Table of Contents
Immigration in Nepal is governed by the Immigration Act 2049 (1992) and Immigration Rules 2051 (1994). The Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs manages all matters related to foreign nationals entering, staying in, and leaving Nepal — from visa issuance and extensions to residency permits, deportation, and immigration offences. Whether you are a tourist extending your stay, a foreign worker with an employment visa, or a foreign spouse seeking long-term residency, understanding Nepal's immigration framework is essential. This guide covers the complete immigration system in Nepal for 2026.
Immigration in Nepal is managed by the Department of Immigration (Kalikasthan, Kathmandu) under the Immigration Act 2049. All foreign nationals need a valid visa to enter and stay (except Indian citizens). Maximum tourist stay: 150 days per calendar year. Overstay penalty: USD 5/day. Residency permits available for foreign spouses and investors. Entry/exit through designated checkpoints only. Immigration offences can result in fines, deportation, and re-entry bans. Foreign spouses of Nepali citizens can apply for naturalised citizenship after 7 years of continuous residence.
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Immigration Legal Framework
Nepal's immigration system is built on several interconnected laws:
| Law | Year | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Act (प्रवेशाज्ञा ऐन) | 2049 (1992) | Primary immigration law — entry, stay, visa, deportation, offences |
| Immigration Rules | 2051 (1994) | Procedural rules — application forms, fees, extensions |
| Constitution of Nepal 2072 | 2015 | Citizenship provisions (Articles 10-15), fundamental rights of foreigners |
| Citizenship Act 2063 | 2006 | Acquisition and loss of citizenship — citizenship types |
| FITTA 2075 | 2019 | Investor visa provisions — foreign investment |
| Labour Act 2074 | 2017 | Work permit requirements for foreign employees — labour law |
| Nepal-India Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950 | 1950 | Open border between Nepal and India; Indian citizens exempt from visa |
Department of Immigration
The Department of Immigration (अध्यागमन विभाग) is the central authority for all immigration matters in Nepal.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Department of Immigration (अध्यागमन विभाग) |
| Under | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Main office | Kalikasthan, Kathmandu |
| Branch office | Pokhara (Lakeside) |
| Website | immigration.gov.np |
| Hours | Sun–Thu: 10am–3pm (winter) / 10am–4pm (summer); Fri: 10am–1pm |
| Functions | Visa issuance, extensions, residency permits, entry/exit control, deportation |
Services Provided
- Visa extension for all visa categories
- Visa category change (e.g., tourist to business)
- Residential permit issuance and renewal
- Re-entry permits for long-term residents
- Exit permits (in special circumstances)
- Immigration clearance certificates
- Overstay regularisation and fine collection
Entry and Exit Rules
Designated Entry Points
Foreign nationals must enter Nepal through designated immigration checkpoints only:
| Type | Location | Visa on Arrival? |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu | Yes |
| Air | Gautam Buddha International Airport, Bhairahawa (Lumbini) | Yes |
| Air | Pokhara International Airport | Yes |
| Land — India | Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Sunauli (Belahiya), Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar | Yes (major points) |
| Land — China | Tatopani (Sindhupalchok), Rasuwaghadi (Rasuwa), Kimathanka (Sankhuwasabha) | Limited (check current status) |
Entry Requirements for Foreign Nationals
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Valid visa — tourist visa available on arrival; other categories pre-arranged (see all visa types)
- Completed arrival card (available at airport or online at immigration.gov.np)
- Passport-size photograph (1 copy)
- Visa fee in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) or card
Exit Requirements
- Valid visa — must not have expired (pay overstay fine if applicable)
- Tax clearance — foreign nationals who earned income in Nepal must obtain a tax clearance certificate before departure
- Departure card — filled at the airport
- No outstanding legal cases — courts can issue travel restriction orders
Immigration Status Categories
Foreign nationals in Nepal fall into different immigration status categories:
| Status | Who | Rights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Visitors on tourist visa | Travel only; no work | Max 150 days/year |
| Business visitor | On business visa | Business meetings, investment; no employment | Up to 1 year |
| Work permit holder | Foreign employees | Work for specific employer | Up to 5 years |
| Student | Enrolled in Nepali institution | Study; limited work | Course duration |
| Residential permit holder | Foreign spouses, investors | Long-term residence; work with permit | Up to 5 years (renewable) |
| Diplomatic | Diplomats, UN staff | Diplomatic immunity | Assignment duration |
| Indian nationals | Indian citizens | Open border; can live and work freely | Unlimited |
Residency Permits (Long-Term Stay)
For foreign nationals seeking to live in Nepal long-term, a residency permit is the appropriate immigration status.
Who Can Get a Residency Permit?
| Category | Eligibility | Duration | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign spouse of Nepali citizen | Married to Nepali through court marriage | Up to 5 years (renewable) | Marriage certificate, spouse's citizenship, police clearance |
| Foreign investor | Approved investment under FITTA 2075 | Investment period | DOI approval, company registration, investment proof |
| Dependants of work permit holders | Spouse and children of foreign worker | Same as principal's visa | Relationship proof, principal's work permit |
| Retired persons | Retirees with sufficient funds (limited programme) | Varies | Financial proof, health insurance |
Residency Permit Application Process
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather documents | Passport, visa, supporting documents per category |
| 2 | Get recommendation letter | From ward office (spouse), DOI (investor), or employer (dependant) |
| 3 | Submit application | Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan |
| 4 | Background verification | Police and security clearance check |
| 5 | Interview (if required) | Immigration officer may interview applicant |
| 6 | Permit issued | Residency permit stamp in passport |
India-Nepal Open Border
Nepal and India share a unique open border arrangement based on the Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa requirement | No visa needed for Indian citizens in Nepal (and Nepali citizens in India) |
| Border crossing | Open border — citizens can cross freely at any point |
| Work rights | Indian citizens can work in Nepal without work permit |
| Property rights | Indian citizens can buy property in Nepal (with restrictions on Terai land) |
| ID requirement | Passport or government-issued ID recommended; required for air travel |
| Restrictions | Certain border areas require permits; some Terai land restrictions apply |
For Indian nationals marrying Nepali citizens, see our court marriage for Indians in Nepal guide.
Immigration Offences and Penalties
The Immigration Act 2049 defines several immigration offences with corresponding penalties:
| Offence | Penalty | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Overstaying visa | USD 5 per day fine; potential re-entry ban for extended overstay | Immigration Act 2049, Section 9 |
| Entering without valid visa | Fine + immediate deportation | Section 3 |
| Working without work permit | Visa cancellation, deportation; employer also fined | Section 6, Labour Act 2074 |
| Entering through non-designated point | Fine + potential imprisonment up to 2 years | Section 3 |
| Using forged travel documents | Imprisonment up to 3 years + deportation | Section 13 |
| Violating visa conditions | Visa cancellation + deportation | Section 9 |
| Harbouring illegal immigrants | Fine + imprisonment for the Nepali citizen or entity involved | Section 14 |
| Engaging in prohibited activities | Visa cancellation + deportation + potential criminal charges | Section 10 |
Deportation Process
Deportation is the forced removal of a foreign national from Nepal. The Immigration Act grants authority to the government to deport any foreign national who:
- Enters or stays in Nepal without a valid visa
- Violates visa conditions (working on tourist visa, etc.)
- Engages in activities against national security or public order
- Is convicted of a criminal offence in Nepal
- Overstays without regularising their status
- Provides false information on visa application
| Deportation Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Notice | Written notice to leave Nepal within specified period |
| Detention | If person does not comply, immigration detention at designated facility |
| Hearing | Opportunity to present case (limited) |
| Removal order | Deportation order issued by Department of Immigration |
| Re-entry ban | 1–10 years depending on severity of offence |
| Cost | Deportee bears travel cost; employer may be liable for work-related violations |
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Citizenship Pathways for Foreign Nationals
Nepal has limited but defined pathways for foreign nationals to acquire Nepali citizenship:
Citizenship by Marriage
| Applicant | Citizenship Type | Requirement | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign woman married to Nepali man | Naturalised citizenship | Marriage certificate + renounce previous citizenship | Constitution Art. 11(5) |
| Foreign man married to Nepali woman | Naturalised citizenship | 7 years continuous residence + renounce previous citizenship | Constitution Art. 11(6) |
Note: Nepal does not allow dual citizenship. You must renounce your existing citizenship to acquire Nepali citizenship. See our detailed citizenship after marriage guide.
Citizenship by Birth and Descent
- By descent: Person whose father or mother is a Nepali citizen at the time of birth
- By birth: Person born in Nepal who was a citizen of Nepal before the Constitution 2072
- Naturalised: Foreign nationals meeting residency and language requirements
- Honorary: Granted by government for outstanding contribution to Nepal
Immigration for Specific Categories
Foreign Spouses of Nepali Citizens
This is one of the most common immigration queries. After court marriage in Nepal:
- Initial stay: Tourist visa or marriage/dependent visa
- Long-term: Apply for residential permit (up to 5 years)
- Citizenship: After 7 years continuous residence (for foreign men); immediate application possible for foreign women (with renunciation of previous citizenship)
- Work rights: Residential permit does not automatically grant work rights — need separate work permit
- Property: Cannot own land independently; can own apartment through registered company
Foreign Workers
- Must have a valid work permit from Department of Labour
- Employer must prove no qualified Nepali is available
- Maximum 20% foreign workforce ratio (80% must be Nepali)
- Work visa tied to specific employer — changing jobs requires new permit
- Must pay Nepal income tax and obtain tax clearance before departure
NRNs (Non-Resident Nepalis)
- NRNs who have acquired foreign citizenship can obtain an NRN card
- NRN card allows: visa-free entry, apartment ownership, limited investment rights
- NRNs cannot vote, own land, or hold government office
- See our NRN citizenship guide for details
Immigration and Marriage Registration
Immigration status affects marriage registration and vice versa:
| Situation | Immigration Implication |
|---|---|
| Foreign national wanting to marry in Nepal | Must have valid visa; tourist visa is sufficient for court marriage |
| After court marriage | Can apply for dependent/residential visa at Department of Immigration |
| Marriage certificate for visa abroad | Nepal marriage certificate needed — get apostille for foreign use |
| Visa expired during marriage process | Extend tourist visa before it expires; complete marriage, then apply for residential |
| Spouse visa denial | Can appeal or reapply with additional documents |
Immigration Checkpoints and Border Control
Nepal maintains immigration checkpoints at:
| Border | Major Checkpoints | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Southern border (India) | Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa (Sunauli), Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar | India |
| Northern border (China) | Tatopani, Rasuwaghadi, Kimathanka | China (Tibet) |
| Air | TIA Kathmandu, Gautam Buddha Airport, Pokhara Airport | International flights |
Note: While the India-Nepal border is technically open, designated checkpoints with immigration offices are recommended for foreign nationals (non-Indian, non-Nepali) crossing by land.
Common Immigration Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Visa expired / overstay | Go to Department of Immigration immediately; pay USD 5/day fine; regularise status |
| Lost passport in Nepal | Report to police, get police report; contact your embassy for emergency travel document; visit Department of Immigration for visa transfer |
| Want to change visa category | Apply at Department of Immigration with supporting documents for new category |
| Employer not processing work permit | File complaint at Department of Labour; cannot work without valid permit |
| Residential permit denied | Check document completeness; appeal or reapply with additional evidence; consult immigration lawyer |
| Travel restriction by court | Obtain court order lifting restriction; cannot leave Nepal until resolved |
| Child born to foreign parent in Nepal | Register birth at local ward office; child's citizenship depends on parents' citizenship, not birthplace |
Key Sections of the Immigration Act 2049
| Section | Subject | Key Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Section 2 | Definitions | Defines foreign national, visa, immigration officer |
| Section 3 | Entry into Nepal | Must enter through designated point with valid visa |
| Section 4 | Visa issuance | Authority to issue, extend, and cancel visas |
| Section 6 | Employment restriction | Cannot work without authorisation |
| Section 9 | Overstay and penalties | Fines and consequences for exceeding visa period |
| Section 10 | Prohibited activities | Activities foreign nationals cannot engage in |
| Section 12 | Deportation | Grounds and process for forced removal |
| Section 13 | Forged documents | Imprisonment for using fake travel documents |
| Section 14 | Harbouring offence | Penalty for sheltering illegal immigrants |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Immigration Act 2049 (1992) is the primary immigration law in Nepal. It covers entry and exit rules, visa issuance and extension, deportation, immigration offences, and penalties. It is supplemented by the Immigration Rules 2051 (1994) which provide procedural details.
The main office is at Kalikasthan, Kathmandu (near Maharajgunj). Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10am–3pm (winter) / 10am–4pm (summer), Friday 10am–1pm. There is also a branch office in Lakeside, Pokhara. Website: immigration.gov.np.
No. Under the Nepal-India Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950, Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal. The border is open and Indians can enter, live, and work freely. However, carrying a government-issued ID (passport, Aadhaar) is recommended, especially for air travel.
Overstay penalty is USD 5 per day. You must pay the fine at the Department of Immigration before departing. Extended overstays (90+ days) may result in a re-entry ban of 1-5 years. Go to the Department of Immigration immediately to regularise your status if you have overstayed.
Nepal does not have a formal "permanent residency" programme. However, residential permits (up to 5 years, renewable) are available for foreign spouses of Nepali citizens and foreign investors. The closest equivalent to permanent status is acquiring naturalised citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
After court marriage to a Nepali citizen, apply at the Department of Immigration with: marriage certificate, spouse's citizenship, police clearance from home country, ward office recommendation, passport, photos, and application fee. Permits are issued for up to 5 years and are renewable.
Yes. Deportation can occur for: entering without a valid visa, overstaying, working without a work permit, violating visa conditions, committing criminal offences, or engaging in activities against national security. The Department of Immigration issues deportation orders, and re-entry bans of 1-10 years may apply.
Yes, but only with a valid work permit from the Department of Labour and a work visa from the Department of Immigration. The employer must sponsor both. Tourist and business visas do not allow employment. Working without authorisation is an immigration offence leading to visa cancellation and deportation.
The main pathway is citizenship by marriage: foreign women married to Nepali men can apply immediately (with renunciation of previous citizenship). Foreign men married to Nepali women must complete 7 years of continuous residence before applying. Nepal does not allow dual citizenship.
Foreign nationals must enter through designated immigration checkpoints: Tribhuvan Airport (Kathmandu), Gautam Buddha Airport (Bhairahawa), Pokhara Airport, and major land border points including Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Sunauli, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadhi (India border) and Tatopani and Rasuwaghadi (China border).
Yes. You can apply for a visa category change at the Department of Immigration. For example, switching from tourist to business visa requires DOI recommendation; tourist to work visa requires employer's work permit. Submit the change application with all supporting documents for the new category before your current visa expires.
First, report the loss to the nearest police station and get a police report (FIR). Then contact your embassy or consulate in Kathmandu for an emergency travel document. Finally, visit the Department of Immigration to transfer your visa to the new document. Keep copies of your passport and visa separately as backup.
No. Nepal follows jus sanguinis (citizenship by blood), not jus soli (citizenship by birth). A child born in Nepal to foreign parents gets the parents' citizenship, not Nepali citizenship. The child's birth should be registered at the local ward office, and the parents should register the child with their embassy.
An NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) card is issued to former Nepali citizens who acquired foreign citizenship. Benefits include: visa-free entry to Nepal, right to own apartments (not land), limited investment rights, and simplified banking. NRNs cannot vote, hold government office, or own agricultural land.
The maximum tourist stay is 150 days per calendar year (January 1 to December 31). Tourist visas are available for 15, 30, or 90 days and can be extended at the Department of Immigration (USD 3/day). After 150 days, you must leave Nepal or switch to a different visa category.
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