The diaspora of Nepalese living abroad, known as Non-Resident Nepalese (NRN), plays a vital role in the economic development of Nepal through remittances and investments. To encourage this contribution, the Government of Nepal has established a specific legal framework under the Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064 and the recent Citizenship Act amendments. This guide explains your rights to citizenship, property, and business in Kathmandu.
1. Defining 'Non-Resident Nepali' (NRN)
The law defines NRNs in two main categories:
- Foreign Citizen of Nepali Origin: A person who held Nepalese citizenship at some point (or whose parents/grandparents were Nepalese) but is now a citizen of another country.
- Nepali Citizen Residing Abroad: A Nepalese citizen who has lived outside of Nepal or the SAARC region for at least two years for employment or business.
2. NRN Citizenship: The New Legal Reality
As of 2026, the NRN Citizenship (Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship) has been fully implemented. This allows foreign citizens of Nepali origin to maintain a legal connection to their homeland.
Key Features of NRN Citizenship:
- Rights: It grants economic, social, and cultural rights similar to those of regular Nepalese citizens.
- Restrictions: NRN citizens cannot hold political office, vote in elections, or join certain government administrative services.
- Application: Usually processed through the District Administration Office in your home district or the Ministry of Home Affairs in Kathmandu.
3. Property Rights for NRNs in Nepal
One of the most frequent questions for NRNs is whether they can own land or houses in Nepal.
- Inherited Property: NRNs have the right to inherit property from their parents or ancestors under the Civil Code.
- Purchasing New Property: With an NRN Card, individuals can purchase a limited amount of property for residential purposes (typically one house or apartment in Kathmandu and a limited amount of land in other regions).
- Restrictions: Large-scale land purchases for purely commercial or agricultural use without industrial registration are still restricted.
4. Investment and Business Rights
NRNs are encouraged to invest in Nepal's development.
- Full Repatriation: NRNs can repatriate their initial investment and profits in foreign currency (after paying local taxes).
- Ease of Setup: NRN-owned businesses often receive certain exemptions from the minimum investment thresholds applied to regular foreign investors.
- NRN ID Card: To enjoy these benefits, obtaining an NRN Identity Card from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) or a Nepalese Embassy is mandatory.
5. Why NRNs Trust our Legal Team in Kathmandu
Managing property or starting a business while living in another continent requires a high degree of trust. Our Legal Team at LawyerInNepal serves as the on-the-ground representative for hundreds of NRNs worldwide.
We assist NRNs with:
- NRN Citizenship & Card Applications.
- Property Title Verifications & Purchases in Kathmandu.
- Repatriation of Investment Income.
- Inheritance & Family Law cases in Nepal.
Connect with our NRN Legal Experts:
- Office Location: Purbi Gate, Anamnagar-29, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.
- WhatsApp/Viber Support: +977 9766910908
- Email: lawyerinnepal.com.np@gmail.com
Disclaimer: NRN laws and property limits are subject to change by the government. Always consult with a qualified advocate to verify current ownership thresholds for your specific case.