Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal · residence general
Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For you if you are of Nepali origin and hold an NRN identity card: the NRN Visa is a long-stay route for the Nepali diaspora, and recent law changes have made it more generous - including free issuance.
- Processing time
- Indicative only. It depends on your NRN card status and documents; confirm current timing on the official immigration.gov.np page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only. Following the 2025 amendment the visa is free for eligible NRNs and their families; confirm the current position on the official page.
- Typical duration
- A long-stay route - the amended law allows issuance for up to ten years while your NRN card remains valid, and free of charge for eligible holders.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 1 June 2026, the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Visa for Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is an unsponsored Nepal immigration route. Sources: official Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal government pages, reviewed 1 June 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/nepal/nrn-visa#answer
What is the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Visa in Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal?
Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Visa is an unsponsored Nepal route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only. Following the 2025 amendment the visa is free for eligible NRNs and their families; confirm the current position on the official page; indicative processing time is Indicative only. It depends on your NRN card status and documents; confirm current timing on the official immigration.gov.np page; typical duration is A long-stay route - the amended law allows issuance for up to ten years while your NRN card remains valid, and free of charge for eligible holders. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
The Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Visa is for people of Nepali origin and NRN identity-card holders, and their families, who want to live in or maintain strong ties with Nepal. Following the March 2025 NRN Act amendment, eligible NRNs and their families can be issued the visa free of charge for up to ten years while their NRN card remains valid, broadening who qualifies and what benefits apply. Good to know: NRN status grants economic, social and cultural rights in Nepal but, importantly, excludes political and administrative rights - so it is not the same as full citizenship. Confirm your eligibility and the current benefits on the official immigration.gov.np page.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You are of Nepali origin or a former Nepali citizen now holding foreign nationality, with NRN status.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ✓You hold a valid NRN identity card (or are an eligible family member of one).Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ✓You meet the documentation requirements for the NRN Visa.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ✓You apply at the Department of Immigration or on arrival as provided.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
Common blockers
- !Not holding, or no longer holding, a valid NRN identity card.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- !Expecting NRN status to confer political or administrative rights - it does not.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- !Treating it as equivalent to full citizenship, which it is not.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and the completed application.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ·Your valid NRN identity card.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ·Documents proving Nepali origin or former citizenship where required.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ·Family relationship documents for eligible family members.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm you hold a valid NRN identity card or are an eligible family member.
Build the evidence pack
Gather your passport, NRN card and any proof of Nepali origin.
Submit through the official channel
Apply at the Department of Immigration (or on arrival as provided) through the official channel.
After approval
After issuance, keep your NRN card valid, as the visa is tied to it.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Visa.
Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) · verified
Also explored by
Compare Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal with
Related routes
Residential Visa (long-stay, proof of income)
For you if you want to live in Nepal long term without doing business: the Residential Visa is a long-stay route that requires proof of income - but please read the honesty note, because it is not a settled-status or citizenship pathway.
Relation (Dependent) Visa
For you if you have a close family member in Nepal: the Relation Visa lets relatives of a Nepali citizen, or dependents of certain visa holders, stay on the basis of the family relationship.
Business Visa (foreign investors and representatives)
For you if you are an approved foreign investor or business representative in Nepal: the Business Visa is the long-stay route for people investing in or running an approved business, granted on a recommendation from the relevant authority.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NRN Visa free, and how long does it last?+
Following the March 2025 NRN Act amendment, the NRN Visa can be issued free of charge to eligible NRNs and their families, for up to ten years while the NRN identity card remains valid. This was a significant change that broadened the benefits. Because the rules are recent, confirm the current fee position and validity on the official immigration.gov.np page.
Does NRN status give me the same rights as a Nepali citizen?+
No. NRN status grants economic, social and cultural rights within Nepal, but it specifically excludes political and administrative rights - so it is not the same as full citizenship. It is designed to let the Nepali diaspora live in and stay connected to Nepal. Check exactly what rights and benefits apply on the official page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in NepalHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal)
Last checked: 1 June 2026