Multiple Entry Business Visa in Nepal: Requirements, Fees and Application Process
Advocate Suman Dhungana • Oct 30, 2026
Legal Updates
— Sherpa Law
A multiple-entry visa in Nepal is simply a business visa that lets you enter Nepal repeatedly while it remains valid. For foreign investors, directors and authorised business representatives who fly out for board meetings, supplier visits or trade fairs and then return to manage their interests in Nepal, that freedom of movement is not a luxury. It is what makes running a Nepali business from abroad workable.
The Department of Immigration issues business visas under Nepal's immigration framework, based on the applicable recommendation and documentation requirements.
This guide explains what a multiple entry business visa means, whether it comes with your visa, who is eligible, how to apply, what documents and fees to expect, and what to check before you travel.
Key Takeaways
Nepal business visas generally include multiple re-entry, allowing eligible foreign investors and business representatives to leave and return to Nepal while the visa remains valid.
Foreign investors, authorised business representatives and eligible dependent family members may qualify, subject to applicable investment and immigration requirements.
Foreign investors may need approval under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019, before applying for a business visa.
Applicants must establish their business or investment status, obtain the relevant government recommendation, submit documents to the Department of Immigration and pay the applicable visa fee.
Common documents include a valid passport, investment approval, company and industry registration certificates, PAN/VAT registration, recommendation letters and proof of investment.
Business visa fees depend on the investment amount and duration. Published options include monthly, annual and five-year periods.
A complete application may take approximately 5–7 working days, although additional approvals or incomplete documentation can cause delays.
Multiple entry business visas may be issued for different periods, but re-entry is permitted only while the visa remains valid. Annual renewal may be required depending on the approval.
A business visa supports activities related to approved business or investment purposes. It does not automatically authorise employment in Nepal.
Before leaving Nepal, verify the visa category, multiple-entry endorsement, passport validity and expiry date to avoid re-entry complications.
Understanding investment eligibility, preparing the correct documents and following immigration procedures can help reduce application delays and compliance issues.
What Does a Multiple Entry Business Visa Mean in Nepal?
Immigration terms can be confusing, so here they are in plain English.
Single entry: the visa allows one arrival in Nepal. When you leave, that entry is generally used.
Multiple entry: the visa allows repeated arrivals during its validity. Leaving Nepal does not itself use up the remaining entry facility.
Re-entry: coming back into Nepal on the same visa after you have left. It is allowed only while the visa remains valid and subject to immigration requirements.
You may also see the facility described as a multiple exit re entry visa arrangement, because the same endorsement covers your departures and your returns. The multi visa meaning is the same: one visa, several entries. People searching for a multi visa are usually looking for exactly this.
Three data points define the facility:
Data point
What it means
Entry facility
Single entry versus multiple entry
Validity
One month, one year, or up to five years, depending on the applicable category and approval
Re-entry
Permitted only while the visa remains valid and subject to immigration requirements
What Is the Difference Between Single Entry and Multiple Entry Business Visas in Nepal?
Feature
Single entry
Multiple entry
Entries
One entry under that endorsement
Repeated entries during validity
Leaving Nepal
The entry is generally used
Departure does not itself consume the remaining entry facility
Returning to Nepal
A valid new entry permission or visa arrangement is needed
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Here is a realistic example. A foreign director of a Kathmandu company flies to Singapore for a board meeting and returns to Nepal two days later. On a multiple entry endorsement, that trip is routine. On a single entry endorsement, the departure would generally have used the entry, and the director would need a valid new entry permission to return.
The entry type does not override expiry dates or other admission conditions. Do not treat a single entry endorsement as the normal business visa option, because the published guidance points the other way. And do not assume the entry type changes your fee: the published business visa fee schedule is based on the investment amount, so check the current fee separately.
Is Multiple Entry Included in a Nepal Business Visa?
In general, yes. A multiple entry visa Nepal business holders receive is normally part of the business visa itself, not an add-on. The Department of Immigration's published business visa guidance says business visas in Nepal include multiple re-entry regardless of the visa period. A one-month visa and a five-year visa are both treated this way under the published guidance.
A general rule is not a substitute for checking your own visa, though. The endorsement in your passport is what counts, so check these details:
the business visa category
the printed entry condition
the issue and expiry dates
the issuing authority and any specific restrictions
If the endorsement appears to show a single-entry condition, or differs from what you expected, contact the issuing authority before you travel. Fixing an error is far easier before you leave than after you are stranded abroad.
Business visas also differ from tourist visas. A Nepal entry visa issued for tourism has its own entry arrangements, and a multiple entry tourist visa follows tourist visa rules, not business rules. It does not authorise business activity. The same goes for an immigration visitor visa used for a short business trip, such as a meeting or a conference. A business visa is tied to an approved investment or business, not to a one-off visit.
Some travellers also search for a Nepal visa card. For a business visa, the document that counts is the endorsement in your passport, so that is what you should check.
Who Is Eligible for a Multiple Entry Business Visa in Nepal?
Eligibility is tied to your business or investment, not to nationality alone. The following people may generally qualify:
Foreign nationals licensed, or otherwise eligible, to invest in commercial or industrial businesses in Nepal.
Authorised representatives of qualifying business or industrial organisations.
Eligible foreign investors engaged in export-related activities involving goods produced in Nepal.
Eligible dependent family members, where the applicable rules permit.
Do You Need Foreign Investment Approval to Obtain a Business Visa?
Often, yes. Where the applicant is a foreign investor, approval of the investment under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075 (2019) (FITTA) usually comes first, and the visa follows. Which route applies depends on your business activity and legal status. If you are still planning your investment, aforeign investment lawyer can confirm which approval you need before you apply.
Can an Authorised Representative Obtain a Business Visa?
The rules provide for authorised representatives in qualifying cases. The representative needs appropriate authorisation from the company or investor, together with the company and investment documents that support it. We recommend gathering these early, because missing authorisation papers are a common cause of delay.
Can Family Members Receive a Business Visa?
Eligible dependent family members may qualify under the applicable provisions. Do not assume approval is automatic. Their eligibility and documents should be assessed separately, and relationship documents such as marriage or birth certificates will usually be needed. If those documents need preparing or verifying, ourfamily lawyer team can help.
Which Government Authorities Handle a Multiple Entry Business Visa in Nepal?
Several bodies are involved, each with a different job.
Department of Immigration: handles the business visa application, issuance and applicable extensions. This is the office for immigration matters in Nepal, and our immigration services page explains how we assist.
Department of Industry: provides investment-related recommendations for cases within its remit.
Investment Board Nepal: may be involved in projects within its jurisdiction.
Office of the Company Registrar: handles company registration, where required.
Inland Revenue Department: relevant for PAN or VAT registration and tax compliance documents.
How Do You Apply for a Multiple Entry Business Visa in Nepal?
Step 1: Establish the Relevant Business or Investment Status
Start with the underlying business. That means the applicable investment approval, company registration or other qualifying business documentation. If your qualifying business is already established, you do not need to register a new company just to apply. Company registration and shareholder documents are corporate work, and a corporate law firm in Nepal can prepare them alongside the visa file. If your investment is an industry, an industrial licensing service can help with industry registration.
Step 2: Obtain the Required Recommendation
The applicant or an authorised representative approaches the relevant authority for a recommendation. For most investment cases, that is the Department of Industry, through its visa recommendation process. Other routes apply in some cases, depending on the business.
Step 3: Prepare and Submit the Visa Application
Complete the required application and submit the recommendation and supporting documents to the Department of Immigration. The Department may request additional documents, so keep copies of your company and investment papers on hand.
Step 4: Pay the Applicable Government Fee
The fee depends on the investment bracket and the visa duration. Check the current amount with the Department of Immigration before you pay, because the cost of a multiple entry visa Nepal business applicants hold follows the same investment-based schedule.
Step 5: Check the Issued Visa Before Travelling
Confirm the visa category, the validity dates and the entry endorsement. If anything is wrong, resolve it with the issuing authority before you leave the counter or travel.
What Documents Are Required for a Multiple Entry Business Visa in Nepal?
Do not treat every item below as mandatory for every applicant. The right checklist depends on your category and application type, so follow the relevant official checklist for your case.
For a new application, where applicable
Valid passport and a copy of your latest Nepal visa
Completed application and the required photograph or biodata
Recommendation letter from the Department of Industry or other concerned authority
Foreign investment acceptance or approval letter, where applicable
Company registration certificate
Industry registration certificate
PAN or VAT registration certificate
Share certificate or other proof of investment, as applicable
Authorisation documents for an appointed representative
Relevant relationship documents for dependants
These documents do different jobs. Your passport and photographs establish identity. The approval letter, share certificate and proof of investment establish the investment. The registration certificates establish company and tax status. The authorisation documents establish who may act for the company.
For renewal or extension, where applicable
Passport and a copy of your current or latest visa
Updated recommendation letter
Latest tax clearance certificate, where required
Industry monitoring or supervision report, where required
Company or industry progress report
Updated biodata or other documents requested by the authority
Renewal documents show continuing business compliance, which is why tax and progress records matter at that stage.
How Much Does a Multiple Entry Business Visa Cost in Nepal?
Business visa fees are linked to the investment bracket and the visa duration, with monthly, annual and five-year options. The figures below follow the published schedule used in our business visa guide.
Investment bracket
Monthly
Annual
Five years
Below NPR 10 million
USD 35
USD 400
USD 1,000
NPR 10 million to NPR 100 million
USD 20
USD 200
USD 500
Above NPR 100 million
No charge
No charge
No charge
The Department of Immigration sets and revises its fee schedule, and published figures differ between sources. Confirm the current amount with the Department before you budget or pay.
A few cautions help you read the table:
Visa fees are separate from legal fees, company registration costs and other professional or administrative expenses.
A no-charge category depends on meeting the relevant threshold and conditions. Do not assume it applies to every investor, or to every cost connected with the visa.
Entry type does not change the fee. The schedule follows the investment amount, not whether the visa is single or multiple entry.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain or Renew a Multiple Entry Business Visa?
There is no single guaranteed timeline. Our business visa guide notes that obtaining the recommendation letter can take around 3 to 4 working days, with the Department of Immigration processing the visa within a further 2 to 3 working days once documents are submitted, or about 5 to 7 working days in total when documents are complete. Some third-party guides suggest longer periods, such as 7 to 21 working days for a full application and 5 to 10 working days for renewal, but these are not confirmed official processing standards.
The Department's citizen charter also lists same-day processing for one specified business visa service submitted before 1 p.m. That applies to the specified service only, so do not plan around same-day completion for a full application.
Complex files, incomplete documents and inter-agency checks can all lengthen the process.
How Long Is a Multiple Entry Business Visa Valid in Nepal?
Published options for a multiple entry visa Nepal business holders can obtain include monthly, annual and five-year periods, depending on the applicable rules and approval. The duration you receive depends on the recommendation and the visa category. In practice, the Department of Immigration generally issues a business visa for 1 year at a time, to be renewed annually.
A 5-year validity does not mean the visa stays usable after its expiry, and it does not mean you can stop meeting compliance requirements. Renewal depends on updated business and tax documents. Start planning your renewal well before the expiry date, and confirm the current procedure with the Department of Immigration.
What Should You Check Before Leaving Nepal and Returning on a Business Visa?
Run through this checklist before every trip:
Verify the visa category, the multiple-entry endorsement and the expiry date before you depart.
Check that your passport remains valid and meets the applicable travel requirements.
Do not assume the visa can be used for re-entry if it expires while you are overseas.
Check whether a renewal or other immigration step is needed before you travel.
Keep copies of the relevant company, investment and visa documents.
If the endorsement is wrong, resolve it with the issuing authority before departure, where possible.
Here is the risk in a real example. An investor holds a business visa valid until 30 November, but plans to return to Kathmandu on 2 December. A multiple-entry endorsement does not overcome the expiry date. The investor should arrange valid entry permission before returning, ideally by renewing before leaving.
What Business Activities Are Permitted Under a Nepal Business Visa?
A business visa is for business, not for general employment. Eligibility is connected to your investment or business activity, so the permitted activities are those consistent with that purpose. These typically include investor meetings, investment oversight and business discussions, where they match the approved purpose.
A business visa does not automatically authorise employment or activities outside its permitted purpose. If you intend to take up employment in Nepal, you need to obtain a work permit in Nepal.
What Common Mistakes Can Delay a Multiple Entry Business Visa Application?
Applying without the required recommendation or investment documents.
Submitting outdated company, PAN or VAT, or passport details.
Missing the tax clearance or progress reports required for renewal.
Assuming all applicants follow the same investment or visa route.
Confusing visa validity with the multiple-entry facility.
Failing to check the issued endorsement before travelling.
Relying on outdated online fee information without checking the official schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Multiple Entry Business Visas in Nepal
Is Multiple Entry Included in a Nepal Business Visa?
Generally, yes. The Department of Immigration's published guidance says business visas include multiple re-entry regardless of the visa period. Always check the endorsement in your passport, because the printed condition governs your visa.
What Is the Difference Between a Business Visa and a Tourist Visa in Nepal?
A business visa is tied to an approved investment or business and generally needs a recommendation, while a tourist visa is for tourism and does not authorise business activity. They have different entry arrangements, fees and requirements.
Can I Leave Nepal and Return on the Same Business Visa?
Yes, if your visa has multiple entries and is still valid on the day you return. If it expires while you are abroad, you cannot re-enter it, so plan your return and your renewal together.
Can I Change a Single Entry Business Visa to Multiple Entry?
If the endorsement does not reflect the approved category, you can ask the Department of Immigration to correct it. Raise the issue before you travel, and bring the documents that support your category.
Do Dependants Receive the Same Entry Facility as the Main Investor?
Dependent visas generally follow the principal's category, but eligibility and documents are assessed separately. Check each dependant's endorsement with the same care as your own.
Can I Renew a Five-Year Business Visa?
Renewal is generally possible, subject to continued business operations and compliance. You will typically need updated company, tax and progress documents, so start early.
Can Indian Nationals Use Nepal's Open Border Instead?
Indian nationals are generally not required to obtain a business visa to work in Nepal, which is a different position from other foreign nationals. If you are not an Indian national, the open border does not apply to you, and you need an appropriate visa.
Where Can I Check the Current Business Visa Fee in Nepal?
Check with the Department of Immigration, which sets and revises the fee schedule. Published figures can differ between sources, so confirm the current amount before you pay.
Need Help With a Business Visa Application in Nepal?
Sherpa Law Associates is a business-oriented law firm in Kathmandu. We can help you identify the right application route, review your documents, coordinate recommendations and understand the visa requirements for your situation.
Every case is different. Your investment structure, business activities and visa status all affect the route, the documents and the timeline, so talk to us about yours before you apply.
Disclaimer: This article is published for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, legal opinion or professional consultation. Visa conditions, fees and procedures in Nepal are revised from time to time, so confirm current requirements with the relevant authority. Reading this article does not create a lawyer-client relationship. The firm disclaims liability for any loss arising from reliance on the information in this article. If you need advice on your particular matter, please consult a qualified legal professional.
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