Nepal to Introduce Digital Nomad Visa to Attract Remote Workers and Boost Economy
In a bold move to position itself as a remote work destination, the government of Nepal has announced plans to introduce a digital nomad visa within a year. The initiative, aimed at drawing foreign remote workers and strengthening the country’s digital economy, is detailed in the newly issued Economic Reform Implementing Work Plan 2025 from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
The policy offers a five-year, multiple-entry digital nomad visa for remote workers who meet certain financial and health insurance criteria. Eligible applicants must earn more than $1,500 per month or maintain a bank balance exceeding $20,000. They must also carry health insurance worth at least $100,000, valid in Nepali hospitals.
Digital nomads granted this visa will be permitted to reside in Nepal for at least one year at a time, open bank accounts, and even purchase vehicles. Additionally, foreign driving licenses will be recognized under the new scheme. If a nomad’s savings exceed $50,000, any surplus can be transferred to foreign banks, and upon the visa’s expiry, the remaining balance can be withdrawn in full.
The government has also outlined a 5 percent income tax on digital nomads residing in Nepal for more than 186 days a year, aligning with international norms while ensuring contributions to the national revenue.
Implementation of the policy will involve coordination between multiple ministries, including Tourism, Home Affairs, Information Technology, and Finance, while the Office of the Prime Minister will supervise and facilitate the process.
Infrastructure Development and Private Sector Role
To support the anticipated influx of remote workers, the government will encourage investment in physical and digital infrastructure. This includes enhancing high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and recreational facilities that cater to global professionals. The Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Telecommunications Authority will oversee these developments, while the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Information Technology will ensure smooth facilitation and regulation.
Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, expressed optimism about the initiative, noting that the board has long been advocating for a digital nomad-friendly policy. He emphasized Nepal’s unique appeal—including its welcoming culture, pleasant climate, and vibrant festivals—as key assets in attracting long-term international visitors.
“The current tourist visa structure doesn’t support extended stays,” Joshi said. “With the new policy, Nepal can attract high-quality tourists with strong spending power, especially those from the tech sector.”
Boost to Nepal’s Digital Economy
Chiranjibi Adhikari, senior vice president of the Federation of Computer Association Nepal, welcomed the policy as a major step toward boosting the country’s digital economy. He emphasized the feasibility of the plan with current infrastructure, but recommended the formation of an expert committee and the inclusion of private sector representatives to guide implementation.
Adhikari also stressed the importance of promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nepal’s IT sector to support the initiative’s long-term success.
Currently, 4G services from Nepal Telecom and Ncell cover all 77 districts, and 5G trials have already begun. However, telecom operators have highlighted the need for government assistance to overcome high infrastructure costs and revenue challenges.
With global interest in flexible work environments growing, Nepal’s digital nomad visa policy signals a proactive approach to tapping into a new economic stream. If executed effectively, it could transform Nepal into a hub for location-independent professionals and usher in a new era of tech-driven.
