How to Get Indian Citizenship in India Being Foreigner Like Nepali National

Looking to settle permanently in India? Wondering how to get Indian Citizenship in India being foreigner like Nepali national? This complete guide will help you understand the legal routes, eligibility, process, and documentation required for Nepali citizens and other foreigners.

Overview of Indian Citizenship Law for Foreigners

The Citizenship Act, 1955 governs Indian citizenship. It offers different routes for foreigners to become Indian citizens, such as:

By Birth (if born before a certain year)
By Descent (through Indian parents)
By Registration (for people of Indian origin or married to Indians)
By Naturalization (after long-term residency)

For most Nepali citizens, naturalization or registration is the practical path.

Who Can Apply – Eligibility Criteria for Nepali Nationals

Nepali nationals can apply for Indian citizenship if they meet the following conditions:

Resided in India for at least 11 of the last 14 years
Resided continuously for the last 12 months before application
Not an illegal migrant under Indian law
Must have good character and understand an Indian language
Should be ready to renounce Nepali citizenship

Legal Routes to Get Citizenship (Naturalization, Registration, etc.)

There are two main routes to get Indian citizenship as a foreigner:

1. Citizenship by Naturalization (Section 6)

Applicable for Nepali nationals who have legally lived in India for a long time. Must apply via Form X.

2. Citizenship by Registration (Section 5)

Useful for those:

Married to an Indian citizen
Born to Indian-origin parents
Residing in India for 7+ years (some special categories) Apply via Form IV.

Special Provision for Nepali Citizens – India–Nepal Treaty

Under the India–Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950):

Nepali citizens can live and work freely in India
However, citizenship is not automatic
Formal application under Citizenship Act is still required

This treaty makes it easier for Nepalis to reside, but not skip the legal process for citizenship.

Documents Required for Application

Here are the required documents to apply:

Valid passport / Nepali Citizenship Certificate
Proof of residence (electricity bill, rental agreement, Aadhaar card, etc.)
Birth certificate / school leaving certificate
Proof of residence in India for 11+ years
Marriage certificate (if applying via marriage)
Passport-size photographs
Affidavit of renunciation of Nepali citizenship

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for Indian Citizenship:

Go to indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in
Register and choose Form X (Naturalization) or Form IV (Registration)
Fill the form and upload documents
Pay the application fee online
Download and print final form
Submit hard copy to District Collector / DM Office
Undergo police and IB verification
Wait for Home Ministry approval

🕒 Processing Time: 8–18 months

Important Government Departments Involved

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Intelligence Bureau (IB)
District Magistrate (DM) or Collector’s Office
State Home Department

Each plays a role in vetting, verifying, and recommending your application.

Key Takeaways

Nepali nationals can become Indian citizens through registration or naturalization
Must legally reside in India for 11+ years
India–Nepal treaty offers residency, not direct citizenship
Application is online but needs physical submission to DM office
Patience is important as the process may take over a year

FAQ Section

Q1. Can a Nepali citizen get Indian citizenship automatically?
No, a Nepali citizen must follow the legal process under the Citizenship Act.

Q2. What is the minimum residency required?
11 years in the last 14 years + 12 months continuous stay before applying.

Q3. Can I apply if married to an Indian citizen?
Yes, via registration (Form IV) with proof of marriage and residency.

Q4. What is the processing time?
Generally 8–18 months depending on verification and state.

Q5. Do I have to give up my Nepali citizenship?
Yes, India does not allow dual citizenship.

How to Apply for Aadhaar Card in India
Difference Between OCI and Indian Citizenship
How to Get Passport as a Foreign National in India

Let us know in the comments if you need help with your application or want a guide in Hindi.

Shiv Shankar Shah

Shiv Shankar Kumar Shah is the founder of CitizenJankari.com, a digital content creator and SEO specialist with 8+ years of experience in blogging and online publishing. Passionate about simplifying complex government processes, he writes bilingual content (Hindi + English) to empower citizens with accurate, easy-to-understand information on Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, and Indian citizenship.

When he’s not researching government policies, Shiv loves helping others build financially free digital careers through blogging and affiliate marketing.

📍Based in New Delhi, India
📧 Contact: citizenjankari@gmail.com