Lawmakers Propose Amendment to Introduce Digital Nomad Visa in Nepal, Say Country Could Reap Major Benefits

KATHMANDU: A proposal to introduce a Digital Nomad Visa for foreign nationals has been registered as an amendment to Nepal’s Tourism Bill, aiming to provide a legal framework for remote workers who wish to live temporarily in Nepal while working for overseas employers or running international businesses online.

The amendment was tabled by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Anushka Shrestha, who has proposed changes to Clause 59 of the bill currently under parliamentary consideration.

Shrestha, herself an entrepreneur, argues that Nepal should capitalize on the growing global trend of remote work by allowing foreign professionals to legally reside in the country while working digitally for companies or clients abroad.

Legal Framework for Remote Workers

According to the proposed amendment, Nepal should establish a dedicated visa category for digital nomads instead of requiring them to enter the country on standard tourist visas.

Speaking about the proposal, Shrestha said many foreigners already travel to Nepal not solely for vacations but to combine work with travel under the remote work model.

“Many visitors tell us they are not here on holiday but are working remotely. If they were simply tourists, they would stay for only a week. Remote workers often remain for one or two months—or even longer. They work for eight hours and spend the rest of their time exploring Nepal,” she said.

The amendment, however, does not specify the proposed duration of the visa or provisions for renewal.

Existing Budget Announcement Yet to Be Implemented

The proposal revives an idea first recommended more than 15 months ago by the High-Level Economic Reform Recommendation Commission, chaired by former Finance Secretary Rameshwor Khanal.

Following the commission’s recommendation, then Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel announced the introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa in the previous fiscal year’s budget. However, the policy has yet to be implemented.

At present, foreign nationals typically enter Nepal on tourist visas. Those wishing to continue working remotely while staying in the country often face legal uncertainties because Nepal lacks a visa category specifically designed for remote workers.

Shrestha said introducing a dedicated visa would eliminate these hurdles while creating significant economic opportunities for Nepal.

‘Nepal Can Sell Its Environment’

Shrestha believes Nepal’s natural beauty could become a major attraction for global professionals seeking flexible work destinations.

“Imagine doing the same job, earning the same income, but surrounded by Nepal’s incredible natural environment instead of sitting in an office cubicle. That is an extremely marketable proposition today,” she said.

She added that many professionals struggle to take extended vacations because of work commitments, whereas remote work allows them to continue their jobs while living in destinations such as the Himalayas, Pokhara, Chitwan or Lumbini.

“People can complete their eight-hour workday and then spend the rest of the day exploring Nepal,” she said.

Commission Suggested Five-Year Visa

The Khanal-led commission had recommended issuing a five-year multiple-entry Digital Nomad Visa to eligible foreign nationals earning more than US$1,500 per month.

The commission further proposed that applicants should:

• Maintain bank savings exceeding US$20,000;
• Hold health insurance worth at least US$100,000 covering medical treatment in Nepal;
• Be allowed to open local bank accounts;
• Purchase vehicles in Nepal; and
• Pay a 5% income tax on their earnings.

According to the commission, cities and destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bharatpur and Lumbini are well suited to attract remote workers due to their infrastructure and tourism appeal.

Global Trend Gaining Momentum

The concept of digital nomadism has gained significant momentum worldwide following the COVID-19 pandemic, although the term dates back to the 1997 book Digital Nomad by Tsugio Makimoto and David Manners.

Today’s digital nomads typically include software developers, AI and machine learning engineers, freelancers, consultants, designers, content creators and digital marketing professionals who work online while traveling internationally.

Tourism Bill Under Parliamentary Review

The Tourism Bill was originally registered in the National Assembly on April 18, 2025 (Baisakh 5, 2082 BS) by then Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey. After being endorsed by the upper house, it is currently under discussion in the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives.

A total of 58 lawmakers, including Shrestha, have submitted amendment proposals to various provisions of the bill, with the Digital Nomad Visa emerging as one of the most notable policy proposals under consideration.