Kathmandu — As part of its 2025 Economic Reform Implementation Plan, the Government of Nepal is preparing to launch a “Digital Nomad Visa” within the next year, according to Travel Trade Journal. The visa will allow eligible foreign remote workers to live and work in Nepal with a five-year multiple-entry permit.
To qualify, applicants must prove:
- A minimum monthly income of $1,500, or
- A bank balance of at least $20,000,
- Along with health insurance coverage of $100,000 or more (Allwork.Space).
What the visa offers
Nomad Visa holders who stay in Nepal for more than 186 days a year will be subject to a 5% income tax. However, that also grants them key rights, including:
- Opening local bank accounts
- Acquiring a temporary residence status
- Legally transferring income to international banks
Additional privileges include:
- Vehicle purchase and registration
- Recognition of foreign driver’s licenses
- Participation in remote-work infrastructure projects like co-working hubs.
Infrastructure upgrades and tourism synergy
In coordination with public-private partnerships, Nepal aims to boost investment in:
- High-speed internet,
- Co-working spaces, and
- Cashless services
in major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lalitpur.
Tourism officials say this “high-earning + long-stay” strategy could become a new income stream for hotels, cafés, and local SMEs. The plan is designed to modernize Nepal’s visitor economy while tapping into the booming global trend of remote work.
Why Nepal could stand out
With over 50 countries already offering similar digital nomad visas, Nepal believes it holds a unique advantage:
- A backdrop of snow-capped Himalayas,
- Pleasant year-round climate, and
- Vibrant living cultural traditions.
If the legislative framework is approved in time, Nepal could welcome its first wave of freelancers, startup founders, and travel bloggers under the new visa by early 2026 — working remotely from their laptops with Everest in the background.
The initiative could significantly boost Nepal’s digital economy, positioning the country as a serious contender in the global remote-work landscape.
