Nepal Proposes 5 Year Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers

Nepal is preparing to launch a dedicated digital nomad visa that would allow remote workers and their families to live in the country for up to five years, based on a new proposal by the government’s High-Level Economic Committee.

If approved, the visa would offer an initial one-year renewable residence permit and align with models like Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa. The policy is designed to attract remote professionals who work for companies or clients outside Nepal, bringing longer-term foreign residents and income streams into the local economy.

The proposal includes a flat 5% income tax for remote workers who spend at least 183 days per year in Nepal. While implementation details are still under review, the Committee has also recommended basic financial and insurance thresholds for eligibility:

• Proof of remote work (employment, freelance, or business ownership based abroad)
• Minimum $1,500/month income or $20,000 in bank savings
• International health insurance with at least $100,000 coverage

While final requirements and rollout timelines have yet to be announced, these early guidelines reflect a growing regional interest in attracting global talent through location-flexible visa programs. Nepal’s visa would place it alongside over 50 countries that have introduced similar schemes since 2020.

Factors Making Nepal’s Entry Appealing

Nepal offers a unique balance for remote workers, an affordable cost of living, an inspiring natural setting, and growing infrastructure for online professionals. With coworking spaces, modern cafés, and reliable internet access in major cities, the country has steadily become more accessible for long-term foreign residents.

Kathmandu remains a go-to base for nomads thanks to its active coworking scene, walkable neighbourhoods, and blend of modern and historic architecture. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, Pokhara is emerging as a hotspot, offering lakeside living, mountain views, and fewer crowds.

Nepal’s appeal goes well beyond work. Cultural immersion is woven into everyday life, from Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples to traditional festivals and local cuisine. Remote workers can balance deadlines with trekking weekends, lakeside strolls, or early morning hikes in the Himalayas.

This proposed visa comes at a time when many countries are adjusting their residency policies to respond to shifts in remote work, lifestyle migration, and tourism. If enacted, Nepal’s program could help attract high-spending, long-stay visitors who contribute both economically and culturally, without competing in the local job market.