Guide to Residency in Nepal

Obtaining a residency visa in Nepal is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Nepal gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Understand the Types of Visas
  • Tourist Visa: Valid for 15 to 90 days
  • Study Visa: For students enrolled in Nepali educational institutions
  • Work Visa: For foreigners employed in Nepal
  • Business Visa: For foreign investors and business owners
  • Non-Tourist Visa: For foreigners married to Nepali citizens or of Nepali origin
  • Residential Visa: For long-term residents
• Eligibility for Residential Visa
  • Foreigners who have made a substantial investment in Nepal
  • Foreigners who have contributed to the economic, social, or cultural development of Nepal
  • Foreigners who are of Nepali origin and have decided to reside in Nepal permanently
  • Foreigners who are married to Nepali citizens and have lived in Nepal for at least 15 years
• Required Documents
  • Valid passport
  • Completed application form (available at the Department of Immigration website: https://www.immigration.gov.np/)
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Documentary evidence of your qualification for the residential visa (investment details, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Apply for a Residential Visa
  • Visit the Department of Immigration office in Kathmandu
  • Submit the required documents
  • Pay the visa fee
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) office
  • Submit the required documents (passport, visa, photographs, and application form)
  • IRD website for more information: https://www.ird.gov.np/en
• Register with the Local Municipality
  • Visit the local municipality office
  • Submit the required documents (passport, visa, tax number, and application form)
• Open a Bank Account
  • Choose a bank that offers services to foreigners
  • Submit the required documents (passport, visa, tax number, and application form)
• Regularly Renew Your Visa
  • Residential visas are typically valid for one year and can be renewed annually
  • Visit the Department of Immigration office for renewal
  • Submit the required documents and pay the renewal fee

Important Notes

The visa application process can take several weeks, so it is advisable to start the process well in advance of your intended travel date.

All foreigners are required to abide by Nepali laws and regulations during their stay in Nepal.

It is recommended to consult with the Nepali Embassy or Consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date and detailed information.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Nepal?

"To enter Nepal, visitors must obtain a visa from a Nepalese embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed visa application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and the applicable visa fee. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. To apply for residency in Nepal, applicants must submit a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and the applicable fee. Depending on the type of residency, additional documents may be required. The application must be submitted to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. After the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a residency permit," commented one member living in Nepal.