Short answer
A foreign woman married to a Nepali citizen can apply for naturalised citizenship at the District Administration Office as soon as she has started giving up her other citizenship. Since the 2023 amendment there's no waiting period. She needs a ward recommendation on Schedule 7, the marriage registration, her husband's citizenship and his presence to verify her. The fee is a Rs 10 stamp. Nepali law has no equivalent route for a foreign man married to a Nepali woman.
The details
What to bring
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application on Schedule 7 with the ward chair's recommendation | From your husband's ward |
| Copy of your husband's citizenship | He brings the original |
| Marriage registration certificate | Plus a document showing your date of birth |
| Proof you've started renouncing your foreign citizenship | An application receipt or letter from your country's authorities |
| Two black and white photos | Four if your husband is a government employee posted in that district |
| A valid Nepali visa | Only if you're from a country that needs one |
| Your husband, in person | To verify you. A close relative can stand in if he can't |
Where and how long
The District Administration Office of your husband's permanent district. The fee is a Rs 10 stamp and the certificate is issued the same day once everything is complete.
What changed in 2023
Earlier drafts of the citizenship amendment would have made foreign wives wait seven years. The version that became law in May 2023 lets them apply straight away, as long as they have started renouncing their other citizenship. The Supreme Court allowed the amended Act to take effect in June 2023.
Common problems
My wife is Indian. Does she need a visa?
No. DAO Kalikot's charter only asks for a valid visa from women who come from countries whose citizens need a visa for Nepal. Indian citizens don't.
Does she have to give up her old citizenship before applying?
She has to show proof that she has started the process. Nepal doesn't allow dual citizenship, so the renunciation has to be completed.
I'm a Nepali woman married to a foreigner. Can my husband get citizenship?
Not through marriage. The 2023 amendment only covers foreign wives. A foreign husband would have to qualify for naturalised citizenship under the general rules, which require long residence in Nepal.
My husband has passed away.
A close relative of your husband can verify you in his place, according to DAO Kalikot's charter. Bring his death registration as well.
Is the marriage registration really necessary if we had a religious wedding?
Yes. The application depends on a registered marriage. Register it at your husband's ward first.
Where to go
Find the nearest DAO
Straight-line distance. Directions open in Google Maps.
Real experiences
Been through this recently? Tell the next person which office you went to and what they asked for. Reports are published as community notes, apart from the official information.
Share your experienceSources
- DAO Kalikot citizen charter: naturalised citizenship through marriagedaokalikot.moha.gov.np
- Nepali Times: what the 2023 citizenship amendment changes (June 2023)nepalitimes.com
- Kathmandu Post: Supreme Court clears the way for the amended Citizenship Act (June 2023)kathmandupost.com
- Acquired citizenship through marriage, DAO Ilam service charterdaoilam.moha.gov.np
Related
- GHow to register a marriage in Nepal (bibaha darta)विवाह दर्ता कसरी गर्नेGuide · Government & documents
- GHow to get your citizenship certificate (by descent)वंशजको आधारमा नागरिकता कसरी लिनेGuide · Government & documents
- AHow does court marriage work in Nepal?अदालती विवाह कसरी गर्ने?Answer · Government & documents