NRN: Frequently Asked Questions

 Who are Non-resident Nepali (NRNs)?

According to the Non-resident Nepali Act, 2008, “Non-resident Nepali” means a foreign citizen of Nepalese origin and this term also includes a Nepalese citizen residing abroad.

(a) “Foreign citizen of Nepalese origin” means a person who him/herself or whose father, mother grandfather or grandmother was a citizen of Nepal at any time and has subsequently acquired the citizenship of any other foreign
country other than a member country of the South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation (SAARC).

(b) “Nepali citizen residing abroad” means a Nepali citizen who has been residing in any foreign country for at least Two years by doing any profession, occupation, business and employment except a Nepalese citizen residing in a member country of SAARC or Serving in a diplomatic mission or consulate situated in a foreign country under the assignment of the government of Nepal and doing study in an academic institution situated in a foreign country

2. What is an NRN Card?

NRN Card is an identity card issued to a Non-Resident Nepali by the Government of Nepal. NRN card entitles card holder various benefits as provisioned in the NRN Act and Rules.

3. Which agency issues the NRN Card?

The NRN card is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu. Outside of Nepal, the NRN cards are issued by the Nepali Embassies and Consulates.

4. Who are eligible to get NRN Card?

Foreign citizen of Nepali Origin (up to the third generation) or Nepali Citizen residing outside of Nepal are eligible to get NRN Card

5. What is the validity of NRN Card?

The validity of the NRN cards is 10 (Ten) years for Foreign Nationals of Nepali Origin and 2 (Two) years for Nepali citizens residing abroad.

6. Is foreign Spouse of NRN eligible to get NRN Card?

The NRN card is given only to those who are either foreign nationals of Nepali origin or who are Nepali citizens residing abroad. Individuals married to NRNS are not eligible for the card.

7. Can NRN card holders exercise their voting/ political rights?

No, the NRN cardholders do not have political rights. They are accorded certain benefits and privileges as specified in relevant laws and regulations.

8. Do NRNs need visa to enter and stay in Nepal?

The foreign nationals of Nepali origin holding NRN cards also do need a valid visa to enter into and stay in Nepal. But such visa is issued free of charges (gratis) at the entry ports.

9. Do NRNs get on arrival visa in Nepal?

NRN Card holders get tourist visa on gratis basis (free) on arrival at the airport. The rule governing visa for persons of Nepali Origin without NRN Card is the same as applied to any other foreign national.

10. What is NRN Visa?

NRN Visa is a gratis tourist visa issued to a foreign national holding an NRN Card upon arrival at the entry ports of Nepal. It is issued for given number of days as determined by the Department of Immigration of the Government of Nepal.NRN Visa can be extended by applying at Department of Immigration (Non Tourist Visa Section) along with specified documents. It is extended for maximum of one year at a time.  NRN visa both at the airport and DOI is issued free of charges till the date of validity of NRN card. NRN card holders are not allowed to stay in Nepal without acquiring NRN Visa.

11. What are the documents required for obtaining the NRN Visa?

  • Online application available at the DOI website
  • NRN Card (Original  and Photocopy)
  • Valid Passport and copy of its biographic data page.

12. Does NRN Card work as visa for the NRNs?

No, the card only enables the NRNs to identify themselves as NRN and apply for visa free of charges.

13. Do NRNs need to take visa after obtaining NRN Card?

Yes, but visa fee is waived (no visa fee).

14. Are NRN Card holders allowed to stay in Nepal for 10 consecutive years?

Yes, but they need to renew their visa every year at the Immigration Department of Nepal.

15. Do NRNs have to relinquish their Nepali citizenship to obtain NRN card?

The Nepali Citizenship Act provisions that a Nepali citizen whenever acquires a nationality of a foreign country, he or she automatically ceases to be a Nepali citizen, and hence, there is no need to initiate the process of citizenship relinquishment. Once NRN cards are issued to them, details of their foreign citizenship including the date when they acquire the foreign citizenship to relevant authorities in Nepal so that their Nepali citizenship record/registers are updated with cancellation.

16. Does Nepal Government recognize Dual Citizenship of NRNs?

No, Nepal does not allow its citizens to hold dual nationality. But the current constitution has a provision of Non Resident Nepali citizenship for nationals of other countries. A person having a NRN citizenship enjoys economic, social and cultural rights. However, the provision has yet to be implemented through necessary amendment in existing Citizenship Act and in Rules.

17. Are NRNs allowed to work in Nepal as a full time and part time staff in civil, private, NGOs sector or take up professions like Lawyer, Consultant, and Journalist, Trekking Guide in Nepal?

Foreign Citizen of Nepali Origin are not allowed to hold Government jobs, but they can apply for jobs at private companies and NGOs by taking work permit from concerned authorities. Foreign Nationals of Nepali origins have to follow the same rule as any other foreign national to pursue professions. 

18. How can a foreign Spouse of NRN get NRN Card?

A spouse of NRN with foreign nationality cannot obtain NRN card.

19. Is there any restriction in the amount of property to be owned and inherited by persons of Nepali origin?

Yes, there is a limit on buying property by foreign nationals of Nepali origin(NRN card holders). As stated in Clause No. 11 of NRN Bylaws 2066 which states NRN and their family members can purchase and own land and other fixed assest as specified below:

  1. Maximum of 2 Ropanis in Kathmandu Valley
  2. Maximum of 8 Kathha in metropolitan cities of Terai
  3. Maximum of 4 Ropanis in metropolitan cities of other districts except Clause   A and B
  4. Maximum of 1 Bigha in other areas of Terai except Clause B
  5. Maximum of 10 Ropanis in other areas except Clause A, B, C and D.

Buying properties beyond the above limit is illegal