Nepal
NPLNepal is a landlocked South Asian nation nestled between India and China, home to eight of the world's ten tallest peaks including Everest. Kathmandu, the capital, is the cultural and economic hub. The economy relies on remittances, tourism, and agriculture. Nepal does not permit dual citizenship and naturalisation requires 15 years of continuous residence. The country operates a residence-based tax system. Cost of living is among the lowest in Asia, making it attractive for budget travellers and trekkers. Foreign ownership of land is restricted, and long-term residency visas for non-South-Asian nationals are limited and difficult to obtain.
Passport Rank
#103
Visa-Free
38
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Kathmandu
- Currency
- NPR
- Languages
- Nepali
- Population
- 30,034,989
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Naturalisation
- 15 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Varies from subtropical in the south (Terai) to alpine in the north; Himalayan peaks dominate the north
- English Proficiency Rank
- #62
Indices
Cost of Living
26
Safety
61
Healthcare
43
Quality of Life
97
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 15 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
Cost of Living by City
← scroll the table →
| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | — | — | — | — | — |
| Pokhara | — | — | — | — | — |
| Lalitpur | — | — | — | — | — |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Kathmandu
Rainfall range: 8–360 mm/month · Daylight 10h (winter) to 14h (summer)
Visa Categories & Immigration Authority
Major Visa Categories
- Tourist Visa (On Arrival)
- Business Visa
- Investor (Non-Residential Nepali) Visa
- Study Visa
- Work Visa
- Marriage Visa
- Diplomatic / Official Visa
- Residence Visa
- Transit Visa
- Trekking Permit (Restricted Area)
- Authority
- Department of Immigration
- Official Portal
- www.immigration.gov.np
- Phone
- +977 1 4494274
- info@immigration.gov.np
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- 15
- Language Test
- Yes (Nepali)
- Civic Test
- No
- Oath Required
- Yes
- Dual Allowed
- No
- Fee
- $25
- Processing
- ~12 months
Safety
GPI Rank
#69
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠Trekking gear rentals with counterfeit or substandard equipment charged at premium rates
- ⚠Fake or unlicensed trekking guides demanding large upfront fees then abandoning clients
- ⚠Overpriced gem and carpet shops using inflated 'wholesale' pitches targeting tourists near tourist hubs
Examples of areas to avoid: Thamel back-alleys late at night (petty theft and aggressive touts), Ratnapark bus station area after dark (pickpocketing and bag-snatching)
Related Guides
Sources & last verified
- Last verified 2026-06-15