Minimum USD 100,000 in a Nepali industrial enterprise; USD 1,000,000+ qualifies for automatic residential visa recommendation under FITTA
⏱️ Duration
1 year, renewable annually for an indefinite period as long as the qualifying investment is maintained
👪 Dependants
Yes
Spouse, parents, and minor children of the investor or their authorized representative
🛂 Citizenship Path
No direct pathway
The residential visa itself is Nepal's long-term residence permit; Nepal does not offer permanent residency or citizenship by investment; the visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the qualifying investment is maintained
Nepal's Residential Visa for Investors is a long-term residence permit for foreign nationals who invest a minimum of USD 100,000 (or equivalent in convertible foreign currency) in a Nepali industrial enterprise. Established under Section 6 of the Immigration Act, 2049 (1992) and supported by the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075 (2019), the visa is administered by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Investors who make a one-time investment exceeding USD 1,000,000 receive an automatic residential visa entitlement under FITTA Section 30, for as long as the prescribed minimum investment amount is maintained in Nepal. Nepal does not offer permanent residency or citizenship by investment, but the residential visa is renewable indefinitely.
Requirements
Minimum investment of USD 100,000 in a Nepali industrial enterprise (or USD 1,000,000 for automatic FITTA recommendation)
Investment must be channeled through the formal banking system in convertible foreign currency
Registration of foreign investment with the Department of Industry and a Foreign Investment Acceptance Letter
Certified proof of an annual income source of USD 20,000-25,000 for living expenses
Security clearance and approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (first-time applicants)
Health certificate from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
Required Documents
Online application form (Appendix 4 format)
Valid passport copy with latest visa
Recommendation letter from the Department of Industry
Company registration certificate
PAN/VAT certificate
Industry registration certificate
Share certificate or share registry proof
Bank transfer records and Foreign Investment Acceptance Letter
Bio-data (first-time applicants)
Health certificate from TU Teaching Hospital
Certified proof of annual income source (USD 20,000-25,000)
Tax clearance certificate (for renewals)
Duration & Renewal
The visa is issued for one year and renewed annually at the Department of Immigration. Renewal requires a tax clearance certificate, proof that the qualifying investment is maintained, and updated supporting documents. The initial issuance fee is USD 700 and the annual renewal fee is USD 1,200.
Family Members
Under FITTA Section 30, the spouse, father, mother, and minor children of the investor (or their authorized representative) may be included on the residential visa application. For investments exceeding USD 1,000,000, a maximum of two persons (investor plus one authorized representative) and their respective family members may receive residential visas. No separate application fee for dependants is specified.
Tax Implications
Foreign nationals residing in Nepal for 183 days or more in a fiscal year (mid-July to mid-July) are considered tax residents and subject to tax on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on Nepal-source income at a flat rate of 25%. Dividends are subject to a 5% withholding tax for both residents and non-residents. Tax clearance must be obtained annually for visa renewal.
Application Process
The investor first registers their foreign investment with the Department of Industry (DOI) and obtains a Foreign Investment Acceptance Letter. The DOI then provides a recommendation letter for the residential visa. With this recommendation, the investor submits a complete application to the Department of Immigration at Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. First-time applications require approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Once approved, the visa is issued within 1-2 business days. The Investment Board Nepal may also coordinate with the Department of Immigration for larger investments.
Important Considerations
The investment must be in an industrial enterprise; portfolio investments, real estate purchases alone, or bank deposits do not qualify
Foreign investors typically enter Nepal on a tourist or non-tourist visa while processing their residential visa application
Under FITTA, a non-tourist visa of up to 6 months is available for foreigners conducting feasibility studies for foreign investment
Visa overstay incurs charges of USD 8 per day; overstays exceeding 150 days may result in deportation and an entry ban of 1-10 years
Nepal does not recognize dual citizenship; investors maintain their foreign nationality