Moving to Nepal

Nepal offers tourist visas on arrival. Work and study permits are separate processes managed through relevant ministries. Long-term residency is limited.

Nepal's formal job market for foreigners is narrow and concentrated almost entirely in Kathmandu. The largest employers of international staff are UN agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, WHO), international NGOs (Save the Children, DFID partners, USAID implementers), embassies, and international schools. A small but growing tech and startup scene exists in Kathmandu, though salaries are modest. English is the working language in most international organizations.

Healthcare quality in Nepal varies dramatically. Kathmandu has several capable private hospitals including Norvic International Hospital, Grande International Hospital, CIWEC Hospital (the go-to clinic for expats and trekkers since the 1980s), and Nepal Mediciti. These facilities handle routine care, minor surgeries, and common tropical illnesses competently. For complex cases, cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, or serious trauma, most expats and wealthy Nepalis travel to hospitals in Bangkok, Delhi, or Singapore. Public hospitals like Bir Hospital and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital are overcrowded and under-resourced. There is no universal health insurance system; most expats carry international health insurance with evacuation coverage. Pharmacies are abundant and many medications are available without prescription at very low cost, though quality control can be inconsistent. Mental health services are extremely limited.

Nepal's digital infrastructure has improved significantly but remains inconsistent. Fiber internet from providers like WorldLink, Vianet, and Classic Tech is available in Kathmandu and Pokhara with speeds up to 100 Mbps, though actual performance varies by neighborhood and weather. Mobile data (4G) from Ncell and Nepal Telecom covers urban areas well but drops to 3G or Edge in rural regions.

Nepal is a deeply spiritual and community-oriented society where Hindu and Buddhist traditions intertwine in daily life. Temples and shrines are everywhere, from massive complexes like Pashupatinath and Boudhanath to tiny roadside altars. The concept of 'dharma' (duty, righteousness) shapes social interactions, and respect for elders and hierarchy is fundamental. Despite being one of the poorest countries in Asia, Nepalis are renowned for their warmth, hospitality, and resilience. Social life revolves around family, festivals (there are more than 50 major festivals per year), and food. Dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) is eaten twice a day by most Nepalis and is considered the foundation of all strength. The pace of life is unhurried; meetings start late, bureaucracy moves at its own pace, and the concept of 'Nepali time' (roughly 30-60 minutes behind schedule) is well established. The caste system, while officially abolished, still influences social dynamics, marriage patterns, and to some degree, professional opportunities.

• •Remove your shoes before entering homes, temples, and many shops. This is non-negotiable and deeply ingrained.
• •The Nepali greeting is 'Namaste' with palms pressed together. Use it freely; it is always appreciated and never wrong.
• •Do not touch anyone's head, as it is considered the most sacred part of the body. Similarly, do not point the soles of your feet at people or religious objects.
• •During Dashain (the biggest festival, usually in October), expect everything to slow down or close for up to two weeks. Offices empty, flights fill up, and goat prices triple.
• •Beef is illegal to sell or consume in Nepal (the cow is the national animal and sacred). Buffalo meat ('buff') is the common substitute and widely available.