Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal · family
Relation (Dependent) Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For you if you have a close family member in Nepal: the Relation Visa lets relatives of a Nepali citizen, or dependents of certain visa holders, stay on the basis of the family relationship.
- Processing time
- Indicative only. It depends on your relationship documents and the main holder's status; confirm current timing on the official immigration.gov.np page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only. Visa fees apply; refer to the official page for current amounts.
- Typical duration
- Issued on the basis of the family relationship and renewable while it continues and the main holder's status (where relevant) remains valid.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The Relation Visa (a Non-Tourist Visa) is for relatives of Nepali citizens and for dependents joining certain visa holders. Relatives of a Nepali citizen can apply by establishing the relationship - by blood within three generations - through a relationship certificate issued by the local government body. Good to know: for renewals, the physical presence of your kin named in the relationship certificate is generally required, and dependent family members of work, business or study visa holders are tied to that main holder's status. This is a family route rather than a settlement one. Confirm the current requirements on the official immigration.gov.np page.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You have a qualifying relationship with a Nepali citizen (by blood within three generations) or are a dependent of a main visa holder.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ✓For relatives of citizens, you hold a relationship certificate from the local government body.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ✓For dependents, the main holder maintains a valid work, business or study visa.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ✓You apply at the Department of Immigration for the Relation Visa.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
Common blockers
- !Being unable to establish the relationship through the required certificate or documents.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- !A main visa holder whose status has lapsed, where your stay depends on it.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- !Missing the physical-presence requirement of your named kin at renewal.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and the completed application.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ·A relationship certificate from the local government body (for relatives of citizens).Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ·The main holder's valid visa and relationship documents (for dependents).Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
- ·Any further documents the official page requests.Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your relationship qualifies and obtain the relationship certificate or dependent documents.
Build the evidence pack
Gather your passport and evidence of the relationship or the main holder's status.
Submit through the official channel
Apply at the Department of Immigration for the Relation Visa through the official channel.
After approval
After approval, keep the relationship documents and (where relevant) the main holder's status valid for renewals.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Relation (Dependent) Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Relation (Dependent) Visa.
Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal) · verified
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Related routes
Working (Non-Tourist) Visa
For you if you are taking up employment in Nepal: the Working Visa is the only visa that allows you to work, and it depends on a separate labour permit plus a recommendation from the relevant government ministry.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
How do I prove my relationship for a Relation Visa?+
If you are a relative of a Nepali citizen, you establish the relationship - by blood within three generations - using a relationship certificate issued by the local government body, with a minimum validity. For renewals, the physical presence of the kin named in the certificate is generally required. Confirm exactly what is needed for your situation on the official immigration.gov.np page.
Can my family join me on my work or study visa?+
Dependent family members can generally join a main holder of a work, business or study visa through this family route, with their stay tied to the main holder's valid status. If that status lapses, the dependents' basis is affected. Check the current dependent rules and documentation for your visa type on the official page.
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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