On this page
Non-Tourist Visa Assistance helps NGOs, INGOs, and foreign personnel understand the official steps for a Nepal Working Visa when the proposed work is connected to an organization or development activity. The Department of Immigration identifies a Working Visa as the category for foreign nationals permitted to accept employment and work in Nepal. Its published checklist includes a government line-agency recommendation, labour authorization, a Work Agreement, an appointment or contract letter, tax documents, and a General Agreement with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) for NGOs and INGOs. Immigration Nepal is an independent advisory service, not a government office or visa-issuing authority.
Which cases may fall under this route
A foreign national who will work for an NGO or INGO may need the appropriate Working Visa and other work authorization before beginning the proposed activity. The precise route depends on the organization's status, funding and agreements, the role, the applicant's circumstances, and the government agencies responsible for the activity. The Department of Immigration's general information says a relevant government line agency recommends a Working Visa application and that an SWC General Agreement is among the documents for NGOs and INGOs.
“Volunteer” is not a substitute for an official visa category. The official materials reviewed do not define a universal visa exemption for unpaid volunteering. If a visitor plans to provide services, join an NGO project, or carry out other organized activity, the organization and applicant should describe the actual duties and arrangement to the Department of Immigration and relevant line agency and ask which status and approvals apply. Do not assume that unpaid work is permitted on a Tourist Visa. The Department says a foreign national completing Working Visa paperwork may stay on a Tourist Visa while the application is pending; the visa category changes only after the Working Visa is approved. That temporary stay arrangement is not permission to work. Confirm your lawful stay and the point at which activity may begin with the Department.
The Department of Immigration lists other Non-Tourist Visa categories as well. This page focuses on organizational work and NGO/INGO related cases; it does not determine whether a different category applies to a particular visitor.
Documents to prepare
For a Working Visa, the Department of Immigration's published materials identify these documents. The responsible offices may request further or different evidence for the case:
- Online Working Visa application form or application receipt, as directed by the current portal.
- Recommendation letter from the concerned government line agency.
- Work Permit from the responsible labour authority.
- Work Agreement from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Appointment or employment contract letter describing the role.
- Tax clearance of the hiring organization or institution.
- Applicant tax clearance for a renewal if the applicant paid taxes individually.
- General Agreement with SWC for an NGO or INGO.
- Passport and current Nepal visa copies.
These are the Department of Immigration's published Working Visa items, not a guarantee that they form a complete checklist for every volunteer or organization. The SWC states that its Planning & Program Department handles INGO appraisal and agreements and makes recommendations for visa and customs exemption facilities. That does not mean every NGO or volunteer application follows an identical SWC process. Confirm whether the organization has the required agreement and which recommendation or additional evidence is needed for the proposed activity before filing.
How preparation usually works
- Describe the activity accurately. Set out the organization, role, duties, duration requested, funding or project arrangement, and whether the position is paid or unpaid. Ask the Department of Immigration and the responsible government line agency to confirm the applicable status and approvals.
- Check the organization's SWC position. Confirm with SWC whether the NGO or INGO agreement, project appraisal, or another organizational step applies. SWC is responsible for its own agreement and recommendation processes.
- Identify work authorization and recommendations. Ask the responsible line agency and labour authority what approvals apply to the role. The Department of Immigration's checklist refers to a Work Permit and Work Agreement; the responsible authorities determine the current requirements.
- Assemble the application file. Organize the recommendation, agreements, work authorization, appointment or contract, tax records, passport and visa copies, and online form. Check each document's current format and certification requirements with the issuing office.
- Submit through the official channel. The applicant or authorized organization representative submits the application and pays any government charge through the channel specified by the authorities. Only government officials can assess the file and decide whether to issue a visa.
Important limits and timing
Requirements may vary by role, organization, project, applicant status, and whether the application is new or a renewal. Official guidance and online procedures can change, and authorities may ask for additional documents. Confirm current forms, fees, application status, and lawful-stay arrangements directly with the Department of Immigration, SWC, and other responsible agencies. No fee, approval, eligibility result, or processing time is promised here.
Immigration Nepal can help explain published guidance, identify questions to take to the authorities, and organize a document set for the applicant or organization. We cannot issue visas, approve an NGO or project, provide a government recommendation or work permit, collect government fees as an authority, or guarantee an outcome. Our assistance is not formal legal representation.
Discuss an NGO or volunteer case
When you contact us, share the organization's type, the proposed activity and duties, whether the role is paid or unpaid, the applicant's current Nepal visa status, and any SWC or government approvals already obtained. Contact Immigration Nepal to discuss file preparation and the official points that need confirmation for your circumstances.
Eligibility
- Foreign nationals intending to work for an NGO or INGO should confirm the applicable Working Visa and work authorization with the responsible government agencies before beginning the activity.
- The applicable recommendation and approvals depend on the organization, project, role, funding arrangement, and applicant circumstances.
- The Department of Immigration identifies a government line-agency recommendation and an SWC General Agreement among the published NGO/INGO Working Visa requirements.
- Official sources reviewed do not establish a general visa exemption or separate visa category for unpaid volunteers; confirm the proposed duties and status with Immigration and the relevant line agency.
- A Tourist Visa, invitation letter, recommendation, or pending application should not be treated as permission to work.
Requirements
- Confirm with the Department of Immigration and relevant government line agency which visa and approvals match the specific activity.
- Confirm with SWC whether the organization's General Agreement, project appraisal, or recommendation process applies.
- Obtain the work authorization, Work Agreement, recommendation, and employer documents required for the specific Working Visa route.
- Complete the current online Working Visa application and follow the Department of Immigration's submission instructions.
- Verify current fees, forms, supporting evidence, and lawful-stay arrangements directly with the responsible authorities.
Documents to prepare
- Online Working Visa application form or receipt, as directed by the current portal.
- Recommendation letter from the concerned government line agency.
- Work Permit from the responsible labour authority and Work Agreement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, as required by Immigration.
- Appointment or employment contract letter describing the proposed role.
- Tax clearance for the hiring organization; applicant tax clearance for a renewal where the applicant paid taxes individually.
- General Agreement with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) for an NGO or INGO.
- Passport and current Nepal visa copies, plus any additional evidence requested by the responsible offices.
Process
-
1
Confirm the activity and visa route
Describe the actual duties, organization, project, paid or unpaid arrangement, and applicant status to the Department of Immigration and relevant government line agency.
-
2
Check SWC and organization requirements
Ask SWC whether the NGO or INGO agreement, appraisal, or recommendation process applies to the organization and project.
-
3
Obtain applicable work approvals
Confirm and obtain the line-agency recommendation, labour authorization, Work Agreement, and employer evidence required for the specific case.
-
4
Prepare and submit the application
Complete the current online application, organize supporting documents, and submit through the official channel specified by Immigration.
-
5
Follow the authority's decision
Respond to requests for further evidence and confirm the approved status and conditions directly with the responsible offices before relying on work authorization.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate Nepal visa for volunteers?
The official materials reviewed describe a Working Visa for foreign nationals who work in Nepal and identify NGOs and INGOs under that route. They do not establish a universal separate visa or exemption for unpaid volunteering. Describe the duties and arrangement to the Department of Immigration and relevant line agency and confirm the proper status before starting.
Does an NGO or INGO need an SWC agreement for a Working Visa?
The Department of Immigration lists a General Agreement with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) among its published Working Visa requirements for NGOs and INGOs. Confirm with SWC whether that agreement and any appraisal or recommendation steps apply to the specific organization and project.
Can I begin volunteering while my application is pending?
The Department of Immigration says a foreign national completing Working Visa paperwork may stay on a Tourist Visa while the application is pending; the category changes only after approval. A Tourist Visa is not permission to work. Confirm your lawful stay and when the proposed activity may begin with the Department and other responsible agencies.
What documents are commonly listed for an NGO/INGO Working Visa?
Immigration lists a line-agency recommendation, labour Work Permit, Ministry of Home Affairs Work Agreement, appointment or contract letter, organization tax clearance, applicant tax clearance for some renewals, SWC General Agreement, passport and visa copies, and an online application. Authorities may require further documents or case-specific steps.
Does Immigration Nepal issue visas or SWC recommendations?
No. Immigration Nepal is an independent advisory service. Government agencies make recommendations and decisions within their responsibilities; Immigration Nepal can help explain published steps and organize application materials but cannot issue a visa or provide an official recommendation.
General information only. Requirements depend on the facts of each case and can change, so confirm the current position before filing.