Sabin Shrestha
with the Nepali citizen and also submit evidence that the procedure for renunciation of the
previous foreign citizenship has been initiated.31 Sub-section (2) has provisions regarding
naturalised citizenship for persons born to Nepalese women married to foreign men. It states
that such persons need to be born in Nepal, have a permanent domicile in Nepal and must not
have acquired the citizenship of the foreign country on the basis of the citizenship of the
father. 32 Sub-section (3) also lays down the step-by-step procedure for acquiring the
citizenship certificate. The person must submit a copy of the mother's citizenship document, a
recommendation by the municipality or village development committee concerned and
evidence to show that citizenship of the foreign country of the father has not been acquired.33
Sub-section (4) has provisions regarding naturalised citizenship for foreign citizens who have
specifically contributed in the fields of science, art, literature, world peace, human welfare or
Nepalese industry, finance or social development. They must also:34
i.
be able to read and write Nepali or any other language in use in Nepal;
ii.
be engaged in an occupation and domiciled in Nepal;
iii.
have renounced or declared renunciation of the citizenship of the other country;
iv.
have resided in Nepal for a minimum period of 15 years;
v.
be a citizen of a country where there is provision in the law or the practice of
granting naturalised citizenship to Nepalese;
vi.
have good moral character;
vii.
be mentally fit and healthy.
Sub-section (6) specifies that persons applying for citizenship by naturalisation must take an
oath.35
3.1.3. Other grounds for acquisition of citizenship
Constitutional Provisions
Honorary Citizenship
The constitution also has a provision for honorary citizenship, which the Government of
Nepal can confer on the basis of federal law.36
Citizenship in the case of accession of territory
In the case that any territory is annexed to Nepal, the persons living in the area will be
recognised as citizens of Nepal.37
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
8
Nepal Citizenship Act, 2006, sec. 5(1).
Nepal Citizenship Act, 2006, sec. 5(2).
Nepal Citizenship Act, 2006, sec. 5(3).
Nepal Citizenship Act, 2006, sec. 5(4).
Nepal Citizenship Act, 2006, sec. 5(6).
Article 11(9), Constitution of Nepal, 2015.
Article 11(10), Constitution of Nepal, 2015.
RSCAS/GLOBALCIT-CR 2017/8 - © 2017 Author