooth and efficient process.

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