🇳🇵map Nepal [Residency]

Overview

Nepal is an easy country to enter for most travelers, with a friendly visa-on-arrival system at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and several land borders. Many nationalities can also apply in advance at a Nepali embassy or complete an online pre-application to speed things up at the airport. Tourist stays are typically issued in set blocks of days and can often be extended inside the country, up to a yearly maximum for tourists. Your passport should have at least six months’ validity and a blank page, and you’ll be asked for a passport-style photo; carry a few extras just in case.

The basics on entry are straightforward: know your intended length of stay, keep proof of onward travel if you have it, and have cash or card ready for the visa fee. Immigration officers may ask for your first-night address, so have your hotel details handy. Health requirements are generally light, but it’s smart to have travel insurance and updated routine vaccinations. If you plan to work, volunteer, or stay long term, don’t rely on a tourist visa—Nepal has dedicated categories for business, employment, family, and investment that you should line up in advance.

Tourist and Short-term Visas

Tourist visas are the most common and flexible option for first-time visitors and digital nomads testing the waters. You can usually choose from short, medium, or longer tourist stays, and extend through the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Extensions are practical if you fall in love with the trekking routes or need extra time for coworking and slow travel. Keep in mind that there is a maximum number of days tourists can stay in a calendar year, so plan your extensions with that cap in mind.

Short business visits for meetings or scoping trips can often be handled with a tourist entry, but if you’ll be repeatedly attending meetings, exploring partnerships, or staying longer, a business visa may be more appropriate. Business visas tend to require local sponsorship or documentation about your company and purpose of travel. Carry basic paperwork like invitation letters, hotel bookings, a return ticket, and a couple of passport photos. Fees for tourist and business visas are paid per duration, and while processing is often same day for tourist entries, business categories can take longer and may require embassy or immigration-office processing.

Work Visas and Permits

If you’re planning to work in Nepal, you’ll need a proper work visa tied to an employer or a registered organization. The process usually involves your Nepali employer obtaining labor authorization and then supporting your application with recommendation letters to the Department of Immigration. Expect to show qualifications and experience that match the role, as well as employment contracts and tax registration details once you arrive. Volunteers should also apply under the correct non-tourist category through registered NGOs—volunteering on a tourist visa is not permitted.

Timelines can vary based on the ministry involved and the completeness of your documentation. It’s common for approvals to come in stages, so stay responsive to requests for additional letters, attestation, or updated contracts. A rule of thumb: the more specialized your role and the clearer the local sponsor’s paperwork, the smoother it goes. Once approved, work visas are typically issued for a defined period and renewed against active contracts, tax compliance, and employer confirmations.

Long-term Residence

Nepal offers several pathways for longer stays beyond tourism. Family-based options exist for spouses and dependents of Nepali citizens, as well as for dependents of foreigners holding valid long-term visas. Investors can pursue residence through business or investment categories, which involve company registration, minimum capital thresholds, and periodic proof that the enterprise is active. These investor pathways can also extend to immediate family members.

Permanent residence, in the classic sense, is rare and tightly defined in Nepal, with most foreigners maintaining renewable long-term visas rather than PR. There are special residence categories for individuals with notable contributions or for specific professional roles, but these are exceptional and document-heavy. Retiree-style stays may be possible under residence categories that require assured income and local compliance; applicants should be prepared to document pension or investment income and meet insurance and tax obligations. As always, check the Department of Immigration’s latest guidance before planning a long-term move.

Application Process

A smooth application starts with clarity on the right category: tourist, business, work, family, or investment. For tourist entries, you can apply on arrival or at an embassy; bring your passport, photos, fee, and accommodation details. For work, business, or family visas, your local sponsor typically prepares a dossier with letters to the Department of Immigration, registration documents, and any ministry approvals. You’ll submit your application at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu, at a Nepali embassy/consulate, or through a combination of both depending on your category.

Expect a step-by-step flow: gather documents, submit forms, pay the fee, and wait for review. Interviews are not common for tourist entries but can occur for work or investment categories, where you may be asked about your role, employer, or business plan. Processing times range from same-day (tourist) to several weeks (work or investment), depending on complexity and completeness. Keep scanned copies of everything, track your reference numbers, and follow up politely with the relevant office if timelines stretch.

Costs and Fees

Visa fees are set by duration and category, with tourist visas generally priced in tiers and paid at entry points or immigration offices. Business, work, and long-stay categories have higher fees, sometimes payable per month or per year, and may involve additional costs for document attestation, local registrations, or renewals. If your application requires legalized documents from your home country—like degrees or marriage certificates—budget for notarization, apostille/legalization, and courier charges. Some categories may request medical insurance proof; comprehensive travel or international health insurance is strongly recommended.

If you apply at an embassy, there may be service charges in addition to the government fee. Card payments are possible at the airport, but it’s wise to carry a backup card or cash in major currencies. Extensions inside Nepal also come with per-day or per-period fees. Always confirm the latest rates on the Department of Immigration’s official site or directly with a Nepali mission abroad, as fees can change.

After Arrival

If you arrived on a tourist visa, there’s little to do beyond enjoying the country and respecting your authorized stay. For work, business, or family visas, you’ll likely complete in-country steps such as finalizing your visa sticker, registering with the tax office for a PAN (Permanent Account Number), and, for employees, ensuring your labor permit is activated by your employer. Your hotel will typically handle short-stay reporting, but long-term residents should maintain updated local addresses with immigration.

Opening a bank account usually requires your valid visa, local address, and PAN, and the bank may ask for employer letters for salary accounts. If you plan to freelance or consult, get clarity on what’s permitted under your visa type and how to register and pay taxes correctly—misalignment here can cause renewal headaches. Keep your passport, visa, and any approval letters safely accessible; you’ll need them for SIM registration, housing leases, and domestic flights.

Common Issues and Tips

The most common mistakes are applying under the wrong category, overstaying a tourist visa, or doing paid work on a tourist entry. If your plans change, switch to the correct visa type before you begin any work or extended activity. Documentation gaps slow everything down—ensure your employer or sponsor has up-to-date registrations, tax clearances, and the right ministry endorsements. If a decision doesn’t go your way, ask about re-application or appeal options; success often hinges on fixing specific document issues.

Policies and fees can change, and procedures may differ slightly by office. It helps to check the Department of Immigration’s website shortly before you apply and, for work cases, stay in close touch with your HR or local counsel. Using a reputable local agent can be worthwhile for complex categories like investment or family reunification. Keep digital and paper copies of all submissions, and build buffer time into your travel plans—Nepal rewards patience as much as it rewards curiosity.

Raj
Raj is a technology consultant and global mobility specialist originally from Bangalore, India, with over 14 years of experience in the tech industry and international talent relocation. Having worked for major technology companies including Infosys, Wipro, and leading global tech firms, Raj has extensive experience facilitating the relocation of Indian IT professionals to key markets including Australia, Mauritius, and other Commonwealth nations. His expertise spans both the technical aspects of skilled worker visa programs and the cultural nuances of adapting to new markets, particularly for professionals in the technology sector.