Introduction to Long Term Investor Visa in Nepal
A long term investor visa in Nepal is a residence visa issued to foreign nationals who have made approved investments in Nepalese companies or industries. It allows investors to legally stay in Nepal for an extended period while managing or supervising their investment activities. This visa is regulated by the Department of Immigration (DOI) under the Immigration Act, 2049 (1992) and Immigration Rules, 2051 (1994), along with investment approval under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2075 (2019).
What Long Term Investor Visa Means in Nepal
A long term investor visa in Nepal means legal permission for foreign investors to reside in Nepal for a prolonged duration based on their capital investment. It is linked directly to business ownership, shareholding, or project investment approved by the government. The visa ensures investors can actively participate in management, monitor business performance, and comply with Nepalese investment regulations.
Where Long Term Investor Visa is Issued in Nepal
The long term investor visa is issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Initial investment approval is required from the Department of Industry (DoI) or Investment Board Nepal (IBN) for large-scale projects. The visa can also be stamped at Nepalese embassies abroad or immigration checkpoints upon approval. Coordination between multiple government agencies is required before issuance.
How to Get Long Term Investor Visa in Nepal
To obtain a long term investor visa in Nepal, the investor must first secure FDI approval under FITTA and register a company in Nepal. After investing capital, an application is submitted to the Department of Immigration with required documents. Once verified, the visa is granted for a long-term period and can be renewed based on continued investment compliance.
Requirements for Long Term Investor Visa Nepal
The requirements include:
- Approved Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under FITTA, 2075
- Company registration certificate in Nepal
- Valid passport of investor
- Recommendation letter from DoI or IBN
- Proof of capital investment in Nepal
- PAN/VAT registration certificate
- Shareholding or ownership documents
- Tax compliance documents (for renewal cases)
These requirements ensure lawful long-term residence for investors.
Documents Needed for Long Term Investor Visa Nepal
The required documents include:
- Completed visa application form
- Passport with valid validity
- FDI approval letter (DoI or IBN)
- Company registration certificate
- MOA and AOA of company
- PAN/VAT certificate
- Share certificates or investment proof
- Business plan or project report
- Tax clearance certificate (for renewal)
These documents are mandatory for approval and renewal.
Step by Step Long Term Investor Visa Process Nepal
The process includes:
- Obtain FDI approval under FITTA, 2075
- Register company in Nepal
- Deposit investment capital in Nepalese bank
- Obtain recommendation from DoI or IBN
- Submit visa application to Department of Immigration
- Provide supporting documents for verification
- Receive long term investor visa approval
- Renew visa periodically based on investment status
This ensures legal long-term residency.
Time Required for Long Term Investor Visa Nepal
The processing time typically ranges from 7 to 30 working days depending on document completeness and inter-agency coordination. Renewal applications are usually processed faster, within 5 to 15 working days if compliance is maintained.
Cost and Government Fees for Long Term Investor Visa Nepal
Visa fees vary depending on investment category and duration. Common costs include:
- Monthly or annual visa charges
- Renewal fees
- Administrative processing charges
- Multiple-entry visa fees (if applicable)
Fees are determined by the Department of Immigration under immigration rules and may vary by nationality and investment scale.
Checklist Before Applying Long Term Investor Visa Nepal
Before applying, ensure:
- FDI approval completed under FITTA
- Company registration done in Nepal
- Investment capital deposited
- Valid passport available
- DoI/IBN recommendation obtained
- PAN/VAT registration completed
- Tax documents prepared (for renewal)
This reduces rejection risk and delays.
Laws Governing Long Term Investor Visa Nepal Explained
The long term investor visa is governed by:
- Immigration Act, 2049 (1992) – visa regulation
- Immigration Rules, 2051 (1994) – procedural framework
- Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2075 – investment approval
- Companies Act, 2063 – business registration
- Income Tax Act, 2058 – tax compliance
These laws regulate foreign investment-based residency in Nepal.
Authorities Involved in Long Term Investor Visa Nepal
Key authorities include:
- Department of Immigration (DOI) – visa issuance
- Department of Industry (DoI) – investment approval
- Investment Board Nepal (IBN) – large-scale investment approval
- Office of Company Registrar – company registration
- Inland Revenue Department (IRD) – tax compliance
These institutions jointly regulate investor residency.
Types of Long Term Investor Visa Nepal
Types include:
- Long term foreign investor visa
- Shareholder residence visa
- Project-based investor visa
- Business owner visa
Each type depends on investment structure and scale.
Services Allowed Under Long Term Investor Visa Nepal
This visa allows investors to manage businesses, supervise investments, attend meetings, and oversee company operations. It does not allow employment outside the approved investment activity.
Common Challenges in Long Term Investor Visa Nepal
Common challenges include inter-agency coordination delays, strict FDI compliance checks, banking verification issues, and documentation complexity. Investors may also face delays due to incomplete investment reporting or regulatory updates.
FAQs
How to get long term investor visa in Nepal?
To get a long term investor visa in Nepal, obtain FDI approval under FITTA, register a company, invest capital, and apply to the Department of Immigration with required documents.
Who issues long term investor visa Nepal?
The Department of Immigration issues long term investor visas in Nepal.
What is required for investor visa Nepal?
You need FDI approval, company registration, investment proof, passport, and recommendation letter.
How long does investor visa take in Nepal?
It usually takes 7 to 30 working days depending on verification.
Can foreigners live long term in Nepal through investment?
Yes, foreign investors can live long term in Nepal through approved investment visas.
What law governs investor visa Nepal?
The Immigration Act, 2049 and FITTA, 2075 govern investor visas.
Is investment mandatory for long term visa Nepal?
Yes, approved investment is mandatory.
Can investor visa be renewed in Nepal?
Yes, it can be renewed based on continued investment compliance.