Nepal has been actively attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) through a structured legal framework. The country offers a dedicated visa category for foreign investors under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2075 (2019) and the Immigration Act 2049 (1992). Understanding the foreign investor visa cost in Nepal is the first step any foreign national must take before committing capital and time to business operations in Nepal.
What Is a Foreign Investor Visa in Nepal?
A Foreign Investor Visa in Nepal is a Non-Tourist Visa category issued to foreign nationals who invest in Nepal through legally registered companies or industries. The Department of Immigration Nepal (immigration.gov.np) issues this visa under the authority of the Immigration Act 2049 and Immigration Rules 2051 (1994).
This visa allows the foreign investor to:
- Reside in Nepal for the duration of the investment
- Conduct business activities legally
- Renew the visa on an annual basis
- Bring dependent family members under a dependent visa category
The legal basis for this visa is also supported by the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2075 (2019), which defines the rights, obligations, and eligibility of foreign investors in Nepal.
Minimum Investment Requirement for Investor Visa in Nepal
Before calculating the foreign investor visa cost in Nepal, it is essential to know the minimum investment threshold required to qualify.
Under FITTA 2075, Section 3, the minimum foreign direct investment amount eligible for an investor visa is:
Investment TypeMinimum Investment AmountForeign Direct Investment (FDI) in Industry/BusinessUSD 50,000 (approximately NPR 66,50,000)Investment in Tourism, Hydropower, or Priority SectorsUSD 50,000 or as per sector-specific policyReinvestment/Technology TransferAs approved by the concerned authority
The Department of Industry (DoI) (doind.gov.np) or the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) (ibn.gov.np) approves the foreign investment before the visa application process begins at the Department of Immigration.
Foreign Investor Visa Cost in Nepal: Fee Structure
The foreign investor visa fees in Nepal are determined by the Department of Immigration under the Immigration Rules 2051 and updated schedules. The visa cost varies based on the duration and the number of entries.
Standard Visa Fee Table
Visa TypeDurationFee (USD)Fee (NPR Approximate)Non-Tourist Visa (Investor) – Single EntryUp to 3 monthsUSD 30NPR 3,975Non-Tourist Visa (Investor) – Multiple EntryUp to 1 YearUSD 100NPR 13,250Non-Tourist Visa (Investor) – Multiple EntryUp to 5 YearsUSD 500NPR 66,250Visa Extension (Annual Renewal)Per YearNPR 5,000–10,000NPR 5,000–10,000Dependent Visa (Spouse/Children)AnnualNPR 5,000 per applicantNPR 5,000 per applicant
Note: Visa fees are subject to change based on government notifications. Always verify current fees at the Department of Immigration Nepal before applying.
Additional Administrative Costs
Beyond the visa stamp fee, foreign investors must also account for:
- Company Registration Fee at the Office of the Company Registrar (ocr.gov.np): NPR 9,050 to NPR 26,200 depending on the registered capital
- Foreign Investment Approval Fee at the Department of Industry: Based on investment amount
- PAN Registration at the Inland Revenue Department (ird.gov.np): Free
- Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Approval Fee for fund inward remittance documentation: Varies per transaction
- Legal/Notary Charges: NPR 5,000 to NPR 30,000 depending on documentation complexity
Types of Non-Tourist Visa for Foreign Investors in Nepal
Under the Immigration Act 2049 and Immigration Rules 2051, foreign investors can apply for the following categories:
1. Business Visa (Non-Tourist)
This is the most common visa type for foreign investors actively running or establishing a business. It allows multiple entries and can be renewed annually.
2. Industrial Visa
This visa is specifically for investors in industries registered under the Industrial Enterprises Act 2076 (2020). The Department of Industry often recommends this category for manufacturing and production sector investors.
3. Project Visa
Issued to foreign nationals involved in specific government-approved or donor-funded projects. This visa is project-specific and non-transferable.
4. Residential Visa
Long-term investors who have made a significant investment may qualify for a residential non-tourist visa, subject to additional conditions under the Immigration Rules.
Required Documents for Foreign Investor Visa in Nepal
The following documents are mandatory when applying for a foreign investor visa in Nepal at the Department of Immigration:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond the intended stay)
- Recent passport-size photographs (white background, two copies)
- Foreign Investment Approval Letter from the Department of Industry or Investment Board Nepal
- Company Registration Certificate from the Office of the Company Registrar
- PAN Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department
- Bank voucher confirming investment amount remitted through proper banking channels (Nepal Rastra Bank approved)
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) of the registered company
- Share ownership certificate or shareholder register showing the applicant’s equity
- Tax clearance certificate (for renewals after the first year)
- Completed visa application form (available at immigration.gov.np)
- Visa fee payment receipt
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Foreign Investor Visa in Nepal
- Register the Company at the Office of the Company Registrar under the Company Act 2063 (2006) and obtain a registration certificate.
- Obtain Foreign Investment Approval from the Department of Industry (for investments below USD 5 million) or the Investment Board Nepal (for investments above USD 5 million or in specified sectors).
- Open a Bank Account in Nepal and remit the investment amount through a recognized commercial bank with Nepal Rastra Bank approval.
- Register with the Inland Revenue Department to obtain the Permanent Account Number (PAN).
- Compile All Required Documents including company registration, investment approval, share certificate, and PAN.
- Visit the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (Kalikasthan, Dillibazar) or the nearest immigration office.
- Submit the Visa Application Form along with all supporting documents and pay the applicable visa fee.
- Collect the Visa after processing, which typically takes 1 to 3 working days for standard applications.
Annual Renewal Cost of Foreign Investor Visa in Nepal
Foreign investor visas in Nepal require annual renewal. The renewal must be done before the visa expiry date at the Department of Immigration. The renewal process involves:
- Submission of the renewed tax clearance certificate
- Updated company documents (if changes occurred)
- Proof of continued investment and business operation
- Payment of the renewal fee (NPR 5,000 to NPR 10,000 per year depending on the visa category)
Failure to renew on time may result in an overstay fine of USD 3 per day (approximately NPR 397 per day) as per the Immigration Rules 2051.
Rights of Foreign Investors Under Nepal’s Legal Framework
Under FITTA 2075, foreign investors in Nepal enjoy the following rights:
- Right to repatriate profits, dividends, and proceeds from the sale of shares
- Right to obtain work permits for foreign employees
- Right to intellectual property protection
- Right to compensation in case of nationalization
- Right to international arbitration under the Arbitration Act 2055 (1999)
The Industrial Enterprises Act 2076 further provides sector-specific benefits including tax exemptions for certain industries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Investor Visa in Nepal
- Submitting investment documents without Nepal Rastra Bank clearance
- Applying for a tourist visa and conducting business activities (this violates the Immigration Act 2049)
- Not obtaining foreign investment approval before applying for the visa
- Underreporting investment amounts to avoid minimum thresholds
- Missing annual renewal deadlines and incurring overstay penalties
FAQs: Foreign Investor Visa Cost in Nepal
1. What is the minimum investment required to get a foreign investor visa in Nepal?
Under FITTA 2075, the minimum foreign direct investment required to qualify for an investor visa in Nepal is approximately USD 50,000. The investment must be approved by the Department of Industry or the Investment Board Nepal before the visa application.
2. How much does a foreign investor visa cost in Nepal per year?
The annual non-tourist investor visa in Nepal costs approximately USD 100 for a multiple-entry visa valid for one year. Annual renewal fees at the Department of Immigration range from NPR 5,000 to NPR 10,000 depending on the visa category.
3. Can a foreign investor bring family members to Nepal on a dependent visa?
Yes. Foreign investors holding a valid non-tourist visa can bring their spouse and children to Nepal on a dependent visa. The dependent visa fee is approximately NPR 5,000 per person per year at the Department of Immigration.
4. How long does it take to process a foreign investor visa in Nepal?
Standard processing at the Department of Immigration takes 1 to 3 working days after submission of complete documents. Complex cases or those requiring inter-departmental verification may take up to 7 working days.
5. What happens if a foreign investor overstays their visa in Nepal?
Under the Immigration Rules 2051, overstaying foreign nationals must pay a fine of USD 3 per day. Prolonged overstay may lead to deportation and a ban on re-entry under the Immigration Act 2049.
6. Is a foreign investor visa the same as a business visa in Nepal?
Both fall under the non-tourist visa category under the Immigration Act 2049, but an investor visa specifically requires documented foreign investment approval. A business visa may be issued for short-term business meetings without requiring formal FDI registration.
Conclusion
The foreign investor visa cost in Nepal involves multiple fee components including visa stamp fees, company registration charges, foreign investment approval fees, and annual renewal costs. Under the combined framework of the Immigration Act 2049, Immigration Rules 2051, FITTA 2075, and the Industrial Enterprises Act 2076, Nepal provides a structured and transparent pathway for foreign investors. Total costs from company formation to visa issuance typically range between NPR 30,000 to NPR 1,50,000 depending on the investment sector and visa duration. Always verify the latest fee schedules directly at immigration.gov.np or doind.gov.np before initiating the investment visa process.
