Overview
Who needs this?
- Companies hiring a foreign specialist or manager
- Foreign nationals offered a job or posting in Nepal
- Investors who need a business visa linked to their approved investment
- Foreign spouses of Nepali citizens applying for a marriage visa
Requirements
You should be able to say yes to each of these before you start.
- A registered Nepali employer with a genuine vacancy that could not be filled locally
- The applicant holds a valid passport with at least six months remaining
- The applicant has the qualifications and experience the role requires
- For investors, an approved foreign investment and the minimum capital actually brought in
Where are you now?
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Stage 1 of 5 · Category
- 1Category
- 2Advertisement
- 3Work Permit
- 4Recommendation
- 5Visa
I'm at this stage:
What typically comes next: Advertisement — usually the step “Employer advertises the position” below.Jump to the steps
Step-by-step procedure
- 1
Step 1
1–2 daysConfirm the right visa category
Establish whether the applicant needs a non-tourist working visa, a business visa as an investor, or another category. The document list and the issuing route differ for each one.
Legal advisor
Tip: Do not start working on a tourist visa; it is a ground for fines and deportation.
- 2
Step 2
2–3 weeksEmployer advertises the position
The employer publicly advertises the role to show that a Nepali candidate was sought first. Keep the advertisement copies and a short note on the applications received.
Employer
- 3
Step 3
2–4 weeksApply for the work permit
The employer files the work permit application with the contract, advertisement proof and the applicant's qualifications. Some sectors first need a recommendation from the relevant ministry.
Department of Labour
- 4
Step 4
1–2 weeksObtain the visa recommendation
With the work permit issued, the employer requests a visa recommendation letter, often through the Department of Industry or the line ministry. This letter tells Immigration which visa to issue and for how long.
Department of Industry / line ministry
- 5
Step 5
3–7 daysApply for the visa at the Department of Immigration
Submit the online visa form, the recommendation letter, passport and photographs at Kalikasthan and pay the visa fee. The applicant attends in person for biometrics and passport stamping.
Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan
Tip: Apply before the current visa expires; overstays carry daily penalties.
- 6
Step 6
OngoingRegister locally and plan renewal
Some categories must register with the local police or ward after arrival. Note the visa expiry and start the renewal about two months in advance with an updated contract and tax clearance.
Department of Immigration and local authority
Documents required
Tick items off as you gather them.
0 of 8 ready · 6 required
Estimated cost
| Item | Typical range (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | Rs. 15,000 – 90,000 | Work permit fee plus visa fee charged in US dollars per month of validity, converted here. |
| Professional fee | Rs. 25,000 – 80,000 | Managing the employer and applicant filings across all three departments. |
| Other expenses | Rs. 3,000 – 20,000 | Translations, notarisation, advertisement costs and photographs. |
| Indicative total | Rs. 43,000 – 1,90,000 | Sum of the ranges above. |
Estimated timeline
6–12 weeks
Typical end-to-end duration once your documents are ready. Sectors needing a ministry recommendation take longer.
Relevant laws
The provisions each stage of this procedure rests on.
Frequently asked questions
Related services
Need a hand?
Talk to a Legal Advisor about immigration application
A 30-minute consultation is usually enough to confirm your documents, spot the step most likely to delay you and agree a plan.