While the first thing that comes to mind for most Indian travelers when thinking of visiting Nepal is its open-border agreement, or perhaps that Indian citizens receive visa-free entry for tourism and short visits, what if you are planning on studying there, working there, or staying in Nepal for a long time. It certainly becomes a bit more organized.
This detailed guide will cover everything you need to know about the Nepal visa for Indians, including student, work, and long-stay visas. It will cover eligibility, documentation, and practical advice, and everything else that you require, and is your complete map.
Visa Requirements for Indians Traveling to Nepal
Indians do not need a visa when going to Nepal for short visits. Due to the close relationship between the two countries, Indians can enter Nepal without needing to hassle with a tourist visa application. Indians can enter Nepal easily with either a passport or a government-issued identification card (such as a voter identification card).
When planning an extended stay, it is a different story. To live, study, or work in Nepal, you must follow the immigration rules of the country. In that case, Indians will need a valid residence category or visa categories approved by Nepal’s Department of Immigration.
Nepal Student Visa for Indians
Indian students wishing to go to Nepal for higher studies, professional training, or any specialized courses must obtain a student visa. Since Indians can freely travel to Nepal and therefore don’t need a tourist visa for entry, the requirement to obtain a visa for formal enrollment in an education program must still be processed in the student visa approval.
Eligibility Criteria
- An admission offer letter from a recognized educational institution in Nepal.
- Proof of funds to pay the tuition fees and maintain living expenses.
- A valid Indian passport (may need a passport, as a voter ID will be good for entry).
Required Documents
- Admission or confirmation letter from the institution.
- Valid Indian passport with copies.
- Proof of Funds (bank statements, scholarship, sponsorship, etc).
- Completed the Visa Application Form.
- Recent passport-sized photographs (2).
Application Process
- Get an acceptance and confirmation letter from a recognized college or university in Nepal.
- You must submit the application to the Department of Immigration in Nepal or at the Nepalese embassy/consulate in India before travel.
- Once you apply, you will need to pay the fee.
- You will receive a stamp on the student’s visa after verification and approval.
Duration and Renewal
- Most student visas are issued for a period of one year.
- These can be renewed yearly until the duration of the course you are enrolled in is completed.
- Most colleges/universities in Nepal will help international students with the renewal; this is typically easy.
Work Visa for Indian Citizens in Nepal
Indian nationals who will be working in Nepal, either in the corporate sector, NGO, or professional workforce, must have a work visa. Employment is different than trip or travel; it requires permission/authorization through the employer, plus the Government of Nepal.
Eligibility
- A job offer or employment contract from a Nepal-based company, organization, or institution.
- A recommendation letter from the appropriate ministry of the Government of Nepal (depending on the relevant sector of work, eg, education, health, business, development).
Documents Required
- Valid Indian passport with a photocopy.
- Appointment letter or signed employment letter.
- Recommendation from your relevant ministry of work.
- Documents demonstrating qualifications & experience (if appropriate).
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent passport size photos.
Application Process
- To pursue a work visa in Nepal, you must find employment with a registered organization in Nepal.
- Your employer will initiate the request on your behalf and receive endorsements from the subscribed detriment ministry.
- You will then submit your application and supporting documents to the Department of Immigration in Nepal.
- You will pay a visa fee before obtaining the work visa.
- You will receive a visa stamped in your passport, pending verification of employment and approval of your application.
Duration and Renewals
- Work visas in Nepal are generally issued for a full year at a time.
- Renewals are based on employment and sponsorship by the original employer or new employer.
- Long-term employment in Nepal may allow for future options to residency.
Nepal has lengthy visa options for Indians
While many Indians seem to be doing a bit of tourism in Nepal, some of us are travelling to Nepal for longer stays, either as we travel for business, work on research or volunteer work, retire, or relocate to live with family. For each of these reasons, Nepal provides some long-stay visa categories to follow the reasons we come for these specific purposes.
- Non-Tourist Visa.
This category allows entry to Nepal for activities other than tourism or medical care—volunteering, research and development work, etc., and NGO-related activities.
Requirements:
- This must be a recommendation letter from the sponsoring organization.
- Approval from the appropriate Nepalese ministry, regulatory agency, or body that oversees the activity.
- Demonstration that you have adequate funding to support your living expenses for the duration of your stay.
- Business Visa.
Indians looking to invest, trade, or start a business in Nepal can apply for a business visa.
Requirements:
- Demonstration or proof of either investing or company registration in Nepal.
- Recommendation from the Department of Industry or a suitable authority.
Duration:
Normally given for a maximum of one year, with the possibility for renewals based on the business’s success and compliance with local laws.
- Residential Visa
The residential visa is the best option for long-term residency in Nepal, although you must conform to strict eligibility rules.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Directly investing a significant amount of money in Nepal.
- Retired individuals receiving pension income or other sources of stable income.
- Individuals making significant contributions to social development in Nepal.
Duration:
Issued for a truly long-term and renewable visa on the basis that the state and local conditions are still being met.
- Marriage or Family Visa
For a member of the Indian community who has married a Nepali citizen or has first-degree family relations in Nepal, a family/relation visa can lead to permanent residency.
Requirements:
- A registered marriage certificate for spouses.
- Documentation proving the relationship for immediate family members.
- Valid identification documents for both the Indian applicant and the Nepali relative.
Nepal Visa Fees (For Indians)
Visa fees for Indian citizens in Nepal depend on visa type and length:
- Student Visa: NPR 3000 to NPR 4000 per year.
- Work Visa: NPR 10000 to NPR 15000 per year (depending on job type).
- Business Visa: NPR 5000 to NPR 10000 per year
- Residential Visa: More expensive, depending on your investment in Nepal and eligibility to apply.
Some Additional Tips for a Stress-free Visa Application:
- Take a Passport: Even if an Indian citizen can enter Nepal with a voter ID, a passport is required if applying for a student, work, business, or residential visa.
- Verify Your Documents: Double-check that your academic, professional, and financial documents are all checked and legitimate, valid, and appropriately attested.
- Apply Early: Work visas and business visas may take longer than normal visas due to other clearances involved, so apply early.
- Note the Validity: Record your visa expiry date, so you do not overstay or otherwise incur a penalty.
Apply only via the Nepalese embassy, consulate, or Department of Immigration: Use only the embassy or consulate, or the DoI for the application process to avoid scams and potentially dangerous situations.
Conclusion
Although Indian citizens may enter Nepal without a visa for short visits, the context changes with study, work, or residing longer: the document path for Indians now involves visa categories and document preparation. Plans may involve studying for higher education, seeking employment, investment opportunities, or family residence; all plans still require a Nepal visa for Indians to be pre-planned and compliant with immigration requirements.
By preparing to secure the necessary documents, applying through the official channels, and knowing the renewal timelines, the process can be uneventful for Indian citizens. Reliable resources such as OneVasco can keep applicants informed and assured of the process; however, probably the most rewarding is being in Nepal while taking advantage of education, work, or long-term living in Nepal.