A residential visa, also known as a long-stay visa or residence permit, is a document that allows a foreign national to reside in a country for an extended period, usually a year or longer. It’s different from a short-term tourist visa and is often required for purposes like work, study, or retirement. 

1. What are the Governing Laws for obtaining Residential Visa in Nepal?
   1. Immigration Act, 1992 (“Immigration Act”);
   2. Immigration Regulations, 1994 (“Immigration Regulations”); and
   3. Immigration Procedures, 2008 (“Immigration Procedures”).

2. What is the Regulating Authority for obtaining Residential Visa in Nepal?

The Department of Immigration serves as the authority for granting, renewal and regulation of residential visa or retirement visa in Nepal.

3. What are the Eligibility Criteria for obtaining Residential Visa in Nepal?

The eligibility criteria for foreigners and their families to obtain a residential visa in Nepal pursuant to the Immigration Regulations are set out below:

1. Person with international reputation;
2. Person capable of rendering outstanding contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Nepal;
3. Person who has invested minimum USD 100,000 or convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto at once in industrial enterprises of Nepal; and
4. Any foreigner intending to spend life in Nepal without undertaking any business.

4. What are the Required Documents for obtaining Residential Visa in Nepal?

1. List of required documents for residential visa in Nepal without undertaking any business

Note: For obtaining a residential visa for first one year, approval from Ministry of Home Affairs must be obtained. Based on this approval, the Department of Immigration issues the residential visa.

1. b) Documents required for person and their family who invest minimum of USD 100,000 or other equivalent currency in industrial enterprises of Nepal

Note: For such foreigner and their families, recommendation from Department of Industry must be obtained. Based on the issued recommendation letter, the Department of Immigration issues the residential visa.

5. What is the Government Fee for obtaining Residential Visa in Nepal?

The applicable government fee for obtaining residential visa is set out below:

1. a) Government fees for residential visa in Nepal without undertaking any business

1. b) Government fees for person and their family who invest minimum of USD 100,000 or other equivalent currency in industrial enterprises of Nepal

6. How much time does it take to Obtain Residential Visa in Nepal?

Where the approval of Ministry of Home Affairs is required, the Department of Immigration issues residential visa within 1-2 days of obtaining such approval.

Further, where the recommendation of Department of Industry is required, the Department of Immigration issues residential visa within 1-2 days of obtaining such recommendation letter.

7. What is the Validity Period of Residential Visa in Nepal?

In general, the Department of Immigration issues residential visa with a 1 year validity period subject to renewal.