NON-RESIDENT NEPALI (“NRN”) LAWS IN NEPAL

A Complete Legal Guide — Updated 2026

A.Introduction

Nepal is home to one of the world’s most significant diaspora communities, with millions of Nepalis living, working, and building lives abroad. Recognizing their deep cultural, economic, and social ties to the homeland, Nepal has enacted a comprehensive legal framework specifically for Non-Resident Nepali (“NRNs”). This framework grants NRNs a range of rights from property ownership and investment to a dedicated citizenship status without requiring them to renounce their adopted nationality.

This guide consolidates all key NRN laws in Nepal as updated through 2026, covering who qualifies as an NRN, how to obtain an NRN Card and NRN Citizenship, property rights, visa facilities, and foreign investment provisions under the latest legal amendments.

B. Governing Laws Related to NRNs in Nepal

The following statutes collectively form the legal framework governing Non-Resident Nepalis in Nepal:

The Constitution of Nepal (2015),
Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2008 (2064 BS)
Non-Resident Nepali Regulations, 2009 (2066 BS)
Nepal Citizenship Act, 2006 (2063 BS)
Foreign Investment and Transfer of Technology Act, 2019 (“FITTA”)
Immigration Act, 1992 and Immigration Regulations, 1994

C. Who Qualifies as a Non-Resident Nepali?

Under the Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2008, two categories of persons qualify as NRNs.

1. Foreign Citizens of Nepalese Origin

A person qualifies as a foreign citizen of Nepalese origin if:

They, or their father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother, was a citizen of Nepal at any time; and
They have subsequently acquired citizenship of a foreign country that is NOT a member of SAARC.

2. Nepalese Citizens Residing Abroad

A Nepali citizen residing abroad qualifies as an NRN if they:

Have been residing in a foreign country for at least two (2) years; and
Are engaged in a profession, occupation, business, or employment in that country; and
Are NOT residing in a SAARC member country; and
Are NOT serving in a Nepalese diplomatic mission or consulate, or studying abroad under a Government of Nepal assignment.

Category	Key Condition
Foreign Citizen of Nepalese Origin	Self or ancestor held Nepali citizenship; now holds non-SAARC foreign citizenship
Nepali Citizen Residing Abroad	Residing outside Nepal (non-SAARC) for 2+ years in employment/business

D. The NRN Card: Registration Process

Any NRN who wishes to formalize their status must register with the relevant authority and obtain an NRN Identity Card. This card unlocks most NRN rights in Nepal.

1. Where to Apply

The Nepali Embassy or Consulate in the country of residence; or
The Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Nepal for applicants who are in Nepal.

2. Documents Required for Foreign Citizens of Nepalese Origin

Completed application form
Naturalisation certificate (original and copy) from the country of current citizenship
Copy of valid foreign passport (biographic data page)
Nepali citizenship certificate (if applicant was previously a Nepali citizen)
Citizenship certificate of father/mother/grandfather/grandmother, or other proof of Nepali lineage
Proof of profession, business, or occupation in country of current citizenship
Two recent passport-size photographs
Two recent auto-size photographs (for the NRN ID Card)
Application fee and card fee

3. Documents Required for Nepali Citizens Residing Abroad

Completed application form
Nepali Citizenship Certificate and copy
Nepali Passport and copy of valid biographic data page
Documents related to business or profession in country of residence
Proof of employment in country of residence
Recent passport-size photograph
Two recent auto-size photographs (for the NRN ID Card)
Application fee and card fee

E. Validity of the NRN Identity Card

NRN Category	Validity of NRN Card
Foreign Citizen of Nepalese Origin	Maximum 10 years
Nepali Citizen Residing Abroad	2 years (extendable if foreign state permits longer stay)

F. Visa Facilities for NRNs

NRNs benefit from a two-stage visa process:

1. Tourist Visa on Arrival

Upon first arrival, foreign citizens of Nepalese origin receive a standard Tourist Visa at the port of entry.

2. NRN Visa (Long-Stay)

After arrival, NRNs may apply to the Department of Immigration Management (DOIM) for an NRN Visa, which offers multi-entry long-term residence rights.

Validity: Up to 10 years, co-terminus with the NRN Identity Card.
Visa-free entry: NRN Citizenship holders receive a free 10-year multi-entry NRN visa.

3. Documents for NRN Visa Application

Online visa application form (available on the DOIM website)
NRN ID Card (original and photocopy)
Latest Nepalese visa and valid foreign passport

G. Property Rights of NRNs in Nepal

Foreign citizens of Nepalese origin may acquire land and immovable property in Nepal for residential purposes subject to the area limits set out below.

1. Purchase of Land

An NRN (foreign citizen of Nepalese origin) may purchase land in ONE region, within the following ceilings:

S.N.	Location	Maximum Area
1.	Kathmandu Valley	2 Ropani
2.	Municipalities of Terai Districts	8 Katha
3.	Other Municipalities (outside Kathmandu Valley & Terai)	4 Ropani
4.	Village Development Committees of Terai Districts	1 Bigha
5.	All Other Areas	10 Ropani

Note: These land ceilings do NOT apply to property that a foreign citizen of Nepalese origin had already acquired while they were a Nepali citizen.

2. Inheritance of Property

NRNs (foreign citizens of Nepalese origin) may inherit ancestral immovable property from both Nepali citizens and other foreign citizens of Nepalese origin without requiring prior Government of Nepal approval provided they hold a valid NRN Card at the time of inheritance.

3. Property Acquired Through Investment

Under FITTA 2019, NRNs investing in Nepal as foreign investors may also acquire property in connection with their investment activities, subject to applicable sectoral regulations.

H. Foreign Investment in Nepal by NRNs

The Foreign Investment and Transfer of Technology Act, 2019 (FITTA 2076) classifies investment made by NRNs as ‘Foreign Investment.’ The following rules apply:

1. FDI Approval Requirement

NRNs must obtain foreign investment (FDI) approval from the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) or the Department of Industry, depending on the investment amount.
An NRN individual may invest either directly or through a foreign company in which they own more than 50% of the shares.
After earning profits, NRNs have the right to repatriate their investment and returns from Nepal through banking channels.

2. Investment from Nepalese-Source Funds

As a matter of established practice, if an NRN is investing funds that are sourced from property or income already within Nepal, and the NRN submits a formal commitment letter confirming that profits will not be remitted abroad, investment approval under FITTA may be waived. Such NRNs are permitted to invest without separate FDI approval in this scenario.

3. Expanded Investment Rights (2026 Update)

Recent amendments to the NRN Act (authenticated by the President of Nepal) have granted NRNs expanded investment rights, allowing them to invest in certain sectors previously restricted to full Nepali citizens. This represents a significant liberalization of investment opportunities for the Nepali diaspora.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can NRNs from SAARC countries apply for an NRN Card?

No. The Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2008 explicitly excludes persons residing in SAARC member countries from NRN status. This applies to both the NRN Card and NRN Citizenship.

Can an NRN inherit property without prior government approval?

Yes. Foreign citizens of Nepalese origin can inherit ancestral immovable property from both Nepali citizens and other NRNs without prior government approval, provided they hold a valid NRN Card.