Residential Visa in Nepal

Two categories of foreign nationals are eligible: (1) Retirees — aged 55 years or older with a minimum USD 20,000 deposit in a Nepali bank account, and (2) Investors — who have invested at least USD 100,000 in a registered Nepali industrial enterprise. Both require a recommendation letter from the relevant government body (Nepal Tourism Board for retirees, Department of Industry for investors).

For retirees, the first-time visa fee is USD 200 and the annual renewal fee is USD 100. For investors, the first-time fee is USD 700 and renewal is USD 1,200 per year. Retirees who were residing in Nepal before June 2001 may qualify for a special rate of USD 100 for the first-time fee. All fees are payable at the Department of Immigration in US Dollars.

Retirees need: a completed online application form, valid passport (6+ months validity), 4 passport-size photos, proof of age (55+ years), bank deposit certificate showing USD 20,000 in a Nepali bank, recommendation letter from Nepal Tourism Board or Ministry of Home Affairs, and a police clearance certificate from their home country. Health insurance covering Nepal is also recommended.

Investors need: a completed online application, valid passport, 4 passport-size photos, Company Registration Certificate, PAN/VAT Registration Certificate, Industry Registration Certificate, proof of investment (minimum USD 100,000 — bank statements and share registry), and a recommendation letter from the Department of Industry or Commerce. For renewal, a Tax Clearance Certificate is additionally required.

The overall process takes approximately 2–4 weeks. Most of the waiting time is spent obtaining the recommendation letter from the relevant ministry or department (1–2 weeks). Once all approvals and documents are submitted to the Department of Immigration at Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, the visa is typically processed within 1–2 business days.

It depends on the category. Retirees are not permitted to engage in employment in Nepal — the residential visa is strictly for retirement purposes. Investors can manage and operate the business in which they have invested. If you wish to work for a Nepali employer, you need a separate work permit issued by the Department of Labor.

Overstaying a visa in Nepal results in penalties of USD 5 per day for the first 30 days and USD 10 per day thereafter. Prolonged overstay may result in deportation proceedings and a ban on re-entry to Nepal. It is essential to renew the visa before expiry or depart Nepal before the visa expires.

A residential visa is available to any foreign national who meets the retiree or investor requirements. An NRN visa is available only to foreign citizens of Nepali origin who hold a valid NRN Card. The NRN visa can be valid for up to 10 years (versus 1 year for residential visa), does not require a financial deposit, and grants property ownership rights within regional ceilings.

Foreign nationals on a residential visa generally cannot own land directly in Nepal. However, investors can hold property through their registered Nepali company. For NRNs, property ownership is allowed within regional ceilings under the NRN Act 2064. If you are married to a Nepali citizen, property matters in case of divorce are governed by the Muluki Civil Code 2074.

Yes. A foreign national married to a Nepali citizen can apply for a residential visa or a non-tourist visa based on their marriage. A registered court marriage or ward office marriage certificate is required as proof. A recommendation from the Ministry of Home Affairs is typically needed for visa processing.

To renew a residential visa, submit a renewal application with your valid passport, proof that the bank deposit is maintained (retirees) or an updated Company Registration and Tax Clearance Certificate (investors), and the applicable renewal fee (USD 100 for retirees, USD 1,200 for investors) at the Department of Immigration. Processing typically takes 1–2 business days.

All residential visa applications are processed at the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. The initial online application is submitted through the Department's website at immigration.gov.np. Physical documents and fees are submitted in person at the Kalikasthan office.

A minimum deposit of USD 20,000 must be maintained in a commercial bank account in Nepal for the entire duration of the residential visa. This deposit must be shown through a bank certificate at the time of application and renewal. The deposit serves as proof of financial self-sufficiency and must remain in the account as long as the visa is active.

Yes. Any person legally present in Nepal — including foreign nationals on a residential visa — can file for divorce at the District Court under the Muluki Civil Code 2074. The visa status does not affect divorce proceedings. If you leave Nepal, you can continue the case through an Authorized Power of Attorney.