Quick Answer
Nepal has no dedicated digital nomad visa. The practical options for remote workers are: the tourist ETA (30 days, extendable to 90 days total), the long-term multiple-entry tourist visa (extendable up to 150 days per year), or a work permit (requires a Nepali employer sponsor — impractical for most independent remote workers). For most nomads, cycling the tourist ETA with extensions is the realistic path.
Visa Options at a Glance
| Visa Type | Duration | Renewable | Work Permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist ETA (on arrival) | 30 days | Yes, up to 90 days/year | No |
| Long-term tourist visa | 30–150 days/year | Yes | No |
| Work permit | Varies | Yes (with employer) | Yes |
Tourist ETA (The Default)
Most nationalities (US, UK, EU, India, Australia, Canada) get a 30-day tourist ETA on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport or land border crossings. Cost: $30 USD for 30 days.
How to extend to 90 days:
Go to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (Maharajgunj) with your passport. Extensions cost approximately $3/day for each additional day beyond 30. A 90-day extension runs about $180 total.
You can also apply for the ETA in advance at online.immigration.gov.np.
Important: Overstaying is punished with a fine of $5–10/day at exit. Immigration officers at the airport do check. Budget for the extension fee in advance rather than risking an overstay fine.
Can You Legally Work on a Tourist Visa?
Technically no. Practically, this is the grey area: if your work is entirely remote for foreign clients and you are not earning income in Nepal or from Nepali sources, the enforcement risk is extremely low. Immigration officials at Kathmandu airport do not inspect laptops. They check your passport and entry stamp.
The risk calculus changes if: you are being paid into a Nepali bank account, you are working for a Nepali company, or you are staying significantly beyond what your visa extension covers.
The sensible approach: tourist ETA + extension, keep all income in foreign accounts, do not establish Nepali tax residency (which requires 183 days — unlikely for most nomads).
Work Permit (Not Realistic for Most Nomads)
A Nepali work permit requires sponsorship from a registered Nepali company. The employer applies to the Department of Labour. This is relevant if you are hired by a Nepali tech company or startup, not if you are freelance remote worker.
If this applies to you, the employer handles the process. Requirements include a contract, company registration documents, and a Nepali tax clearance.
Tax Residency
Nepal's tax year runs mid-July to mid-July. Tax residency triggers at 183 days of physical presence. If you are staying 183+ days, your global income becomes subject to Nepali tax on a worldwide basis.
Most nomads will not reach this threshold on a tourist visa cycling strategy. If you plan to stay long-term, consult a Nepali tax advisor before establishing residency.
Banking
Opening a bank account as a foreigner in Nepal is possible but bureaucratic. Requirements: valid passport, visa, passport photos, and a letter from your landlord or employer confirming address.
Bank of Nepal and Himalayan Bank are the most foreigner-friendly. NMB bank has better digital app experience.
Many nomads use Wise for day-to-day spending and skip the local account entirely.
What to Bring
- USD cash for the ETA fee at the border or airport (carry $30–50 in small bills)
- Passport photos (4–6) — useful for visa extensions, SIM cards, and registration
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic country
- SafetyWing travel insurance (covers Nepal)
Bottom Line
Tourist ETA on arrival, extend to 90 days at the immigration office in Kathmandu, keep income offshore, use Wise for spending. This is not elegant but it works and carries minimal practical risk for remote workers.
Next steps: Cost of Living in Kathmandu | Coworking in Kathmandu | SIM Cards in Nepal
*Last updated: April 2026*