Business Visa in Nepal

 Business Visa in Nepal: Comprehensive Legal Guide (2025)

Introduction Nepal provides business visas to foreign investors and entrepreneurs seeking to establish or expand commercial enterprises within its jurisdiction. These visas serve as a legal prerequisite for conducting business operations and facilitating foreign investments in compliance with Nepalese law. The application process and eligibility criteria are determined based on the investment scale, business sector, and duration of intended stay.

Onesphere Law Associates offer expert legal counsel to individuals and corporate entities, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and the seamless acquisition of business visas in Nepal.

Legal Framework Governing Business Visas in Nepal The issuance and regulation of business visas in Nepal are governed by the following legislative instruments:

  1. Immigration Act, 1992
  2. Immigration Rules, 1994
  3. Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019

These statutes collectively establish the legal parameters, procedural requirements, and regulatory obligations for foreign nationals seeking business visas.

Eligibility Criteria for a Business Visa Foreign nationals qualifying for a business visa in Nepal include:

  • Authorized investors in industrial sectors.
  • Representatives of companies with duly approved foreign investments.
  • Individuals engaged in export-oriented commercial activities, including procurement of Nepalese goods for international distribution.

Regulatory Authority for Visa Approval The Department of Immigration (DOI) is the competent authority responsible for the issuance, renewal, and oversight of business visas. In most cases, visa applicants are required to obtain a recommendation from the Department of Industry (DOI) or the relevant government authority regulating the applicant’s business sector.

Procedural Steps for Obtaining a Business Visa The business visa application process consists of the following stages:

  1. Obtain a Recommendation Letter

    • The applicant must secure an official recommendation from the Department of Industry (DOI) or the sectoral regulatory authority.
    • An inspection of the business premises or project may be conducted prior to approval.

  2. Submission of Visa Application

    • The completed visa application, along with all requisite documents, must be filed with the Department of Immigration for final processing.

  3. Approval and Issuance

    • Upon successful verification, the business visa is granted in accordance with the investment threshold and the stipulated legal provisions.

Required Documentation for Business Visa Application The applicant is required to submit the following documents:

  • Official recommendation letter from the Department of Industry (DOI) or the sectoral authority.
  • Certificate of industry registration or company incorporation.
  • Foreign investment approval letter.
  • Proof of foreign investment (e.g., bank statements, audited financial reports).
  • Copy of the applicant’s passport.
  • Tax registration certificate and tax clearance records.
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company.
  • Evidence of business operations (e.g., shareholder records, progress reports).
  • Industry monitoring report from the Department of Industry (DOI) or relevant authority.

Note: Indian nationals are exempt from business visa requirements when engaging in commercial activities in Nepal.

Business Visa Fees in Nepal Business visa fees are determined based on the applicant’s investment capital:

Investment Amount (NPR)Visa Fee (1 Month)Visa Fee (1 Year)Visa Fee (5 Years)
Less than NPR 10 Million         $35       $400      $1,000
More than NPR 10 Million         $20       $200       $500
More than NPR 100 Million    No Charge   No Charge     No Charge

Applicants investing more than NPR 10 million must provide comprehensive shareholder information at the time of application.

Processing Timeline for Business Visa Issuance

  • The recommendation letter from the Department of Industry (DOI) or relevant authority typically requires 3–4 weeks for processing.
  • Upon submission of the complete application, the Department of Immigration generally finalizes the visa issuance within 5 working days.
  • Processing duration may vary depending on the complexity of the application and compliance with documentary requirements.

Validity and Renewal of Business Visa

  • Business visas are issued for a minimum duration of 1 month and may be granted for a maximum period of 5 years.
  • Initial business visas are commonly issued for 1 year, subject to annual renewal upon submission of updated business and tax documentation.

Why Choose Onesphere Law Associates? At Onesphere Law Associates, is specialized in immigration and corporate legal services, offering comprehensive assistance in securing and renewing business visas in Nepal. Onesphere expertise ensures compliance with legal mandates while facilitating an efficient application process for investors and business professionals.

Contact Immigration Experts For legal guidance and professional assistance with business visa applications, please contact us:

Phone: +977 9820999688
Email: info@onespherelaw.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is the cost of a business visa in Nepal?

    • Visa fees depend on the level of investment. Please refer to the above fee structure.

  2. How can a foreign national establish a business in Nepal?

    • The process includes registering with the Department of Industry, obtaining a PAN (Permanent Account Number), and ensuring compliance with foreign investment regulations.

  3. What are the benefits of holding a business visa in Nepal?

    • A business visa enables foreign nationals to operate legally, reside long-term, and avail tax incentives based on investment thresholds.

  4. Is legal representation necessary for obtaining a business visa?

    • While legal representation is not mandatory, retaining an experienced attorney significantly streamlines the application process and ensures full regulatory compliance.

For any additional inquiries, please reach out to the legal experts at Onesphere Law Associates.

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