How to Get a Nepal Citizenship Certificate (नागरिकता)
A clear guide to obtaining your Nepali citizenship certificate — the documents you need, the DAO process, and common situations.
नेपाली नागरिकता प्रमाणपत्र बनाउने प्रक्रिया — आवश्यक कागजात र जिल्ला प्रशासन कार्यालयको प्रक्रिया।
A citizenship certificate (नागरिकता प्रमाणपत्र) is Nepal's most important identity document — required for a passport, bank account, SIM card, government job, property and more. It is issued by the District Administration Office (DAO / CDO) of your district.
Who can apply: Nepali citizens aged 16 and above, primarily through citizenship by descent (based on a parent's citizenship).
Documents Required
- Father's or mother's citizenship certificate (original + copy).
- Birth certificate (जन्म दर्ता) from your local ward.
- Ward recommendation letter (सिफारिस) confirming your identity and residence.
- School certificate (SEE / SLC) or character certificate showing date of birth, if available.
- Recent passport-size photos (usually 2).
- Marriage certificate + husband's citizenship (for citizenship after marriage cases).
Step-by-Step Process
- Get a ward recommendation from your local ward office confirming your residence and parentage.
- Collect your documents — birth certificate, parents' citizenship, photos and school certificate.
- Visit your District Administration Office (DAO) in the district where your family is registered.
- Submit the application form with all originals for verification.
- Verification — an official checks documents; a family member or witness may need to confirm your identity.
- Receive your certificate — often issued the same day if documents are complete.
✅ If all documents are in order, citizenship is frequently issued the same day. Missing or mismatched documents are the main cause of delays.
Citizenship by Descent (वंशज)
Most Nepalis obtain citizenship by descent — proving that a parent is a Nepali citizen. You'll need the parent's citizenship certificate and documents linking you to them (birth certificate, ward recommendation).
Turning 16
Citizenship can be obtained once you turn 16. Many students apply right after their SEE exams, using their school certificate as a supporting date-of-birth document.
Common Issues
- Name/date mismatches between documents — fix these before applying.
- Migrated families — you generally apply in the district where your family is registered.
- Lost certificate — a duplicate (प्रतिलिपि) can be requested from the DAO.
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