Obtain Work Permit without Leaving Nepal

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Nepal often face the question of whether they must exit the country to change their visa status or obtain a work permit. The short answer is that, under specific conditions and with proper documentation, it is possible to Obtain Work Permit without Leaving Nepal. This process involves coordination between the Department of Immigration Nepal and the Department of Labour, Employment and Occupational Safety (DoLEOS).

This article explains the full process, legal framework, required documents, eligibility, and common concerns related to obtaining a work permit while staying inside Nepal.

What Is a Work Permit in Nepal?

A work permit in Nepal is an official government authorization that allows a foreign national to engage in paid employment or professional services within Nepal’s territory. Without a valid work permit, any foreign national who earns income from work performed in Nepal is in violation of Nepali law.

Work permits in Nepal are governed by:

• The Foreign Employment Act, 2064 (2007)
• The Immigration Act, 2049 (1992)
• The Immigration Regulations, 2051 (1994)
• The Labour Act, 2074 (2017)

The Department of Labour, Employment and Occupational Safety under the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security issues work permits. However, the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for issuing the non-tourist visa or work visa that accompanies the work permit.

Can a Foreign National Get a Work Permit Without Leaving Nepal?

Yes, a foreign national already inside Nepal on a valid visa can apply for a work permit and change their visa status to a non-tourist (work) visa without exiting the country. This is an in-country status change process. However, this is subject to strict conditions:

• The applicant must currently hold a valid visa, tourist visa, business visa, or other legal entry status.
• The employer must be a legally registered company or organization in Nepal.
• The employer must obtain approval from the Department of Labour before the applicant can apply for a work permit.
• The applicant must not be in violation of any immigration rules at the time of application.

The Department of Immigration permits visa conversion from a tourist or business visa to a non-tourist visa (work visa) within Nepal, provided all documentation is in order.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Work Permit Inside Nepal?

Not all foreign nationals are eligible for in-country work permit processing. The following categories are generally considered eligible:

• Foreign experts hired by government projects or bilateral agreements
• Employees of INGOs (International Non-Governmental Organizations) registered in Nepal
• Staff employed by foreign-invested companies registered under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075 (2019)
• Professionals hired under technical assistance programs
• Senior management staff of companies registered with the Office of Company Registrar (OCR)

Citizens of India are treated differently, they do not require a work permit in Nepal under the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 between Nepal and India.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Work Permit Without Leaving Nepal

The process involves two parallel tracks: the employer’s application at the Department of Labour and the individual’s visa conversion at the Department of Immigration.

Step 1: Employer Obtains Prior Approval from Department of Labour

Before a foreign national can receive a work permit, the employer must apply to the Department of Labour, Employment and Occupational Safety. The employer submits:

• Application letter on company letterhead
• Company registration certificate
• PAN/VAT registration certificate
• Tax clearance certificate of the company
• Job description and justification for hiring a foreign national
• Proof that the position could not be filled by a Nepali national

Step 2: Work Permit Application Submission

Once the employer receives approval from the Department of Labour, the foreign national submits the work permit application. The application goes to:

Department of Labour, Employment and Occupational Safety
Thamel, Kathmandu
Website: https://dofe.gov.np

Step 3: Visa Conversion at Department of Immigration

After the work permit is issued, the foreign national must convert their current visa (tourist/business) to a non-tourist visa at:

Department of Immigration Nepal
Kalikasthan, Kathmandu
Website: https://www.immigration.gov.np

The non-tourist visa or work visa is then issued without the applicant needing to exit Nepal.

Required Documents for Work Permit Application in Nepal

The following documents are required for both the employer and the foreign national:

For the Employing Organization:

• Company registration certificate (copy)
• PAN/VAT registration certificate
• Tax clearance certificate (most recent)
• Board resolution or letter of appointment for the foreign national
• Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association
• Evidence of the company’s financial capacity
• Justification letter for hiring a foreign national

For the Foreign National (Employee):

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Passport-size photographs (recent)
• Copy of current valid visa
• Educational and professional certificates (attested/notarized)
• Employment contract signed between employer and employee
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Health certificate from a recognized medical institution
• Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country
• Any prior work permit (if renewal)

Documents Required for Visa Conversion (Non-Tourist Visa) at Immigration

• Valid work permit issued by Department of Labour
• Original passport with valid visa stamp
• Passport-size photographs
• Completed immigration application form
• Fee payment receipt
• Letter from the employer confirming employment
• Copy of company registration documents

Work Permit and Visa Fees in Nepal

Category	Fee (NPR)	Duration
Work Permit (Initial)	NPR 10,000 – 20,000 (varies by category)	1 Year
Work Permit Renewal	NPR 5,000 – 15,000 (varies)	1 Year
Non-Tourist Visa (Work Visa)	NPR 5,000 per month (approx.)	As per permit
Late Renewal Fine	Variable	Per day basis

Note: Fees are subject to change as per government notification. Always verify current fees at the official Department of Immigration website.

Timeline for Processing a Work Permit Inside Nepal

Process Stage	Approximate Time
Employer approval from Department of Labour	7 – 15 working days
Work permit issuance	7 – 10 working days
Visa conversion at Department of Immigration	3 – 7 working days
Total estimated time	3 – 5 weeks

Delays can occur if documents are incomplete, if the company’s tax filings are not current, or if the position being hired for requires additional clearance from sector-specific ministries (for example, healthcare, education, or media).

Legal Obligations Under Nepali Law

Foreign Employment Act, 2064 (2007)

This act primarily governs Nepali citizens going abroad for employment. However, it also establishes provisions related to the employment of foreign nationals in Nepal through its regulatory framework.

Labour Act, 2074 (2017)

Under Section 119 of the Labour Act, 2074, any foreign national working in Nepal must obtain a work permit prior to commencing employment. Employing a foreign national without a valid work permit is a punishable offence under Nepali law, carrying fines and legal consequences for the employer.

Immigration Act, 2049 (1992)

Under the Immigration Act, 2049, a foreign national must hold a visa category that corresponds to the activity they perform in Nepal. Working on a tourist visa is a direct violation of this Act and may result in deportation and a ban from re-entering Nepal.

Common Reasons Work Permit Applications Get Rejected

Several reasons exist for work permit application rejections:

• Incomplete documentation — missing attested certificates, incorrect forms, or outdated clearance certificates
• Ineligible employer — the hiring company does not meet the minimum capital or registration requirements
• No justification — the employer fails to demonstrate why the position cannot be filled by a Nepali national
• Visa overstay — the applicant is already in violation of their current visa terms
• Disqualified sector — some sectors require additional ministry-level clearance before a work permit can be issued

INGOs and Work Permits in Nepal

Foreign nationals working for International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) registered with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) in Nepal follow a slightly different process. The Social Welfare Council coordinates with both the Department of Immigration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for expat staff. The process involves:

• INGO approval from Social Welfare Council (Website: https://www.swc.org.np)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs endorsement for visa purpose
• Non-tourist visa issuance from Department of Immigration

INGO employees typically receive a non-tourist visa tied to their SWC-registered agreement period.

Renewal of Work Permit Without Leaving Nepal

Work permits in Nepal are generally valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry. Renewal also does not require the foreign national to leave Nepal, provided:

• The employment continues with the same employer
• The employer submits renewal documents on time
• There is no violation of visa terms during the permit period
• Tax obligations of both employer and employee are current

Late renewal of work permits invites fines calculated on a per-day basis as per the Department of Labour’s schedule of charges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)