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Business Visa in Nepal
12
Dec
Last updated: June 2026 · By CorporateNP, Anamnagar, Kathmandu
A business visa in Nepal is a non-tourist visa granted to foreign investors and their representatives who hold an approved investment and a registered company in Nepal. It is issued by the Department of Immigration on the recommendation of the Department of Industry, for periods ranging from one month up to five years. This guide explains who qualifies, what documents you need, how much it costs, how long it takes, and how to extend it.
Quick answer: To get a business visa in Nepal you must (1) be 18 or older, (2) commit to an approved foreign investment, (3) register a company in Nepal, and (4) obtain a recommendation letter from the Department of Industry before applying at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Government fees start at USD 30 per month (or USD 300 per year) and the full process typically takes 7–10 working days.
What is a business visa in Nepal?
A business visa in Nepal is a residence visa that lets a foreign national legally live in Nepal to run or invest in a registered Nepalese company. Unlike a tourist visa, it is tied to a genuine foreign investment and is renewed for as long as that investment is maintained.
Short business trips attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs do not require a business visa and can be done on a tourist visa. The business visa is intended for investors who establish or operate a business in Nepal, not for one-off visits.
The visa is governed by the Immigration Act, 1992 (2049 B.S.) and the Immigration Rules, 1994, alongside the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019 (2075 B.S.), which sets the foreign-investment framework. It is administered by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with investment recommendations issued by the Department of Industry.
Who is eligible for a business visa in Nepal?
You qualify for a Nepal business visa if you meet all of the following:
- Age: You have completed 18 years of age.
- Investment commitment: You are making an approved foreign investment in Nepal.
- Registered company: Your business is registered in Nepal (or is in the process of foreign-investment registration).
- Government recommendation: You hold a recommendation letter from the Department of Industry or the relevant line ministry for your sector.
The visa also extends to authorised representatives of an investing company and to the dependent family members of the investor or representative.
Note: Minimum investment thresholds vary by sector and are set under FITTA and Department of Industry policy. Confirm the current threshold for your industry before applying, as restricted sectors (such as defence and certain natural-resource industries) carry higher requirements or need special approval.
Nepal business visa requirements: documents checklist
The Department of Immigration generally asks for the following documents. Prepare certified copies in advance to avoid delays.
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Identity and travel | Valid for at least 6 months, with a blank page |
| Completed visa application form | Formal application | Available via the Department of Immigration online portal |
| Passport-sized photographs | Application record | Recent; typically 2–3 required |
| Recommendation letter | Confirms approved investment | From the Department of Industry or relevant ministry — mandatory |
| Foreign Investment Approval letter | Proves FDI approval | Issued by the Department of Industry |
| Company / industry registration certificate | Proves registered business | From the Office of the Company Registrar |
| PAN / VAT certificate | Tax registration | From the Inland Revenue Department |
| Share certificate | Proves shareholding | Required, especially for investments above NPR 10 million |
| Tax clearance certificate | For operating businesses | Latest fiscal year |
| Company progress / monitoring report | For renewals | Shows the business is active |
How much does a business visa in Nepal cost?
Business visa fees in Nepal are set by the Department of Immigration and depend on your investment level and the duration you request. The widely applied government fee structure is:
| Investment level | Per month | Per year | Five years (at once) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below NPR 10 million | USD 30 | USD 300 | USD 1,000 |
| Above NPR 10 million | USD 10 | USD 100 | USD 300 |
Fees are quoted in USD, payable in major currencies, and are subject to revision by the Department of Immigration. Some sources cite slightly different monthly rates (e.g. USD 35/month), so confirm the current figure when you apply.
For a full breakdown across all visa categories, see our guide to all visa fees in Nepal.
How long does a business visa in Nepal last?
A business visa in Nepal is issued for a minimum of one month and can be granted for up to one year, or for five years at a time, depending on your investment.
- Investment below NPR 10 million: visa granted for 1 to 12 months.
- Investment above NPR 10 million: visa granted for up to 5 years at once.
The visa remains renewable for as long as the foreign investment is maintained, so there is no fixed lifetime cap as long as your business stays active and compliant.
How to apply for a business visa in Nepal (step by step)
The business visa process starts with the Department of Industry and ends at the Department of Immigration. Here is the typical sequence:
- Obtain FDI approval. Get your foreign investment approved by the Department of Industry (or the Investment Board for large projects).
- Register your company. Incorporate through the Office of the Company Registrar and obtain your PAN/VAT from the Inland Revenue Department.
- Record the investment with Nepal Rastra Bank. Complete the foreign-investment recording so capital inflow is documented.
- Get the recommendation letter. Apply to the Department of Industry for the recommendation letter required for the visa. The Department may inspect your business before issuing it.
- File at the Department of Immigration. Submit the recommendation letter and supporting documents at the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.
- Receive your visa. Once approved, the business visa is endorsed in your passport with its duration and conditions.
How long does the process take?
The complete process usually takes 7–10 working days. As a rough breakdown: FDI approval (about 2 days), company incorporation (1–3 days), Department of Industry recommendation (about 1 day), and Department of Immigration processing (2–3 days). Unlike a tourist visa, a business visa is not issued on arrival at the airport — the recommendation letter must be in place first.
How to extend a business visa in Nepal
Apply to extend your business visa before it expires, at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Extensions are granted in line with your continuing investment.
To extend, you will generally need:
- Proof of ongoing business activity (progress / monitoring report)
- Updated company and tax documents
- A renewed recommendation, where required
- Payment of the applicable extension fee
Renewals follow the same investment-based fee tiers shown above. Applying late risks overstay penalties, so start the extension well ahead of the expiry date.
What can (and can't) you do on a business visa?
A business visa lets you manage and operate your own registered business in Nepal but it is not a general work permit.
Permitted:
- Running and managing your own registered company
- Negotiating contracts and meeting partners
- Exploring further investment and conducting market research
- Attending conferences and trade fairs
Not permitted:
- Taking salaried employment with another Nepalese company (this needs a separate work permit)
- Working in activities outside the scope declared in your application
Tax considerations
Income earned from Nepalese sources may be taxable, and your length of stay can affect tax-residency status. Nepal has double-taxation avoidance agreements with several countries that may apply. Confirm your position with a tax adviser; our company registration and compliance team can help.
Business visa for foreign investors by country
Requirements are broadly the same regardless of nationality, but document legalisation and embassy steps differ by country. See our country-specific guides:
- Business visa from the USA in Nepal
- Business visa for Canadians in Nepal
- Business visa from Switzerland in Nepal
- How Chinese investors can invest in Nepal
Citizens of SAARC member states and certain other categories may receive preferential or gratis treatment on entry visas; the business-visa investment rules, however, still apply.
Common mistakes that delay a business visa
- Incomplete documentation — the leading cause of rejection. Check every requirement and certify translations.
- Skipping the Department of Industry step — the immigration office cannot issue the visa without the recommendation letter.
- Applying too late — submit extensions before expiry to avoid overstay fines.
- Mismatched activities — keep your declared business purpose consistent across all documents.
Conclusion
A business visa in Nepal rewards investors who follow the right order: approve the investment, register the company, secure the Department of Industry recommendation, then apply at the Department of Immigration. Get the documents right the first time and the visa typically issues within 7–10 working days.
Because investment thresholds, fees, and rules change, confirm the current requirements before you file. For end-to-end help FDI approval, company registration, and the visa itself — talk to our team.
Need help with your Nepal business visa? Contact CorporateNP in Anamnagar, Kathmandu, or call +977 9768717747. We support investors through the full FDI and immigration process in Nepal.
This guide is for general information and is not legal advice. Visa rules change; verify current requirements with the Department of Immigration or a qualified adviser.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a business visa in Nepal? The full process usually takes 7–10 working days: roughly 2 days for FDI approval, 1–3 days for company incorporation, about 1 day for the Department of Industry recommendation, and 2–3 days for Department of Immigration processing. A business visa is not issued on arrival at the airport.
How much does a business visa in Nepal cost? Government fees depend on your investment. For investments below NPR 10 million the fee is about USD 30 per month, USD 300 per year, or USD 1,000 for five years. For investments above NPR 10 million it is about USD 10 per month, USD 100 per year, or USD 300 for five years. Fees are set by the Department of Immigration and may change.
What is the maximum duration of a Nepal business visa? A business visa can be issued for up to one year for smaller investments, or up to five years at a time for investments above NPR 10 million. It remains renewable for as long as the investment is maintained and the business stays compliant.
Can I get a Nepal business visa on arrival at the airport? No. A business visa requires a recommendation letter from the Department of Industry and must be applied for at the Department of Immigration. Short business meetings or conferences can, however, be attended on a tourist visa.
Can I work for a Nepalese company on a business visa? No. A business visa allows you to run your own registered business, but taking salaried employment with another company requires a separate work permit.
Can I bring my family on a Nepal business visa? Yes. Dependent family members typically a spouse and dependent children — can apply for dependent visas with documents proving the relationship.
What happens if I overstay a business visa in Nepal? Overstaying leads to daily fines, possible difficulty with future applications, and, in serious cases, detention, deportation, or blacklisting. Always extend before your visa expires.
Which government bodies are involved in a Nepal business visa? The Department of Immigration issues the visa; the Department of Industry gives the investment recommendation; the Office of the Company Registrar handles company registration; the Inland Revenue Department issues PAN/tax clearance; and Nepal Rastra Bank records the foreign investment.
