Rights of Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) in Nepal (2024)

20 April 2022

This questionnaire covers matters relating to the rights of Non-Resident Nepali (“NRN”) under the laws of Nepal.

1) What are the laws governing the rights relating to NRN?

The following laws govern and regulate the rights relating to NRN:

  1. The Constitution of Nepal;
  2. The National Civil Code, 2017;
  3. Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2008;
  4. Non-Resident Nepali Regulations, 2009;
  5. Nepal Citizenship Act, 2006;
  6. Immigration Act, 1992;
  7. Immigration Regulations, 1994; and
  8. Foreign Investment and Transfer of Technology Act, 2019 (“FITTA”).

2) Who are NRNs?

NRN Act categorizes NRNs into two type’s viz. (a) foreign citizen of Nepalese origin and (b) Nepali citizen residing in foreign country.

  1. A foreign citizen of Nepalese origin includes any individual who, at any time in the past, was a citizen of Nepal, or whose father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother was a citizen of Nepal, and has acquired citizenship of any other foreign country that is not a member of the South Association of Regional Cooperation (“SAARC”).
  2. A Nepali citizen residing in foreign country includes any Nepali citizen who has lived in a foreign country for at least two years and is engaged in any profession, occupation, business, or employment, unless he or she is a Nepalese citizen residing in a SAARC member country or serving in a diplomatic mission or consulate situated in a foreign country under the assignment of the Government of Nepal and studying in an academic institution situated in a foreign country.

3)What is the process for recognition as NRN?

Persons desiring to be recognized as NRNs can apply for obtaining an NRN identification card from the relevant authority.

The process for obtaining recognition as NRN is illustrated below:

Rights of Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) in Nepal (1)

4)What are the types of visa facilities available to NRN?

NRNs, who are foreign citizens of Nepalese origin, are generally issued two different types of visas in Nepal. NRN is provided a tourist visa upon arrival in Nepal. Subsequently, NRN visa can be obtained after applying for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration. The tourist visa is issued for certain number of days whereas NRN visa is issued for a maximum of 10 years.

The documents required for obtaining NRN visa are as follows:

  1. An online visa application form available at the Department of Immigration;
  2. NRN ID Card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (“MOFA”) or its overseas missions (original and photocopy); and
  3. Current Nepalese visa and valid passport.

5)Can NRN get married in Nepal?

Yes. NRN can get married in Nepal as per the requirements provided under the National Civil Code.

6)Can NRN open a bank account in Nepal?

Yes, NRNs with NRN ID Card can open and operate an account, for the amount earned in convertible currency in any commercial bank/financial institution.

7)Can NRN reacquire Nepalese citizenship?

Yes, NRN can reacquire Nepalese citizenship by relinquishing their foreign citizenship. An application can be submitted to the MOFA or the relevant Chief District Officer who previously issued the person’s Nepalese citizenship certificate.

8)What are the provisions concerning property acquisition for NRN?

NRNs who are foreign citizens of Nepalese origin can acquire property in Nepal by following process:

  • By Purchase: Foreign citizens of Nepalese origin can purchase immovable property for residing in Nepal for themselves or their family. The applicable land ceiling for purchase of land are as follows:

Rights of Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) in Nepal (2)

Exception: The aforementioned land ceiling is not applicable to foreign citizens of Nepalese origin who had acquired land while being a Nepali citizen.

  • By inheritance: Foreign citizens of Nepalese origin can inherit ancestral property from both Nepalese and foreign citizens of Nepalese origin without seeking approval from Government of Nepal. Further, a foreign citizen of Nepalese origin must possess an NRN ID Card in order to inherit immovable property.

9)What are the provisions regarding foreign investment for NRN?

NRNs are categorized as a foreign investor under FITTA. NRNs can make foreign investment in Nepal using convertible foreign currency within the regime of FITTA to foreign countries.

The following are included in the FITTA definition of foreign investment:

  • investment in shares in foreign currency;
  • re-investment of profits derived from foreign currency or shares;
  • lease finance;
  • investment in a venture capital fund;
  • investment in listed stocks through the secondary securities market;
  • investment in a Nepali company by acquiring shares or assets;
  • technology transfer (licensing of foreign intellectual property, franchise, management, technical and marketing services); and
  • investment through the establishment and expansion of industry in Nepal.

10)What are the conditions for NRN to make foreign investment in Nepal?

NRN seeking to make foreign investment in Nepal must fulfill the following conditions:

  • investment of at least NPR 50 million (Nepalese Rupees Fifty Million) in equity shares of company;
  • proposed sector of business must not fall under the Negative List of FITTA; and
  • proposed sector of business must fall under category of an “Industry” as enlisted in Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020.

11)What is the validity period of NRN ID Card?

The NRN ID Card is valid for a period not exceeding 10 years for foreign citizens of Nepalese origin and up to 2 years for Nepali citizens residing in foreign country.

Disclaimer:Thisarticleis for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as legaladvice, advertisem*nt, personal communication, solicitation or inducement of any sort from the firm or its members. The firm shall not be liable for consequences arising out of actions undertaken by any person relying on the information provided herein.

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JUNIOR ASSOCIATE

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Rights of Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) in Nepal (2024)

FAQs

Rights of Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) in Nepal? ›

Right to run an industry or business; Purchase of land for residential purpose; Free visa (10 years) to Nepal so long as the NRN card remains valid. Right to apply for free family visa in long-term (within validity of NRN card).

Can NRN claim property in Nepal? ›

Yes as per provisions stated in the NRNA Bylaws 2066, their right to inheritance as per Nepali law is allowed. The new civil code of Nepal allows the holders of NRN Citizenship the right to inherit own and maintain property at par with other Nepali citizens.

How long NRN card holder can stay in Nepal? ›

Non-Resident Nepalese Visa

This type of visa facilitates the NRN or the people of Nepalese origin and their family members either to stay in Nepal for longer duration for personal business, business purpose or for study and research purpose. The visa is valid up to ten years and is renewable.

Can NRN open a bank account in Nepal? ›

These accounts can be open up by the members of the NRN & the NRNA respectively. NRN are those persons who have received the NRN card issued from the concerned body of the Nepal Government. NRNA MEMBERS are those persons who have received the identity card from the NRNA.

Can non resident Nepali buy land in Nepal? ›

To purchase land in Nepal, NRNs (Non Resident Nepalis) must apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The following information should be included in the application: The following documents must be submitted when a non-resident Nepali applies to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to purchase land.

What is the benefit of NRN card in Nepal? ›

Right to run an industry or business; Purchase of land for residential purpose; Free visa (10 years) to Nepal so long as the NRN card remains valid. Right to apply for free family visa in long-term (within validity of NRN card).

Can a foreign citizen inherit property in Nepal? ›

In general, foreigners would require approval of the Government of Nepal in order to inherit ancestral immovable property. However, Foreign Citizen of Nepalese Origins can inherit the ancestral property from both Nepalese and Foreign Citizen of Nepalese Origin without obtaining such approval.

How long can a US citizen stay in Nepal? ›

Tourists obtaining visas provided on-arrival by the Nepali Department of Immigration may stay no more than 150 days in any given calendar year. Visas will only be given in 15, 30, or 90 day increments, but may be extended at the Department of Immigration office in Kathmandu.

Can I have dual citizenship in the US and Nepal? ›

Dual citizenship is illegal in Nepal. There are clear legal provisions that say the Nepali citizenship is automatically annulled if one receives a foreign citizenship.

How can I get NRN card in USA? ›

The Non Resident Nepalese (NRNs) residing in the United States of America can apply to the Consulate General of Nepal, New York to obtain the NRN ID cards. They can also apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kathmandu for their NRN ID.

Can I open a bank account in Nepal from USA? ›

To be more specific, if you are visiting Nepal, you are permitted to create a bank account. However, you must have a valid visa. There would be no difficulty as long as you have a valid visa.

How can I open a bank account in Nepal from foreign country? ›

Documents Required for Opening NRN Saving Account:
  1. Copy of valid passport.
  2. One passport size photo.
  3. Valid Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) identity card.
  4. Completely filled saving account form.

How much money is required to open a bank in Nepal? ›

Minimum Capital Required for (A- Class) Commercial Banks

The commercial Banks (A-Class) have to maintain at least Rs. 8,000,000,000.00 as paid up capital.

How can I live in Nepal permanently? ›

  1. Receipt of Online application.
  2. Bank statement of USD 20,000.
  3. Certificate having regular income at least USD 20,000 per year.
  4. Character Certificate.
  5. No Objection letter from concerned country of Embassy.
  6. Health certificate issued by TU Teaching Hospital.
  7. The evidence of completing 60 years (or) proof of retirement.

Can a US citizen own property in Nepal? ›

You can get 100% property rights as long as you are the owner of the business entity you launched in the nation. Thus, foreigners can buy property in Nepal if they are registered businesspeople or entrepreneurs with a business venture in Nepal.

What is the non resident act of Nepal? ›

Name: Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064 (2008). Abstract/Citation: Provides legal provision to motivate non-resident Nepalis to take part in all round development of Nepal by enhancing their attachment towards Nepal.

How to get green card in USA for Nepali? ›

How can a Nepali citizen get an EB 5 visa in USA?
  1. Pick an Investment advisor & Immigration attorney.
  2. Find an EB-5 Project that meets the EB-5 program requirements.
  3. Investment of Capital & Filing of I-526 petition. ...
  4. Apply for Adjustment of status (I-485 application) and DS 260 form.
  5. 2-Year conditional Green card.

Does US allow dual citizenship? ›

U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one nationality or another. A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship.

How many years does it take to get green card in USA for Nepali? ›

To obtain an EB-3 visa, it takes about 6 months after you submit the required form I-140. If you need to go through the labor certification process, you may have to wait as long as two years.

Can a wife claim husband's parents property in Nepal? ›

The Civil Code, 2017 provides with equal inheritance laws ensuring equal right to sons and daughters over the ancestral property regardless of their marital status. Hence, husband, wife, father, mother, son/s or daughter/s are considered equal coparcener over the ancestral property.

What is proof of residence in Nepal? ›

Such documents may be Certificate of Citizenship, National ID Card, Passport, electricity and water bill and location map prepared by bank staff on site visit (if necessary), voter identity Card, land ownership document etc.) Temporary Address.

Can second wife claim property in Nepal? ›

Women are not forbidden from having a second marriage. However, after getting involved in a second marriage, they do not get property from her husband.

How much cash can I carry to Nepal from USA? ›

According to the act by the Central Bank of Nepal, a traveler can bring up to US$ 5,000 or its equivalent in any other currency into Nepal without any declaration. If you're carrying more than US$ 5,000, you need to declare it at the customs office at the airport.

Can I drive in Nepal with US license? ›

To drive in Nepal, you must hold either a valid Nepali licence or a valid International Driver's Permit. The minimum driving age is 18 years.

Can a US citizen stay out of the country for more than 6 months? ›

While the normal limit is a year, you can stay longer and still preserve your US citizen if you are a military service member, Government employee, or meet any other criteria discussed above i.e., work for a US multinational or you proactively preserve residence.

How long does it take to get NRN card? ›

Processing Time: Around 7-10 working days once the Embassy receives the documents.

Do I have to renounce Nepali citizenship? ›

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of citizenship, when living in Nepal, may be directed to the Office of the Chief District Officer in any major city. If abroad, renunciations may be sent to the nearest consular section of a Nepalese embassy.

What is the cost of living in Nepal in U.S. dollars? ›

Summary of cost of living in Nepal: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,156.9$ (153,102.7N₨) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 332.3$ (43,976.2N₨) without rent. Cost of living in Nepal is, on average, 66.3% lower than in United States.

What photo is required for NRN? ›

Photo Requirements:
Size:Width: 25mm, Height: 30mm
Resolution:600 dpi
Image Defination Parameters:Head height (up to the top of the hair): 75%; Distance from top the of the photo to the top of the hair: 6%
Background Color:
Is it printable?:Yes
1 more row

How do I get dual citizenship outside the US? ›

Dual citizenship if you are a citizen of another country

If you qualify for dual citizenship, you must first immigrate to the U.S. Then you must become a permanent U.S. resident before being eligible for U.S. citizenship. Learn more about immigrating to the U.S. And find out how to become a permanent resident.

What are the photo requirements for NRN ID? ›

Please keep your valid passport at hand. Ready a recent digital photograph (size: 1.5” x 1.5”) in your removable device to upload your photograph for the application.

How can I claim my father property in Nepal? ›

Separation of Ancestral Property

With the mutual agreement between the coparceners, coparceners can effect to separate ancestral property executing deed in written in presence of witnesses and be duly registering with the concerned authority.

Can wife claim property after divorce in Nepal? ›

Can wife claim husband property after divorce in Nepal? No, wife can't claim in property of husband after divorce. So article 99 of provision relating to divorce says that every husband and wife should do the partition before or throughout the process of the divorce between husband and wife.

Can you have dual citizenship in the US and Nepal? ›

Nepal does not allow dual citizenship.

Can a US citizen own property outside the US? ›

Owning Foreign Real Estate as an Individual

United States citizens should note that they must file Form 8938 if they have significant assets outside of the United States, yet foreign real estate is not required to be reported.

Is adultery a crime in Nepal? ›

Adultery was considered a crime in ancient times. Even in Nepal and other countries of the world, if the wife has sexual and physical relations with a person other than her husband, the husband can apply for divorce.

How is property divided after divorce in Nepal? ›

Both husband and wife are equally entitled to the partition of the property after divorce in Nepal. If the husband has not attained the partition of property from his father then by considering other coparceners as well in the partition by the court, the property is partitioned between husband and wife.

What is the law for family property in Nepal? ›

Every coparcener has equal rights to property. The children or wives of brothers living together in a joint family can acquire property in the partition from their husband or father. If any individual has more than one wife, they receive the property in the partition from the part of the property of their husband.

Can an Indian inherit property in Nepal? ›

Indian citizens are permitted to acquire property in Nepal. However, prior to such purchase it is better that you consult a local lawyer in Nepal for the same and investigate the title of the property there.

What are the property rights of daughters in Nepal? ›

Constitution of Nepal

Art 18 (5) of the Constitution hold the equality norm that all offspring shall have the equal right to ancestral property without discrimination on the ground of gender. Rights of women include every woman shall have equal lineage right without gender-based discrimination.

How much land can a person own in Nepal? ›

Q) How much land can you own in Nepal? According to the Land (Eighth Amendment) Act-2020, signed by President Bidya Devi Bhandari, a person can own as much as 10 Bigha land in the Terai region, 25 ropani in the Kathmandu Valley, and mammoth 70 ropani in the hilly areas.

Can you get divorce in Nepal if your spouse doesn t want to? ›

Grounds For Divorce In Nepal

Couples can seek a divorce by mutual consent or, in the absence of agreement one party can petition the court for divorce. Divorce by consent – Couples can agree to a divorce at any time.

Is 2nd marriage legal in Nepal? ›

While a person is married to another person, he/she cannot marry another person. If he/she does so then the second marriage will be considered illegal. Thus, laws applicable to a majority of Nepalese prohibit the practice of Polygamous marriage and declare such marriage as void.

How long does divorce take in Nepal? ›

How long does it usually take to complete divorce proceedings in Nepal? A divorce case in Nepal can be resolved in two days if both parties agree. If no agreement is reached, the court requires one year of reconciliation before dissolving the relationship through a court decision.

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