Obtaining Business Visa in Nepal

A business visa in Nepal can be obtained by making a foreign investment in Nepal that is approved by the Department of Industry and issued by the Department of Immigration.

The process takes seven working days, and the fees are determined by the Immigration Department. This guide has been prepared based on the experience of Axion Partners in assisting investors from more than 20 countries in obtaining business visas.

Step-By-Step Process for Business Visa in Nepal

• Step 1: Obtain recommendation from the Department of Industry
• Step 2: Complete all business incorporation processes
• Step 3: Assist with application processing from the Department of Industry
• Step 4: File application at Department of Immigration
• Step 5: Obtain final approval from the Department of Immigration
• Step 6: Receive business visa with specified validity period

What Is a Business Visa in Nepal?

A business visa in Nepal is an official authorization granted to foreign nationals who wish to engage in commercial or industrial activities within the country. This visa category is specifically designed for investors, business representatives, and individuals involved in export-related trade activities.

The business visa in Nepal allows foreign investors and their family members to legally reside and conduct business operations. This visa type is issued under the Immigration Act and Regulations of Nepal, ensuring that foreign nationals comply with legal requirements while contributing to the country’s economic development.

Foreign nationals must obtain this visa through proper channels, including company registration and FDI approval. The business visa in Nepal cannot be obtained twice through different companies.

The validity period of a business visa ranges from one month to five years, depending on the investment amount and business nature.

Where To Apply for Business Visa in Nepal?

Applications for obtaining a business visa in Nepal must be submitted to the Department of Immigration after receiving recommendations from the Department of Industry. The Department of Industry serves as the primary authority for evaluating foreign investment proposals and issuing necessary recommendations.

Foreign investors must first register their company through the Office of the Company Registrar and obtain FDI approval from relevant authorities. The Department of Industry, located in Kathmandu, processes applications and verifies that proper business setup requirements are met before issuing recommendations.

After obtaining the recommendation letter, applicants must visit the Department of Immigration to submit their business visa application. The Department of Immigration, situated in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, is the final authority responsible for issuing business visas to eligible foreign nationals.

How To Obtain Business Visa in Nepal?

• Step 1: Obtaining FDI Approval from DOI
• Step 2: Completing Business Registration Procedure
• Step 3: Obtaining Industry Registration Certificate
• Step 4: Applying at the DOI and Immigration Department
• Step 5: Issuance of Business Visa to Investor

Step 1: Register Company Through FDI Approval

Foreign investors must first obtain Foreign Direct Investment approval from the Department of Industry. This process involves submitting a detailed business proposal, investment plan, and required documentation. The FDI approval typically takes two working days and serves as the foundation for obtaining a business visa in Nepal.

Step 2: Complete Business Incorporation Process

After receiving FDI approval, complete company registration at the Office of the Company Registrar. This includes filing incorporation documents, obtaining company registration certificate, and securing PAN/VAT certificate. The business incorporation process takes one to three working days, depending on document completeness and compliance requirements.

Step 3: Obtain Industry Registration Certificate

Register the business with the Department of Industry to receive an industry registration certificate. This certificate validates that the business meets operational standards and investment requirements. Proper setup of industry infrastructure is mandatory before proceeding with the business visa application process.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documentation

Compile all necessary documents including receipt of online application, company registration copy, PAN/VAT certificate, share certificate, industry registration certificate, passport copy, recent Nepalese visa, and investor bio-data. Ensure all documents are properly attested and translated if required.

Step 5: File Application at Department of Industry

Submit the business visa recommendation application to the Department of Industry with complete documentation. The Department reviews the application, verifies business setup, and issues a recommendation letter. This process takes one working day if all requirements are properly fulfilled.

Step 6: Submit Application to Department of Immigration

Present the recommendation letter and supporting documents to the Department of Immigration for final processing. The immigration authorities verify all credentials and issue the business visa within two to three working days. The visa validity depends on investment amount and business nature.

What Documents Are Required for Business Visa in Nepal?

• Receipt of online application submitted through the official immigration portal
• Copy of company registration certificate issued by the Office of the Company Registrar
• Copy of PAN/VAT certificate obtained from the Inland Revenue Department
• Copy of share certificate demonstrating foreign investor’s ownership stake
• Copy of industry registration certificate from the Department of Industry
• Copy of valid passport with minimum six months validity
• Copy of recent Nepalese visa or entry stamp
• Bio-data of investor including educational and professional background
• Recommendation letter from the Department of Industry
• Recent passport-size photographs meeting immigration specifications
• Proof of investment as per FDI approval requirements
• Business plan and operational details of the enterprise

Business Visa Investment Categories and Fees

The following table outlines the relationship between investment amounts, visa fees, and validity periods for obtaining a business visa in Nepal:

Investment Amount / Category	Visa Fee Structure	Validity Period	Maximum Stay	Renewal Option	Processing Time
Less than NPR 10 million	USD 30 per month	1–12 months	As per visa validity	Annual renewal available	2–3 working days
NPR 10 million or more	USD 300 per year or USD 10 per month	Up to 5 years	5 years continuous	Extension as required	2–3 working days
Third-country	USD 300 for 5 years	5 years (multiple entry)	90 days per visit	Renewable for remaining period	2–3 working days

How Long Does the Business Visa Process Take?

The timeline for obtaining a business visa in Nepal varies depending on the stage of application and completeness of documentation.

The complete process from FDI approval to visa issuance typically takes seven to ten working days:

• FDI Approval Processing: Two working days from submission of complete application to the Department of Industry
• Company Incorporation: One to three working days for registration at the Office of the Company Registrar
• Industry Registration: One working day for obtaining industry registration certificate from relevant authorities
• Recommendation Letter: One working day for processing at the Department of Industry after document verification
• Business Visa Issuance: Two to three working days at the Department of Immigration after application submission
• Total Processing Time: Seven to ten working days for the complete process under normal circumstances

Visit the Department of Industry for current processing timelines.

What Are the Costs for Business Visa in Nepal?

The fee structure for obtaining a business visa in Nepal depends on the investment amount and desired validity period.

Fee Category	Investment Threshold	Fee Amount	Validity Period	Payment Method
Monthly Fee	Less than NPR 10 million	USD 30 per month	1 month	Cash or bank transfer
Annual Fee	NPR 10 million or more	USD 300 per year	12 months	Cash or bank transfer
Monthly Equivalent	NPR 10 million or more	USD 10 per month	1 month	Cash or bank transfer
Five-Year Multiple Entry	Export trade buyers	USD 300 total	5 years (90 days per visit)	Cash or bank transfer
Extension Fee	All categories	As per original fee structure	Extended period	Cash or bank transfer

Additional costs may include company registration fees, PAN/VAT registration charges, and document attestation expenses.

What Are the Renewal Process Requirements?

The renewal process for a business visa in Nepal requires timely application submission before visa expiration.

• Submit renewal application at least fifteen days before current visa expiration date
• Provide updated company registration documents and tax clearance certificates
• Present proof of ongoing business operations and investment maintenance
• Include recent passport-size photographs and valid passport copy
• Pay applicable renewal fees based on investment amount and desired validity period
• Obtain fresh recommendation letter from the Department of Industry if required
• Submit evidence of compliance with Nepalese tax and labor laws
• Demonstrate continued business activity through financial statements and operational reports
• Provide updated bio-data if there are changes in investor information
• Complete renewal application form available at the Department of Immigration

Check the Immigration Department’s official portal for renewal procedures.

What Types of Business Visas Are Available in Nepal?

Different categories of business visas are available based on the nature of investment and business activities.

Visa Type	Eligibility Criteria	Validity Period	Stay Duration	Investment Requirement
Commercial Investment Visa	Foreign nationals investing in commercial enterprises	Up to 5 years	Continuous stay allowed	Minimum as per FDI norms
Industrial Investment Visa	Investors in industrial establishments	Up to 5 years	Continuous stay allowed	Minimum as per industry category
Export Trade Visa	Investors conducting export trade from Nepal	Up to 5 years	Continuous stay allowed	As per export business plan
Third-Country Buyer Visa	Foreign nationals purchasing Nepalese goods for export	5 years (multiple entry)	90 days per visit	No minimum investment
IT Industry Visa	Investors in information technology sector	Up to 5 years	Continuous stay allowed	As per IT industry requirements
Non-IT Industry Visa	Investors in non-IT sectors	Up to 5 years	Continuous stay allowed	As per sector-specific norms
Family Member Visa	Dependents of business visa holders	Same as primary visa	Same as primary visa	Not applicable

What Laws Govern Business Visa in Nepal?

The legal framework for obtaining a business visa in Nepal is established through various regulations and acts. These laws ensure proper management of foreign investment and immigration procedures:

• Immigration Act, 2049 (1992) – Primary legislation governing visa issuance and immigration procedures in Nepal
• Immigration Regulations, 2051 (1994) – Detailed rules for business visa application, validity, and renewal processes
• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075 (2019) – Governs foreign direct investment and related visa provisions
• Industrial Enterprises Act, 2076 (2020) – Regulates industrial establishment and foreign investor requirements
• Company Act, 2063 (2006) – Provides framework for company registration and foreign shareholding
• Income Tax Act, 2058 (2002) – Requires PAN/VAT registration for business operations
• One Window Policy – Facilitates streamlined processing of foreign investment and visa applications

Visit the official website of the Department of Immigration for detailed legal provision.

What Benefits Does a Business Visa in Nepal Provide?

Obtaining a business visa in Nepal offers numerous advantages for foreign investors and business professionals.

• Long-term residency rights allowing continuous stay for up to five years based on investment amount
• Multiple entry privileges enabling unrestricted travel in and out of Nepal during visa validity
• Family inclusion permitting spouse and dependent children to obtain dependent visas
• Business operation flexibility allowing management of commercial and industrial enterprises
• Investment protection under bilateral investment treaties and Nepalese investment laws
• Tax benefits available under the Income Tax Act for certain business categories
• Access to banking services including opening business accounts and obtaining credit facilities
• Work authorization eliminating the need for separate work permits for business activities
• Renewable status with straightforward extension procedures for continuing business operations
• Legal business presence establishing credibility with local partners, suppliers, and customers
• Property ownership rights for business premises and operational facilities
• Participation in government tenders and business opportunities reserved for registered entities

Axion Partners, as a leading immigration law firm in Nepal, provides business visa services in the country. The firm has served clients from more than 22 countries and has established itself as a reliable service provider for business visas in Nepal.

Frequently Asked Questions