Provisions on Citizenship in Nepal

This summary provides a simplified overview of the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063 (2006) and its Rules, 2063, reflecting the legislative intent and legal terminology. (To read details in Nepali, click here)

1. Types and Grounds for Acquiring Citizenship

Nepali law provides four primary categories of citizenship:

Type	Primary Grounds
Citizenship by Descent	Based on the father or mother being a Nepali citizen; includes foundlings (abandoned minors) or children of Nepali mothers whose fathers are unidentified.
Naturalized Citizenship	Granted to foreign women married to Nepali men, children of Nepali mothers and foreign fathers (under specific conditions), or foreigners with distinguished service.
Honorary Citizenship	Granted by the Government of Nepal to internationally renowned individuals.
Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Citizenship	For former Nepali citizens (or their descendants) residing in non-SAARC countries, granting economic, social, and cultural rights.

2. Citizenship by Descent (Section 3 & Rule 3)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Any person whose father or mother was a citizen of Nepal at the time of the person's birth.
• Every minor found within Nepal whose paternal and maternal parentage is unknown (until the parents are traced).
• Children of citizens who acquired citizenship by birth before September 20, 2015 (provided both parents are now citizens of Nepal).
• Children born in Nepal to a Nepali mother and residing in Nepal, whose father remains unidentified (Self-declaration required).

Required Documents:

• Citizenship certificate of the father, mother, or a relative within three generations.
• Recommendation from the local level or a Birth Registration Certificate.
• If evidence is insufficient: A field inquiry (Sarjamin) conducted in the presence of local officials and witness verification (Sanakhat) by at least two citizens.

3. Naturalized Citizenship (Section 5 & Rules 5/7)

• Marital Naturalization: A foreign woman married to a Nepali citizen may apply upon initiating the process to renounce her foreign citizenship.
• Children of Nepali Women & Foreign Fathers: If born and residing in Nepal and they have not acquired the father’s foreign citizenship, they may apply for naturalized citizenship.
• Special Contribution: Foreigners who have resided in Nepal for 15 years, can speak/write Nepali, and have made significant contributions (in science, arts, etc.) may be granted citizenship.

4. Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Citizenship (Section 7A)

• Available to individuals who once held Nepali citizenship (or whose parents/grandparents were citizens) and are now citizens of a non-SAARC country.
• It grants economic, social, and cultural rights but does not include political rights (voting or holding office).
• Applicants must provide proof of renouncing previous Nepali citizenship and take an oath of allegiance.

5. Modern Provisions: Identity and Self-Declaration

• Gender Identity: Citizens may choose their gender identity as Male, Female, or Others.
• Choice of Surname/Address: Individuals may choose to use either the surname and address of their mother or their father.
• The Concept of Self-Declaration: In cases where the father is unidentified or a foreign national, a formal self-declaration by the applicant and the mother is mandatory. Providing a false declaration is a criminal offense.

6. Renunciation and Re-acquisition (Sections 10 & 11)

• Loss of Citizenship: Nepali citizenship is automatically lost if a person voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship or formally renounces Nepali citizenship.
• Re-acquisition: A former Nepali citizen who has renounced foreign citizenship and returned to reside in Nepal can re-acquire Nepali citizenship by submitting evidence of renunciation to the Chief District Officer (CDO).

7. Offenses and Penalties (Section 21)

• False Information by a Foreigner: Imprisonment for 1 to 5 years or a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 NPR (or both).
• False Recommendation/Verification: Imprisonment for 6 months to 3 years.
• False Self-Declaration: Imprisonment for 6 months to 1 year or a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 NPR.

Note: The Chief District Officer (CDO) is the primary issuing authority. If an application is rejected, the applicant must be notified of the decision within seven days.