Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal visas
Nepal administers foreigner stay through the Department of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Headline non-tourist routes include the Working (Non-Tourist) Visa, the Business Visa for approved investors, the long-stay Residential Visa for those with proof of income, and the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) visa for people of Nepali origin. There is no clear permanent-residence-to-citizenship pathway for ordinary foreigners.
6 routes · 4 without a sponsor · 0 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
Department of Immigration ↗ · Department of Immigration (Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Nepal Bar Association (NBA) — Professional body for advocates in Nepal. There is no dedicated immigration-adviser regulator; representation is by licensed advocates.
Visa routes (6)
Working (Non-Tourist) Visa
The ordinary route for a foreign national taking employment in Nepal. Obtain the labour permit, relevant ministry recommendation and Home Ministry work agreement before the Department of Immigration issues the Working Visa.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Business Visa (foreign investors and representatives)
For you if you are an approved foreign investor or business representative in Nepal: the Business Visa is the long-stay route for people investing in or running an approved business, granted on a recommendation from the relevant authority.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Residential Visa (long-stay, proof of income)
For you if you want to live in Nepal long term without doing business: the Residential Visa is a long-stay route that requires proof of income - but please read the honesty note, because it is not a settled-status or citizenship pathway.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Visa
For you if you are of Nepali origin and hold an NRN identity card: the NRN Visa is a long-stay route for the Nepali diaspora, and recent law changes have made it more generous - including free issuance.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Study Visa (study, research and approved teaching)
For study, research or the specifically approved teaching branch in Nepal. Education Ministry recommendation is required; teaching also needs Home Ministry work agreement and Labour approval.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Family Residence: Citizen Relatives and Dependants
Choose the correct family branch: Relationship Visa for qualifying relatives of Nepali citizens is distinct from dependant permission attached to a foreign principal’s work, business or study status.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Planning life after your move?
Organise documents, arrival money, housing and the practical steps after visa approval. Your route conditions remain the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal have?+
We cover 6 Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal visa routes in these categories: sponsored work, investor, general residence, study, and family. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
4 of the 6 Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 2 are employer-sponsored.
Which Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal visas lead to permanent residence?+
The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal routes we cover are temporary rather than direct settlement routes.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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