Eligibility quiz
Are you in a registered marriage to a citizen of Nepal, or did you have a registered marriage to a man who was a citizen of Nepal when he died?
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 ward office
Find the ward office for your permanent or local home in Nepal.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which ward office in your city handles Nepal citizenship by marriage recommendations?”
Download the application form
Download the Schedule 7 form for citizenship by marriage.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in the Schedule 7 form in Nepali and attach your photograph.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Nepal citizenship by marriage Schedule 7 form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your ward office and citizenship office.
See required documentsGet a ward recommendation
Take your completed form and documents to your ward office. Ask the office to certify your photograph and issue a recommendation stating your marriage relationship.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get a Nepal citizenship by marriage recommendation from the ward office in your city?”
Find your citizenship office
Find the District Administration Office responsible for your area, or an Area Administration Office that provides the service.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which District or Area Administration Office serves your city for Nepal citizenship by marriage?”
Hand in your application
Go with your husband or the close relative identifying you to the citizenship section, and bring your Schedule 7 recommendation and required original documents and copies. Submit them and pay the fee using a postal stamp or ticket.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Nepal citizenship by marriage application at the citizenship office in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the citizenship office to review your application. Answer its questions, provide any further records it asks for and take part in a local or police inquiry if requested.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I submit a Nepal citizenship by marriage application?”
Take the oath
Complete the citizenship oath as directed by the issuing office.
Find oath instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the oath for Nepal citizenship by marriage?”
Collect your citizenship certificate
Once approved, collect your citizenship certificate from the issuing office. You can then use it to apply for a Nepali passport.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my Nepal citizenship by marriage certificate from the citizenship office in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificate
Bring your marriage registration certificate. Take the original and a copy for the office to check.
Family citizenship certificates
Bring your Nepali husband's citizenship certificate, with a copy and the original for checking. If he cannot identify you, also bring the citizenship certificate of the close relative who identifies you instead.
Relationship certificate *
Bring a certificate or other proof of the relationship the office needs to check. If a close relative identifies you, bring the original proof of your relationship to that person.
* Only if your office asks for proof of your marriage relationship or a close relative identifies you instead of your husband.
Husband's death certificate *
Bring your husband's death registration certificate. Take the original and a copy for the office to check.
* Only if your husband has died.
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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