Business Visa in Nepal

Nepal offers business visas to foreign investors and entrepreneurs aiming to establish or expand their businesses in the country. These visas are crucial for enabling legal operations and facilitating foreign investments. The requirements and process for obtaining a business visa depend on the scale of investment, the business sector, and the intended duration of stay.

Business visas in Nepal are regulated by a combination of legal provisions. The primary laws include:
1. Immigration Act, 1992
2. Immigration Rules, 1994
3. Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019

These laws collectively outline the eligibility criteria, documentation, and procedures for obtaining a business visa.

Under the Immigration Act, foreign nationals must possess a valid passport and visa to enter and reside in Nepal. Nepal offers several visa categories tailored to specific purposes, including:
– Business Visa
– Tourist Visa
– Residential Visa
– Study Visa
– Diplomatic and Official Visas

Each visa type has specific requirements and conditions, with the business visa being specifically designed for investors and entrepreneurs.

Foreign nationals eligible for a business visa include:
– Individuals authorized to invest in Nepal’s trade or industrial sectors.
– Representatives of companies approved for foreign investments.
– Foreigners engaged in export-oriented businesses in Nepal, such as purchasing or ordering Nepali goods for export.

The Department of Immigration (DOI) is responsible for processing, issuing, and renewing business visas. Recommendations from the *Department of Industry (DOI)* or relevant government agencies are often required as part of the application process.

The process for obtaining a business visa involves the following steps:
1.Obtain a Recommendation: A recommendation letter must be secured from the Department of Industry (DOI) or the relevant government ministry overseeing the applicant’s business sector.
2.Inspection: The DOI may inspect the business or project before issuing the recommendation.
3.Visa Application: Submit the recommendation letter along with required documents to the Department of Immigration for final approval.

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
– Recommendation letter from DOI or the relevant ministry.
– Certificate of industry registration or company registration.
– Approval letter for foreign investment.
– Proof of foreign investment (e.g., bank statements, audited reports).
– Copy of the applicant’s passport.
– Tax registration and clearance certificates of the business.
– Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company.
– Evidence of business operations (e.g., progress reports, shareholder records).
– Industry monitoring report from DOI or the supervising agency.

Note: Indian nationals are not required to obtain a business visa to work in Nepal.

The fees for a business visa vary depending on the level of investment:

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 over NPR 10 million must submit detailed share information during the application process.

Typically, the recommendation letter from the DOI or relevant ministry takes 3-4 weeks to process. Once the recommendation is secured, the Department of Immigration usually finalizes the visa within 5 working days.

However, timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the completeness of submitted documents.

Business visas in Nepal are issued for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 5 years. Most applicants initially receive a 1-year visa, which can be renewed annually upon submission of updated business and tax documents.