Eligibility quiz
Was either of your parents 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 local office
Find the local body and District Administration Office responsible for your permanent address in Nepal. If you live abroad, arrange to apply through that office in Nepal.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Nepal District Administration Office handles citizenship by descent for the permanent address your city?”
Download the application form
Get the Schedule 1 application form for a citizenship certificate by descent.
Find the application formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download Nepal's Schedule 1 citizenship certificate by descent application form?”
Fill in the form
Complete and sign the Schedule 1 form yourself.
Get help filling itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in Nepal's Schedule 1 citizenship certificate by descent application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the District Administration Office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Hand in your completed form and required documents to the District Administration Office responsible for your permanent address.
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
Respond to requests from the District Administration Office for more records or information. If asked, attend an identity check or take part in a local inquiry.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I apply for a Nepal citizenship certificate by descent at a District Administration Office?”
Collect your certificate
Once your application is approved, collect your citizenship certificate from the issuing District Administration Office. You can then apply for a Nepali passport.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect a Nepal citizenship certificate by descent from the District Administration Office in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth record *
Provide your birth-registration certificate or a recommendation from your local body stating your birthplace and your relationship to your parent. Either document can be used.
* Only if you can provide the usual documents.
Relationship certificate *
Provide a certificate showing your relationship to the relative whose citizenship certificate you use. The family connection to that relative must be established.
* Only if you use a relative's citizenship certificate instead of your parent's.
Parent's citizenship certificate *
Provide your Nepali parent's citizenship certificate. If it is unavailable, you can use the citizenship certificate of a relative within three generations whose family connection can be established, along with a relationship certificate.
* Only if you can provide the usual documents.
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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