Business Visa in Nepal: The Complete Legal & Investment Guide
Business Visa in Nepal: Legal Guide
If you are a foreign investor or entrepreneur looking to tap into the Nepalese market, securing a Business Visa is your first critical step. At Top Legal Advisers, we specialize in navigating the complexities of Nepalese immigration law to ensure your investment journey is seamless.
What is a Business Visa in Nepal?
A Business Visa is a residency permit issued to foreign businessmen, investors, or authorized representatives. It is granted to those willing to engage in direct or indirect investment in Nepal, with the duration and terms based on the investment amount and the business's commitment to the local economy.
Legal Framework Governing Visas
The regulation of foreign entry and investment is strictly governed by the following statutes:
- Immigration Act, 1992
- Immigration Rules, 1994
- Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019
Legal Note: Under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, a valid passport and visa are mandatory for any foreigner to enter or reside in Nepal.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply for a Business Visa if you fall under any of the following categories:
- Investors: Foreigners approved to invest in trade or industry in Nepal.
- Representatives: Authorized representatives of foreign-invested firms.
- Exporters: Foreigners involved in export trade from Nepal or those purchasing/exporting Nepalese goods from third countries.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
Obtaining a visa through the Department of Immigration (DOI) involves a specific administrative flow:
- Step 1: Recommendation: Obtain a formal recommendation letter from the DOI or the relevant government line agency (e.g., Department of Industry).
- Step 2: Inspection: The DOI conducts a physical or document-based inspection of the business entity.
- Step 3: Issuance: Submit the recommendation and required documents to the DOI for final visa stamping.
Required Documentation
To ensure a successful application, you must prepare the following:
- Recommendation letter from the DOI or relevant line agency.
- Industry Registration Certificate.
- Proof of Foreign Investment Approval.
- Company documents (MOA & AOA, Shareholder Register Book).
- Tax Registration (PAN/VAT) and Tax Clearance Certificates.
- Bank account operation proof and Audit/Progress reports.
- Passport copy and Bio-data (for first-time applicants).
Government Fees for Business Visas (2026)
Fees are structured based on the scale of your investment (in NPR) and the requested duration.
| Investment Amount (NPR) | 1 Month | 1 Year | 5 Years |
| Less than 10 Million | $35 | $400 | $1000 |
| More than 10 Million | $20 | $200 | $500 |
| More than 100 Million | No Fee | No Fee | No Fee |
Note: For investments exceeding NPR 10 million, detailed shareholder information must be submitted to the authorities.
Processing Time & Validity
- Timeline: Expect roughly 3–4 weeks to secure the recommendation letter and an additional 5 working days for the DOI to issue the visa.
- Validity: Business visas are issued for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 5 years. Typically, they are issued for 1 year and are renewable annually.
- Exemption: Indian nationals do not require a business visa to live or work in Nepal due to the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
Need Expert Legal Assistance?
Navigating the Department of Immigration and the Department of Industry can be time-consuming for new investors. Top Legal Advisers provides end-to-end support, from company incorporation to visa renewals.