14 May 2025
Living abroad comes with both opportunities and responsibilities—especially when you still have ties back home. For Nepali immigrants, international students, and long-term expats living in Austria, having legal recognition of their connection with Nepal can be beneficial in many ways. That’s where the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) card comes in.
Before you send money to Nepal from Austria, it’s essential to understand what the NRN card offers and who exactly qualifies for it. Let’s explore the eligibility, benefits, and the overall process, especially tailored for the Nepali community in Austria.
The NRN card is an official identification issued by the Government of Nepal through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and is regulated by the Non-Resident Nepali Act and its amendments. It provides a legal identity to Nepalis living abroad for long periods, allowing them to access several economic and social benefits in Nepal.
This card isn't just a symbolic link to your roots. It can help you invest, do business, own property, and receive special privileges in Nepal. In recent years, with rising remittances and contributions from overseas Nepalis, the government has aimed to improve access and benefits through the NRN card program.
Eligibility for an NRN card is governed by Nepal’s Non-Resident Nepali Act and the latest guidelines issued by the MoFA. If you’ve been residing in Austria for a significant period, you might be eligible—but it depends on a few key factors.
First, let’s separate applicants into two general categories:
If you were born in Nepal but later obtained Austrian citizenship (and thus renounced your Nepali citizenship), you fall into this category. To be eligible, you must prove your Nepali origin through documents such as your old citizenship card, passport, or birth certificate.
The NRN card allows foreign citizens of Nepali origin to invest, own property, and visit Nepal without a visa for up to 10 years. However, you cannot hold a government job or vote in Nepal with this card.
If you are still a Nepali passport holder residing in Austria for work, study, or business, you can also apply for an NRN card. But this version is typically valid for up to 2 years and provides different kinds of benefits.
You’ll need to submit evidence like your valid Nepali passport, Austrian visa or residence permit, and a letter from your employer, university, or local Austrian authority confirming your stay.
To ensure accuracy, you can consult the latest MoFA guidelines for NRN card applications, as eligibility requirements may change slightly depending on policy updates.
The application process for the NRN card requires clear documentation. Submitting incomplete or outdated records may lead to rejection or delays.
Here’s a list of documents typically required:
You’ll have to apply either through the Nepalese Embassy in Austria or online via the official NRN portal. In Austria, the Nepali Embassy in Vienna is the primary contact point.
The NRN card opens doors to many social and financial privileges in Nepal. These benefits are especially useful for Nepalis in Austria planning to maintain connections with home or thinking of returning in the future.
Some of the key advantages include:
NRN cardholders can also benefit from fast-track administrative services when dealing with banks, tax offices, and government bodies in Nepal.
This recognition is more than just a formality. It can support your long-term goals—especially when sending remittances, building property, or starting a business in Nepal while living in Austria.
While the NRN card is not mandatory for regular remittance transfers, it provides smoother access to financial services in Nepal—especially for long-term planning.
For instance, having an NRN card may make it easier to:
However, for routine transactions like money transfer to Nepal from Austria, you don’t need the NRN card. These transfers can be done easily using reliable remittance providers like ACE Money Transfer.
NRN cards come with an expiration date—either 2 years for Nepali passport holders or up to 10 years for foreign citizens of Nepali origin. Renewal is relatively straightforward if your documentation remains updated.
To renew, you’ll need:
Renewal can be done through the same channels as the initial application—either via the embassy or online portal.
Yes, Nepali students enrolled in Austrian universities can apply for the NRN card as long as they hold a valid student visa and proof of enrollment. However, keep in mind that this version is usually valid for only 2 years and doesn’t grant the same level of privileges as the card for foreign citizens of Nepali origin.
Still, for students planning to eventually settle abroad or invest back home, this can be a first step towards long-term engagement with Nepal’s economy and society.
While the NRN card comes with several privileges, it does not give you full citizen rights in Nepal—particularly if you’ve adopted Austrian citizenship.
Some important limitations include:
The NRN card should be seen as a bridge—not a full substitute—for Nepali citizenship. If you wish to reacquire Nepali citizenship, you’ll need to go through a separate legal process.
Thousands of Nepali expats in Austria rely on ACE Money Transfer for fast, reliable, and affordable services. Whether you’re a student, a long-term resident, or a worker, ACE ensures smooth transactions when you send money to Nepal online from Austria.
With 4.8+ ratings on trustpilot, ACE Money Transfer stands out in offering top-tier customer satisfaction, secure transfers, and competitive exchange rates.
Our user-friendly mobile app and web portal are designed for real-time tracking, fast delivery, and 24/7 support. Whether you’re supporting family back home or managing investments in Nepal, we’ve got your remittance needs covered.
If you plan to stay abroad long-term but want to keep doors open in Nepal, applying for the NRN card is definitely worth considering. It strengthens your legal link to Nepal while unlocking benefits that support both personal and professional goals.
And while you explore these opportunities, don’t forget to use secure services when you online money transfer from Austria to Nepal. ACE Money Transfer ensures your hard-earned money gets home safely—quickly, affordably, and without hassle.
The fee varies based on your category and card validity. It ranges from $500 to $1000 for foreign citizens and less for Nepali passport holders.
Yes, but property ownership is limited to certain land sizes and must comply with regulations outlined by Nepal’s Ministry of Land Management.
Yes, international students receive a short-term NRN card with limited privileges, while permanent residents or citizens of other countries get long-term benefits.
No, you can apply and receive your NRN card through the Nepali Embassy in Austria or via the online NRN portal, depending on availability.
ACE Money Transfer uses encryption, regulatory compliance, and real-time tracking to ensure your transfers are safe and reliable.
