Nepal Citizenship Certificate Application Guide (नागरिकता प्रमाणपत्र)
Complete procedure for citizenship by descent, required documents, ward office recommendation, CDO office process, and smart card enrollment for Nepali citizens aged 16+.
5-Step Citizenship Application Process
Prepare Required Documents
Gather father's & mother's citizenship certificates, birth certificate, parents' marriage certificate, passport photos, and SLC certificate.
Get Ward Office Recommendation
Visit your ward office with documents. Ward secretary verifies residency and issues recommendation letter (1-3 days).
Visit District Administration Office (CDO)
Submit application form with all documents at CDO office of your district. Biometric data collection (fingerprints, photo).
Pay Fee & Verification
Pay application fee (NPR 100-500). Office verifies documents. May require additional verification if needed.
Collect Certificate
Return on specified date (7-15 days standard processing). Bring receipt. Collect citizenship certificate + smart card (if opted).
✓ Pro Tip: Apply immediately after turning 16. Name and date of birth should match all future documents (passport, license, etc.). Verify details carefully before submission.
Official Fee Structure & Processing Times
| Service Type | Government Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| First-time Application (Age 16+) | NPR 300-500 | 10-15 Days |
| Lost/Damaged Replacement | NPR 100 + Police Report | 7-10 Days |
| Name/DOB Correction (Minor) | NPR 100-200 + Newspaper | 5-7 Days |
| Major Correction (Court Required) | NPR 500-1,000 | 2-3 Months |
| Smart Citizenship Card (Biometric) | NPR 1,000 (Optional) | Same Time |
Complete Document Checklist
Mandatory Documents:
- Father's citizenship certificate (original + copy)
- Mother's citizenship certificate (original + copy)
- Birth certificate (original + copy)
- Parents' marriage certificate (original + copy)
- Passport-size photos (4 copies)
- SLC/School certificate
- Application form (from Ward Office)
From Ward Office:
- Recommendation letter (सिफारिस)
- Character certificate
- Certified photocopies of all documents
Need Help from Abroad?
Living abroad and need a verified local agent in Nepal to collect documents from Ward Office or CDO on your behalf?
Special Cases
Born Abroad: Apply through Nepal Embassy first. Embassy processes preliminary application. Final issuance after arrival in Nepal (3-6 months).
Single Parent: Only one parent's citizenship required. Affidavit about other parent needed.
Married Women: Can retain maiden name or take husband's family name. Choice must be stated in application.
Lost/Damaged: Police report required. Application fee NPR 100. Processing 7-10 days.
⚠️ Important Notes & Common Issues
Name & Date Matching
Ensure name spelling matches across ALL documents (birth cert, school cert, parents' citizenship). Date of birth discrepancies require affidavit. Fix early to avoid future complications.
Smart Card (Biometric)
New smart citizenship card contains biometric data and chip. Optional upgrade (NPR 1,000 extra). Apply at same time as certificate. Rollout ongoing across districts.
Correction Process
Minor corrections (spelling): Newspaper publication + NPR 100-200 + 5-7 days. Major corrections (name/DOB): Court order required + Gazette publication + 2-3 months.
Contact Information
CDO Office Kathmandu: 01-4200685
Government Helpline: 1111 (toll-free)
Website: dolidar.gov.np
Ward Office: Contact your local municipality
Note: Requirements may vary slightly by district. Check with your local CDO office for exact requirements. Recent updates include biometric enrollment (mandatory) and smart citizenship card rollout.