The 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal is a visa provision that allows eligible foreign nationals to live, stay, and conduct permitted activities in Nepal for an extended period. Unlike the standard tourist visa, which restricts foreign nationals to a maximum of 150 days per calendar year, the 5-year long-term visa offers a multiple-entry facility and a substantially longer period of authorized stay. This visa operates under Nepal’s formal immigration framework and is issued by the Department of Immigration Nepal (DoI), which functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Nepal’s immigration system has evolved over the years to accommodate foreign investors, Non-Resident Nepalis, spouses of Nepali citizens, researchers, and retired individuals who have genuine long-term ties to the country. The 5-year long-term visa in Nepal serves as one of the primary tools through which the Nepali government facilitates this extended engagement.
Legal Framework Governing Long Term Visa in Nepal
Nepal’s visa system operates within a defined legal structure. Any foreign national applying for a 5-year long-term visa must understand the legal basis for their application.
The key laws governing the long-term visa in Nepal are:
- Immigration Act, 2049 (1992): This is the primary legislation that governs the entry, stay, transit, and exit of foreign nationals in Nepal. It defines visa categories and the conditions attached to each.
- Immigration Regulation, 2051 (1994): This regulation provides procedural guidelines, including visa fee schedules, documentary requirements, and enforcement mechanisms.
- Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2075 (2019): This act governs the issuance of long-term visas to foreign investors who make qualifying investments in Nepal.
- Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064 (2008): This law establishes the legal rights and visa entitlements of Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN), including their eligibility for long-term visa facilities.
The Department of Immigration Nepal is the primary regulatory authority. Their official website is www.doi.gov.np, and all official updates regarding visa categories, fees, and procedures are published there. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal also plays a role through Nepali embassies and consulates abroad, accessible at www.mofa.gov.np.
Who Can Apply for the 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal?
The 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal is not available to all foreign nationals. The Department of Immigration issues this visa to specific eligible categories under defined legal provisions.
Eligible Categories for the 5-Year Long Term Visa:
- Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN): Foreign nationals of Nepali origin who hold citizenship of another country and carry valid NRN identity documentation.
- Spouses of Nepali Citizens: Foreign nationals who are legally married to Nepali citizens and can submit recognized marriage documentation.
- Foreign Investors: Individuals or entities that have made qualifying investments in Nepal as per the thresholds defined under FITTA, 2075 (2019).
- Researchers and Academics: Foreign nationals engaged in long-term research projects approved by the relevant Nepali ministry or institution.
- Retired Foreign Nationals: Foreigners who are 65 years of age or older and wish to retire in Nepal.
- Business Persons: Foreign nationals with registered business interests or commercial engagements in Nepal.
- Parents/Guardians of Nepali-origin Children: In specific circumstances, parents of Nepali citizen minors may be eligible for long-term visa provisions.
Eligibility Criteria for the 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal
Meeting the category requirement alone is not sufficient. Applicants must also satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- The applicant must hold a valid passport with a minimum of six months of remaining validity at the time of application.
- The applicant must have no prior criminal record or history of visa violations in Nepal or their home country.
- Foreign investors must meet the minimum investment threshold set by the Department of Industry or the Investment Board Nepal under FITTA 2075.
- NRN applicants must hold a valid NRN identity card issued or recognized by the Government of Nepal.
- Spouses must provide a legally valid and recognized marriage certificate, translated into Nepali or English if the original is in another language.
- All applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency adequate to sustain their stay in Nepal without public assistance.
- Medical fitness may be required for certain categories, especially for retired foreign nationals applying for residential-type long-term visas.
Required Documents for the 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal
The documentary requirements vary based on the applicant’s specific visa category. The following list covers both general and category-specific documents.
General Documents Required:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
- Completed and signed visa application form (available at doi.gov.np)
- Recent passport-sized photographs (as per specified dimensions)
- Proof of financial means (recent bank statements, income proof)
- Health insurance certificate covering the intended period of stay
- Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country
- Medical fitness certificate (where applicable)
Category-Specific Documents:
For Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN):
- Valid NRN Identity Card issued by the Government of Nepal
- Proof of Nepali origin (ancestral citizenship certificate, birth registration, or lineage documents)
For Spouses of Nepali Citizens:
- Legally registered marriage certificate
- Nepali spouse’s citizenship certificate
- Proof of shared residence or cohabitation
For Foreign Investors:
- Investment registration certificate from the Department of Industry or Investment Board Nepal
- Proof of minimum investment as prescribed under FITTA 2075
- Business registration documents and tax clearance certificate
For Retired Foreign Nationals:
- Proof of age (passport or birth certificate)
- Pension statements or retirement income documentation
- Medical fitness certificate
Step-by-Step Application Process for the 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal
- Identify your eligible visa category based on your purpose of stay and legal basis.
- Gather all required documents as per your specific category.
- Download and complete the visa application form from the Department of Immigration Nepal website at doi.gov.np.
- Submit the application at the Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Kathmandu, or through the relevant Nepali Embassy or Consulate if applying from abroad.
- Pay the prescribed visa fee at the designated counter at the immigration office.
- Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) if required by the immigration officers.
- Wait for review and verification of your application. This may take several working days depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case.
- Receive approval notification from the Department of Immigration.
- Collect your visa document and verify all printed details before leaving the immigration office.
For applicants residing outside Nepal, the process is initiated at Nepali Embassies and Consulates in their respective countries, with final processing completed by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
Visa Fees for the 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal
The following table provides a general overview of long-term visa fees in Nepal as per the schedule published by the Department of Immigration. Fees are subject to periodic revision by the Government of Nepal.
| Visa Category | Duration | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Tourist Multiple Entry Visa | 1 Year | USD 30 |
| Non-Tourist Multiple Entry Visa | 5 Years | USD 100 |
| Residential Visa (Spouse of Nepali) | Per Year | USD 25–50 |
| Business Visa | 1 Year | USD 30 |
| NRN Long-Term Visa | 5 Years | As per DoI schedule |
| Investor Visa | 5 Years | As per DoI/IBN schedule |
Applicants must verify current fee structures directly at www.doi.gov.np before submitting their application, as government-mandated fee revisions occur periodically.
Benefits of the 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiple Entry Facility | Holders can enter and exit Nepal multiple times within the 5-year validity period |
| Reduced Renewal Burden | Eliminates the need for frequent visa renewals for qualifying individuals |
| Business Continuity | Supports uninterrupted business and investment operations |
| Family and Cultural Ties | Allows spouses and NRNs to maintain long-term residence and family connections |
| Banking and Financial Access | Facilitates access to banking and financial services in Nepal |
| Research and Academic Activity | Enables long-term research engagement without interruption |
Restrictions and Conditions Attached to the 5 Years Long Term Visa
Holding a 5-year long-term visa in Nepal does not grant unlimited rights. Visa holders must adhere to the following conditions:
- Employment Restrictions: Visa holders cannot engage in paid employment without a separate work permit issued by the Department of Labour, Employment and Social Security.
- Restricted Area Permits: Travel to restricted or protected areas in Nepal requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from the Department of Immigration, even for long-term visa holders.
- No Permanent Residency Rights: The 5-year long-term visa does not confer permanent residency or citizenship in Nepal.
- Change of Purpose Requires Category Change: If the purpose of stay changes, the visa holder must apply for a change of visa category at the Department of Immigration.
- Local Registration: Long-term visa holders staying in remote districts may need to register with local government authorities.
- Violations Lead to Cancellation: Any breach of visa conditions can result in visa cancellation, deportation, and future entry restrictions under the Immigration Act, 2049.
Where to Apply for the 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal?
Foreign nationals can submit their applications at the following offices:
- Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Kathmandu
- Website: www.doi.gov.np
- Phone: +977-1-4223590 / +977-1-4223681
- Tribhuvan International Airport Immigration Office (for eligible on-arrival categories only)
- Nepali Embassies and Consulates for applicants residing outside Nepal
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mofa.gov.np
- Investment Board Nepal for investor-category applicants
- Website: www.ibn.gov.np
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal?
The 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal is a multiple-entry visa that permits eligible foreign nationals including NRNs, investors, spouses of Nepali citizens, and researchers to stay in Nepal for up to five years under defined conditions per the Immigration Act, 2049.
2. Can a tourist visa be converted into a 5-year long-term visa in Nepal?
No. A tourist visa cannot be directly converted into a 5-year long-term visa. The applicant must apply under an eligible non-tourist visa category through the Department of Immigration Nepal and satisfy all required eligibility criteria.
3. How much does the 5 Years Long Term Visa cost in Nepal?
The approximate fee for a 5-year multiple-entry non-tourist visa is USD 100. Fees are subject to revision by the Government of Nepal. Applicants must verify the current fee schedule at doi.gov.np before applying.
4. Can a 5-year long-term visa holder work in Nepal?
No. A 5-year long-term visa does not authorize employment. Holders who wish to work in Nepal must separately obtain a valid work permit from the Department of Labour, Employment and Social Security as per Nepal’s labor laws.
5. Does the 5 Years Long Term Visa grant permanent residency in Nepal?
No. The 5 Years Long Term Visa does not confer permanent residency or Nepali citizenship. It is a time-limited visa with defined conditions and must be renewed or converted based on the applicant’s circumstances.
6. Who is eligible to apply for the 5 Years Long Term Visa in Nepal?
Eligible applicants include Non-Resident Nepalis, spouses of Nepali citizens, qualifying foreign investors under FITTA 2075, approved researchers, business persons with registered activities in Nepal, and retired foreign nationals aged 65 years or above.