Obtaining a Business Visa in Nepal

Business visas in Nepal are intended for foreign investors or businessmen looking to engage in both direct and indirect investments. The process for obtaining a business visa depends on the duration of the business, the financial value of the investment, and the amount that foreign investors are willing to invest.

1. What are the Main Laws Governing Business Visas in Nepal?

The primary laws regulating business visas in Nepal include:

• Immigration Act, 1992
• Immigration Rules, 1994
• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019

2. Is it Compulsory for Foreigners to Have a Valid Visa Before Entering Nepal?

Yes, according to Section 3 of the Immigration Act, foreigners must hold a valid visa and passport to enter and stay in Nepal. The Immigration Rules categorize various types of visas, such as:

• Diplomatic Visa
• Official Visa
• Tourist Visa
• Study Visa
• Non-tourist Visa
• Business Visa
• Transit Visa
• Non-residential Visa
• Residential Visa

3. Who is Eligible for a Business Visa?

Eligibility for a business visa in Nepal includes:

• Foreigners who have received approval for investment in trade or industry in Nepal or their authorized representatives.
• Foreigners approved for investment to conduct export trade from Nepal.
• Foreigners from third countries who wish to purchase and export goods made in Nepal or place purchase orders for exports.

4. Which Authority is Responsible for Granting and Regulating Business Visas?

The Department of Immigration is the authority responsible for the issuance, regulation, and renewal of business visas.

5. What is the Procedure to Obtain a Business Visa?

The steps to acquire a business visa are as follows:

1. Obtain a recommendation letter from the Department of Industry (DOI) or the relevant governmental agency.
2. The DOI will conduct an inspection before issuing the recommendation.
3. The Department of Immigration will grant the business visa based on this recommendation.

6. What Documents Are Required to Obtain a Business Visa?

To apply for a business visa, you must submit the following documents to the Immigration Department:

• Recommendation letter from the DOI or relevant agency
• Certificate of industry registration
• Bio data (for first-time applicants)
• Approval letter of foreign investment
• Evidence of foreign investment
• Copy of the applicant's passport
• Copy of the company's tax registration certificate
• Copy of the company’s tax clearance certificate
• Copy of the company registration certificate, including Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association
• Certified copy of the company’s bank account operation
• Proof of industry operation (audit report, balance sheet, progress report)
• Shareholder ledger recorded by the Office of the Company Registrar
• Industry Monitoring and Supervision report
• Progress report of the company

Note: Indian nationals do not require a business visa to work in Nepal.

7. What Are the Government Fees for a Business Visa?

The visa fee varies based on the investment amount:

Note: Applicants investing over NPR 10 million must provide ‘Share Details’ along with other necessary documents.

8. How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Business Visa?

Typically, it takes about 3 to 4 weeks to receive the recommendation letter from the DOI or relevant agency, followed by approximately 5 working days to obtain the business visa from the Immigration Department. However, processing times may vary.

9. What is the Validity Period of a Business Visa?

A business visa can be issued for a minimum of one month and a maximum of five years. Generally, the Immigration Department grants a one-year visa that needs to be renewed annually.

Conclusion

Business visas in Nepal can last from a minimum of one month to a maximum of five years. After completing all required steps, applicants can typically receive their business visa within a month. A detailed submission of documents is essential, and an inspection will take place prior to the final visa issuance.

Disclaimer:

This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. FinLex Associates retains exclusive rights to the content.

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