Nepal Work Visas and Permits
All noncitizens need a visa to work in Nepal legally. The process requires various clearances from government departments, and failing to follow through with this process can cause compliance issues later on.
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All noncitizens need a visa to work in Nepal legally. The process requires various clearances from government departments, and failing to follow through with this process can cause compliance issues later on.
Types of Work Visas in Nepal
Nepal offers one type of work visa, and it allows the holder to legally work in the country for a determined amount of time. Individuals can enter the country with a tourist visa and apply for a work visa in specific locations once they receive a job offer.
When your employees apply for their work visas, they’ll agree to a base monthly fee. They also have to option to pay for a single re-entry or multiple re-entry visa. If they intend to leave the country one or more times during their work contract, they should consider these options. Re-entry options allow your employees to stay legal throughout their employment contracts and prevent constant reapplication.
Requirements to Obtain Nepal Work Visas
When your employees first enter the country, they’ll likely apply for a tourist visa. Initial visa requirements include basic forms, such as a passport, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial capability. They’ll apply for their work visas at the Department of Immigration and need a series of items to complete the application process:
- An appointment letter or contract for employment
- A valid passport or photocopy of their passport
- Copy of their current visa, such as a tourist visa
- Work visa application
- Documentation from various government departments
- Tax clearance from your company
As the employer, you must meet all legal requirements to hire employees. If you lack tax clearance or have other compliance concerns, your employees will not be granted a work visa.
Application Process
When your workers apply for a work visa, they will likely be in the country on a tourism visa. After completing the process, their visa status will change. The steps are as follows:
- Receive a job offer: Your employees must prove they have a job offer to the Department of Immigration. Make sure you give them an appointment letter or contract describing the terms of their employment. It should include the length of their work to determine how long they need the visa.
- Visit the Ministry of Home Affairs: This ministry is a large section of the country’s government, and your employees need a work agreement from the Ministry of Home Affairs before applying for a visa.
- Contact the Department of Labor: Workers must contact the Department of Labor and Occupational Safety to receive a work permit.
- Work with the relevant department: There are various labor departments throughout the country — you must identify the appropriate sector for your industry and instruct your employees to receive a letter of recommendation from that department.
- Submit documents: Workers must submit their appointment contract, work agreement, permit, and letter of recommendation to the Department of Immigration, along with the appropriate visa application form.
- Pay the fee: Either you or the employee will have to pay a fee of about NPR 8,798, which will recur monthly according to the employment contract. Single re-entry costs around an additional NPR 2,346, while multiple re-entry status is about NPR 8,094.
- Wait for visa issue: During this final step, your employees will receive their work visa, which will override their initial tourist visa status. They can then begin employment once the visa is processed.
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