🛂 UAE Work Visa for Nepalese Citizens (2026)
Eligibility, documents and process — plus a free fee calculator on the main /visa page.
Quick answer
Nepalese passport holders are not eligible for UAE visa-on-arrival. A pre-arranged Work Visa is required before travel, obtainable through an airline, licensed travel agency, or UAE-based sponsor.
Eligibility for Nepalese passport holders
Nepalese passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival. A pre-arranged visa is required.
Nepal has a growing expatriate community in the UAE, particularly in services and construction.
About the UAE Work Visa
Employer-sponsored residence visa that lets the holder live and work in the UAE for the duration of their employment contract.
Typical documents
- Passport copy with at least 6 months validity
- Attested educational certificates (degree, diploma)
- Signed employment contract from a UAE-based employer
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID application
- Health insurance (typically employer-provided)
- Work permit or entry permit issued by MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority
How Nepalese citizens typically apply
Applications for Nepalese passport holders are typically routed through the following authorized channels:
- Authorized travel agencies in Kathmandu
- UAE Embassy visa section
- ICP portal with UAE sponsor
- Hotel sponsorship
Nearest UAE diplomatic mission: Kathmandu (Embassy).
Notes specific to Nepalese applicants
- Nepal is on the UAE's mandatory Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) list (effective April 2026) — applies broadly across visa categories.
- Stricter document verification rules have been introduced for Nepali applicants in 2026.
- Hotel sponsorship is a common route for tourist applicants.
Common rejection reasons
- Failed medical fitness test
- Unattested educational certificates
- Employer not in good standing with MOHRE
- Previous absconding or labour case record
- Mismatched job title vs. qualifications
Process notes
- UAE law requires the EMPLOYER to cover all work-visa costs, including renewals. Employees should not be asked to pay these out of pocket.
- Free zone employment visas typically cost less than mainland employment visas.
- For an estimate of current fees, use the calculator on the main UAE Visa page.
Get current fees and currency conversion
Visa fees change periodically and are quoted in AED. Use these free tools to estimate costs in your currency:
Planning the move itself?
FAQ
Nepalese passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival. A pre-arranged visa is required.
Employer-sponsored residence visa that lets the holder live and work in the UAE for the duration of their employment contract.
A UAE Work Visa is typically valid for Typically 2 years; tied to the employment contract. It can be extended subject to current rules.
Typical documents include: Passport copy with at least 6 months validity; Attested educational certificates (degree, diploma); Signed employment contract from a UAE-based employer; Recent passport-size photographs. Specific requirements may vary by sponsor and emirate.
Yes. Nepal is on the UAE's mandatory PCC list for residence visa applications (effective April 2026). The PCC must be attested before submission.
Fees vary by visa duration, sponsor, and processing speed. For an up-to-date estimate, use the free UAE Visa Fee Calculator on the main /visa page.