Work permit is a legal authorization for doing job in a foreign country. If a foreign national wants to do job in Nepal, it is mandatory to get a work permit.

As per Article 22 of Labor Act, 2017, no employer shall employ any foreign citizen as a labor without obtaining the work permit from the Department of Labor.

• The Labor Act, 2017 (2074).
• Labor Rules, 2018 (2075).
• Foreign Citizen Labor Permission Directive 2019 (2075)

1. Ministry of Labor and Occupational Safety, Nepal (DoL) issues work permit
2. Department of Immigration (DoIM) issues working non-tourist visa
3. Ministry of Home Affairs provides no objection letter to applicant for work permit.

Governing Authorities provide work permit as per Article 22 (2) of Labor Act 2017 on the following circumstances:

1. Unavailability of skilled human Resources in Nepal:
2. Obtaining Work Permit by Direct Recording:

Department of Labor may, upon maintaining the records, issue the work permit to foreign nationals in the following circumstances:

1. The chief executive of an enterprise with foreign investment or operated with foreign assistance and such number of labors as prescribed to work in that enterprise,
2. Any technician who comes to repair or maintain any machinery objects or installs any new technology or to do similar other unforeseen work for a period of three months or less than three months

1. Where he or she is entitled to diplomatic immunity.
2. If not required to obtain a work permit under any treaty or agreement concluded with the Government of Nepal (GoN).

1. Publish and advertisement of vacancy announcement in national daily newspaper or job protal of Ministry of Labor
2. Submission of application for work permit before DoL along with required documents
3. DoL may ask for a non-objection letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA)
4. Issuance of Work Permit by DoL after examination

Note; The advertisement should cover (a) position, number of employees required and their job specification, (b)Minimum education, experience and training requirement, (c) Selection method, (d) Place and last date of submission of application, (e) other documents as per requirement to be attached with the application.

1. Application on DoL format
2. Original copy of advertisement published in national daily newspaper and Job Portal of Ministry of Labor
3. Notarized copy of Passport (having validity of minimum six months)
4. Bio-data
5. Employer’s tax clearance certificate
6. If job application submitted by Nepalese citizen, short brief on their qualification, experience and selection process
7. Action Plan to replace the foreign national by Nepali national
8. A copy of consent of Ministry of Home Affairs, if required

The maximum period of Work permit is for five (5) years for the expert in technical field and for three (3) years for others

1. The validity period of the work permit is extended in very limited situation.
2. As provided in the Labor Rules, the validity period of the work permit may be extended for further 2 (two) years by the Department of Labor with the approval of the Ministry of Labor in case of foreign nationals who has made notable contribution.
3. The Labor Rules requires foreign nationals to renew the work permit prior to 30 days of its expiry.

1. A copy of consent of Ministry of Home Affairs, if required
2. Progress report of action plan to replace foreign national by Nepali national
3. Receipt of payment done while applying work permit for first time
4. Other documents and details as deemed necessary by the Ministry of Labor

1. Only up to 5 % of total number of workers required can be hired expect in case of diplomatic immunity and if special agreement is signed with the Government of Nepal.
2. Maximum three (3) foreign nationals including CEO can be given work permit if there is no mention of such in the agreement made between the Government of Nepal and the entity having foreign investment or running from foreign aid.

The time for obtaining the work permit may generally take between 30 to 45 days.

DISCALIMER: Remember to check the latest information and requirements from the official sources, such as the Department of Labor and Occupational Safety of Nepal as procedures and requirements may change over time.

Please contact us today itself if you are in search of  Immigration Lawyer in Nepal for obtaining work permit for foreign nationals connect us on +9779841933745 or email [email protected]

Disclaimer: All contains available here are for general information purposes. A proper legal solution always depends on your particular circumstances thus seek advice from an attorney who can provide assurances of the information contained herein and interpretation of it.  All liability with respect to actions taken on the basis of the site’s information is hereby expressly disclaimed.