Renouncing Nepali citizenship is a significant legal decision that carries permanent consequences. Many Nepali citizens living abroad — particularly those who have obtained citizenship in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, or Japan — choose to renounce their Nepali citizenship to comply with their new country’s nationality laws.
The citizenship renunciation process in Nepal is governed by the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063 (2006) and the Nepal Citizenship Regulations, 2063 (2006). Understanding this process thoroughly before initiating it is absolutely essential.
This comprehensive legal guide will walk you through every step of the citizenship renunciation process, required documents, applicable laws, and answers to the most common questions.
What is Citizenship Renunciation?
Citizenship renunciation means voluntarily giving up your Nepali citizenship. Once renounced, a person is no longer considered a Nepali citizen and loses all rights, privileges, and entitlements that come with Nepali nationality.
This process is different from citizenship revocation, which is initiated by the government. Renunciation is a voluntary, individual decision.
Who Can Renounce Nepali Citizenship?
Under Section 16 of the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063, any adult Nepali citizen who:
- Has acquired or is about to acquire the citizenship of another country
- Is of sound mind and has attained the age of 18 years
- Is not under any criminal proceedings or legal obligations that prevent renunciation
…can apply to renounce their Nepali citizenship.
Legal Basis for Citizenship Renunciation in Nepal
The legal backbone of citizenship renunciation in Nepal rests on the following laws:
Law/RegulationSectionSubject MatterNepal Citizenship Act, 2063 (2006)Section 16Renunciation of citizenshipNepal Citizenship Act, 2063 (2006)Section 17Effect of renunciationNepal Citizenship Regulations, 2063Rule 14Procedures and applicationConstitution of Nepal, 2072 (2015)Article 11Right to citizenshipNepal Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2080VariousUpdated provisions
The Constitution of Nepal, 2072 under Article 11 also recognizes the right of any citizen to renounce citizenship voluntarily, provided the legal requirements are met.
Key Legal Provisions to Understand
Section 16 of the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063 clearly states that a Nepali citizen who has obtained or is about to obtain citizenship of another country may apply for renunciation. The application must be submitted to the Chief District Officer (CDO) of the respective district.
Section 17 outlines that once renunciation is accepted and registered, the person is no longer a Nepali citizen. This renunciation takes immediate legal effect.
Grounds and Reasons for Renouncing Nepali Citizenship
People renounce Nepali citizenship for various practical and legal reasons:
- Dual citizenship restrictions – Most countries require giving up prior citizenship before granting naturalization
- Employment requirements – Certain government jobs abroad require sole citizenship
- Tax and legal obligations – Simplifying international legal status
- Permanent residency or immigration – Meeting immigration requirements of a new country
- Marriage to a citizen of another country – Some countries require renunciation upon spousal naturalization
- Personal or ideological reasons
Nepal currently does not allow dual citizenship in general practice, except in limited provisions introduced by the Nepal Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2080 (2023) for Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN). However, this NRN provision grants a special identity card, not full dual citizenship.
Documents Required for Citizenship Renunciation in Nepal
Gathering the correct documents before visiting the CDO office is extremely important. Missing documents can delay or reject your application.
Primary Documents
DocumentDetails/NotesOriginal Nepali Citizenship CertificateBoth sides requiredValid Passport (Nepali)All pages, including blank pagesNew Country's Citizenship/PassportDuly certified and notarizedDuly completed ApplicationPrescribed form from CDO officeBirth CertificateNepali birth registration certificateProof of ResidenceWard-level residence certificate
Supporting Documents
Supporting DocumentPurposeMarriage Certificate (if applicable)To update marital recordsChildren's Birth CertificatesTo indicate renunciation effect on dependentsCourt Clearance CertificateProving no pending criminal caseIncome Tax ClearanceProving no pending tax duesProperty Documents (if applicable)To resolve land/property matters before renunciationAffidavit of Voluntary RenunciationSworn legal statement
Additional Documents for Applicants Abroad
- Notarized copy of new country’s citizenship certificate or passport
- Nepali Embassy or Consulate verification letter
- Power of attorney (if applying through a representative, though in-person appearance is preferred)
Step-by-Step Citizenship Renunciation Process in Nepal
The citizenship renunciation process in Nepal involves clearly defined steps that must be followed in order.
Step 1: Obtain the Prescribed Application
Visit the Chief District Officer (CDO) office in the district where your citizenship was registered. Request the prescribed renunciation application — Form No. 14 as referenced under Rule 14 of the Nepal Citizenship Regulations, 2063.
- You can also download preliminary forms from the Department of National ID and Civil Registration (DONIDCR) website
- Ensure you use the most current version of the application
- Read all instructions carefully before completing the application
Step 2: Complete and Notarize the Application
- Complete all sections of the application in Nepali language
- Attach a passport-sized photograph (4 copies)
- Prepare a written declaration stating that you are voluntarily renouncing your citizenship
- Get the application and declaration notarized by a registered notary in Nepal or through the Nepali Embassy if abroad
- Include reasons for renunciation clearly in the application
Step 3: Compile and Verify All Documents
- Arrange all original documents and certified copies
- Verify that all documents are valid and not expired
- Get documents translated into Nepali if originally in a foreign language
- Obtain official translations certified by recognized translation services or the embassy
- Make at least three sets of copies of all documents
Step 4: Submit Application to the Chief District Officer
- Visit the CDO office personally (in-person appearance is mandatory in most districts)
- Submit all documents at the citizenship desk or relevant counter
- Pay the prescribed government service fee (typically NPR 100 to NPR 500 depending on the district and service)
- Collect the application receipt/token number
- The CDO may ask preliminary questions regarding your decision and new citizenship status
Step 5: Verification and Inquiry Process
After submission, the CDO office initiates a verification process:
- Documents are sent to the District Administration Office (DAO) for background verification
- Police clearance or background check may be requested
- The CDO may request a personal hearing or interview
- Verification of no pending criminal cases or court orders is conducted
- Outstanding tax dues and property matters are checked
- This process typically takes 15 to 45 working days
Step 6: Approval, Registration, and Certificate of Renunciation
- Once verified and approved by the CDO, the renunciation is registered in the official citizenship records
- A Certificate of Renunciation (Nagarikta Tyagpatra) is issued
- Your original Nepali citizenship certificate is surrendered and cancelled
- The renunciation is recorded in the national database
- Records are updated with the Department of National ID and Civil Registration
- The certificate can be used to update status in your new country’s immigration records
Effect of Renunciation on Property and Family Rights
Impact on Property Rights
Renouncing Nepali citizenship has direct legal consequences on property ownership in Nepal. Under Land Act, 2021 (2064 BS) and related laws:
- A foreign national (which you become after renunciation) cannot own agricultural land in Nepal
- Any existing agricultural land must be disposed of within a prescribed period under Land Acquisition Act
- Non-agricultural property rights may still be held in limited circumstances but are subject to restrictions
- It is strongly advised to resolve property matters before renouncing citizenship
Impact on Children’s Citizenship
Renouncing your citizenship does not automatically affect your minor children’s Nepali citizenship. However:
- Minor children may retain their Nepali citizenship until they reach adulthood
- Upon reaching 18 years, they may need to make their own citizenship choice
- This is governed by Section 9 and 10 of the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063
Impact on Voting and Civil Rights
- You permanently lose the right to vote in Nepali elections
- You become ineligible to hold public office in Nepal
- You cannot access government employment reserved for citizens
- National identity cards and related privileges are cancelled
Citizenship Renunciation Through Nepali Embassy Abroad
Many applicants prefer to initiate the renunciation process through a Nepali Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. This option exists for those who cannot travel to Nepal.
Embassy-Based Renunciation Process
- Visit the nearest Nepali Embassy or Consulate with original documents
- Complete and submit the renunciation application at the consular section
- The Embassy verifies documents and forwards the application to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Nepal
- MoHA reviews the application and forwards it to the concerned CDO office in Nepal
- The process is completed in Nepal and the Certificate of Renunciation is sent back to the embassy
- The applicant collects the certificate from the embassy
This process is slightly longer and can take 2 to 4 months. However, it eliminates the need for the applicant to travel to Nepal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Citizenship Renunciation
Being aware of common errors can save considerable time and resources:
- Incomplete application – Missing signatures, photographs, or sections cause rejection
- Expired documents – Submitting outdated passports or certificates
- Pending legal cases – The CDO will reject applications if criminal cases are open
- Outstanding tax liabilities – Unresolved tax dues delay or block renunciation
- Unresolved property disputes – Property ownership issues should be settled first
- Incorrect document translation – Non-certified translations are not accepted
- Applying without new citizenship proof – You must demonstrate you are acquiring or have acquired new citizenship
Timeline and Fees for Citizenship Renunciation in Nepal
StageEstimated TimeApplication preparation1–2 weeksDocument verification by CDO15–45 working daysEmbassy process (if applicable)2–4 monthsCertificate issuance1–2 weeks after approvalTotal estimated time1–5 months
Government Fees
The government fee is relatively modest. Standard application and processing fees are:
- Application processing: NPR 100 – NPR 500
- Notarization (by private notary): NPR 500 – NPR 2,000
- Translation services (if needed): NPR 1,000 – NPR 5,000 per document
Re-acquisition of Nepali Citizenship After Renunciation
One of the most asked questions is whether it is possible to regain Nepali citizenship after renunciation. Under the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063:
- A person who has renounced citizenship may re-apply for naturalized citizenship if they later return to Nepal and give up their foreign citizenship
- The conditions and requirements for re-acquisition are more stringent than original naturalization
- There is no automatic re-instatement of previous citizenship
- The applicant must have resided in Nepal for at least 15 years before applying for re-naturalization in standard cases
Role of a Lawyer in the Citizenship Renunciation Process
Although hiring a lawyer is not legally mandatory, consulting a qualified Nepali lawyer specializing in immigration and citizenship law is highly recommended.
A lawyer can:
- Review your documents for completeness and accuracy
- Guide you through the exact CDO procedure in your district
- Assist with drafting the voluntary renunciation declaration
- Represent you during the hearing process
- Advise on property and family law implications
- Resolve complications that arise during verification
Legal consultation costs typically range between NPR 5,000 and NPR 25,000 depending on the complexity of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I renounce Nepali citizenship while living abroad without visiting Nepal?
Yes, you can initiate the renunciation process through a Nepali Embassy or Consulate in your country. The Embassy forwards your application to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the concerned CDO office. However, the process takes longer — approximately 2 to 4 months.
Q2. What happens to my property in Nepal after I renounce citizenship?
After renouncing Nepali citizenship, you become a foreign national. Under Nepali land laws, you cannot hold agricultural land. You should transfer or dispose of agricultural property before or soon after renunciation to avoid legal complications under the Land Act, 2064.
Q3. Does renouncing Nepali citizenship affect my minor children’s citizenship?
No, renouncing your citizenship does not directly cancel your minor children’s Nepali citizenship. Under Section 9 and 10 of the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063, minor children retain their citizenship rights until they reach adulthood and can make independent choices.
Q4. How long does the citizenship renunciation process take in Nepal?
The complete process takes approximately 1 to 5 months. Direct applications at the CDO office take 15 to 45 working days. Embassy-based applications can take 2 to 4 months due to additional verification steps and document forwarding between institutions.
Q5. What is the government fee for renouncing Nepali citizenship?
The government processing fee is modest, ranging from NPR 100 to NPR 500. Additional costs include notarization, document translation, and legal consultation. The total expenditure typically ranges between NPR 2,000 and NPR 30,000 depending on case complexity.
Q6. Can I get Nepali citizenship back after renouncing it?
Re-acquiring Nepali citizenship after renunciation is possible but difficult. You must give up your foreign citizenship, reside in Nepal for a qualifying period (typically 15 years for standard naturalization), and reapply under the Nepal Citizenship Act. There is no automatic reinstatement of previously held citizenship.
Q7. Is a police clearance certificate required for citizenship renunciation?
Yes, the CDO office may require a police clearance certificate or conduct a background check. This ensures no pending criminal cases exist against the applicant. It is advisable to obtain a police clearance certificate before submitting your renunciation application.
Q8. Can a person under 18 years of age renounce Nepali citizenship?
No, only adults who have attained 18 years of age can independently renounce Nepali citizenship under Section 16 of the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063. Minors cannot renounce citizenship on their own; legal guardians cannot renounce on their behalf either.
Conclusion
The citizenship renunciation process in Nepal is a legally defined, straightforward but permanent process. It is governed by the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063, the Nepal Citizenship Regulations, 2063, and the Constitution of Nepal, 2072.
Before initiating renunciation, every applicant must carefully consider the implications — especially regarding property rights, family law, voting rights, and potential re-acquisition difficulties.
Gather all required documents, resolve pending legal and financial matters, and consider seeking professional legal advice. Whether you apply directly at the CDO office or through a Nepali Embassy abroad, understanding each step ensures a smooth and legally compliant renunciation process.
