Nepal

Business visit visa / Work visa

Business visits are not defined under Nepalese immigration law and the term "Business Visa" carries a different meaning under Nepalese laws than that which is prevalent in many other countries. Business visas are not used for general business travel. Instead, a Business Visa is granted by the Director-General of the Department of Immigration (upon the recommendation of the relevant government agency) to foreign nationals licensed to make an investment in Nepal or carry out export trade from Nepal. A Business Visa is typically valid for a maximum term of five years.

Under current accepted practice, foreign nationals who intend to attend business meetings, conferences and negotiations for a short period of time may enter Nepal using a Tourist Visa. Most foreign nationals may obtain a Tourist Visa on arrival in Nepal. Tourist Visas are typically issued for an initial period of 15, 30 or 90 days, and may be extended for a total cumulative stay of no more than 150 days per calendar year.

A foreign national must obtain a Work Permit and Non-Tourist Visa before taking up employment in Nepal. This requires company sponsorship and obtaining a recommendation from the government ministry (with jurisdiction over the sponsoring entity’s industry), and a Letter of No Objection from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Foreign nationals can generally convert their Tourist Visa to a Non-Tourist Visa with the Department of Immigration.

Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter and remain in Nepal, provided they show their passport or another acceptable form of identification to the immigration authorities. However, they must still obtain a Work Permit to be authorized to work in Nepal.