Living in Nepal
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Nepal, including guidance on residency, healthcare and driving.
Introduction
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Nepal. Read about how our British Embassy Kathmandu Nepal can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Nepalese authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy Kathmandu on Facebook and Twitter
Before you go
See our travel advice for Nepal for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Please refer to our Overseas Business Risk report if you have any commercial interest in Nepal
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Nepal in our travel advice.
See how to apply for a visa to enter Nepal.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Nepal.
Check the Nepal travel advice.
Healthcare in Nepal
There is no healthcare agreements for Nepal for British Nationals.
If you cannot register for healthcare, you must ensure you have private healthcare cover for Nepal
NOTE: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Nepal Department of Health Services
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Nepal. Certain medicines may not be available in Nepal (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Nepal to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines
Working in Nepal
If you are planning to move to Nepal and work, you may need a visa. Read the Nepal government’s and how to get a visa. Detail of document and visa fees.
To apply for a job you may need to provide:
- Recommendation letter
- Work/labour Permit
- Work Agreement
- Appointment/Contract letter
- Tax clearance certificate of the hiring organization
- Tax clearance certificate
- General agreement with social welfare council (NGOs/INGO;s)
- Valid passport
- Other supporting documents, if required.
Staying in Nepal
If you plan to study in Nepal, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Nepal to check what fees you have to pay.
Tax
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Nepal. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Nepal. Find a lawyer abroad
Nepal provides relief against international double taxation to residents by granting foreign tax credits. To obtain this relief, the total income of such person is taxed under the rates applicable in Nepal. The taxes so calculated are allowed to be reduced by the taxes already paid in other countries, if the said foreign country has signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with Nepal. However, such reduction is limited to the average rate of tax payable in Nepal by a concerned taxpayer.
Read guidance on:
Tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
Tax on your UK income if you live abroad
Tax if you get a pension and live abroad
Paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
If you retire in Nepal, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupees. If you are visiting Nepal you can bring cash and/or a bank with you and exchange US dollars or withdraw Nepalese rupees from the ATM machine in Nepal. Scottish and Northern Ireland bank notes are not accepted in Nepal. There are ATM cash machines in most large towns, cities and hotels in Nepal. You will have to declare any amount exceeding US$5,000 in bank notes and travellers cheques combined in on your Customs declaration when you arrive in the country. The airport desk will then help convert your Nepali currency back to the foreign currency. Residents can open bank account at most banks in Nepal. Valid identification of necessary. The bank may have additional requirements depending on your residence status, type of account, business/income source etc.
Accommodation and buying property
In respect of acquisition of property by foreign nationals, the Country Civil Code prevents the foreign nationals to acquire immovable property in Nepal without approval of Nepal Government. The foreign nationals are also restricted to take the immovable property on lease for agriculture, construction of house or development of housing (who are not eligible to acquire immovable property). Section 432 and Section 620 of the Country Civil Code provides for such restrictions.
Driving in Nepal
British Nationals with a valid UK driving licence will need to apply for a driving permit from Department of Transport.
Read the guidance on what actions you must do to drive legally in Nepal.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (eg the DVLA)
Guidance for travelling by road in Nepal.
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see driving licence rules in Nepal, if you live there.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Nepal, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can check if you are able to vote. Register as an overseas voter
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Nepal you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Nepal read our guidance on: What to do if someone dies abroad Bereavement guidance for Nepal. English-speaking funeral directors in Nepal.
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
You will need to book an appointment to come and see us.
Pets
Regulations on importing pets.
Emergencies
Dial the 01 – 4247041 for the Tourist police, Toll free, Hot line Dial 1144, ambulance Call 102, or fire brigade Call 101, or dial: the hotline number 104 to report a missing child.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Nepal.
English speaking lawyers in Nepal.
If you’re a victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis please contact the British Embassy Kathmandu
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Last updated 24 August 2023 + show all updates
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Paragraph amended
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Updated the broken links
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First published.
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Removed the Corona virus information from the guidance.