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Nepal

Asia

Nepal offers visa on arrival for most nationalities with stays up to 150 days per calendar year. This Himalayan nation is a favorite among trekkers, spiritual seekers, and budget travelers. A proposed digital nomad visa program is expected to launch in 2025-2026, making Nepal increasingly attractive for remote workers seeking mountain views and affordable living.

6
Visa Types
10
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Tourist Visa (30 Days)

Multiple-entry tourist visa for 30-day stays, the most popular option. Available on arrival. Extendable up to 150 days per calendar year.

30 days
Duration
$50
— fee
+$50 additional
⚠️Remote Work: Grey Area

Tourist visas do not permit employment in Nepal, but remote work for foreign companies is a legal grey area with minimal enforcement. Nepal announced plans for a Digital Nomad Visa in May 2025, expected to launch in 2026.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Multiple entry allowed
✓Most popular visa duration
✓Available on arrival
✓SAARC nationals (excl. Afghanistan) get 30 days free
✓Chinese nationals: gratis visa
✓Children under 10: fee exempt
📋 Requirements (5)
  • •Passport valid for at least 6 months
  • •At least one blank passport page
  • •Passport-sized photo (if not pre-registered online)
  • •Sufficient funds for stay
  • •Return or onward ticket
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Immediate on arrival (30-60 minutes during peak season)
  1. 1Fill out online visa form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before arrival (valid for 15 days) or use kiosk machines at the airport
  2. 2Print the submission receipt with barcode
  3. 3Complete the arrival card on the plane or at the airport
  4. 4Proceed to the visa fee payment counter and pay USD 50
  5. 5Take your payment receipt to the immigration desk
  6. 6Present passport, photo, receipts to immigration officer
  7. 7Receive visa stamp in passport
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 15 days (max 8x)

Cost: $45

Process: Extensions must be done at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Immigration Office in Pokhara. Apply online first, then visit in person. Minimum extension is 15 days at USD 45, then USD 3 per additional day.

Renewal: Total stay cannot exceed 150 days per calendar year (January to December).

🛡️ Tax Implications

Non-residents (under 183 days/year) taxed at flat 25% on Nepal-sourced income only. Remote work income from foreign employers is not taxed if under 183 days. Over 183 days: progressive rates 1%-36%.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Pre-register online to avoid long queues at Tribhuvan Airport
  • •Bring exact USD cash — credit cards NOT accepted
  • •Extension: $3/day at Kathmandu or Pokhara immigration office
  • •150-day limit resets January 1st
  • •Overstay: $5/day penalty
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Tourist Visa (90 Days)

Multiple-entry tourist visa for 90-day stays, ideal for extended travel and trekking. Extendable up to 150 days per calendar year.

90 days
Duration
$125
— fee
+$50 additional
⚠️Remote Work: Grey Area

Tourist visas do not permit employment in Nepal, but remote work for foreign companies is a legal grey area with minimal enforcement. Nepal announced plans for a Digital Nomad Visa in May 2025, expected to launch in 2026.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Best value for long-term stays
✓Includes multiple re-entry facility
✓Time for multiple treks and cultural immersion
✓Can extend additional 60 days if needed
✓Ideal for digital nomads (currently in gray area)
📋 Requirements (5)
  • •Passport valid for at least 6 months
  • •At least one blank passport page
  • •Passport-sized photo (if not pre-registered online)
  • •Sufficient funds for stay
  • •Return or onward ticket
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Immediate on arrival
  1. 1Fill out online visa form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before arrival
  2. 2Print the submission receipt with barcode
  3. 3Complete the arrival card
  4. 4Pay USD 125 at the visa fee counter
  5. 5Take payment receipt to immigration desk
  6. 6Present all documents to immigration officer
  7. 7Receive 90-day visa stamp
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 15 days (max 4x)

Cost: $45

Process: Can extend for additional 60 days to reach the 150-day maximum. Extension costs USD 45 for first 15 days, then USD 3 per day.

Renewal: Total stay cannot exceed 150 days per calendar year.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Non-residents (under 183 days/year) taxed at flat 25% on Nepal-sourced income only. Remote work income from foreign employers is not taxed if under 183 days. Over 183 days: progressive rates 1%-36%.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Best option for trekkers doing multi-week Himalayan routes (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit)
  • •Pre-register online to avoid queues
  • •Bring exact USD cash
  • •Extension: $3/day at Kathmandu or Pokhara immigration
  • •150-day limit resets January 1st

Tourist Visa (15 Days)

Tourist

Multiple-entry tourist visa for 15-day stays, available on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport and land borders. Extendable up to 150 days per calendar year.

15d
Duration
$30
— fee
+$50 additional
📍Apply: On Arrival
⏱Immediate on arrival (30-60 minutes during peak season)
🔄Extendable +15d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa feeOn arrival or pre-registered online
$30—
Additional (estimated)
Extension fee (per 15 days)$3/day, minimum 15 days
$45—
Overstay penalty (per day)After extension period
$5—
Required Total
$30—
+ Additional (estimated)
$50—
Estimated Total
$80—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Passport valid for at least 6 months
  • •At least one blank passport page
  • •Passport-sized photo (if not pre-registered online)
  • •Sufficient funds for stay
  • •Return or onward ticket

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Fill out online visa form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before arrival (valid for 15 days) or use kiosk machines at the airport
  2. 2Print the submission receipt with barcode
  3. 3Complete the arrival card on the plane or at the airport
  4. 4Proceed to the visa fee payment counter and pay in cash
  5. 5Take your payment receipt to the immigration desk
  6. 6Present passport, photo, receipts to immigration officer
  7. 7Receive visa stamp in passport

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Maximum 150 days per calendar year including extensions
  • •Employment not permitted
  • •Restricted nationalities (Afghanistan, Cameroon, etc.) must apply at embassy
  • •Indian citizens enter visa-free under 1950 Treaty

⚠️ Remote Work: Grey Area

Tourist visas do not permit employment in Nepal, but remote work for foreign companies is a legal grey area with minimal enforcement. Nepal announced plans for a Digital Nomad Visa in May 2025, expected to launch in 2026.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Non-residents (under 183 days/year) taxed at flat 25% on Nepal-sourced income only. Remote work income from foreign employers is not taxed if under 183 days. Over 183 days: progressive rates 1%-36%.

💡 Tips

  • •Pre-register online to avoid long queues at Tribhuvan Airport
  • •Bring exact USD cash — credit cards NOT accepted for visa fees
  • •Extension offices: Kathmandu (all visas) and Pokhara (tourist only)
  • •150-day limit resets January 1st each calendar year
  • •Overstay: $5/day penalty

Work Visa

Work

Employment visa for foreign nationals working for Nepali employers. Requires labor permit and ministry recommendation. Issued for 1 year, renewable up to 5 years.

365d
Duration
$160
— fee
+$80 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱45-90 days including labor permit approval
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Work visa fee (per month)$30 for 15 days
$60—
Labor permit feeApproximate, varies
$100—
Additional (estimated)
Single re-entry permit~NPR 2,346
$18—
Multiple re-entry permit~NPR 8,094
$62—
Required Total
$160—
+ Additional (estimated)
$80—
Estimated Total
$240—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport with 6 months validity
  • •Job offer and contract from Nepali employer
  • •Labor permit from Department of Labour
  • •Recommendation from relevant Ministry
  • •Employer must prove no qualified Nepali available
  • •Job advertised in newspapers for min 15 days
  • •Educational certificates (authenticated)
  • •Police clearance from home country

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Enter Nepal on tourist visa first
  2. 2Employer advertises position in national newspaper for 15 days
  3. 3If no qualified Nepali applicants, employer applies for work permit
  4. 4Obtain recommendation from Department of Industry
  5. 5Get work permit from Department of Labour and Occupational Safety
  6. 6Obtain work agreement from Ministry of Home Affairs
  7. 7Apply for work visa at Department of Immigration with all documents
  8. 8Visa category changes from tourist to work visa

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Can only work for sponsoring employer
  • •Must maintain valid labor permit
  • •Cannot work outside approved position
  • •Indian citizens exempt under 1950 Treaty

🚫 Remote Work: Not Permitted

Work visa is tied to a specific Nepali employer and position. Remote work for foreign companies is not covered.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Foreign workers taxed on Nepal-sourced employment income. Residents (183+ days): progressive 1%-36%. Non-residents: flat 25% on Nepal-source income.

💡 Tips

  • •Process is employer-led
  • •Processing can take 2-3 months, plan in advance
  • •Monthly visa fee (~$60) typically paid by employer
  • •Work permits issued by Dept of Labour, separate from visa

Business Visa

Work

Visa for foreign investors with registered businesses in Nepal. Min FDI: NPR 20 million (~$150,000) for general sectors, NPR 1 million (~$7,500) for IT. Valid up to 5 years.

365d
Duration
$600
— fee
+$500 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱7-10 working days
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa fee (investment < NPR 10M)Per year
$400—
Visa fee (NPR 10-100M)Per year
$200—
Visa fee (> NPR 100M)Free for high-value investors
$0—
Additional (estimated)
Company registrationApproximate
$500—
Required Total
$600—
+ Additional (estimated)
$500—
Estimated Total
$1,100—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport with 6 months validity
  • •Registered company in Nepal (mandatory)
  • •FDI approval from Department of Industry
  • •Company registration certificate
  • •Tax registration (PAN/VAT) and clearance
  • •Recommendation from Department of Industry
  • •Proof of foreign investment

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain foreign investment approval from Department of Industry
  2. 2Register company and obtain PAN
  3. 3Get recommendation letter from Department of Industry
  4. 4Submit application to Department of Immigration
  5. 5Complete industry inspection
  6. 6Receive business visa (1 year to 5 years)

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Must maintain minimum investment
  • •Company must remain registered and active
  • •Must comply with Nepal tax laws
  • •Restricted sectors: cottage industries, personal services, arms

🚫 Remote Work: Not Permitted

Business visa is for operating a registered business in Nepal. Not designed for remote work for foreign entities.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Corporate tax: 25% on Nepal-sourced profits. Individual: progressive 1%-36% if resident (183+ days). Non-residents: flat 25%.

💡 Tips

  • •IT sector has lowest barrier (NPR 1M via Automatic Route)
  • •Hire local law firm for registration process
  • •Tax clearance required for renewals
  • •FDI minimum reduced from NPR 50M to NPR 20M in 2022/23

Study Visa

Education

Visa for foreign students pursuing degrees or research in Nepal. Fee: $40/month. Requires Ministry of Education recommendation. Min funds: $3,000/year.

365d
Duration
$90
— fee
+$40 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱2-4 weeks
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Study visa (per month)$20 for 15 days or less
$40—
Research/teaching (per month)For research affiliations
$50—
Additional (estimated)
Dependent (per month)Per family member
$40—
Required Total
$90—
+ Additional (estimated)
$40—
Estimated Total
$130—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport with 6 months validity
  • •Admission letter from Nepali institution
  • •Recommendation from Ministry of Education
  • •Bank statement showing min $3,000/year
  • •Academic transcripts and certificates

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain admission from recognized Nepali institution
  2. 2Get recommendation from institution to Ministry of Education
  3. 3Enter Nepal on tourist visa
  4. 4Apply for study visa at Department of Immigration
  5. 5Submit all required documents
  6. 6Convert tourist visa to study visa

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Cannot engage in employment
  • •Must maintain enrollment
  • •Must show academic progress for renewals
  • •Indian citizens exempt under 1950 Treaty

🚫 Remote Work: Not Permitted

Study visa is for academic purposes only. Employment or remote work is not permitted.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Students generally not taxed on scholarship income. Nepal-sourced income: non-resident 25% flat. Students staying 183+ days become tax residents.

💡 Tips

  • •Apply for Ministry of Education recommendation well in advance
  • •Keep bank balance above $3,000 for renewal
  • •Popular: Nepali language, Tibetan Buddhism, development studies
  • •Research affiliations: $50/month vs $40 regular

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalKathmandu
CurrencyNPR (रू)
LanguageNepali
TimezoneUTC+5:45
Last UpdatedDec 1, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nepal have a dedicated digital nomad visa?
Not yet, but Nepal announced plans in May 2025 to introduce a digital nomad visa program within the year. The proposed visa would offer a 5-year multiple-entry option for remote workers earning at least $1,500/month or with $20,000 in savings, plus $100,000 health insurance coverage. Currently, digital nomads typically use the 90-day tourist visa (extendable to 150 days) while working remotely for foreign clients, though this exists in a legal gray area.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while staying in Nepal on a tourist visa?
This is a legal gray area. Technically, tourist visas do not authorize any form of work. However, many digital nomads do work remotely for foreign clients while on tourist visas. The key distinction is that you cannot work for Nepali companies or earn income within Nepal without a work permit. The upcoming digital nomad visa program is expected to formally address this by allowing remote work with a 5% income tax.
What is the maximum stay allowed in Nepal per year?
Foreign nationals can stay a maximum of 150 days per calendar year (January to December) on tourist visas. This is cumulative - whether you get one 90-day visa and extend it, or multiple shorter visas, the total cannot exceed 150 days. After reaching this limit, you must leave Nepal and cannot return until the next calendar year.
How do visa extensions work in Nepal?
Visa extensions are done at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the Immigration Office in Pokhara. You must first apply online at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np, then visit in person before your current visa expires. The minimum extension is 15 days at USD 45, with additional days costing USD 3 each. There is also a USD 25 fee for multiple re-entry facility. Overstaying incurs a USD 5 per day fine.
Which countries cannot get visa on arrival in Nepal?
Citizens of the following countries must obtain a visa from a Nepali embassy before travel and cannot get visa on arrival: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Swaziland (Eswatini), and Zimbabwe. These are sometimes called referral countries and require prior approval from Nepal authorities.
Do I need to register my address with police in Nepal?
No, Nepal does not require tourists to register their address with police or immigration authorities. Hotels may collect your passport information for their records, but there is no formal registration system like in some other Asian countries. Simply ensure your visa remains valid throughout your stay.
Can I do visa runs from Nepal?
Yes, visa runs are possible and common. The easiest option is crossing to India, which requires no visa for most nationalities and has multiple border crossings open 24/7 (Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj). You can exit to India and re-enter Nepal the same day for a fresh visa. The Tibet border at Kodari/Rasuwagadhi requires special permits and organized tours.
What currencies are accepted for Nepal visa payment?
Visa fees can be paid in USD (recommended), Euro, British Pound, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar, Swiss Franc, or Japanese Yen. Indian Rupees and Nepali Rupees are NOT accepted. For land border entries, only USD cash is accepted, and bills must be new (post-2003) and in good condition.
Are children exempt from Nepal visa fees?
Children under 10 years old are exempt from visa fees EXCEPT for US passport holders. American children must pay the full visa fee regardless of age. All other nationalities with children under 10 receive free visas, though the children still need a visa stamp in their passport.
Can I open a bank account in Nepal as a tourist?
Generally no. Opening a bank account on a tourist visa is extremely difficult or impossible in Nepal. You would need a work visa, business visa, or long-term residential visa. Foreigners with proper visas can open accounts in foreign currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) at banks like Standard Chartered, Nepal Investment Bank, or Everest Bank. The Nepali Rupee is not freely convertible, making international transfers complicated.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025

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