Must demonstrate international reputation or capacity for outstanding contribution to Nepal's economic, social, or cultural development. No minimum income is required for the merit categories.
International awards or recognition
Distinguished academic achievements
Renowned artistic or cultural contributions
Leadership in international organizations
Technology transfer or skill development expertise
Significant community, educational, or healthcare contributions
⏱️ Duration
1 year, renewable annually for an indefinite period
👪 Dependants
Yes
Spouse, parents, and minor children of the visa holder
🛂 Citizenship Path
No direct pathway
The residential visa is Nepal's long-term residence permit; it does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship; Nepal does not recognize dual citizenship; the visa is renewable indefinitely as long as eligibility is maintained
Nepal's Residential Visa for Persons of Exceptional Merit provides long-term residence to foreign nationals who possess international reputation or who can make outstanding contributions to Nepal's economic, social, and cultural development. Established under Section 6 of the Immigration Act, 2049 (1992) and detailed in Rule 11 of the Immigration Rules, 2051 (1994), the visa is administered by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Unlike the investor category, this pathway recognizes personal merit and potential contribution rather than financial investment as the basis for residency, and unlike the retiree category it carries no minimum-income condition.
Requirements
Evidence of international reputation (awards, published research, media recognition, professional association memberships, expert testimonials) or capacity for outstanding contribution to Nepal's development
Character certificate (certificate of good behavior)
No objection letter from the applicant's country embassy in Nepal
Health certificate from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
Security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (first-time applicants)
Note: the merit categories carry no minimum-income or annual-expenditure requirement. The USD 20,000 income/expenditure condition applies only to the separate retiree ("living without business") category.
Required Documents
Online application form (Appendix 4 format)
Valid passport copy with latest visa
International awards and recognition certificates, or evidence of outstanding contribution capacity
Published works and research contributions (if applicable)
Professional association memberships and expert testimonials
Character certificate
No objection letter from the applicant's embassy
Health certificate from TU Teaching Hospital
Two passport-sized photographs
Duration & Renewal
The visa is issued for one year and renewed annually at the Department of Immigration. The initial issuance fee is USD 200 and the annual renewal fee is USD 100 -- the lowest in the residential-visa schedule and significantly below the investor and retiree categories. Renewal is processed directly by the Department and does not require fresh Ministry of Home Affairs approval.
Family Members
Spouse, father, mother, and minor children of the visa holder may be included in the same application. Family members receive the same residential visa status. No separate additional income requirements or application fees for dependants are 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 under the Income Tax Act, 2058 (2002). Non-residents are taxed only on Nepal-source income at a flat rate of 25%. Tax clearance may be required for visa renewal.
Application Process
The applicant gathers evidence of international reputation or outstanding contribution capacity along with standard documentation. The application is submitted to the Department of Immigration at Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, using the Appendix 4 format. Online applications can be initiated through the Department's portal. For applicants outside Nepal, a Nepali diplomatic mission may recommend the applicant and forward the application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Department forwards the application to the Ministry of Home Affairs for security clearance. Once approved, the visa is issued the next working day.
Important Considerations
The assessment of what constitutes "international reputation" or "outstanding contribution" is at the discretion of the Department of Immigration and Ministry of Home Affairs, with no quantitative thresholds defined in law
Unlike the retiree category, holders in the talent-based categories are not subject to the "without carrying on any business" restriction and are recognized on personal merit rather than tied to an employer
Applicants must be physically present in Nepal to obtain the required health certificate from TU Teaching Hospital
Residential-visa issuance across all categories is administratively tight, with first-time issuance gated on Ministry of Home Affairs approval
Visa overstay incurs charges of USD 8 per day; overstays exceeding 150 days may result in deportation and an entry ban
Nepal does not recognize dual citizenship; visa holders maintain their foreign nationality