Contents
- 1 How to Get Indian Citizenship in India Being Foreigner Like Nepali National
- 2 Overview of Indian Citizenship Law for Foreigners
- 3 Who Can Apply โ Eligibility Criteria for Nepali Nationals
- 4 Legal Routes to Get Citizenship (Naturalization, Registration, etc.)
- 5 Documents Required for Application
- 6 Step-by-Step Application Process
- 7 Important Government Departments Involved
- 8 Key Takeaways
- 9 FAQ Section
- 10 Related Articles
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 โ 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 โ IndiaโNepal Treaty
Under the IndiaโNepal 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
๐ Processing Time: 8โ18 months
Important Government Departments Involved
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
- District Magistrate (DM) or Collectorโs 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
- IndiaโNepal 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 8โ18 months depending on verification and state.
Q5. Do I have to give up my Nepali citizenship?
Yes, India does not allow dual citizenship.
Related Articles
- 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.
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Shiv Shankar Kumar Shah is the founder of CitizenJankari.com, a digital content creator, SEO specialist, and online publisher with over 8 years of experience in blogging, SEO, and informational content publishing.
He specializes in creating easy-to-understand bilingual content in Hindi and English focused on Aadhaar, PAN Card, Voter ID, LPG services, passports, government schemes, Indian citizenship, and online government processes.
With practical experience in digital publishing and search engine optimization, Shiv is passionate about helping Indian citizens access accurate, updated, and simplified information related to government documentation and public services.
Apart from running CitizenJankari, he also mentors aspiring bloggers and digital creators in SEO, affiliate marketing, and online income generation.
Shiv holds multiple Google certifications in Google Ads, Analytics, and AI-powered advertising. He has also worked professionally in digital marketing, affiliate marketing, and SEO management for various online businesses and brands.
๐ Based in New Delhi, India
๐ง Contact: citizenjankari@gmail.com