Country guide · 2026Move to Nepal: Visas, Costs and the Real Logic of Relocation
Pokhara — nomad base on Lake Fewa: 1BR from $150–300/month, Annapurna 30 minutes away. Tourist Visa — up to 150 days/year. Full long-stay only via investment ($50K+). Medical care outside Kathmandu is first-aid only (CIWEC Clinic — the expat standard in Kathmandu).
Overview
Why Choose Nepal
Pokhara is a minimalist expat base on Lake Fewa — 1BR from $150–300/month with Annapurna 30 minutes away. Low cost, minimal bureaucracy for short stays.
Tourist Visa caps at 150 days per year — permanent residence requires $50K+ investment. Internet is unreliable outside a few spots. Medical outside Kathmandu is first aid only.
Visas
Visa Routes in 2026
Conditions change regularly. Verify current requirements on official government sources before applying.
| Visa | Duration | Key Requirements | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 15–90 days, extendable to 150 days/year | Standard | Tourism, short-term stay |
| Business Visa | Up to 1 year | Business activities | Business |
| Residential Permit | Up to 1 year, renewable | Sponsorship or investment ($50K+) | Long stay |
Cost of Living
Cost of Living in Nepal
Excludes insurance, visa fees, flights and setup costs.
Top Cities: Kathmandu · Pokhara · Nagarkot
Analysis
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pokhara: 1BR on Lake Fewa $150–300/month, Annapurna mountains 30 min away
- Tourist Visa issued on arrival, minimal bureaucracy
- CIWEC Clinic (Kathmandu) — international medical standard for expats
- One of the most affordable budgets in Asia at adequate comfort
Cons
- Tourist Visa: max 150 days/year — permanent residence without investment ($50K+) impossible
- Internet unreliable in most locations (weak local providers and Viasat)
- Medical care outside Kathmandu: first aid only, serious cases go to CIWEC or Delhi
- Frequent power outages (load shedding) in some areas
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Official Sources To Verify Before You Pay
Use these official pages for stay length, renewal logic, income proof, permitted activity, dependants and document checks before paying for housing, flights or services.
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