Work permit renewal in Nepal
Renewing a work permit in Nepal typically involves applying to the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety (DoLOS) or Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) with required documentation, ensuring the employer supports the renewal. The process usually requires an application, a recommendation from the relevant ministry, and proof of ongoing employment.
It is generally advisable to initiate the work permit renewal process several weeks to a few months before the current permit's expiration date. This allows sufficient time for gathering all necessary documents, obtaining ministerial recommendations, and accounting for potential processing delays or appointment availability at the Department of Foreign Employment.
Start 60 days ahead
This lead time accounts for the potential need to gather various documents, obtain recommendations from line ministries, and allow for processing times at the Department of Foreign Employment.
The process
- 1Confirm the specific requirements and forms for renewal with the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) or the relevant one-stop service center.
- 2Obtain a recommendation letter for renewal from the relevant line ministry (e.g., Ministry of Industry, Tourism, or Education) that initially recommended the work permit.
- 3Prepare all necessary supporting documents, including the original work permit, passport and visa copies, and proof of employment.
- 4Complete the official work permit renewal application form, ensuring all details are accurate.
- 5Submit the application and all supporting documents to the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) or the designated renewal office.
- 6Pay the prescribed renewal fee at the designated counter or bank.
- 7Collect the renewed work permit once it has been processed and approved.
What to bring
- Original work permit
- Passport with valid visa
- Recommendation letter for renewal from the relevant line ministry
- Evidence of continued employment (e.g., renewed employment contract or letter from employer)
- Company registration documents (for the employer)
- Tax clearance certificate of the employing entity
- Application form for work permit renewal
- Passport-sized photographs (as per DoFE specifications)
Who handles it
Department of Foreign Employment (वैदेशिक रोजगार विभाग), Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Government of Nepal
The fee for work permit renewal varies based on the duration of the renewal period and the type of work. Current fees should be confirmed directly with the Department of Foreign Employment or checked on their official website.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure the recommendation from the relevant line ministry is obtained well in advance, as this can sometimes take time.
- Verify that the employer's company registration and tax documents are up-to-date and valid for the renewal period.
- Confirm the exact documentation and application procedure, as these can be subject to change or specific requirements depending on the sector.
- Be aware of the validity period of the visa, as the work permit renewal typically aligns with or requires a valid visa.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
Other documents in Nepal
Work permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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