How Long Can NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) Stay in Nepal? | Complete 2025 Guide
How Long Can NRN Stay in Nepal?
An NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) can stay in Nepal without any time limit as long as they hold a valid NRN ID Card issued by the NRN Secretariat under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
NRN with Valid NRN Card
Can stay in Nepal indefinitely
No visa required
Free movement and residence inside Nepal
NRN Without NRN Card
Can stay according to the visa issued at entry, generally:
90 days Tourist Visa (extendable)
Other visas depending on purpose (work, study, business, family)
Important Note: NRN Card does not grant full citizenship, but it allows unrestricted stay, investment rights, and several other facilities in Nepal.
NRN Stay Rules Under Nepali Law
According to the NRN Act and Regulation, the NRN card grants:
Unlimited stay duration
Visa exemption
Business and investment privileges
Property ownership rights (limited type)
NRN Card must be renewed every 2 years.
If expired, the NRN will be required to follow the standard visa rules until renewal.
Who Qualifies as an NRN?
You are considered an NRN if:
You are a Nepali citizen living abroad for employment, study, or business, OR
You are a foreign citizen of Nepali origin (FCON)
Rights Granted to NRN Card Holders
Stay in Nepal for any duration
Open bank accounts
Own certain types of property
Invest in business, real estate projects, and industries
Enter and exit Nepal without a visa
Priority services at immigration
Can NRN Buy a House in Nepal?
Yes, but with limitations.
NRN with Nepali citizenship can buy:
Any type of land and house
NRN with foreign citizenship (FCON) can buy:
One residential house OR
One apartment unit
Land purchase is restricted unless linked to a business or industry
Foreign citizens of Nepali origin cannot buy agricultural land.
What Is the Penalty for Dual Citizenship in Nepal?
Nepal does not allow dual citizenship.
If a Nepali citizen holds foreign citizenship:
They automatically lose Nepali citizenship
Any use of Nepali citizenship documents becomes illegal
May face:
Cancellation of passport
Legal penalties
Blacklisting from immigration
Property complications
NRN Card is NOT dual citizenship it is only an identity card that provides privileges, not citizenship status.
Can NRN Have a Bank Account in Nepal?
Yes, NRNs can open bank accounts in Nepal in:
NPR (Nepali Rupees)
Foreign currency (USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, etc.)
NRN Account Types:
NRN Savings Account
NRN Fixed Deposit
Foreign Currency Account
Investment Account for Industry or Real Estate
NRNs can also:
Send remittance
Receive international transfers
Invest through formal banking channels
What Are the Benefits of NRN Citizenship (NRN Status) in Nepal?
NRN Citizenship is not “dual citizenship” but a special identity card with multiple benefits.
Key Benefits:
- Unlimited stay in Nepal
- Visa-free entry and exit
- Right to own a residential house (FCON)
- Right to invest in any business
- Right to open bank accounts
- Priority services at immigration
- Tax incentives on investment
- Eligibility to work in Nepal
- Simplified property transfer procedures
However, NRNs cannot vote, hold government office, or own agricultural land (FCON category).
NRN Card Validity and Renewal
Valid for 2 years
Must be renewed before expiry
Renewal can be done in:
Nepal NRN Secretariat Office
Nepali embassies abroad
Online NRN portal
Documents required:
Passport
Old NRN Card
Photo
Application form
Can NRN Work in Nepal?
Yes, NRN ID holders are allowed to:
Start business
Work in private companies
Invest in industries
Engage in professional services
They cannot hold:
Government jobs
Constitutional positions
NRN Visa Rules at Nepal Entry
When entering Nepal, NRNs with a valid NRN card:
Do not need a visa
Can enter from any immigration point
Are given priority processing
NRNs without a card must take:
Tourist visa
Business visa
Study visa
Depending on their purpose of stay.
Conclusion
NRNs have a special legal status that allows them to maintain a strong connection with Nepal while living abroad. With an NRN Card, a Non-Resident Nepali can stay in Nepal for unlimited time, invest freely, buy residential property, open bank accounts, and enjoy simplified immigration procedures.
Understanding these rules helps NRNs plan their travel, investment, and long-term relationship with Nepal confidently and legally.
FAQs:
1. Can NRN buy a house in Nepal?
Yes. NRN with Nepali citizenship can buy any property.
Foreign citizens of Nepali origin can buy one residential house or apartment.
2. What is the penalty for dual citizenship in Nepal?
Nepal does not allow dual citizenship.
A Nepali citizen who obtains foreign citizenship automatically loses Nepali citizenship and may face legal penalties if they still use Nepali documents.
3. Can NRN have a bank account in Nepal?
Yes. NRNs can open NPR and foreign currency bank accounts in Nepali banks, including NRN Savings and NRN Fixed Deposit accounts.
4. What are the benefits of NRN citizenship in Nepal?
Unlimited stay
Visa-free entry
Property rights (limited for foreign NRNs)
Business and investment rights
Banking access
Priority immigration
Tax benefits
5. How long can NRN stay in Nepal?
Indefinitely, if they hold a valid NRN ID Card.
Without NRN card, stay depends on visa duration.