Process of Obtaining Relationship Visa in Nepal is a category of visa granted to foreign nationals who have a direct familial or marital relationship with a Nepali citizen or a legally residing foreign national in Nepal. The relationship visa Nepal process falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Immigration Nepal and is governed primarily by the Immigration Act 2049 (1992) and the Immigration Regulation 2051 (1994). Foreign spouses, dependent children, and family members of Nepali nationals typically apply under this visa category to obtain long-term legal stay in Nepal.
Understanding the Nepal relationship visa process is essential for any foreign national who intends to reside in Nepal based on a familial bond. This article covers the full process, required documents, applicable laws, fees, and frequently asked questions regarding the relationship visa application in Nepal.
What Is a Relationship Visa in Nepal?
A relationship visa in Nepal allows foreign nationals to stay in Nepal beyond the standard tourist visa duration based on a proven relationship with a Nepali citizen or a legally employed foreign national. Nepal does not use the term “relationship visa” as a formal standalone category in the same manner as some Western countries. However, the Non-Tourist Visa and Dependent Visa under Nepal’s immigration framework serve this purpose.
Under Section 5 of the Immigration Act 2049, the Department of Immigration has the authority to grant various visa types including non-tourist visas that cover residence based on family ties. The Nepal relationship visa is processed at the Department of Immigration Nepal.
Who Is Eligible for a Relationship Visa in Nepal?
The following categories of foreign nationals qualify for a relationship visa or dependent stay in Nepal:
- Foreign spouse of a Nepali citizen – A foreign national legally married to a Nepali citizen
- Foreign spouse of a work permit holder – A foreign national whose spouse holds a valid work permit in Nepal
- Minor dependent children – Children under the age of 18 whose parent(s) are legally residing in Nepal
- Dependent parents – In some cases, elderly parents of Nepali citizens or long-term foreign residents
- Foreign national in a registered domestic partnership – Subject to approval by the Department of Immigration
The relationship must be legally recognized under Nepalese law or the country of origin, and the applicant must provide documentary evidence of the relationship.
Legal Framework Governing Relationship Visa in Nepal
The relationship visa in Nepal is administered under the following legal instruments:
| Legal Instrument | Provision |
|---|---|
| Immigration Act, 2049 (1992) | Section 5 – Visa issuance authority; Section 8 – Visa extension |
| Immigration Regulation, 2051 (1994) | Schedule 1 – Visa categories and fees; Rule 12 – Non-tourist visa |
| Foreign Employment Act, 2064 (2017) | Dependent visa provisions for work permit holders’ spouses |
| Civil Code of Nepal, 2074 (2017) | Legal recognition of marriage for immigration purposes |
| National Identity Card and Civil Registration Act, 2076 | Marriage registration requirements |
The Department of Immigration Nepal is the sole authority responsible for processing and approving Nepal relationship visa applications.
Types of Relationship-Based Visas Available in Nepal
1. Non-Tourist Visa (Dependent Category)
The Non-Tourist Visa in Nepal is the primary visa type issued to foreign nationals based on relationship ties. It is issued for an initial period and can be extended annually.
2. Residential Permit for Spouse of Nepali Citizen
A foreign national married to a Nepali citizen can apply for a residential stay permit after completing the required documentation process. This permit is renewable on an annual basis.
3. Dependent Visa Under Work Permit
Foreign nationals whose spouse or parent holds a valid work permit issued under the Foreign Employment Act 2074 can obtain a dependent visa tied to the validity of the primary work permit.
Step-by-Step Process of Obtaining Relationship Visa in Nepal
Step 1: Enter Nepal on a Valid Visa
The applicant must first enter Nepal on a valid tourist visa or other appropriate visa category. Nepal grants tourist visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and designated entry points.
Step 2: Register the Marriage or Relationship
If the basis for the relationship visa Nepal is marriage, the marriage must be registered with the local ward office or the District Administration Office (DAO). A foreign marriage certificate must be attested by the Nepali Embassy in the applicant’s country and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
The following documents are required for the relationship visa application in Nepal:
For Spouse of Nepali Citizen:
- Valid passport of the applicant (minimum 6 months validity)
- 2 passport-sized photographs
- Original marriage certificate (registered in Nepal or duly attested)
- Citizenship certificate of the Nepali spouse
- Relationship certificate from the ward office
- Application form from the Department of Immigration
- Proof of accommodation in Nepal
- Financial sufficiency proof or bank statement
- Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country
For Dependent Visa (Spouse of Work Permit Holder):
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate (duly attested)
- Copy of the sponsor’s valid work permit
- Employment contract of the sponsoring individual
- Application form
- 2 passport-sized photographs
- Letter from the employer confirming dependent stay
Step 4: Submit the Application at the Department of Immigration
The applicant submits all documents at the Department of Immigration Nepal, located in Maitighar, Kathmandu. Applications can also be submitted at regional immigration offices in Pokhara and Bhairahawa for border areas.
Address: Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Office Hours: Sunday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except public holidays)
Step 5: Biometric Enrollment and Verification
The Department of Immigration conducts a biometric registration process, including fingerprint scanning and photograph capture. The Nepali sponsor or the work permit holder may be called for verification.
Step 6: Payment of Visa Fees
The applicant pays the applicable visa fee at the immigration counter. Fee details are listed under Schedule 1 of the Immigration Regulation 2051.
Step 7: Visa Approval and Collection
Upon successful verification, the relationship visa Nepal is stamped on the applicant’s passport. Processing generally takes 3 to 7 working days for standard applications.
Relationship Visa Fees and Duration in Nepal
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Tourist Visa (Initial) | 3 months | USD 30 |
| Non-Tourist Visa Extension | Per year | NPR 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Dependent Visa | Tied to work permit | NPR 5,000 per extension |
| Residential Permit (Spouse) | 1 year (renewable) | USD 25 – 50 |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always verify current fees at the Department of Immigration Nepal official website.
Extension of Relationship Visa in Nepal
A relationship visa in Nepal can be extended at the Department of Immigration before the current visa expires. The extension process requires:
- Original passport with current visa stamp
- Updated relationship proof (ward office certificate)
- Continued proof of sponsorship (citizenship of Nepali spouse or valid work permit)
- Fee payment as per current schedule
- Application form
Extensions are granted on a yearly basis. Failure to extend the visa before expiry may result in overstay fines under Section 12 of the Immigration Act 2049, which imposes a daily penalty for overstaying.
Common Reasons for Rejection of Relationship Visa in Nepal
The Nepal relationship visa application can be rejected due to the following reasons:
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Marriage not registered with Nepali authorities or not properly attested
- Expired or invalid sponsoring visa/work permit
- Previous immigration violations in Nepal
- Insufficient financial proof
- Discrepancies in submitted documents
- Failure to appear for biometric registration
Responsibilities After Obtaining Relationship Visa in Nepal
After obtaining a relationship visa in Nepal, the visa holder must:
- Report to the local ward office for residence registration
- Not engage in employment without a separate work permit (under Section 7 of the Immigration Act 2049)
- Carry the passport with valid visa stamp at all times
- Renew the visa before expiry
- Notify the Department of Immigration in case of change of address or sponsor status
FAQs
1. Can a foreign national work in Nepal on a relationship visa?
No. A relationship visa in Nepal does not grant the right to work. A separate work permit under the Foreign Employment Act 2074 is required for any employment activity in Nepal.
2. How long does the relationship visa process take in Nepal?
The Nepal relationship visa processing typically takes 3 to 7 working days at the Department of Immigration after submission of all complete and verified documents.
3. Is a relationship visa the same as a dependent visa in Nepal?
The relationship visa Nepal and dependent visa Nepal serve similar purposes but may differ based on the type of sponsor. Spouses of Nepali citizens apply under non-tourist/residential provisions, while spouses of work permit holders apply under the dependent visa category.
4. Can a same-sex partner obtain a relationship visa in Nepal?
Nepal’s Muluki Civil Code 2074 does not yet formally legalize same-sex marriage, though the Supreme Court of Nepal has issued interim orders. Relationship visa applications for same-sex partners remain subject to the current legal status at the time of application.
5. What happens if the relationship ends or divorce occurs during the visa period?
If the underlying relationship ends, the relationship visa Nepal basis becomes void. The visa holder must either depart Nepal or apply for another valid visa category before the current visa expires under the Immigration Act 2049.
6. Where is the Department of Immigration Nepal located?
The Department of Immigration Nepal is located at Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal. Their official website is www.immigration.gov.np, where applicants can access forms and fee schedules.
Conclusion
The process of obtaining a relationship visa in Nepal involves legal documentation, marriage registration, biometric verification, and compliance with the Immigration Act 2049 and Immigration Regulation 2051. Foreign nationals seeking to reside in Nepal based on a marital or familial relationship must submit complete documents, pay applicable fees, and adhere to the renewal requirements set by the Department of Immigration Nepal. Staying informed about current immigration regulations and verifying all requirements directly from www.immigration.gov.np before initiating the application process is strongly advised.
