How to renounce Nepali citizenship

How to renounce Nepali citizenship

Who you file with (choose one):

• Abroad: the nearest Embassy/Consulate of Nepal (they forward your file to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal).

• In Nepal: the District Administration Office (DAO/CDO) that issued your citizenship.

What to prepare (typical set):

• Filled “Relinquishment of Nepali Citizenship” application (mission/DAO form).

• Original Nepali Citizenship Certificate (this is surrendered).

• Two passport-size photos.

• Proof of your new/foreign citizenship (e.g., naturalization certificate + foreign passport0

• Any Nepali passport you still hold (to be cancelled).

• Prescribed fee (example: USD 50 at the DC Embassy; varies by mission).

Step-by-step:

1. Submit the application + originals at the Embassy/Consulate or DAO. The mission/DAO verifies your details and forwards the file to Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA)

2. Processing happens in Nepal (MoHA). Missions note updates by email/SMS; recent postings indicate around 3–4 months is common, though it can vary.

3. Decision & certificate: once approved, you receive an official Renunciation/Relinquishment Certificate/letter; your Nepali citizenship record is cancelled.

4. Aftercare: do not use any Nepali passport/ID going forward; return/cancel any such documents as instructed by the mission/DAO. (Missions require the original certificate for cancellation.)

India-specific filing note (if you are in India): the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi asks applicants to bring the original Nepali citizenship for verification with the issuing DAO before processing.

“NRN status” — two different things

Nepal has two separate “NRN” pathways. It’s crucial to know which you mean:

A) NRN Citizenship (a limited form of citizenship created by the 2022/2023 amendments)

• Who qualifies: Foreign citizens of Nepali origin who hold citizenship of a non-SAARC country. (Must prove a parent/grandparent was a Nepali citizen. Former Nepali citizens must show proof of renunciation.)

• What you get: economic, social, cultural rights in Nepal (no political/public-office rights). You take an oath and receive an NRN citizenship certificate.

B) NRN ID Card (the traditional “NRN Card”)

• Who qualifies: foreign citizens of Nepali origin and certain Nepali residents abroad—again, excluding SAARC-country citizens.

• What you get: practical benefits like gratis NRN visa on arrival and facilitation for investment/banking; it is not citizenship.

Important SAARC caveat: If the new citizenship is of a SAARC country (e.g., India), current rules do not allow NRN citizenship or the standard NRN ID Card. The 2023 regulations require the foreign citizenship to be non-SAARC.

How to apply for NRN Citizenship (if eligible — i.e., non-SAARC)

Where to file:

• The DAO (Chief District Officer) where your (or your ancestor’s) citizenship was issued, or a Nepali Embassy/Consulate abroad.

What to prepare (per 2023 Regulations):

• Proof a parent/grandparent was a Nepali citizen (their citizenship copy, recommendation, etc.)

• If you ever held Nepali citizenship: your Renunciation Certificate.

• Your foreign citizenship proof and current foreign passport.

• Proof of residence in a non-SAARC country.

• A signed commitment to abide by Nepal’s Constitution and laws

• A relative or Nepali citizen who can identify you during verification at the DAO/mission (as required).

Step-by-step:

1. File the application with all documents at the DAO or mission.

2. Identity verification: a relative/identifier appears before the CDO/authorized officer.

3. Oath: you take an oath of loyalty to the Constitution and prevailing laws (as an NRN citizen).

4. Decision & issuance: upon approval, you’re issued the NRN Citizenship Certificate in the prescribed Annexure A format. Electronic submission is also permitted when enabled by MoHA.

5. Rights & limits reminder: NRN citizenship excludes political rights (no voting/office). It enables economic/social/cultural rights

Property limits (typical ceilings for foreign citizens of Nepali origin):

• Up to 2 ropani in Kathmandu Valley;

• Up to 8 kattha in Terai municipalities;

• Up to 4 ropani in other municipalities;

• Up to 1 bigha in Terai rural areas;

• Up to 10 ropani elsewhere.

How to apply for the NRN ID Card (if eligible — i.e., non-SAARC)

Where to apply:

• Through the NRNA channel/Embassy per local instructions; missions list the document checklist and fees.

Typical documents:

• Application form (NRN Bylaws 2009).

• Proof of Nepali origin (parents’/grandparents’ Nepali citizenship).

• Your foreign passport; if you’re a former Nepali, attach the Nepali renunciation letter.

• Employment/business proof in the resident country; photos; fee.

Benefit you actually use at the border:

• With a valid NRN Card, you can obtain a gratis NRN visa on arrival in Nepal for a pre-set duration.

Quick decision tree

• Step 1: Renounce Nepali citizenship (as above).

• Step 2:

  • If your new citizenship is from a non-SAARC country → you may apply for NRN Citizenship or the NRN ID Card (or both, depending on your needs).

  • If your new citizenship is from a SAARC country (e.g., India) → NRN Citizenship/ID Card are not available under current rules. Plan for regular visas/other options instead.

Sources you can show at the counter or attach

• Embassy of Nepal (Washington DC) Renunciation checklist, fee and mailing instructions.

• Consulate/Embassy notice on processing timelines (3–4 months typical).

• Nepal Citizenship (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2080 (2023) – establishes NRN citizenship procedures, non-SAARC eligibility, oath, DAO/mission filing, and document list.

• NRN Card visa benefit (Department of Immigration).

• Property ceilings for foreign citizens of Nepali origin (Non-Resident Nepali Rules, 2066).