Foreign Citizen of Nepali Origin
For those who took non-SAARC foreign citizenship but were born Nepali, or whose parent/grandparent was a Nepali citizen.
- Visa-free entry to Nepal while valid
- Own residential land (within limits), invest & repatriate
- Requires proof of Nepali citizenship renunciation
Nepali Citizen Residing Abroad
For Nepali passport holders living abroad 2+ years in work or business — excludes SAARC residents, diplomats and students.
- Nepali citizenship certificate + passport copies
- Proof of foreign employment/business + address
- Renewable every 2 years
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at nrn.mofa.gov.np
Pick the right form — "Foreign Citizen of Nepali Origin" or "Nepali Citizen Residing Abroad" — fill personal details, print and sign.
- 2
Gather documents
FCNO: citizenship renunciation certificate, current passport, naturalisation certificate, parent's/grandparent's Nepali citizenship, address + employment proof, passport photos. NCRA: Nepali citizenship + passport copies, foreign employment/business proof, address proof.
- 3
Submit to your mission
Lodge at the Nepal embassy/consulate for your country (e.g. Canberra for Australia) or MoFA Kathmandu. Many missions accept postal applications with a return envelope.
- 4
Pay the fee & collect
Fees differ by mission (e.g. ~£365 in London; Washington DC accepts money orders). Registration within ~7 days per the NRN Rules, 2066; postal returns take longer.
Related guides
The renunciation catch
The most common delay: applying for the NRN card without the formal citizenship renunciation certificate. Renounce first (through the embassy or MoFA), get the certificate, then apply for the card.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two types of NRN card?
FCNO (Foreign Citizen of Nepali Origin) — for those who or whose parent/grandparent was Nepali and now holds non-SAARC foreign citizenship; valid 10 years. NCRA (Nepali Citizen Residing Abroad) — for Nepali citizens living abroad 2+ years for work/business (not SAARC countries, diplomats or students); valid 2 years.
What is the biggest NRN card benefit?
Visa-free entry and stay in Nepal for FCNO cardholders — up to 10 years of free visas while the card is valid. The card also lets you open foreign-currency accounts, invest, repatriate profits, run a business and purchase residential land within set limits.
What documents do foreign citizens of Nepali origin need?
The key document is proof of having renounced Nepali citizenship (nagarikta parityag) — mandatory for FCNO. Plus: current passport, naturalisation certificate, parent/grandparent's Nepali citizenship proof, address proof, employment/business proof and recent photos.
Where do I apply?
Online at nrn.mofa.gov.np, then submit the printed signed application to your nearest Nepali embassy/consulate (many accept postal applications — e.g. London ~£365, Washington DC by money order) or directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu.
Can students get an NRN card?
No — Nepali citizens residing abroad purely for study are excluded from the NCRA category. Once you transition to work/PR abroad, you become eligible.
Do I lose Nepali citizenship if I take foreign citizenship?
Yes — Nepal does not allow dual citizenship. Taking foreign citizenship means formally renouncing Nepali citizenship; the renunciation certificate then becomes a required document for your NRN card application.
Summarised from the Non-Resident Nepali Act 2008, NRN Rules 2066, MoFA and embassy publications. Confirm fees and process with your nearest mission.