Business Visa Cost in Nepal: Fees, Requirements & Process
Insights & Analysis
Business Visa Cost in Nepal for Foreign Investors
Advocate Suman Dhungana • Nov 6, 2026
Insights & Analysis
— Sherpa Law
Nepal is attracting growing interest from foreign investors, entrepreneurs and international businesses, particularly in sectors such as information technology, tourism, manufacturing and services. Foreign nationals who invest in a Nepali company or carry out eligible business activities in the country generally need a business visa to stay and operate lawfully.
The business visa cost in Nepal is not a single flat fee. It depends on the investment amount recognised by the authorities and the visa duration you request: one month, one year or five years. You must also obtain the relevant recommendation from the Department of Industry and meet the Department of Immigration's requirements before a visa is issued.
This guide explains the government fees, who can apply, the documents needed, additional costs, processing time and renewal requirements, so you can budget accurately before you apply.
Key Takeaways
The business visa cost in Nepal depends on the investment amount recognised by the authorities and the visa duration you choose: one month, one year, or five years.
For investment up to NPR 100 million, the fees are USD 35 monthly, USD 400 annually, and USD 1,000 for five years. Above NPR 100 million they are USD 20, USD 200, and USD 500. Investments of NPR 1 billion or more are exempt.
Longer visas cost less per month. A five-year visa is usually cheaper over time if you plan to stay in Nepal.
Confirm your fee category before paying. The Department of Immigration’s own Business Visa page shows different thresholds (NPR 10 million and NPR 100 million), so confirm the applicable fee with the Department or a lawyer.
A Department of Industry recommendation is required first. You also need foreign investment approval and company registration before applying.
Renewals need extra paperwork. These include a tax clearance certificate and company progress and monitoring reports, and missing records can delay approval.
The visa fee is only part of the budget. Company registration, legal and consultancy fees, translation, notarisation, and administrative costs are separate.
Nationality does not change the business visa fee. It depends on the investment category and duration, not on your passport.
Business visas include multiple re-entry. The Department lists no separate single-entry option or re-entry surcharge, but confirms this with the Department.
Apply before your current visa expires. The visa stage can be same-day for applications submitted before 1 PM, but the full process, including the recommendation and verification, takes longer.
What Does a Business Visa Cost Mean in Nepal?
The business visa cost is the fee the Government of Nepal charges to issue or renew a business visa. In simple terms, it is what you pay the Department of Immigration to be allowed to stay in Nepal for business or investment purposes.
This fee is separate from the other costs of setting up a business, such as company registration, legal support and document preparation. The next section covers those.
How Much Does a Business Visa Cost in Nepal?
The government fee for a business visa in Nepal depends on your investment category and how long you want the visa to last.
Investment amount
Monthly fee
Annual fee
Five-year fee
Up to NPR 100 million
USD 35
USD 400
USD 1,000
Above NPR 100 million
USD 20
USD 200
USD 500
NPR 1 billion or more
Free
Free
Free
A few points are worth understanding before you plan your budget:
The investment amount sets the fee category. Larger recognised investments qualify for lower fees, and the highest category is exempt from the visa fee.
Duration changes the price per month. A monthly visa costs more per month than an annual or five-year visa, so a longer visa is usually cheaper over time if you plan to stay.
Confirm your category before paying. Make sure your recognised investment category is clear before you make any payment.
These are government charges only. They are not the total cost of obtaining a business visa. See the additional costs section below.
Important: The Department of Immigration's separate Business Visa information page currently displays a different fee structure with different investment thresholds. It shows USD 35 per month, USD 400 per year and USD 1,000 for five years for investment below NPR 10 million; USD 20, USD 200 and USD 500 for investment above NPR 10 million; and no fee for investment above NPR 100 million. Many published guides still follow that version. Because the two schedules differ, confirm which fee applies to your investment with the Department of Immigration, or ask a lawyer to confirm it, before you pay.
Book a 30-minute consultation with our experienced legal team. We'll help you understand your options and the right next steps.
30-minute consultation
No obligation
Response within 24 hours
How Is Business Visa Cost Calculated in Nepal?
Four main factors decide what you will pay.
Investment Amount
The fee depends on the foreign investment recognised for your company. Different investment thresholds place applicants in different fee categories, which is why the investment approval and the company's recorded capital matter. A higher recognised investment can mean a lower fee, and the top category is free.
Visa Duration
You can choose a monthly, annual or five-year visa. Think about your expected business activities and long-term plans before choosing. If you intend to operate in Nepal for several years, a longer duration can reduce the per-month cost and the number of renewals you handle. Your actual duration is still subject to the Department's approval.
Visa Category and Eligibility
You must qualify as a business visa applicant, which depends on your investment or business circumstances. A business visa is different from a tourist, working or residential visa. Each covers different activities and is priced differently.
Visa Renewal
Renewal is subject to updated documentation and immigration approval. Keeping your company compliant and obtaining the necessary tax clearance are essential, because a renewal can be delayed if your records are incomplete.
Who Can Apply for a Business Visa in Nepal?
Business visas are generally available to:
Foreign investors investing in Nepal.
Foreign businesspersons undertaking eligible business activities.
Authorised representatives of foreign investors, where eligible.
Eligible dependents of foreign investors, subject to applicable rules.
Applicants generally need supporting investment and company documents and a recommendation from the Department of Industry or the relevant line agency.
What Documents Are Required for a Business Visa in Nepal?
The Department of Immigration and the Department of Industry are the primary references for document requirements. Requirements can change, so check them before you apply. The lists below cover the documents commonly required.
Documents for First-Time Business Visa Applications
Completed online visa application.
Valid passport and latest Nepal visa.
Recommendation letter from the Department of Industry or the concerned line agency.
Foreign Investment Acceptance Letter.
Company registration certificate.
Industry registration certificate.
PAN/VAT registration certificate.
Share certificate, where applicable.
Investor's biodata (for first-time applicants).
Additional Documents for Business Visa Renewal
Latest tax clearance certificate.
Industry monitoring and supervision report.
Company or industry progress report.
Updated passport and latest visa details.
Updated recommendation and supporting company documents, as required.
Why Is Tax Clearance Important for Business Visa Renewal?
Tax compliance is a basic expectation for any business operating in Nepal, and the authorities use a tax clearance certificate to confirm that your company has met its obligations under the Income Tax Act, 2058 (2002). It supports your renewal by showing that the business behind the visa is operating properly. Depending on your circumstances, the authorities may ask for additional documents.
How Can You Apply for a Business Visa in Nepal?
The process starts well before you reach the immigration counter. In summary:
Complete the business and investment formalities: Secure foreign investment approval and register your company and industry.
Obtain a recommendation: Apply to the Department of Industry or the concerned authority.
Complete the online application: Submit your details on the Department of Immigration's official website, then gather your documents.
Submit your documents: Present originals where required and complete any verification requested.
Pay the applicable fee: Confirm your category first, pay through the authorised government process and keep the receipt.
Receive your visa: The application is subject to review and approval.
Each step has its own requirements and common pitfalls. If you are already in Nepal on a tourist visa, our legal advisors can guide you on tourist visa conversion to business visa.
How Long Does Business Visa Processing Take in Nepal?
The total processing time for a business visa in Nepal generally ranges from 7 to 21 working days, depending on the completeness of several stages:
Time required to obtain the recommendation.
Time required for document verification.
Immigration application processing.
Delays are usually caused by incomplete documentation, a missing recommendation or additional verification requests. Start the process before your existing visa expires, so you are not left without valid status while an application is pending.
The Department of Immigration's Citizen Charter lists same-day processing for the business visa service for applications submitted before 1 PM. This is the stated service timeline for the visa stage, not a guarantee that every application will be completed the same day. Published timelines for the whole process vary considerably, depending on whether the company still needs to be set up.
What Additional Costs Should You Consider When Applying for a Business Visa in Nepal?
The government visa fee is rarely the only expense. Depending on your business structure, circumstances and the services you need, you may also pay for the following.
Company Registration and Documentation Costs
Company incorporation and registration charges.
Industry registration expenses.
PAN/VAT registration formalities.
Legal and Consultancy Fees
Legal consultation.
Investment documentation assistance.
Immigration application support.
Business compliance services.
Translation, Notarisation and Certification Costs
Translation of foreign documents.
Notarisation and document certification.
Preparation of supporting records.
Other Administrative Expenses
Document photocopying and preparation.
Travel to relevant government offices.
Other applicable administrative charges.
These costs differ from one applicant to another, so ask for a clear written estimate before you commit.
Is a Business Visa Free in Nepal for Foreign Investors?
It can be. Under the Department of Immigration's fee schedule, investments in the highest category (NPR 1 billion or more) are exempt from the business visa fee. Other published versions of the schedule place the exemption at investments above NPR 100 million, so confirm which threshold applies.
A fee exemption does not guarantee approval. Your application still has to meet the eligibility and documentation requirements. Check with the Department of Immigration before assuming you qualify.
What Is the Difference Between a Business Visa and Other Nepal Visa Categories?
Visa category
Main purpose
Tourist Visa
Tourism, sightseeing and leisure visits
Business Visa
Eligible foreign investment and business activities
Working Visa
Foreign nationals employed in eligible positions in Nepal
Study Visa
Academic study and research
Residential Visa
Eligible long-term residence in Nepal
Choosing the correct category matters, because each visa permits different activities. A tourist visa should not be assumed to cover every kind of business activity. If you are taking up employment rather than investing, it is important to know more about thework visa permit in Nepal.
What Are the Single-Entry and Multiple Re-Entry Fees for a Business Visa in Nepal?
Entry facilities can affect how you think about the overall business visa cost, so it helps to understand how they apply to business visas.
Single Entry Visa Fee in Nepal
A single-entry facility generally allows a foreign national to enter Nepal once. The Department of Immigration does not list a separate single-entry option, or an additional single-entry charge, for business visas. Unlike some other non-tourist visa categories, business visas are issued with multiple re-entry facilities, so you should not assume that a cheaper single-entry business visa is available.
Multiple Re-Entry Visa Fee in Nepal
Business visas include multiple re-entry visas, depending on their validity period. This lets eligible holders leave Nepal and return while the visa is valid. The Department's business visa fee schedule does not list a separate monthly multiple re-entry surcharge. If you are comparing prices from different sources, confirm with the Department that no extra re-entry charge applies to your visa.
Does Business Visa Cost in Nepal Differ for US Citizens and Other Nationalities?
Business visa fees are set by investment category and duration, not by passport, so the fee schedule above does not generally change with nationality. What can differ by nationality are other visa arrangements, such as tourist visa fees or reciprocity-based facilities, so it is important not to confuse those with business visa charges.
If you are searching for the business visa cost from the USA, check the business visa fee schedule rather than assuming tourist visa prices apply. As a US passport holder, you would still need to consider your investment eligibility and immigration category, and your fee would depend on the investment category and visa duration.
The same principle applies to other nationalities: nationality, investment eligibility and the immigration category should all be considered together.
What Should Foreign Investors Know Before Applying for a Business Visa in Nepal?
Before you apply, make sure you have:
Secured the necessary foreign investment approval.
Completed the required company and industry registrations.
Checked the validity of your existing Nepal visa.
Prepared all supporting documents.
Confirmed the applicable visa fee and duration.
Kept company tax and regulatory compliance up to date.
Sought professional legal assistance where the investment or immigration process is complex.
How Can a Lawyer Help With Business Visa Applications in Nepal?
Sherpa Law Associates is a Kathmandu-based law firm established in 2020, with advocates licensed under the Nepal Bar Council Act, 2050 (1993). As an experiencedbusiness lawyer in Kathmandu, we help foreign investors set up and stay compliant in Nepal. Our support includes:
Guidance on foreign investment and business establishment.
Assistance with company registration and investment documentation.
Business visa eligibility assessment.
Preparation and review of immigration documents.
Assistance with visa recommendations and renewals.
Guidance on relevant Nepalese immigration and investment regulations.
For investment structuring and approvals, ourforeign investment lawyer team works alongside our immigration practice. If your matter is mainly about visas, ourimmigration lawyers in Kathmandu can assess which category applies to you and manage the application.
The Department of Immigration decides and collects business visa fees, under the Immigration Act, 2049 (1992) and the Immigration Rules, 2051 (1994).
What law governs the business visa cost in Nepal?
Business visa fees are governed mainly by the Immigration Act, 2049 (1992) and the Immigration Rules, 2051 (1994). The Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075 (2019), governs the investment approval that determines your eligibility and fee category.
Can business visa fees change in Nepal?
Yes. The government can revise visa fees and thresholds, and different published schedules currently show different structures. Always confirm the current fee with the Department of Immigration before you pay.
Where is the business visa fee paid in Nepal?
You pay at the Department of Immigration or through the authorised government payment process, as directed by the immigration office handling your application. Keep your payment receipt.
Does investment affect the business visa cost in Nepal?
Yes. The recognised investment amount determines your fee category, with higher categories paying lower fees and the highest category exempt from the fee.
Can I apply for a Nepal business visa online?
Yes, you can complete the online application on the Department of Immigration's official website. You must still submit the required supporting documents, and the Department may ask for original documents or further verification.
Is the Nepal visa fee for Indian citizens the same as the business visa fee?
Not generally. Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal, so the standard visa fees that apply to other nationalities do not apply to them in the same way. Their business activities must still be properly registered, and requirements can vary, so confirm the position for your situation with the Department of Immigration or a lawyer.
Disclaimer:This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa fees, thresholds, processing times and documentation requirements are set by the Government of Nepal and may change without notice. Please confirm current requirements with the Department of Immigration and the Department of Industry, or consult a qualified lawyer, before making any decision or payment.
Business visa cost in nepal
Advocate Suman DhunganaSep 15, 2026
Company Conversion Process in Nepal: Complete Legal Procedure, Requirements & Costs
