How to Acquire Nepali Citizenship as NRN?

Can NRNs acquire Nepali citizenship?

Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) can acquire Nepali citizenship under specific circumstances. The Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063 (2006) and its subsequent amendments provide provisions for NRNs to obtain citizenship. NRN who have renounced their Nepali citizenship or those born to Nepali parents abroad may be eligible to acquire Nepali citizenship. The process involves meeting certain criteria and submitting required documents to the Department of Immigration.

NRNs must demonstrate their connection to Nepal through ancestry, birth, or previous citizenship. The government of Nepal recognizes the contributions of NRNs to the country’s development and has implemented policies to facilitate their integration into Nepali society.

What are the conditions for NRN citizenship?

The conditions for NRN citizenship are outlined in the Nepal Citizenship Act and related regulations. NRNs must fulfill the following requirements:

• Proof of Nepali origin or previous Nepali citizenship
• Renunciation of foreign citizenship (if applicable)
• Intention to reside in Nepal permanently
• Good moral character and no criminal record
• Knowledge of Nepali language and culture
• Compliance with Nepali laws and regulations
• Minimum age requirement (usually 18 years)
• Submission of required documents and fees

NRNs must also demonstrate their commitment to Nepal’s development and willingness to contribute to the country’s progress. The government may consider factors such as investment in Nepal, professional expertise, and cultural contributions when evaluating citizenship applications from NRNs.

Is dual citizenship allowed for NRNs?

Dual citizenship is not allowed for NRNs under current Nepali law. The Nepal Citizenship Act explicitly prohibits dual citizenship, requiring individuals to renounce their foreign citizenship before acquiring Nepali citizenship. NRNs who wish to obtain Nepali citizenship must provide evidence of renouncing their foreign citizenship as part of the application process.

This policy aims to ensure undivided loyalty to Nepal and prevent potential conflicts of interest. However, there have been ongoing discussions and debates about the possibility of introducing dual citizenship for NRNs in the future, considering their significant contributions to Nepal’s economy and development.

Are children of NRNs eligible for citizenship?

Children of NRNs may be eligible for Nepali citizenship under certain conditions. The Nepal Citizenship Act provides provisions for citizenship by descent and naturalization for children born to Nepali parents abroad. The eligibility criteria include:

• At least one parent must be a Nepali citizen at the time of the child’s birth
• The child must be registered with the Nepali embassy or consulate in the country of birth
• The child must not have acquired citizenship of another country by descent
• The child must apply for Nepali citizenship before reaching the age of 18

Children of NRNs who do not meet these criteria may still be eligible for naturalized citizenship if they meet other requirements, such as residing in Nepal for a specified period and renouncing any foreign citizenship.

What documents are required for NRN citizenship?

NRNs applying for Nepali citizenship must submit the following documents:

• Completed citizenship application form
• Proof of Nepali origin (birth certificate, parents’ citizenship certificates)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Valid identification documents (passport, driver’s license)
• Proof of renunciation of foreign citizenship (if applicable)
• Character certificate from local authorities
• Proof of residence in Nepal (if required)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates of children (if applicable)
• Educational certificates (if applicable)
• Employment or business records in Nepal (if applicable)
• Affidavit declaring intention to reside in Nepal permanently
• Any additional documents required by the Department of Immigration

All documents must be original or certified copies, and those in foreign languages must be translated into Nepali or English by a certified translator.

Can NRNs regain lost Nepali citizenship?

NRNs who have previously renounced their Nepali citizenship can regain it under certain circumstances. The Nepal Citizenship Act allows for the reinstatement of citizenship for individuals who have voluntarily renounced their Nepali citizenship in the past. The process involves:

• Submitting an application to the Ministry of Home Affairs
• Providing proof of previous Nepali citizenship
• Demonstrating intention to reside in Nepal permanently
• Renouncing current foreign citizenship
• Meeting other eligibility criteria as specified by law

The reinstatement process may require additional scrutiny and documentation compared to regular citizenship applications. NRNs seeking to regain their lost citizenship must demonstrate their commitment to Nepal and comply with all legal requirements.

How long does it take to process NRN citizenship?

The processing time for NRN citizenship applications can vary depending on various factors. Generally, the process may take several months to a year or more. Factors affecting the processing time include:

• Completeness and accuracy of the application
• Volume of applications being processed
• Verification of documents and background checks
• Additional inquiries or interviews required
• Changes in government policies or procedures

Applicants are advised to submit all required documents and respond promptly to any requests for additional information to expedite the process. The Department of Immigration may provide updates on the application status, but processing times can be unpredictable due to administrative and bureaucratic factors.

Are NRNs eligible for honorary citizenship?

Honorary citizenship is not a common practice in Nepal, and there are no specific provisions for honorary citizenship for NRNs in the Nepal Citizenship Act. The concept of honorary citizenship typically applies to foreign nationals who have made exceptional contributions to a country. In Nepal, citizenship is primarily granted based on descent, birth, or naturalization.

NRNs seeking Nepali citizenship must follow the standard procedures outlined in the law. However, the government may consider exceptional cases on an individual basis, taking into account significant contributions to Nepal’s development, culture, or international relations.

Can NRN spouses acquire Nepali citizenship?

NRN spouses may acquire Nepali citizenship through naturalization if they meet certain criteria. The Nepal Citizenship Act provides provisions for foreign spouses of Nepali citizens to obtain citizenship. The requirements include:

• Marriage to a Nepali citizen for a minimum period (usually 7 years)
• Continuous residence in Nepal for a specified duration
• Renunciation of foreign citizenship
• Knowledge of Nepali language and culture
• Good moral character and no criminal record
• Compliance with Nepali laws and regulations

NRN spouses must submit an application along with required documents, including marriage certificate, spouse’s citizenship certificate, and proof of residence in Nepal. The process may involve interviews and background checks to verify the authenticity of the marriage and the applicant’s eligibility.

Is residency proof mandatory for NRN citizenship?

Residency proof is often required for NRN citizenship applications, particularly for those seeking naturalization. The Nepal Citizenship Act and related regulations may specify a minimum period of residence in Nepal as a prerequisite for citizenship. Residency proof can include:

• Rental agreements or property ownership documents
• Utility bills in the applicant’s name
• Employment or business records in Nepal
• Bank statements from Nepali banks
• Registration with local authorities
• School or university enrollment records (if applicable)

The specific residency requirements may vary depending on the category of citizenship being applied for and the applicant’s circumstances. NRNs should consult the Department of Immigration or legal experts for the most up-to-date information on residency requirements for citizenship applications.

Are there fees for applying for NRN citizenship?

Yes, there are fees associated with applying for NRN citizenship. The fee structure is set by the government and may be subject to change. Applicants should be prepared to pay fees for:

• Application processing
• Document verification
• Citizenship certificate issuance
• Any required translations or certifications

The exact fee amounts can vary depending on the type of citizenship application and the applicant’s circumstances. NRNs should check with the Department of Immigration or Nepali embassies and consulates for the current fee schedule. It’s advisable to pay fees only through official channels and obtain receipts for all payments made during the application process.

Can NRN citizenship be revoked?

Nepali citizenship, including that granted to NRNs, can be revoked under certain circumstances as outlined in the Nepal Citizenship Act. Grounds for citizenship revocation may include:

• Acquisition of citizenship through fraudulent means
• Engaging in activities against Nepal’s national interests
• Conviction of serious crimes
• Violation of citizenship oath or allegiance to Nepal
• Acquisition of citizenship of another country (if discovered)

The process of citizenship revocation involves a thorough investigation and legal proceedings. Individuals facing potential citizenship revocation have the right to present their case and appeal the decision through appropriate legal channels. The government must follow due process and provide sufficient evidence to support the revocation of citizenship.

FAQs

1. Are minors eligible?

Minors born to Nepali parents abroad may be eligible for citizenship by descent. The application must be made before the child turns 18. For naturalization, applicants generally must be of legal age (18 years) to apply independently.

2. Can NRNs appeal rejections?

Yes, NRNs can appeal citizenship application rejections. The appeal process typically involves submitting a written request for reconsideration to the Department of Immigration or relevant authority, providing additional evidence or clarification as needed.

3. Is marriage proof needed?

Marriage proof is required for NRN spouses applying for citizenship through marriage to a Nepali citizen. A valid marriage certificate and evidence of the duration of the marriage are typically necessary.

4. Is biometric data required?

Biometric data collection may be part of the citizenship application process. This can include fingerprints, photographs, and sometimes iris scans. Applicants should be prepared to provide biometric data if requested.

5. Are applications accepted online?

Currently, most citizenship applications require in-person submission of documents. However, some initial steps or information gathering may be available online. NRNs should check with the Department of Immigration for the most current application procedures.