Residential Visa for Retirees

Nepal's Residential Visa for Retirees is a long-term residence permit for foreign nationals aged 60 or older who wish to live in Nepal without engaging in any business activity. Established under Section 6 of the Immigration Act, 2049 (1992) and administered by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the visa targets retirees and individuals of independent means who can demonstrate at least USD 20,000 in annual passive income. Nepal does not offer traditional permanent residency for foreigners; the residential visa is renewable annually for an indefinite period.

• Must be at least 60 years old or provide proof of retirement
• Certified proof of an annual passive income source of at least USD 20,000 (pension, rental income, investment returns, or savings)
• Bank statement showing a minimum USD 20,000 balance
• Character certificate (certificate of good behavior)
• No objection letter from the applicant's country embassy in Nepal
• Health certificate from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
• No business or employment activity permitted
• Security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (first-time applicants)

• Online application form (Appendix 4 format)
• Valid passport copy with latest visa
• Bank statement showing USD 20,000 balance
• Certified document proving annual income of at least USD 20,000
• Character certificate
• No objection letter from the applicant's embassy
• Health certificate from TU Teaching Hospital
• Evidence of completing 60 years of age or proof of retirement
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Expenditure statement showing USD 20,000 spent in Nepal (for renewals)

The visa is issued for one year and renewed annually at the Department of Immigration. Renewal requires an expenditure statement demonstrating at least USD 20,000 was spent in Nepal during the preceding year. The initial issuance fee is USD 700 and the annual renewal fee is USD 1,200. Renewal is handled directly by the Department of Immigration without requiring fresh Ministry of Home Affairs approval.

Spouse, father, mother, and minor children of the visa holder may be included in the same application. Family members receive the same residential visa status. No separate additional income requirements or application fees for dependants are specified.

Foreign nationals residing in Nepal for 183 days or more in a fiscal year (mid-July to mid-July) are considered tax residents under the Income Tax Act, 2058 (2002) and subject to tax on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on Nepal-source income at a flat rate of 25%. Foreign tax credits are available for taxes paid abroad. Tax clearance may be required for visa renewal.

The applicant gathers all required documents and submits an application to the Department of Immigration at Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, using the Appendix 4 format. Online applications can be initiated through the Department's portal. The Department forwards the application to the Ministry of Home Affairs for security clearance and approval. Once approved, the visa is issued within 1-2 business days. Applicants typically enter Nepal on a tourist visa while processing is underway.

• The visa explicitly prohibits carrying on any business in Nepal; holders must rely entirely on passive income sources
• Applicants must be physically present in Nepal to obtain the required health certificate from TU Teaching Hospital
• The annual renewal requires proof of spending USD 20,000 in Nepal, meaning holders must maintain significant local expenditure
• Media reports from 2024-2025 indicate that new residential visa approvals for retirees have been very limited in practice, with the Ministry of Home Affairs restricting new issuances
• Visa overstay incurs charges of USD 8 per day; overstays exceeding 150 days may result in deportation and an entry ban
• Nepal does not recognize dual citizenship; visa holders maintain their foreign nationality