Eligibility quiz
Was your father or mother a Nepali citizen when you were born?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Nepalese passport
Nepalese citizens can get an e-passport for travel from a district office in Nepal or a Nepalese diplomatic mission abroad.
An application needs a citizenship certificate or the identity document that applies to a minor.
The citizenship certificate also serves as proof of identity for official services and transactions.
Live in Nepal for life
Nepalese citizens can live in Nepal indefinitely.
Citizenship does not need regular renewal and does not expire just because its holder lives abroad.
Study in Nepal
Citizenship supports access to education in Nepal, and a citizenship certificate is commonly needed for enrolment.
Children have a right to education.
Work in Nepal
Nepalese citizens have a right to work and choose their work, though this does not guarantee a job.
Workers have rights to fair treatment, fair pay and workplace facilities.
Citizens can also run a business.
Contact Nepalese missions abroad
A Nepalese passport gives its holder access to Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad.
Own and use property
Nepalese citizens can own, use and transfer property and carry out property transactions.
A citizenship certificate can also be used to open a bank account.
Vote in elections
Nepalese citizens can vote from age 18 in one electoral area, provided they register and meet election rules.
Use public healthcare
Citizenship supports access to public healthcare, though it does not by itself make care free.
Children have rights to health, care and development, with special protection for vulnerable children.
Receive social support
Workers have rights to social security based on their contributions; unemployment help depends on the law.
Special support is available to groups defined by law, including people in poverty, people with disabilities, children and others who need care.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your district office
Find the District Administration Office for the district where you have your permanent home in Nepal.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Nepal District Administration Office serves my permanent home in your city?”
Get the application form
Get the Schedule 1 application form for a Nepali citizenship certificate by descent or birth.
Find the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get the Nepal citizenship certificate by descent Schedule 1 application form?”
Fill in the form
Fill in and sign the form. If you are applying for a child, ask the district office who should fill it in and sign it.
Get help filling itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in and sign the Nepal citizenship certificate by descent Schedule 1 application form for myself or a child?”
Get a local recommendation
Ask your ward or local office to complete its recommendation on the form and submit the recommendation online where required. Where the rules permit it, you can use a birth-registration certificate instead.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get a local recommendation for a Nepal citizenship certificate by descent in your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the district office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Bring the completed form, your original documents and copies to your District Administration Office; bring a parent or eligible relative to identify you if the office asks. Attach the stamp shown on the form and pay any required fee as the office directs.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Nepal citizenship certificate by descent application at the District Administration Office in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait while the district office reviews the application. Answer its questions and provide any further records or help with a local inquiry if it asks.
See what happensSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I submit a Nepal citizenship certificate by descent application to a District Administration Office?”
Collect your citizenship certificate
Once the application is approved, collect the citizenship certificate from the district office. You can then apply for a Nepali passport.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my Nepal citizenship certificate by descent from the District Administration Office in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate or recommendation *
Bring your birth-registration certificate or a local-level recommendation stating your birthplace and relationship to your family. Your local office may need to submit the recommendation online, even if you have a birth certificate.
* Only if you apply through a Nepali parent.
Relationship certificate *
Bring a certificate showing your relationship to the relative whose Nepali citizenship certificate you are using. Bring the original for the district administration office to inspect.
* Only if you use the citizenship certificate of a relative within three generations.
Family citizenship certificates *
Bring your Nepali father’s or mother’s citizenship certificate, or the certificate of a relative within three generations. If you are applying as the adult child of a parent who obtained Nepali citizenship by birth before the 2015 Constitution began, bring both parents’ Nepali citizenship certificates.
* Only if you apply through a Nepali parent.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Citizenship can be lost
Voluntarily taking another citizenship can end Nepalese citizenship.
Citizenship can also end if a person gives it up.
It can be cancelled if it was obtained through fraud, false information or against the law.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Kathmandu Expats
English Facebook group for people living in Nepal interested in Nepalese local life
Join on FacebookKathmandu expats group
English Facebook group for people living in Nepal interested in Nepalese local life
Join on FacebookExpats & foreigners in nepal
English Facebook group for people living in Nepal interested in Nepalese local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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