Loading...
Loading...
For business activities and NGO/INGO workers; requires a sponsoring organization registered in Nepal and government department approval.
Employer-sponsored visa requiring a Nepalese company to obtain a work permit from the Department of Labour; annual renewal tied to employment contract.
For long-term residents not engaged in employment, such as family members of permit holders or property owners; requires proof of financial self-sufficiency.
Nepal offers visa-on-arrival for citizens of most countries at Tribhuvan International Airport and major border crossings, with standard tourist visas valid for 15, 30, or 90 days. Citizens of India do not require a visa to enter Nepal. Long-term residents can obtain Non-Tourist Visas for specific purposes such as study, employment, or business, administered by the Department of Immigration.
Foreign nationals wishing to work in Nepal must obtain a Non-Tourist Visa with work authorization, sponsored by a Nepali employer or organization registered with relevant government bodies. The process requires approval from the Department of Labor and the Department of Immigration and can take several weeks. NGO and diplomatic workers often operate under separate frameworks agreed with the Nepali government.
Spouses and dependent children of long-term visa holders may apply for dependent visas through the Department of Immigration, typically valid for the same duration as the primary visa. Dependent family members are generally not permitted to work without separate authorization.
Nepal imposes personal income tax at rates from 1% to 36% depending on income level and filing status. Corporate income tax is generally 25%, with lower rates for priority industries. VAT is 13%, one of the lowest in South Asia. Nepal has signed a limited number of double taxation treaties, primarily with neighboring and key trading partner countries.
Nepal's healthcare infrastructure is limited outside Kathmandu, where private hospitals like Norvic International and CIWEC Clinic serve the expatriate community with reasonable quality. Medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended for those living or trekking in remote areas, and most serious conditions require treatment in India or Bangkok.
Nepal's banking system includes several commercial banks such as Nepal Investment Bank, Nabil Bank, and Standard Chartered Nepal. Opening an account typically requires a valid passport and visa; non-residents face limitations on foreign currency transactions due to Nepal's foreign exchange controls. International wire transfers are subject to central bank regulations.
Nepal allows foreign direct investment in most sectors, and foreign investors can obtain a Non-Tourist Business Visa by registering a company with the Department of Industry. The Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act provides legal protections for investors. Nepal does not have a formal golden visa or investor citizenship program, but the business visa can be renewed annually with active investment.