Most foreign investors who spend real time in Nepal end up needing a business visa, and the process is more manageable than people expect once they understand which category applies to them. What tends to cause difficulty is not the visa itself, but the paperwork behind it, and the fact that the requirements differ depending on whether you are investing, working, or visiting.
This guide walks through the categories, the documents, the fees and the renewal rules, so you know what to prepare before you apply.
Quick answer
This article explains the full procedure for obtaining a Business Visa in Nepal, including who is eligible, which laws apply, what documents are required, the exact step-by-step process, government fees (in USD), processing timelines, renewal rules, and frequently asked questions. Written and verified by the legal team at Pluto Associates, Kathmandu.
Introduction: What Is a Business Visa in Nepal?
Nepal has emerged as one of South Asia’s most strategically important destinations for foreign investment and business development. Positioned between the world’s two largest economies, India and China, and endowed with vast natural resources, a growing consumer market, and a favourable foreign investment framework, Nepal offers significant opportunities for international entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals.
A Business Visa in Nepal is a non-tourist visa category specifically issued to foreign nationals who intend to invest in, establish, operate, or represent a business or industrial enterprise in Nepal. It is distinct from a tourist visa, a work visa, or a transit visa, and obtaining one requires navigating a structured legal process involving multiple government departments.
Who issues the Business Visa? The Department of Immigration (DOI), under the Government of Nepal, is the sole authority responsible for issuing, renewing, and regulating Business Visas. However, before approaching the Department of Immigration, applicants must obtain a formal recommendation from the Department of Industry or another relevant government ministry, making the Business Visa a two-stage process.
Legal Framework Governing Business Visas in Nepal
Before diving into the procedure, it is important to understand the legislative foundation that governs business visas in Nepal. Three primary laws form the legal basis:
Legislation | Year | Key Provisions Relevant to Business Visa |
|---|---|---|
Immigration Act | 1992 | Establishes visa categories; mandates valid passport and visa for all foreign nationals entering Nepal (Section 3). |
Immigration Rules | 1994 | Defines visa subcategories including Business Visa; specifies application and renewal procedures. |
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) | 2019 | Governs foreign direct investment approval; defines eligible sectors and investment thresholds. |
Who Is Eligible for a Business Visa in Nepal?
Not all foreign nationals who visit Nepal for business purposes qualify for a Business Visa. The Immigration Rules specify that the following categories of foreign nationals are eligible:
- Foreign nationals who have obtained approval to invest in any trade or industry in Nepal under FITTA 2019.
- Authorized representatives of foreign companies that have received investment approval from the Department of Industry.
- Foreign nationals who have obtained permission to carry out export trade from Nepal.
- Foreign nationals who travel to Nepal from a third country to purchase and export goods manufactured in Nepal, or to place purchase orders for Nepali exports.
⚠️ Important Exception: Indian nationals do not require a Business Visa to enter, reside, or invest in Nepal. This exemption exists under the bilateral treaty between India and Nepal. However, Indian nationals who wish to invest formally must still register their business and comply with Nepalese investment and company laws.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining a Business Visa in Nepal
The Business Visa application process in Nepal is a sequential, multi-stage procedure that spans several government departments. Each step must be completed in the correct order, as the output of one step (such as a recommendation letter) becomes a mandatory input for the next. The entire process typically takes between two and six weeks from commencement to visa issuance.
Step 1: Obtain Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Approval
The first and most foundational step is securing formal approval from the Department of Industry (DOI) to invest in Nepal under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019. Without this approval, no subsequent steps can proceed.
The FDI approval process involves submitting a formal investment proposal that details:
- The nature of the proposed business or industry
- The amount of foreign investment (in NPR and the investor’s home currency)
- The proposed shareholding structure
- The intended business sector and specific activities
The Department of Industry will evaluate whether the proposed investment falls within Nepal’s permitted sectors for foreign investment. Certain sectors such as defence, arms manufacturing, and retail trade are restricted or prohibited for foreign investors.
ℹ️ Timeline: FDI approval from the Department of Industry typically takes 7-15 working days, subject to completeness of documentation and the nature of the proposed business.
Step 2: Company Registration, Tax Registration, and Industry Registration
Once FDI approval is obtained, the investor must complete the following three registrations before proceeding to the visa recommendation stage:
- Company Registration: Register the business entity with the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) in Kathmandu. This produces a Certificate of Incorporation and a copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Industry Registration: Register the specific industry or business activity with the Department of Industry, which produces an Industry Registration Certificate.
- Tax Registration: Obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) from the Inland Revenue Department, and if applicable, register for Value Added Tax (VAT). These registrations are mandatory for business operations in Nepal.
✅ Pro Tip: These three registrations can sometimes be progressed simultaneously if all required documents are prepared in advance. Engaging a legal professional or consultant familiar with Nepali company law can significantly reduce the time required.
Step 3: Obtain a Business Visa Recommendation Letter from the Department of Industry
This is one of the most critical steps in the entire process. The Department of Industry (or another relevant government line agency, depending on the sector) must issue a formal Recommendation Letter confirming that the applicant is a legitimate investor operating a registered and compliant business in Nepal.
As part of this step, the Department of Industry will typically conduct a physical inspection of the registered business premises to verify that:
- The business is operational or in active preparation
- The registered address corresponds to an actual place of business
- The investment has been or is being genuinely injected into the company
The recommendation letter will specify the recommended visa duration, which the Department of Immigration will then consider when issuing the visa.
⚠️ Critical Note: The physical inspection by the Department of Industry is mandatory and cannot be waived. Ensure your office premises are properly established before requesting the recommendation letter.
Step 4: Submit the Visa Application to the Department of Immigration
With the recommendation letter in hand, the applicant may now submit a formal Business Visa application to the Department of Immigration, located in Maitighar, Kathmandu. The application must be accompanied by the complete set of required documents (detailed in the next section).
The Department of Immigration will review all submitted documents, cross-reference them with records from the Department of Industry, and verify that all information is accurate and consistent. If the application is complete and satisfactory, the Business Visa will typically be issued within one to two working days of document submission.
✔ Processing: Once all documents are submitted and verified, the Department of Immigration typically issues the Business Visa within 1-2 working days.
Complete List of Required Documents
Submitting a complete, accurate, and consistent set of documents is the single most important factor in ensuring a smooth and successful Business Visa application. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is the primary cause of delays and rejections. The following documents are required:
Documents Required for a First-Time Application
- Recommendation letter from the Department of Industry or relevant government line agency
- Bio-data (personal details) of the visa applicant, required for first-time applicants only
- Foreign Investment Acceptance Letter issued by the Department of Industry
- Certificate of Company/Industry Registration
- Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company
- Certificate of PAN (Permanent Account Number) registration
- Tax clearance certificate from the Inland Revenue Department
- Certified copy of company bank account operation certificate
- Copy of the applicant’s passport (main biographical data page)
- Copy of the applicant’s most recent visa (if previously visited Nepal)
- Industry monitoring and supervision report from the Department of Industry or relevant line agency
- Proof of foreign investment, bank transaction documents confirming the investment amount has been remitted
- Shareholder register as recorded by the Office of the Company Registrar (mandatory for investments above NPR 10 million)
Additional Documents Required for Renewal Applications
- Audit report with balance sheet for the most recent financial year
- Progress report of the company/industry
- Latest tax clearance certificate
- Updated industry monitoring report
- Extension approval (where applicable)
ℹ️ Document Consistency: Ensure that the company name, address, and registration numbers are identical across all submitted documents. Any discrepancy, even a minor spelling variation, can trigger delays or additional verification requirements.
Business Visa Fees in Nepal (2025)
The government fees for a Business Visa in Nepal are structured according to the amount of investment made by the applicant. Higher investment levels attract lower visa fees, reflecting Nepal’s policy of incentivising larger foreign investment. All fees are payable in US Dollars (USD).
Investment Amount (NPR) | Fee per Month | Fee for 1 Year | Fee for 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
Less than NPR 10 Million | USD 35 | USD 400 | USD 1,000 |
More than NPR 10 Million | USD 20 | USD 200 | USD 500 |
More than NPR 100 Million | No Charge | No Charge | No Charge |
⚠️ Important: Applicants who have invested more than NPR 10 million (approximately USD 75,000) must submit Share Details (the shareholder register) as a mandatory additional document, in addition to the standard document set.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Business Visa in Nepal is a structured, multi-stage legal process that requires careful preparation, accurate documentation, and an understanding of the regulatory framework governing foreign investment in Nepal. When approached systematically, from securing FDI approval through the Department of Industry, completing company and tax registrations, obtaining the recommendation letter following a DOI inspection, and finally submitting the visa application to the Department of Immigration, the process is both manageable and achievable.
Nepal’s improving investment climate, underscored by the reforms introduced through FITTA 2019, signals the government’s commitment to facilitating genuine foreign investment. For investors who comply with the established procedure and maintain their regulatory obligations, the Business Visa provides a secure and legally sound basis for long-term business operations in one of South Asia’s most promising emerging economies.
"Nepal’s strategic location, growing digital economy, and investor-friendly 2019 reforms make it an increasingly attractive destination for foreign business. The Business Visa is your legal gateway, and with the right professional support, it need not be a complicated one."
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa regulations and requirements are subject to change. Readers are advised to consult a qualified legal professional for advice specific to their circumstances. © 2025 Pluto Associates. All rights reserved.
A worked example
A foreign investor arrives on a tourist visa, intends to stay while the investment approval is processed, and assumes the visa can simply be converted. In many cases it cannot, and the investor leaves the country to apply afresh, losing days at a point when the investment file needs attention.
An investor who plans for the visa from the start, applying in the right category with the right supporting documents, avoids that entirely. The paperwork is prepared alongside the investment approval rather than after it, and the two move forward together.
Pluto Associates advises clients on foreign investment and company setup in Nepal. If you would like a clear view of how this applies to your own situation, contact our team for a consultation, message us on WhatsApp, or call +977 9802356987. We will tell you what is possible, what it costs, and how long it takes.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the business visa and where do I apply? The Department of Immigration in Maitighar, Kathmandu, issues the visa, but only after the Department of Industry issues a formal recommendation letter. The process is deliberately two stage, and the recommendation comes first.
What documents are required for a first time application? The core set includes the DOI recommendation letter, the Foreign Investment Acceptance Letter, company and industry registration certificates, memorandum and articles of association, PAN certificate, tax clearance, bank account certificate, passport and visa copies, proof of remitted investment, and the DOI industry monitoring report. Consistency of names and numbers across documents matters, because small discrepancies trigger verification delays.
How much does a business visa cost? Fees are set in USD and fall as investment rises. Below NPR 10 million the published fees are USD 35 for a single year and USD 1,000 for the full five year issuance, between NPR 10 million and NPR 100 million they drop to USD 20 and USD 500, and above NPR 100 million no visa fee is charged.
Does the Department of Industry inspect my office? Yes. A physical inspection of the registered premises is mandatory and cannot be waived. Officers confirm the business is operational, the address is real and the investment has genuinely reached the company before the recommendation letter is signed.
Can I convert a tourist visa into a business visa inside Nepal? In many cases no. Investors who arrive on a tourist visa and wait often find the conversion unavailable and must leave to apply afresh, which is why the visa category should be planned alongside the FDI approval rather than after it.
What extra documents does a renewal need? Renewals add an audit report with the latest balance sheet, a company progress report, the current tax clearance certificate, an updated industry monitoring report and extension approval where applicable.
How fast is the visa issued once I submit to Immigration? The Department of Immigration typically issues the business visa within one to two working days of a complete document submission, after cross checking the file against Department of Industry records.
Do Indian nationals need a business visa? No. Indian nationals are exempt under the India Nepal bilateral treaty and may enter, reside and invest without a business visa, though formal investments must still be registered under Nepali company and investment law.
Is the shareholder register required from every applicant? No. Share details recorded by the Office of the Company Registrar are mandatory only when the investment exceeds NPR 10 million, which is roughly USD 75,000. Below that threshold the standard document set applies.
If you would like to see how this applies to your own plans, Pluto Associates is a law firm in Kathmandu and we are happy to help. Send us a message on WhatsApp at +977 9802356987, call +977 9802356987, or send a note through the contact page, and we will reply with clear next steps.