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Relationship Visa Assistance helps eligible foreign relatives of Nepali citizens prepare for Nepal’s Non-Tourist Relation Visa process. The Department of Immigration (DOI) describes this visa for qualifying kin of Nepali citizens and identifies a separate category for certain relatives of foreign nationals married to Nepali citizens. DOI assesses applications and decides whether to issue a visa. Immigration Nepal is an independent advisory service, not a government office.
Who may qualify for a Relationship Visa?
DOI’s published guidance says kin of Nepali citizens may apply, and its visa information distinguishes direct relatives from relatives of a foreign spouse of a Nepali citizen. The relationship must be established with documentation acceptable to DOI. A family connection by itself does not guarantee eligibility or approval, and the applicable category can depend on how the applicant is related to the Nepali citizen. The Nepali relative must be a Nepali citizen, not a foreign passport holder, and DOI’s guidance requires that relative to appear in person. If your family relationship runs through a foreign spouse, ask DOI to confirm the correct category and supporting evidence before preparing the application.
Documents to prepare
DOI’s published checklist identifies the following core items for a Relation Visa: - The applicant’s valid passport and a photocopy of the latest Nepal visa, if one has been issued.
- A completed online visa application and application receipt, as directed by DOI.
- An original and photocopy of a relationship certificate issued by the relevant local body establishing the relationship with the Nepali relative.
- The Nepali relative’s citizenship certificate, original and photocopy.
- The Nepali relative’s in-person attendance at the Department of Immigration.
- Additional official records that help establish the relationship, where applicable. An immigration office checklist names vital-registration records and other government-issued identification as examples of supporting evidence. Document requirements may depend on the family relationship and the issuing authority. Ask DOI or the relevant local body whether the certificate must identify a particular relationship, whether originals are required, and whether further records or translations are needed. Do not assume that one document proves every type of kinship.
How the application process works
- Confirm the category. Explain how the applicant is related to the Nepali citizen and whether the relationship is direct or through a foreign spouse. Confirm the appropriate Non-Tourist Relation Visa route with DOI.
- Obtain relationship evidence. Contact the relevant local body about a relationship certificate and gather official records that support the stated family connection.
- Complete the online application. Follow DOI’s current application instructions and prepare the passport and latest visa copy, if applicable.
- Attend DOI verification. The Nepali relative should be available to appear in person with citizenship evidence. Follow DOI’s instructions about originals, copies, and any additional records.
- Check the decision and visa conditions. DOI decides the application and sets the visa conditions. Confirm the applicable fee, permitted period, re-entry option, and renewal steps directly with DOI because these details can change and may vary by category.
Work and other limits
A Relationship Visa does not by itself authorize employment. DOI states that Relationship Visa holders need a Work Permit from the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety (DoLOS) before working. The DoLOS manual confirms that the department provides work permits to foreign citizens. Confirm the current work authorization process with the responsible authorities before accepting paid or unpaid work. This is a temporary visa category, not permanent residence. Follow the conditions and expiry date shown on any visa issued and confirm renewal requirements with DOI.
How Immigration Nepal can assist
We can help you understand the published checklist, organize family relationship evidence, and identify questions to confirm with DOI or the local body issuing your certificate. We cannot decide eligibility, issue a visa, collect government fees as an authority, or promise approval or processing time. When you contact us, describe the applicant’s relationship to the Nepali citizen, where the applicant is applying from, and which relationship documents are already available. Contact Immigration Nepal to discuss independent application-preparation assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Relationship Visa the same as a Marriage Visa?
No. DOI lists Relation and Marriage as separate Non-Tourist Visa categories. The Relationship Visa concerns qualifying family relationships; the Marriage Visa applies to a foreign spouse of a Nepali citizen. Confirm the correct category with DOI if you are unsure.
Does any relative of a Nepali citizen qualify?
Not automatically. DOI requires the relationship to be established, and its information distinguishes direct relatives from certain relatives of foreign spouses of Nepali citizens. Ask DOI which category applies to your exact family relationship.
Does the Nepali relative need to attend?
DOI’s Relationship Visa guidance says the Nepali kin must be present in person. Confirm attendance arrangements and required original documents with DOI before visiting.
What relationship documents are needed?
DOI lists a relationship certificate issued by a local body and the Nepali relative’s citizenship certificate. An immigration office checklist also identifies vital-registration records and other government-issued documents as possible supporting evidence. The exact records depend on the relationship and should be confirmed with DOI.
Can I work on a Relationship Visa?
The visa alone does not authorize work. DOI says a Relationship Visa holder must acquire a Work Permit from the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety (DoLOS) before working. Verify the current requirements with the responsible authorities.
How much does the visa cost and how long does it take?
Fees and processing information can differ by category and can change. Confirm current charges and processing arrangements directly with DOI; Immigration Nepal does not set government fees or processing times.
Eligibility
- The applicant must establish a qualifying family relationship recognized for the Department of Immigration’s Non-Tourist Relation Visa category.
- DOI describes routes for direct relatives of Nepali citizens and certain relatives of foreign nationals married to Nepali citizens; confirm which applies to the applicant’s relationship.
- The Nepali relative must be a Nepali citizen and, under DOI’s published guidance, must appear in person.
- A family relationship does not guarantee visa eligibility, issuance, duration, or approval.
Requirements
- Confirm the correct Relation Visa category with the Department of Immigration before applying.
- Apply through DOI’s current online application process and follow its submission instructions.
- Obtain relationship evidence from the relevant local body and bring supporting official records as directed by DOI.
- Arrange for the Nepali relative to attend DOI in person with citizenship evidence.
- Obtain a Work Permit from the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety (DoLOS) before undertaking work on this visa.
Documents to prepare
- Applicant’s valid passport and photocopy of the latest Nepal visa, if applicable.
- Completed online visa application and application receipt, as instructed by DOI.
- Original and photocopy of a relationship certificate issued by the relevant local body.
- Original and photocopy of the Nepali relative’s citizenship certificate.
- The Nepali relative’s in-person attendance at the Department of Immigration.
- Additional relationship evidence, such as vital-registration records or other government-issued identification, if applicable and requested.
Process
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1
Confirm the visa category
Explain the exact family relationship to DOI and verify whether the application is as a direct relative of a Nepali citizen or through a foreign spouse.
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2
Collect relationship evidence
Request a relationship certificate from the relevant local body and gather official supporting records. Ask DOI which evidence is appropriate for the applicant’s family relationship.
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3
Complete the online application
Follow current DOI instructions and prepare the applicant’s passport and latest Nepal visa copy, if applicable.
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4
Attend DOI verification
Arrange for the Nepali relative to appear in person with citizenship evidence. Follow DOI’s directions about originals, copies, and supplementary records.
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5
Confirm the decision and conditions
DOI decides the application. Confirm the current fee, visa period, re-entry conditions, and renewal process directly with the Department.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Relationship Visa the same as a Marriage Visa?
No. DOI lists Relation and Marriage as separate Non-Tourist Visa categories. The Relationship Visa concerns qualifying family relationships; the Marriage Visa applies to a foreign spouse of a Nepali citizen. Confirm the correct category with DOI if you are unsure.
Does any relative of a Nepali citizen qualify?
Not automatically. DOI requires the relationship to be established and distinguishes direct relatives from certain relatives of foreign spouses of Nepali citizens. Ask DOI which category applies to your exact family relationship.
Does the Nepali relative have to appear in person?
DOI’s Relationship Visa guidance says the Nepali kin must be present in person. Confirm attendance arrangements and required original documents with DOI before visiting.
Which documents establish the relationship?
DOI lists a relationship certificate issued by a local body and the Nepali relative’s citizenship certificate. An immigration office checklist also identifies vital-registration records and other government-issued documents as possible supporting evidence. Confirm which records apply to your relationship with DOI.
Can a Relationship Visa holder work in Nepal?
The visa alone does not authorize work. DOI says a Relationship Visa holder must acquire a Work Permit from the Department of Labour before working. Verify current requirements with the responsible authorities.
How much does a Relationship Visa cost?
Charges may depend on the category and can change. Check current fees and any re-entry charges directly with DOI before applying.
General information only. Requirements depend on the facts of each case and can change, so confirm the current position before filing.