NRN Citizenship vs. NRN ID Card: The Dual Citizenship Debate 2025

The Biggest Myth: “Nepal Now Has Dual Citizenship”

Let’s be clear: Nepal does NOT have Dual Citizenship.

The Citizenship Amendment Act 2023 introduced a new category called “Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship” (NRN Citizenship). While this is a historic step, it is fundamentally different from being a “full” citizen.

Many Nepalis living in Australia, UK, or USA think they can keep their foreign passport and also get a Nepali passport. This is false.

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1. The Three Tiers of Status

To understand your rights, you must identify which category you fall into:

A. Nepali Citizen Residing Abroad

• Status: You have a Green Card or PR but have NOT taken foreign citizenship.
• Rights: You are 100% Nepali. You can vote (if in Nepal), own propery, and hold a Nepali passport.

B. NRN ID Card Holder

• Status: You are a foreign citizen (e.g., US Citizen) with Nepali origin.
• Document: A yellow/blue card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Rights:
  • Visa: Free Visa (Gratis) to enter Nepal.
  • Property: Can buy land (limit: 2 Ropanies in Kathmandu).
  • Citizenship: You are NOT a citizen. You are a “favored foreigner.”

C. NRN Citizenship (The New Category)

• Status: You are a foreign citizen who has applied for and received the “NRN Citizenship Certificate” from the CDO Office.
• Rights:
  • Economic/Social: Right to do business, study, and own property like a Nepali.
  • Political: ZERO. You cannot vote, run for election, or hold government jobs.
  • Passport: You CANNOT get a Nepali Passport. You must travel on your foreign passport.

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2. NRN Citizenship vs. NRN ID Card: Key Differences

Feature	NRN ID Card	NRN Citizenship
Issued By	Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Embassies	District Administration Office (CDO)
Validity	10 Years (Renewable)	Permanent (Lifetime)
Visa Requirement	Gratis Visa (Arrival) required	No Visa Required
Right to Property	Yes (Purchase Limit applies)	Yes (Inheritance rights stronger)
Political Rights	No	No
Travel Document	Foreign Passport	Foreign Passport

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3. The “Rabi Lamichhane” Precedent

The Supreme Court verdict in the Rabi Lamichhane case (2023) set a strict legal precedent:

• Automatic Cancellation: The moment you acquire foreign citizenship, your Nepali citizenship is automatically void.
• Process Matters: Even if you renounce your US/Australian citizenship later, your Nepali citizenship does not “auto-reactivate.” You must go to the CDO office and initiate a re-acquisition process.
• No Dual Status: Holding a Nepali Passport while also holding a foreign passport is a criminal offense (Passport Fraud).

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4. Rights You DO NOT Have (Even with NRN Citizenship)

Despite the “Citizenship” label, the Article 14 of the Constitution explicitly restricts:

1. Voting Rights: You cannot cast a vote.
2. Public Office: You cannot become a Minister, MP, or Judge.
3. Government Jobs: You cannot apply for Lok Sewa (Public Service Commission).
4. Passport: You cannot obtain a Nepali Passport.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Get?

• Get the NRN ID Card if you just want easy travel and basic property rights without legal hassle. It’s quick to process at embassies.
• Get NRN Citizenship if you plan to retire in Nepal, inherit significant ancestral property, or run a business long-term. It gives you a permanent legal footing, but remember—it is not a political license.

Disclaimer: Immigration laws are strictly enforced. Carrying two passports can lead to arrest. Consult a lawyer for re-acquisition of citizenship.