Asia Pacific
Nepal immigration and visa guide
Nepal offers Tourist Visas with on-arrival extensions up to 150 days/year, Non-Tourist Working Visas, Business & Foreign Direct Investment (FITTA) Visas, Study Visas, and Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) 10-year identity cards.
Department of Immigration (DoI), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Nepal
- Processing time
- 1 – 3 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- Yes
Visa options in Nepal
Key requirements
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity at entry
- For Non-Tourist / Working Visa: Letter of recommendation from relevant Ministry (Labor/Industry/Education) and Department of Immigration clearance
- For Business/Investor Visa: Foreign investment capital approval under FITTA from the Department of Industry and Nepal Rastra Bank clearance
- For Tourist/Remote Extended Stay: Online visa pre-application through Nepal Immigration Online portal with proof of financial sustenance
How to apply for a Nepal visa: step by step
- 1
Online Visa Application Submission
Submit digital application on the official Nepal Immigration portal (nepalimmigration.gov.np) with passport scan and purpose documents.
1 - 3 business days
- 2
Recommendation & Labor Approval
For employment or investment, obtain formal recommendation from Department of Labor or Department of Industry.
1 - 2 weeks
- 3
Department of Immigration Endorsement
Present documents at the Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu for biometric visa sticker issuance.
2 - 5 business days
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum continuous tourist stay in Nepal for digital nomads?
Foreign nationals can legally stay up to a maximum of 150 days in a single visa year (January 1 to December 31) on a tourist visa. The stay can be extended in 15, 30, or 60-day increments at immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What rights does the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Card grant?
The 10-year NRN Card grants visa-free entry to Nepal, the right to open local bank accounts, hold property within statutory limits, and conduct business operations without foreign worker restrictions.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Nepal. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Department of Immigration (DoI), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of NepalGeneral information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Department of Immigration (DoI), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Nepal on the official website before applying.