How To Get Business Visa in Nepal? | Business Visa Process in Nepal
If the Investor is desirous to bring foreign investment in Nepal, a business visa is granted to the Investor or one authorized representative of him or her and the family members of such Investor or representative to stay in Nepal.
This article guides you through the process to obtain the business visa in Nepal.
1. Governing Laws:
Major laws governing the business visa in Nepal are as follows:
a) Immigration Act, 1992 (2049),
b) Immigration Rules, 1994 (2051),
c) Foreign Investment Technology Transfer Act, 2019 (2075),
d) Foreign Investment Technology Transfer Rule, 2021 (2077).
2. Process of Obtaining Business Visa in Nepal
To obtain the business visa in Nepal, following procedures are required to be followed:
Step 1: Obtain Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approval from the Department of Industry (DOI) by the investor.
Step 2: Registration of the Company, Tax registration and Industry registration.
Step 3: Obtain the business visa recommendation letter from the DOI.
Step 4: Submission of visa application before Immigration Department.
Step 5: Following the examination the Immigration Department will issue a Business Visa.
3. Documents Required for Obtaining Business Visa in Nepal:
The required documents to obtain the business visa are as follows:
- A recommendation letter from the DOI or the concerned authority,
- Bio Data (for first time applicants),
- Foreign Investment Approval letter,
- Copy of Company Registration Certificate,
- Copy of tax registration certificate and tax clearance certificate,
- Copy of Share registry certificate,
- Copy of Industry Registration Certificate,
- Original Passport and latest visa,
- Industry Monitoring and Supervision report,
- Progress report of company of industry (for renewal).
4. Visa Period
DOI will provide business visa recommendation for certain period depending upon the fulfillment of requirements of incorporation process and injection of investment amount. The requirements are set out below:
| S. N. | Period | Conditions for issuance |
| a. | For 3 months | Under the condition of submission of certificate of incorporation of company for next visa approval. |
| b. | For next 3 months | Submission of certificate of incorporation and under the condition of submission of documents of tax registration, bank account details, industry registration or details of industry registration progress for next visa approval. |
| c. | For next 6 months; or | Submission of industry registration certificate. |
| For next 3 months | Upon the satisfaction of industry registration progress and under the condition of registration of industry before injection of foreign investment capital for next visa approval. | |
| d. | Next visa approvals | Upon the injection of foreign investment capital. |
5. Applicable Government fee:
Government fee required for obtaining business visa in Nepal:
| S.N. | Investment Amount (NRP) | Visa fee for 1 Month (USD) | Visa fee for 1 year (USD) | Visa fee for 5 years (USD) |
| a. | Investment amount Less than NRP. 10 Million | USD 35 | USD 400 | USD 1000 |
| b. | Investment amount more than NRP. 10 Million | USD 20 | USD 200 | USD 500 |
| c. | Investment amount more than NRP. 100 Million | No Charges | No Charges | No Charges |
6. Timeline:
Obtaining the recommendation letter from the Department of Industry (DOI) or the concerned line agency typically takes around 1 to 7 days. Following this, the business visa is generally issued by the Department of Immigration within approximately 1 day.
For expert guidance and hassle-free business visa process in Nepal, contact Moksha Legal Group. Our experienced legal team ensures a smooth and efficient process.
Who is eligible for a business visa in Nepal?
Foreign nationals investing in, operating, or representing a legally registered business in Nepal may be eligible for a business visa, subject to the requirements of Nepal's immigration laws and approval from the relevant authorities.
How many types of visas are there in Nepal?
Nepal offers several visa categories, including Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Non-Tourist Visa, Student Visa, Residential Visa, Transit Visa, Official Visa, and Diplomatic Visa. Each visa has specific eligibility criteria and permitted activities under Nepal's immigration laws.
Do I need a business visa for Nepal?
A business visa is generally required if a foreign national intends to invest, establish, manage, or engage in business activities in Nepal. Visitors traveling solely for tourism or short-term non-business purposes should obtain the appropriate visa category instead.
Can foreigners do business in Nepal?
Yes, foreigners can establish and invest in businesses in Nepal in accordance with the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) and other applicable laws. However, certain sectors are restricted or prohibited for foreign investment, and the required approvals must be obtained before commencing business operations.