Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals require a Non-Tourist Visa (Work Category) and a Work Permit issued by the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety (DLOS) before commencing employment in Nepal.
  • Employers must obtain prior approval from the Department of Industry or the relevant sector ministry before sponsoring a foreign worker, and must demonstrate that the role requires skills unavailable locally.
  • Nepal’s IT, hydropower, tourism, manufacturing, and NGO sectors are the main employers of foreign nationals.

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the east, south, and west. Kathmandu is the capital and main commercial centre. Nepal’s economy is driven by remittances, tourism, hydropower, agriculture, and a growing IT and services sector. The country is developing rapidly, with significant infrastructure investment and an expanding manufacturing base in its Special Economic Zones. The Department of Labour and Occupational Safety (DLOS) under the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security administers work permits; the Department of Immigration administers visas and residence permits.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in Nepal?

Under Nepali immigration and labour law, any foreign national intending to engage in paid employment must hold a valid Work Permit from DLOS and a Non-Tourist Visa (Work Category). The requirement applies to:

  • Employees of Nepal-registered companies, including foreign-invested enterprises
  • Intra-company transferees to Nepal subsidiaries or branch offices
  • Technical specialists and consultants on assignments exceeding 30 days
  • Foreign directors and key executives of Nepal-registered entities
  • NGO and development sector workers receiving salaries or significant allowances

Types of Nepal Work Visas and Permits

Non-Tourist Visa (Work Category)

The Non-Tourist Visa in the Work Category is a long-stay visa for foreign nationals taking up employment in Nepal. It is obtained from a Nepali diplomatic mission or, for nationals of visa-on-arrival countries, can sometimes be arranged through the Department of Immigration on the basis of an approved Work Permit. The visa must be renewed annually alongside the Work Permit.

Work Permit (DLOS)

The Work Permit is the primary employment authorisation issued by DLOS. Before applying, the employer must obtain prior clearance from the Department of Industry (for industrial workers), the relevant sector ministry, or the relevant regulatory authority. The permit is employer-tied and role-specific, valid for one year and renewable.

Business Visa

Short-term commercial visits — meetings, inspections, training — may be conducted on a Business Visa or Tourist Visa for up to 90 days (extendable to 150 days). This does not authorise paid employment. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport for short stays.

SEZ Work Permit

Foreign workers employed within Nepal’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) may benefit from streamlined permit procedures and faster processing under the SEZ Act. The SEZ Administration coordinates with DLOS for permit issuance. SEZ permits are restricted to work within the designated zone.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Nepal

1

Employer Obtains Sectoral Approval

Before applying to DLOS, the employer must obtain approval from the relevant authority — typically the Department of Industry for manufacturing and commercial enterprises, or the relevant ministry for regulated sectors. This step confirms that the employer is authorised to hire a foreign national and that the role requires skills not available locally.

2

Apply to DLOS for the Work Permit

The employer submits the Work Permit application to DLOS in Kathmandu. Required documents include: sectoral approval letter; signed employment contract; the applicant’s certified qualifications and CV; a valid passport copy; police clearance certificate; and a medical certificate including an HIV test result.

3

Foreign National Applies for the Non-Tourist Visa

Once the DLOS Work Permit is approved, the foreign national applies for a Non-Tourist Visa (Work Category) at the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate, presenting the approved Work Permit as the primary supporting document. The visa is typically issued for one year.

4

Enter Nepal and Register

On arrival in Nepal, the foreign worker presents the Work Visa and passport to immigration officials at the port of entry. The worker must register their residential address with the local Ward Office within 15 days of arrival. Failure to register is a compliance violation.

5

Register with the Social Security Fund (SSF)

The employer must register the foreign worker with Nepal’s Social Security Fund (SSF) before the first day of employment. SSF contributions cover pension, accident, and health benefits. Both employer (20% of basic salary) and employee (11% of basic salary) contribute monthly.

6

Annual Renewal

Both the Work Permit and the Non-Tourist Visa must be renewed annually. Renewal applications are submitted to DLOS (for the permit) and the Department of Immigration (for the visa extension). Renewals should be initiated at least 30 days before expiry.

Nepal Work Permit Costs and Fees

Work authorisation fees in Nepal are denominated in Nepali Rupees (NPR):

Fee Type
Cost
Work Permit (Initial and Renewal)
NPR 10,000–50,000 depending on the sector and duration
Non-Tourist Visa
NPR 4,000–8,000 per year

SSF registration and contributions are ongoing payroll costs.

Professional service fees add USD 400–1,200. Total first-year employer costs typically range from USD 600 to USD 2,000.

Nepal Work Visa Sponsorship

Nepal’s Work Permit is employer-tied. Changes of employer require a new DLOS application and sectoral approval. Employers must notify DLOS within 15 days if employment ends before the permit expires.

Employers must comply with the Labour Act 2074 (2017) of Nepal, including minimum wage obligations (NPR 17,300/month), leave entitlements, and SSF contribution requirements.

For international companies without a Nepali entity, an EOR registered in Nepal can act as the sponsoring employer, manage the full Work Permit and visa process, payroll in NPR, and SSF compliance.

Work in Nepal with Confidence

Nepal’s work permit system requires navigating both DLOS and sectoral approvals, which can add time to the process. Engaging experienced local support and beginning the application at least three months before the intended start date is strongly recommended.

RemotePeople’s South Asia specialists provide end-to-end work permit management in Nepal.

Frequently Asked Questions

The SSF is Nepal's mandatory social security scheme, covering pension, accident insurance, medical treatment, maternity, and dependent family benefits. Both employers (20% of basic salary) and employees (11% of basic salary) contribute monthly. All workers in Nepal — including foreign nationals — must be enrolled with the SSF.

Yes. Before DLOS will process a Work Permit application, the employer must obtain prior approval from the Department of Industry or the relevant sector ministry confirming that the employer is authorised to hire a foreign national for the specific role. This step is often the longest in the process and should be initiated first.

Generally, no. Foreign nationals on a tourist or on-arrival visa cannot convert their status to a work visa from within Nepal. The Work Permit must be obtained from DLOS first, and then the Non-Tourist Visa is obtained from a Nepali diplomatic mission. Some exceptions may apply for certain urgent or humanitarian cases.

Yes. Spouses and dependent children may obtain a Non-Tourist Visa (Dependent Category) for the duration of the primary work permit holder's stay. Dependants wishing to work must obtain their own Work Permit from DLOS.

Yes. A licensed EOR registered in Nepal with sectoral approvals can act as the sponsoring employer, manage the DLOS Work Permit application, Non-Tourist Visa, SSF registration, payroll in NPR, and full Labour Act compliance on behalf of an international company without a Nepali entity.

Relocate to Nepal

RemotePeople provides EOR services in Nepal and across South Asia. We handle DLOS Work Permit applications, sectoral approval coordination, SSF registration, payroll in NPR, and full Labour Act compliance.

Contact RemotePeople to start hiring in Nepal today.

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