By the end of this guide, you’ll understand Nepal’s investor visa program inside out—from current requirements and process steps to lessons from real projects, cross-border comparisons, and post-visa hurdles you won’t find in other articles.

What Is the Nepal Investor Visa?

Nepal’s investor visa lets foreign nationals live and work here after making a qualifying financial commitment. Unlike a short-term business visa, the investor permit focuses on bolstering Nepal’s priority industries by granting you up to five years of residency in a single issuance, according to the Nepal Tourism Board’s visa information[^1].

Historical Evolution of the Investment Threshold

• Prior to 2021, you could secure the permit with NPR 5 million (about USD 38,000) in approved sectors, as noted in the Startup Nepal guide on the investor visa[^2].
• In May 2023, the government cut the floor to USD 100,000 to lure more capital, per Onlinekhabar’s report on eased investment visa rules[^3].

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify, you must channel at least USD 100,000 into one of Nepal’s target areas and submit a set of standard documents.

Investment Threshold and Eligible Sectors

Nepal now welcomes investments of USD 100,000 or more in:
– Tourism
– Manufacturing
– Information Technology
– Energy
– Agriculture
– Infrastructure

Required Documents

1. Completed visa application form[^4]
2. Business plan and feasibility study
3. Proof of investment (bank statements, escrow receipts)
4. Audited financial statements of your company
5. Clear passport copy and recent passport-size photograph

Applying and Visa Duration

Your journey unfolds in three main steps:

1. Submit application to the Department of Industry for “investment approval.”
2. Receive approval letter, then apply to the Department of Immigration.
3. Collect visa at Tribhuvan International Airport or a land border entry point.

You’ll get a visa valid for up to five years, renewable before expiry.

Renewal and Dependent Visas

• You can renew repeatedly as long as your business remains compliant.
• Spouse and minor children qualify for dependent visas linked to your status.

Post-Visa Considerations

Holding a visa is just the start. You’ll face local rules that differ from other markets.

Land Ownership and Leasing Restrictions

Foreigners cannot hold freehold title in Nepal; you must lease land, typically for up to 50 years.

Profit Repatriation and Taxation

Repatriation of after-tax profits requires central bank approval and may incur up to 15% withholding tax, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank’s repatriation guidelines[^6].

Bureaucracy and Local Hurdles

Even with an investor visa, securing permits—from environmental clearance to local municipality approvals—can take months.

Nepal vs. Neighboring Investor Programs

How does Nepal stack up next to its neighbors?

• India: Minimum $250,000; two-year visa, renewable, per the Government of India’s business visa guidelines[^7].
• Bangladesh: No dedicated investor visa; relies on business visas and residency by investment.
• Bhutan: Strictly promotes joint ventures; large minimum capital requirements and royalty fees.
• China: $300,000, plus local partnerships and annual audits.

Case Study: Kali Gandaki Hydropower

China Gezhouba’s 144 MW Kali Gandaki ‘A’ project exemplifies success under Nepal’s investor program, generating 1,300 jobs and exporting power to the national grid, as detailed in the Wikipedia entry on Kali Gandaki ‘A’[^8].

Impact on Nepal’s Economy

Nepal’s relaxed visa rules have begun to pay off:

• FDI inflows rose to USD 252 million in 2022, up 16% year-on-year, according to UNCTADStat data[^9].
• A surge in small and medium-scale manufacturing licenses—230 approved in 2023 alone, per the Department of Industry’s industrial license report[^10].

Safeguarding Your Investment

Beyond your visa, two pillars protect your stake in Nepal.

Bilateral Investment Treaties and DTAAs

Nepal is party to multiple BITs and double taxation avoidance pacts—including agreements with India, China, Singapore, and the UAE—outlined in the UNCTAD International Investment Agreements Navigator[^11].

Environmental and Social Obligations

Under the Environmental Protection Act (1996), any project over USD 2 million demands an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and ongoing social audits, as per The International Centre for Environmental Management’s EIA process[^12]. Community engagement isn’t optional—it’s a permit condition.

Charting Your Nepal Investment Journey

You now have:

• A clear view of current thresholds, sectors, and required paperwork
• Steps to apply and renew for up to five years of residency
• Real-world insights on land, taxes, and local red tape
• Benchmarks from neighboring countries and a successful hydropower case
• Data on FDI growth and safeguards via treaties and EIAs

Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to make an informed decision about investing in Nepal—and to navigate the visa process with confidence.

[^1]: Nepal Tourism Board, “Visa on Arrival” (accessed July 2023)
[^2]: Startup Nepal, “Investor Visa in Nepal” (accessed July 2023)
[^3]: Onlinekhabar, “Govt eases investment visa rules, USD 100,000 investment enough” (May 2023)
[^4]: Department of Immigration Nepal, “Visa Application Form” (accessed July 2023)
[^6]: Nepal Rastra Bank, “Repatriation Guidelines” (accessed July 2023)
[^7]: Government of India, “Business Visa Guidelines” (accessed July 2023)
[^8]: Wikipedia, “Kali Gandaki ‘A’ Hydropower Project” (accessed July 2023)
[^9]: UNCTADStat, “Foreign Direct Investment Inflows – Nepal” (2022)
[^10]: Department of Industry Nepal, “Industrial License Data 2023” (accessed July 2023)
[^11]: UNCTAD, “International Investment Agreements Navigator – Nepal” (accessed July 2023)
[^12]: The International Centre for Environmental Management, “EIA Process in Nepal” (2011)