1. How many weeks does it usually take to get a business visa in Nepal?

Typically 3–6 weeks after the Department of Industry issues the visa recommendation, assuming incorporation, CIF and tax registration are complete and no regulatory objections arise.

2. Can I file a work‑permit application before the business visa is issued?

No. The Shram Swikriti requires the DoI’s visa recommendation, which is only issued after the business visa is approved; the work‑permit process follows the visa issuance.

3. What is the Capital Investment Fund (CIF) and why must it be opened?

CIF is a designated Nepali bank account where foreign capital is deposited before any share issuance, satisfying FITTA requirements and monitored by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) or the appointed commercial bank.

4. Which sectors are prohibited for foreign investors under FITTA?

Activities listed on the FITTA negative list—such as certain media, cultural and strategic defence sectors—cannot obtain a business visa; investors must verify sector eligibility beforehand.

5. Do I need a local Nepali partner to obtain a work permit for my foreign employee?

A local partner is not mandatory, but the company must demonstrate genuine attempts to hire Nepali nationals (via a newspaper advertisement) before DoLOS will approve the Shram Swikriti.

6. How does the Tax Clearance Certificate affect visa processing?

The Department of Immigration requires a Tax Clearance Certificate from the IRD before issuing an employment visa; unpaid taxes or pending returns will delay or block the visa.

7. Can the initial three‑month business visa be extended?

Yes. After the first three‑month period, the visa can be extended in six‑month increments if the company provides evidence of incorporation, capital infusion and tax registration.

8. What must I do if a foreign employee leaves Nepal before the work permit expires?

Notify DoLOS and the Department of Immigration; the Shram Swikriti, which is tied to the specific employer and position, will be cancelled accordingly.

Business Visa Nepal & Work Permit Support

A business visa / work‑permit advisory guides foreign investors through Nepal’s FITTA and Labour Act requirements to obtain a व्यापारिक भिसा and Shram Swikriti. Our firm prepares, files and liaises with the Department of Industry, Labour and Immigration so your staff can legally work in Nepal.

Business Visa & Work Permit Advisory in Nepal is the legal service that maps the entire FITTA‑based investment route—from company incorporation and capital‑investment‑fund (CIF) deposit to the issuance of a व्यापारिक भिसा and the Shram Swikriti work permit ensuring compliance with the Department of Industry, Department of Labour and Department of Immigration.

When is Legal Advice Essential for a Business Visa & Work Permit?

FDI approval pending – If the Department of Industry’s Office of the Secretary (OSSC) has not issued the investment approval, counsel can accelerate the recommendation letter.
Activity conflicts – When proposed activities appear on the FITTA negative list, a lawyer revises the memorandum to avoid rejection.
Work‑permit objections – DoLOS often demands proof of local‑worker recruitment; we prepare the newspaper notice and “no‑local‑availability” justification.
Tax registration missing – Without a PAN/VAT registration from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), visa issuance stalls; we secure the tax clearance certificate.
Shareholder disputes – Disagreements on foreign equity can block capital infusion into the CIF; we mediate and draft compliant shareholder agreements.

How to Secure a Business Visa and Work Permit in Nepal

Confirm FITTA eligibility – Match the proposed activity against the negative list and ensure the investment amount meets the OSSC threshold (≤ NPR 6 billion).
Incorporate the Nepali company – File incorporation documents with the Office of Company Registrar (Company Act 2063) and obtain the certificate of incorporation.
Obtain FDI approval – Submit the application to the Department of Industry/OSSC, including the investment approval letter and capital‑infusion plan; receive the visa recommendation letter.
Open a Capital Investment Fund (CIF) – Deposit foreign capital in an authorized Nepali bank and register the transaction with Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) or the designated commercial bank.
Apply for the business visa – Present the recommendation letter to the Nepalese embassy or immigration office to receive a three‑month business/investor visa.
Publish a local advertisement and file the work permit – Publish a 15‑day newspaper notice showing attempts to hire Nepali staff, then submit the Shram Swikriti application to DoLOS with the DoI recommendation.
Obtain the employment visa – After DoLOS issues the work permit, the foreign employee applies to the Department of Immigration for the employment visa, completing legal entry.

Key risk: Untranslated documents, delayed CIF registration, or missing newspaper copies each add weeks to the timeline.

What Our Lawyers Deliver

Pre‑submission audit – We verify that the business activity is not on the FITTA negative list, preventing costly re‑filings.
Full documentation handling – Preparation and filing of incorporation, FDI, CIF and tax registration paperwork with OCR, DoI and NRB.
Work‑permit support – Drafting the newspaper notice, compiling the foreign‑hiring justification and addressing DoLOS objections.

foreign investment approval process
company registration in Nepal

Fees, Timelines & Commercial Considerations

Large‑scale projects – Investments above NPR 6 billion require IBN approval, raising fees and extending timelines.
Document readiness – Complete, notarized and translated paperwork can reduce processing to 3–6 weeks; missing items often add 2–4 weeks.
Regulatory review cycles – DoI and DoLOS have internal review periods; peak seasons may lengthen processing.
Foreign shareholder verification – Identity and tax clearance from abroad affect cost and schedule.
Tax registration – PAN/VAT registration with IRD must be finalized before visa issuance; delays directly impact the timeline.

We provide a fee estimate after the initial assessment, with billing linked to milestones such as incorporation, FDI approval and work‑permit issuance.

Common Mistakes & Compliance Risks

Mis‑stating company objectives – Listing activities on the FITTA negative list triggers immediate rejection.
Skipping the CIF deposit – Undeclared foreign capital attracts penalties from NRB.
Failure to publish the local advertisement – DoLOS will deny the work permit without proof of recruitment effort.
Late tax registration – Absence of a Tax Clearance Certificate halts the employment visa.
Ignoring post‑investment reporting – Annual FDI progress reports to DoI are mandatory; non‑compliance may lead to visa revocation.
Improper shareholder agreements – Agreements not matching the approved foreign equity percentage can be voided by OCR.

What Clients Receive Upon Completion

Certified Certificate of Incorporation and share‑register entries.
Approved Investment Approval Letter and Visa Recommendation Letter from DoI.
Fully funded Capital Investment Fund account statement.
Shram Swikriti work‑permit certificate and employment visa.
Compliance checklist covering tax, reporting and repatriation obligations.

Business Visa & Work Permit Advisory