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Nepali citizenship — Nagarikta — is more than a piece of pink paper. It is the foundational proof of nationality that unlocks every other document in Nepal: the National Identity Card, PAN, passport, property registration, banking, and voter enrollment.
This guide covers everything you need to know about citizenship in Nepal in 2026 (2082/83 BS): the types of citizenship, how to apply at the District Administration Office, the 2023 First Amendment that changed the rules for mothers and NRNs, required documents, fees, what is printed on the certificate, how to get a certified English translation accepted abroad, and what happens when you renounce.
- Young Nepalis applying at 16 — descent route through the DAO with parents' citizenship
- Foreign women married to Nepali men — the naturalized-citizenship route after the 2023 amendment
- NRNs abroad — the new non-political NRN citizenship and what rights it carries
- Dual nationals by birth — the five-year choice rule after turning 16
Citizenship in Nepal (2026 / 2082–83 BS): Governed by the Constitution of Nepal 2072 (Articles 10–15), the Nepal Citizenship Act 2063 (2006), the Citizenship Rules 2063, and the First Amendment Act 2079 (2023). Nepal recognises four statutory types — by Descent, by Birth (closed class), Naturalized, and Honorary — plus a separate NRN Citizenship with non-political rights. Nepal does not allow full dual citizenship, except for the limited NRN route. Applications are processed at District Administration Offices (DAOs) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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What Is Citizenship in Nepal?
Citizenship (Nagarikta) is the legal status that recognises a person as a national of Nepal. Under Article 10 of the Constitution of Nepal 2072, no Nepali citizen can be deprived of the right to obtain citizenship. The Constitution establishes a single federal citizenship with provincial identity — meaning every Nepali holds one national citizenship while being identified with the province where they reside.
The citizenship certificate proves your nationality to every government office, bank, telecom, airline, and foreign embassy you will ever deal with. Nepal is rolling out the National Identity Card as a digital identity complement — but the citizenship certificate remains the foundational document.
Types of Citizenship in Nepal
Under the Citizenship Act 2063 (as amended), there are four statutory types — plus the NRN Citizenship created by the 2023 amendment.
| Type | Who It Is For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| By Descent (Bansaj) | Persons born to a Nepali father or mother | Most common — issued from age 16 |
| By Birth | Closed category — permanent residents born in Nepal before end of Chaitra 2046 BS (mid-April 1990) | No new applications; transitional class only |
| Naturalized (Angikrit) | Foreign nationals meeting residency, language, and renunciation conditions; foreign women married to Nepali men | Requires prior-citizenship renunciation evidence |
| Honorary | Distinguished foreign nationals who have served Nepal | Granted by Council of Ministers; discretionary |
| NRN Citizenship (Art. 14) | Non-Resident Nepalis holding foreign citizenship (excluding SAARC countries) | Economic/social/cultural rights only — no voting, political office, or civil service |
Governing Laws and the 2023 First Amendment
- Constitution of Nepal 2072 (2015) — Articles 10 to 15 establish the framework.
- Nepal Citizenship Act 2063 (2006) — the primary statute.
- Nepal Citizenship Rules 2063 (2006) — procedural regulations for DAOs.
- Nepal Citizenship (First Amendment) Act 2079 (2023) — authenticated by President Ram Chandra Paudel on 31 May 2023.
The 2023 amendment introduced three landmark changes that every applicant should understand:
- Mother-only transmission: A child born in Nepal to a Nepali mother permanently residing in Nepal, whose father cannot be identified, now receives citizenship by descent (previously "by birth") on self-declaration. If the father is later identified as a foreign national, the child's status converts to naturalized.
- Foreign women married to Nepali men: May apply for naturalized citizenship by submitting a marriage certificate and evidence of having initiated renunciation of their foreign citizenship — without the 7-year waiting period that had been proposed in earlier drafts.
- NRN Citizenship: A new, distinct non-political citizenship category under Article 14, covering Nepalis of origin residing abroad outside SAARC.
How to Make Citizenship in Nepal — Step-by-Step Process (Descent)
Most Nepalis obtain their first citizenship certificate at age 16 through the "by descent" route. Here is the current process at the District Administration Office (DAO):
- Verify eligibility. You must be 16 years or older, currently residing in the district of application, with at least one Nepali parent (father or mother) holding citizenship.
- Collect ward recommendation. Visit your local ward office with parents' citizenship copies and request a recommendation letter confirming your residence and parentage.
- Prepare documents. See the checklist below.
- Submit at the DAO. Apply in person at the District Administration Office of your permanent address district. You will be identified by a relative or witness who is already a citizenship-holder.
- Same-day processing. Officials verify your documents and witness, confirm identity, and — if everything is in order — issue the certificate the same day, typically within 1–3 hours depending on DAO workload.
- Collect the pink certificate. Sign the register, pay the NPR 10 revenue stamp, and receive your printed citizenship certificate.
Documents Required for Citizenship in Nepal (Descent)
| S.N. | Document | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Completed application form | Available at the DAO |
| 2 | Father's and/or mother's citizenship certificate (originals + copies) | At least one Nepali parent required |
| 3 | Birth registration certificate | From the ward office of birth |
| 4 | SEE / School Character Certificate | Confirms date of birth and name |
| 5 | Ward-office recommendation letter | With photograph attested |
| 6 | Proof of residence / land ownership / rent agreement | For the application district |
| 7 | Migration certificate (saruwa) | If applying outside the parents' origin district |
| 8 | Passport-size photographs | Usually 2 copies |
| 9 | NPR 10 revenue stamp (tiket) | Affixed on the application |
| 10 | Witness — adult relative with citizenship | Must appear in person at the DAO |
Source: Nepal Citizenship Rules 2063 and Ministry of Home Affairs guidance. Local DAOs may request additional evidence in edge cases.
Naturalized Citizenship Requirements
Naturalized (Angikrit) citizenship is open to foreign nationals who meet the following conditions:
- Continuous residence in Nepal for at least 15 years
- Knowledge of a Nepali national language
- Has renounced — or initiated renunciation of — prior citizenship
- Engaged in a lawful occupation in Nepal
- Good conduct and no criminal record
- The applicant's country offers reciprocal citizenship rights to Nepalis
Applications are made to the Ministry of Home Affairs via the District Administration Office and reviewed by the Council of Ministers. Approval is discretionary.
Marriage-Based Naturalized Citizenship
Under the 2023 Amendment, a foreign woman married to a Nepali man may apply for naturalized citizenship by submitting:
- Marriage certificate registered in Nepal
- Evidence that she has initiated renunciation of her foreign citizenship (not final renunciation)
- Husband's Nepali citizenship
- Standard application documents and photographs
The amendment intentionally did not adopt the earlier proposed 7-year waiting period. This remains one of the most politically contested provisions in Nepali citizenship law.
Honorary Citizenship of Nepal
Honorary citizenship is granted by the Government of Nepal (Council of Ministers) to distinguished foreign nationals who have rendered outstanding service to the nation — in science, arts, humanitarian work, or diplomacy. It is discretionary, extremely rare, and conferred in the national interest. There is no application form for the public; recommendations originate from ministries or heads of diplomatic missions.
NRN Citizenship in Nepal — Eligibility, Rights, and Process
Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Citizenship was implemented under Article 14 of the Constitution following the 2023 First Amendment Act and related rules.
Who Is Eligible
- Persons of Nepali origin — or their descendants up to the second generation — who currently hold foreign citizenship
- Residents of non-SAARC countries (SAARC members are excluded from NRN citizenship)
- Proof of Nepali origin through lineage documents or prior Nepali citizenship
Rights Granted
NRN citizenship confers economic, social, and cultural rights, including:
- Right to own property in Nepal
- Right to invest, start businesses, and repatriate earnings under NRN rules
- Entry and stay without visa
- Access to health, education, and social services
- Cultural and religious participation on par with Nepali citizens
What is NOT included: voting rights, election to political office, appointment to the civil service, the security forces, the judiciary, or the constitutional bodies. It is deliberately a non-political citizenship.
How to Apply
- Local-level recommendation from the ward office of origin in Nepal (can be arranged through a representative under power of attorney)
- Verification by the Nepali embassy or consulate in the country of residence
- Application to the District Administration Office with original foreign citizenship, prior Nepali citizenship (if any), lineage proof, photographs, and the prescribed fee
- DAO issues the NRN citizenship certificate upon MoHA / ministerial verification
The published application fee is typically around NPR 10,000; exact figures and forms are posted at embassies and DAOs. Implementation has been active since 2023 and certificates have been issued in the thousands, but DoNIDCR/MoHA have not published a fully authoritative running total as of early 2026.
Key takeaway: NRN citizenship is a legal bridge for diaspora Nepalis to retain ties to their homeland — but it is not equivalent to full dual citizenship.
Does Nepal Allow Dual Citizenship?
No — Nepal does not allow full dual citizenship. A Nepali citizen who voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country automatically loses Nepali citizenship under the Constitution and the Citizenship Act.
There is one limited exception: the NRN Citizenship under Article 14. NRN citizenship-holders can hold a foreign passport while carrying an NRN citizenship certificate — but it confers only non-political rights, not the full civic rights of a Nepali citizen.
Dual Nationals by Birth — the Five-Year Choice Rule
A person who acquires both Nepali and foreign citizenship at birth (e.g. born abroad to Nepali parents and granted foreign citizenship by jus soli) must, within five years of turning 16, formally choose which citizenship to retain. If no choice is made, Nepali citizenship lapses automatically.
Nepal Citizenship Fees (FY 2082/83)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Citizenship by Descent / by Birth | NPR 10 revenue stamp (no state fee) |
| Naturalized — descendants of Nepali citizens | NPR 100 |
| Naturalized — other foreign nationals | NPR 500 |
| Duplicate / replacement certificate | Small statutory fee + NPR 13 stamp (varies by DAO) |
| NRN Citizenship certificate | ~NPR 10,000 |
| MoFA attestation for foreign use | Few hundred NPR per document |
Source: Schedule to the Nepal Citizenship Act 2063 and MoHA notices. Confirm exact current fees with your DAO before applying.
Nepali Citizenship Certificate Format — What Is Printed
The Nepali citizenship certificate (Nagarikta Pramanpatra) is printed on distinctive pink paper, roughly A5 in size. It records:
- Citizenship Number — district code + running serial (commonly 8–12 digits; exact length varies by district)
- Issue Date — BS date the certificate was issued by the DAO (not your date of birth)
- Issuing District — Nepal's district where the certificate was made
- Full Name in Nepali (and sometimes English)
- Date of Birth — BS and AD
- Sex / Gender Identity — Male, Female, or "Other" (अन्य)
- Permanent Address — province, district, local level, ward
- Father's and Mother's Names — and spouse's name if applicable
- Photograph and issuing officer's signature with DAO seal
What Does "Citizenship Issued Date" Mean in Nepali?
"Citizenship issued date" (Nagarikta Jari Miti) is the date the DAO issued and printed your certificate — printed in BS at the top of the certificate. It is not your date of birth. Many forms (banks, visa, scholarship) ask for both the citizenship number and issue date separately.
Gender Identity — "Other" on the Citizenship
Following the landmark Sunil Babu Pant v. Nepal Supreme Court ruling (2007) and Article 12 of the 2015 Constitution, Nepal recognises three gender markers on citizenship certificates: Male, Female, and Other (अन्य). A 2024 Supreme Court ruling further allows legal gender recognition without medical verification.
How to Check Citizenship Online in Nepal
As of 2026, there is no public online portal that lets anyone verify an arbitrary citizenship number. Authenticity is confirmed only through the issuing DAO. You can:
- Visit the issuing DAO in person with a citizenship copy for verification
- Submit a "citizenship certificate verification form" available on some DAO websites under moha.gov.np
- Check your own National Identity Card (NID) status at citizenportal.donidcr.gov.np — note this covers NID, not citizenship lookup
For foreign use, an authenticated English translation is the practical substitute for online verification — see the next section.
Nepali Citizenship Translation in English Format — For Visa, Immigration, and Foreign Use
If you are applying for a visa, immigration, overseas admission, or foreign bank KYC, you will need your Nepali citizenship certificate translated into English and authenticated. The standard chain accepted by embassies and foreign authorities is:
- Certified English translation by a recognised translator — translator's seal and declaration attached
- Notarization by a Nepali Notary Public — our office is a Nepal Notary Public Council-registered notary
- MoFA attestation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Narayanhiti, Kathmandu
- Destination embassy legalization (where required) — Nepal is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so embassy legalization is used instead of an apostille
Our office handles the full translation + notarization + MoFA attestation chain for Nepali citizenship certificates — typically completed in 1–3 working days.
Renunciation of Nepali Citizenship
A Nepali citizen who has acquired — or intends to acquire — foreign citizenship applies for renunciation through the Nepali embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
Documents Required
- Original and photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate
- Original and photocopy of Nepali passport
- Foreign citizenship / naturalization evidence
- Two passport-size photographs
- Completed application letter stating reasons
- Applicant must appear in person before the Head of Mission
- Prescribed consular fees
The embassy forwards the file to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) within seven days of receipt. MoFA initiates annulment in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs. The termination takes effect from the date of registration of renunciation — typically a few months from submission.
Penalties for Citizenship Fraud in Nepal
Section 15 of the Nepal Citizenship Act 2063 prescribes strict penalties:
- Obtaining citizenship through false information: Up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to NPR 10,000.
- Altering or forging a certificate: Up to 3 months imprisonment and/or NPR 10,000 fine.
- Providing false recommendations or witness statements: Similar penalties apply.
The 2023 First Amendment did not change these penalty amounts, though parliamentary committees have recommended increases.
Conclusion
Nepal's citizenship framework — a single federal citizenship with provincial identity, four statutory types plus the new NRN category — reflects one of South Asia's most evolved citizenship regimes. The 2023 First Amendment meaningfully expanded rights for mothers transmitting citizenship, for foreign women married to Nepali men, and for diaspora Nepalis.
If you are applying fresh at 16, make sure your ward recommendation, parents' citizenship, and migration certificate (if applicable) are in order before visiting the DAO. If you are abroad, plan your NRN citizenship or renunciation through the nearest Nepali embassy. And if you need your citizenship in English for a foreign purpose, combine certified translation with notary and MoFA attestation rather than relying on photocopies.
For certified English translation of Nepali citizenship certificates, notary public attestation, and MoFA authentication for visa or immigration purposes, contact our office today. Nepal Bar Council-registered advocates, 2,000+ cases handled since 2016.
Information verified against the Constitution of Nepal 2072, Nepal Citizenship Act 2063, Nepal Citizenship Rules 2063, and the Nepal Citizenship (First Amendment) Act 2079 (2023), with current guidance from MoHA (moha.gov.np), MoFA (mofa.gov.np), NRNA, and published Supreme Court reporting. As of April 2026 (2083 BS). Last reviewed: April 2026Frequently Asked Questions
Nepal recognises four statutory types of citizenship under the Citizenship Act 2063: (1) by Descent (Bansaj) for those born to a Nepali parent, (2) by Birth — a closed transitional class for permanent residents born before mid-April 1990, (3) Naturalized (Angikrit) for qualifying foreign nationals, and (4) Honorary for distinguished foreigners. The 2023 First Amendment added a fifth, separate category — NRN Citizenship — with non-political rights for Nepalis of origin abroad.
For citizenship by descent, you need: the application form, your parents' citizenship certificates, birth registration certificate, SEE or school character certificate, ward-office recommendation, proof of residence, two passport-size photographs, NPR 10 revenue stamp, and an adult relative with citizenship as witness. A migration certificate (saruwa) is required if applying in a district other than the parents' origin.
Visit your local ward office with your parents' citizenship to obtain a recommendation letter, then submit the complete document set at the District Administration Office (DAO) of your permanent address district from age 16 onwards. The DAO verifies identity, witness, and parents' citizenship — and typically issues the pink certificate the same day, within 1–3 hours. You pay only an NPR 10 revenue stamp.
No, Nepal does not allow full dual citizenship. A Nepali who voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship automatically loses their Nepali citizenship. The only exception is the NRN Citizenship created by the 2023 amendment — a limited, non-political category that allows NRNs to hold a foreign passport alongside an NRN citizenship certificate, with economic, social, and cultural rights only, no voting or political office.
NRN citizenship is a non-political citizenship category under Article 14 of the Constitution, implemented after the 2023 First Amendment. Eligible applicants are persons of Nepali origin — or their descendants up to the second generation — holding foreign citizenship and residing in non-SAARC countries. It grants rights to own property, invest, stay without visa, and access health/education — but no voting, political office, civil service, or security-force appointments.
Honorary citizenship is granted by the Government of Nepal (Council of Ministers) to distinguished foreign nationals who have rendered outstanding service to Nepal — in science, arts, humanitarian work, or diplomacy. It is discretionary and rare; recommendations originate from ministries or heads of diplomatic missions, not through a public application form.
The "citizenship issued date" (Nagarikta Jari Miti) is the date the District Administration Office printed and issued your certificate — shown in BS at the top of the certificate. It is not your date of birth. Many banks, visa forms, and government applications ask for the citizenship number and the issued date as separate fields.
A Nepali citizenship number (Nagarikta Number) is the serial assigned by the issuing DAO — typically a district code plus running serial number, commonly 8–12 digits long. The length varies by district, and there is no single uniform national format. Both the citizenship number and the issuing district are required for bank KYC, visa applications, and NID linkage.
As of 2026, there is no public online portal for verifying arbitrary citizenship numbers. Authenticity is confirmed only through the issuing DAO — in person or via the "citizenship certificate verification form" published on some DAO websites under moha.gov.np. For your own records, you can check your National Identity Card status, though this covers the NID, not the citizenship certificate.
The standard chain accepted by embassies and foreign authorities is: (1) certified English translation by a recognised translator; (2) notarization by a Nepali Notary Public; (3) attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Kathmandu; and (4) destination embassy legalization where required. Nepal is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, so embassy legalization replaces the apostille. Our office handles the full chain in 1–3 working days.
Yes. Under the 2023 First Amendment, a foreign woman married to a Nepali man can apply for naturalized citizenship by submitting her marriage certificate registered in Nepal, her husband's citizenship, and evidence that she has initiated renunciation of her foreign citizenship. The earlier proposed 7-year waiting period was not adopted. Applications are processed through the DAO and reviewed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Yes. Under the 2023 First Amendment, a child born in Nepal to a Nepali mother permanently residing in Nepal — whose father cannot be identified — receives citizenship by descent on self-declaration by the mother or child (upgraded from the earlier "by birth" status). If the father is later identified as a foreign national, the child's status converts to naturalized.
Under Section 15 of the Nepal Citizenship Act 2063, obtaining citizenship through false information is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to NPR 10,000. Altering or forging a certificate carries up to 3 months imprisonment and NPR 10,000 fine. Similar penalties apply to those who provide false witness statements or fake recommendations.
Apply in person at the Nepali embassy or consulate in your country of residence, submitting your original Nepali citizenship, passport, foreign citizenship evidence, two photographs, and an application letter stating reasons. You must appear before the Head of Mission. The embassy forwards the file to MoFA within seven days, which initiates annulment with MoHA. Termination takes effect from the date of registration — typically a few months from submission.
The citizenship certificate is the foundational proof of Nepali nationality, issued by the DAO under the Citizenship Act 2063, printed on pink paper. The National Identity Card (NID) is a smart digital identity issued by DoNIDCR under the 2019 Act for day-to-day service delivery — banking, SIM, PAN, passport, and social security. You need the citizenship first to get the NID; both documents remain in use.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, or solicitation. Notary Nepal and its team are not liable for any consequences arising from reliance on this information. For legal advice, please contact us directly.
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