Residential Visa in Nepal: Requirements, Process & Renewal

What is a Residential Visa?

A residential visa in Nepal is a long-term visa that allows foreign nationals to reside in the country for an extended period. It is designed for individuals who wish to live in Nepal on a more permanent basis, beyond the limitations of a standard tourist visa.

The residential visa is governed by the Immigration Act 1992, Immigration Regulations 1994, and Immigration Procedures 2008. It provides a legal pathway for eligible foreigners to establish residency in Nepal for purposes such as retirement, investment, or significant contributions to Nepal’s development.

Unlike tourist visas which are typically valid for up to 150 days per visa year, a residential visa allows continuous stay for longer durations, usually granted for one year at a time with possibilities for renewal. This makes it suitable for retirees, investors, and others looking to make Nepal their long-term home.

Is a Residential Visa compulsory in Nepal?

A residential visa is not compulsory for all foreigners entering or staying in Nepal. It is only required for those intending to reside in Nepal long-term beyond the validity of other visa types. Short-term visitors can enter on tourist visas, while other categories like business, study, and non-tourist visas serve different purposes.

However, for foreigners planning to live in Nepal continuously for extended periods exceeding standard visa limits, obtaining a residential visa becomes necessary to maintain legal status. Without it, long-term residence would not be possible under Nepali immigration laws.

Requirements to obtain a Residential Visa in Nepal

The Immigration Regulations 1994 specify the eligibility criteria for obtaining a residential visa in Nepal. The main categories of eligible applicants include:

1. Persons of international reputation
2. Individuals capable of making outstanding contributions to Nepal’s economic, social or cultural development
3. Foreign investors who have invested at least USD 100,000 or equivalent in convertible foreign currency in Nepali industrial enterprises
4. Foreigners intending to spend their life in Nepal without engaging in any business activities

Applicants must fulfill specific documentation requirements and financial criteria depending on their category. For instance, retirees need to demonstrate a minimum annual income, while investors must provide proof of their investment in Nepal.

Is it necessary to invest in Nepal to obtain Residential Visa?

Investment is one pathway to obtain a residential visa in Nepal, but it is not the only option. The Immigration Regulations provide multiple categories for eligibility:

1. Investment route: Foreigners who invest a minimum of USD 100,000 or equivalent in Nepali industrial enterprises can qualify for a residential visa.
2. Non-investment routes:

• Persons of international reputation
• Individuals capable of making significant contributions to Nepal’s development
• Retirees or others intending to reside in Nepal without engaging in business, provided they meet financial requirements

Therefore, while investment is a valid route, it is not mandatory. Applicants can qualify through other means if they meet the criteria specified in the regulations.

Who provides the Residential Visa in Nepal?

The Department of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the primary authority responsible for issuing residential visas in Nepal. The process involves multiple government agencies:

1. Ministry of Home Affairs: Provides initial approval for first-time residential visa applications.
2. Department of Immigration: Issues and renews residential visas based on the Ministry’s approval or recommendations from other relevant departments.
3. Department of Industry: Provides recommendations for investor category applicants.

The Department of Immigration serves as the central point for processing applications and issuing the actual visa, but other departments play crucial roles in the approval process depending on the applicant’s category.

How to obtain a Residential Visa to Nepal?

Obtaining a residential visa in Nepal involves a multi-step process:

1. Determine eligibility category
2. Gather required documents
3. Submit online application
4. Obtain necessary approvals or recommendations
5. Apply at the Department of Immigration
6. Pay applicable fees
7. Receive the residential visa

The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the applicant’s category (e.g. retiree, investor, person of international repute). It’s advisable to consult the Department of Immigration or a qualified immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date procedures.

Procedure of obtaining a Residential Visa in Nepal

Step 1: Eligibility Assessment and Document Preparation

Determine which category of residential visa you qualify for based on the Immigration Regulations. Gather all required documents specific to your category. This may include proof of income, investment details, or evidence of international reputation.

Step 2: Online Application Submission

Complete and submit the online application form on the Department of Immigration website. Ensure all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents.

Step 3: Obtain Necessary Approvals or Recommendations

Depending on your category:

• For first-time applicants: Obtain approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs
• For investors: Secure a recommendation from the Department of Industry
• For other categories: Follow specific instructions provided by the Department of Immigration

Step 4: Application Submission to Department of Immigration

Submit your complete application package, including the online form printout, supporting documents, and proof of any required approvals or recommendations, to the Department of Immigration.

Step 5: Fee Payment and Visa Issuance

Pay the applicable visa fees at the Department of Immigration. Once your application is approved and fees are paid, the Department will issue your residential visa.

Documents required to obtain a Residential Visa in Nepal

The required documents vary based on the applicant’s category. Generally, the following are needed:

1. Completed online application form
2. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
3. Recent passport-sized photographs
4. Proof of financial means (e.g. bank statements, income certificates)
5. Police clearance certificate from home country
6. Medical certificate from a recognized hospital in Nepal
7. Recommendation letters or approvals as per category
8. Evidence of investment (for investor category)
9. Proof of international reputation or potential contribution to Nepal (for relevant categories)
10. Marriage certificate and family documents (if applying for family members)

Specific requirements may change, so it’s advisable to check with the Department of Immigration for the most current list.

Government fees for obtaining a Residential Visa

The fees for obtaining a residential visa in Nepal vary based on the applicant’s category and whether it’s a first-time application or renewal. As of the latest regulations:

1. For non-business applicants (e.g. retirees):

• First-time application: Equivalent of USD 700 in Nepali currency
• Renewal: Equivalent of USD 1,200 in Nepali currency per year

1. For investors (minimum USD 100,000 investment):

• First-time application: Equivalent of USD 200 in Nepali currency
• Renewal: Equivalent of USD 100 in Nepali currency per year

1. For those residing in Nepal before June 4, 2001:

• Renewal: Equivalent of USD 100 in Nepali currency per year

Additional fees may apply for multiple-entry facilities. It’s important to verify current fees with the Department of Immigration as they may be subject to change.

Approximate time taken to obtain a Residential Visa

The time taken to obtain a residential visa in Nepal can vary depending on several factors:

1. Completeness of application and supporting documents
2. Category of application (investor, retiree, etc.)
3. Processing times of various government departments involved

Generally, once all required documents and approvals are in place:

• For applications requiring Ministry of Home Affairs approval: The Department of Immigration typically issues the visa within 1-2 days of receiving the Ministry’s approval.
• For investor category applications requiring Department of Industry recommendation: The visa is usually issued within 1-2 days of receiving the recommendation letter.

However, the entire process, including gathering documents and obtaining necessary approvals, can take several weeks to a few months. Applicants should plan accordingly and start the process well in advance of their intended stay.

Time validity of a Residential Visa

Residential visas in Nepal are typically issued with a validity period of one year. This applies to all categories of residential visas, including those for retirees, investors, and persons of international repute.

The one-year validity allows the Department of Immigration to regularly review the status and eligibility of visa holders. It also provides an opportunity for visa holders to demonstrate their continued compliance with visa requirements.

While the initial validity is one year, the visa can be renewed annually as long as the holder continues to meet the eligibility criteria and complies with Nepali laws and regulations.

Can a Residential Visa be renewed?

Yes, residential visas in Nepal can be renewed. The renewal process allows eligible foreigners to extend their stay in Nepal beyond the initial one-year validity period. Key points regarding renewal include:

1. Renewals are typically granted for one-year periods.
2. Visa holders must apply for renewal before their current visa expires.
3. Renewal is subject to continued eligibility and compliance with visa conditions.
4. The renewal process involves submitting updated documentation and paying renewal fees.
5. There is no set limit on the number of times a residential visa can be renewed, provided the holder continues to meet requirements.

Regular renewals allow long-term residents to maintain their legal status in Nepal while providing authorities the opportunity to verify ongoing eligibility.

Procedure of renewing a Residential Visa in Nepal

The renewal procedure for a residential visa in Nepal involves several steps:

1. Prepare renewal documents: Gather updated versions of required documents, including proof of continued eligibility.
2. Complete online renewal application: Fill out the renewal form on the Department of Immigration website.
3. Submit application package: Present the completed form and supporting documents to the Department of Immigration.
4. Pay renewal fees: Pay the applicable renewal fees at the Department.
5. Visa renewal issuance: Once approved, the Department will issue the renewed visa, typically valid for another year.

It’s advisable to initiate the renewal process at least 15-30 days before the current visa expires to allow for processing time.

Documents required for Residential Visa renewal

The documents required for residential visa renewal may include:

1. Completed online renewal application form
2. Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
3. Copy of current residential visa
4. Recent passport-sized photographs
5. Updated bank statements or proof of income (for retiree category)
6. Tax clearance certificate (for investor category)
7. Proof of continued investment (for investor category)
8. Updated police clearance certificate
9. Proof of address in Nepal
10. Marriage certificate and family documents (if renewing for family members)

Specific requirements may vary based on the visa category and individual circumstances. It’s recommended to check with the Department of Immigration for the most current list of required documents.

Government fees for Residential Visa renewal

The government fees for renewing a residential visa in Nepal are as follows:

1. For non-business applicants (e.g. retirees):

• Renewal fee: Equivalent of USD 1,200 in Nepali currency per year

1. For investors (minimum USD 100,000 investment):

• Renewal fee: Equivalent of USD 100 in Nepali currency per year

1. For those residing in Nepal before June 4, 2001:

• Renewal fee: Equivalent of USD 100 in Nepali currency per year

Additional fees may apply for multiple-entry facilities. It’s important to verify current fees with the Department of Immigration as they may be subject to change.

Time taken for Residential Visa renewal

The time taken for residential visa renewal in Nepal is generally shorter than the initial application process. Typically, if all required documents are in order and there are no complications:

• The Department of Immigration can process and issue the renewed visa within 1-2 working days of receiving a complete application package.

However, the total time from initiating the renewal process to receiving the renewed visa may take longer, considering the time needed to gather updated documents and complete the application. It’s advisable to start the renewal process at least 15-30 days before the current visa expires to allow for any unforeseen delays.

Laws governing Residential Visas in Nepal

The legal framework governing residential visas in Nepal consists of:

1. Immigration Act, 1992: Provides the primary legislative basis for immigration control and visa issuance in Nepal.
2. Immigration Regulations, 1994: Offers detailed provisions on visa categories, eligibility criteria, and procedures for obtaining and renewing visas, including residential visas.
3. Immigration Procedures, 2008: Provides specific guidelines and operational procedures for implementing the Act and Regulations.

These laws collectively define the types of residential visas available, eligibility requirements, application procedures, renewal processes, and the rights and obligations of visa holders.

Authorities governing issuance of Residential Visa

The issuance of residential visas in Nepal involves several government authorities:

1. Ministry of Home Affairs: Provides overall policy direction and approves first-time residential visa applications.
2. Department of Immigration: The primary authority responsible for processing applications, issuing visas, and managing renewals. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
3. Department of Industry: Provides recommendations for residential visas in the investor category.
4. Nepal Rastra Bank (Central Bank): May be involved in verifying financial requirements for certain visa categories.
5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: May play a role in cases involving persons of international repute or diplomatic considerations.

The Department of Immigration serves as the central coordinating agency, working with other departments as needed based on the specific visa category and applicant circumstances.

Also Read: Tourist Visa for Nepal, Business Visa for Nepal Work Visa for Nepal Student Visa for Nepal

Conclusion

Obtaining a residential visa in Nepal provides a pathway for eligible foreigners to establish long-term residency in the country. The process involves multiple steps and requires careful attention to documentation and procedural requirements. While the initial application can be complex, the option for annual renewals allows for continued stay as long as eligibility criteria are met.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement of any sort from the firm or any of its members. The law office shall not be liable for consequences arising out of any action undertaken by any person relying on the information provided herein.