How to send money to Nepal in 2026: to family, to yourself for the length of a visa and to invest in a business
In 2026 a Nepali bank credits an international transfer in 1-3 business days: in rupees at its own rate or in dollars to a foreigner's currency account opened for the length of the visa. Up to $10,000 the name, number and purpose are enough, and a larger sum needs a statement and a contract.
In short
- A transfer takes 1-3 business days and is credited in rupees.
- A foreigner's account is valid for the length of the visa.
- An investment in a company starts from 20 million rupees ($130,000).
- $16.19 billion of transfers reached the country in 2025/26.
In detail
Nepal, 8 October 2026: which routes money takes
The routes were checked on 8 October 2026, and sums are converted at 155 rupees per US dollar. In the 2025/26 fiscal year 2.36 trillion rupees ($16.19 billion) of transfers from abroad reached the country, 37.1% more than a year earlier, so banks deal with them every day.
| Route | Now | Currency credited | Time | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer to a rupee account | works | Nepali rupees at the bank's rate | 1-3 business days | the account number, the bank's international code, the recipient's name |
| Transfer to a foreigner's currency account | works | US dollars and other currencies | 1-3 business days | the account holder's passport and visa |
| Money transfer company licensed by the central bank | works | Nepali rupees | from a few minutes | the recipient's ID document |
| Transfer for an investment in a company | works | currency exchanged into rupees | after the investment is approved | the investment approval, the contract, documents on the money |
Is the sender's bank asking why the money is going to the Himalayas? There are usually more options than it seems: a manager will check your case and suggest a route for the sum.
A foreigner's account in Nepal lasts as long as the visa
150 days in a calendar year is the limit of a tourist visa in Nepal, and under central bank rules a foreigner's account is opened for exactly the length of the visa. When the visa is extended, the account is extended too, and someone who stays in the country keeps it by updating their details at the bank. So the sum for a trek, study or volunteering is best sent to match the visa term, not a year ahead.
On departure the balance in currency is sent to your own account at a foreign bank: the account in Nepal is closed and departure documents are shown to the bank. The rupee itself has been pegged to the Indian rupee at 1.6 since 1993, so its rate to the dollar moves together with the Indian rupee.
A recipient without an account receives money from transfer companies licensed by the central bank, and they have outlets in every town. This is often more convenient for a family in a village, while for their own spending a foreigner finds a currency account for the length of the visa simpler.
Investing in a Nepali company: from 20 million rupees and an approval
20 million rupees ($130,000) is the minimum foreign investment in most sectors under the 2019 foreign investment law. Until November 2022 the threshold was 50 million, and for information technology and software development there is now none. Since 16 February 2026 investment in 102 types of business has followed a simplified procedure with no upper limit on the sum. The Department of Industry issues the approval, and large projects are reviewed by the investment board.
The money comes from abroad in currency through a bank and is exchanged into rupees. A registered investment gives the right to send profit abroad, and the capital itself when the stake is sold, with central bank permission. So it is important that the transfer goes straight from the investor to the company, with the payment purpose under the contract.
So that the investment is recognised and the profit can later be returned, we will suggest how best to send money to a Nepali company and which papers to attach to the transfer.
We will help you send money to Nepal
Mistakes cost more than fees: an investment not sent straight to the company, which is then hard to register and return, a balance left in the account after the visa ends, a transfer for a year ahead on a three-month visa. We will help you avoid them: we will choose the route and timing, prepare documents on the source of the money for the bank and the authorities and carry out the transfer through to crediting.
Details and terms are with a manager in the chat: the cost depends on the sum and the purpose of the transfer.
From a trek to an investment: what papers each sum needs
- Up to $10,000. The bank checks the name, the account number and the purpose: a trek, study, family support.
- $10,000-100,000. The sender's account statement and a contract are attached to the transfer: a lease, a study contract, a services contract.
- From $100,000. You need the investment approval, the contract with the company and documents on the source of the money. Here a manager will help put the package together before sending.
Money for a trek and living costs is best sent in parts: a separate sum for each visa extension, so that the balance in the account on departure is smaller and is sent back faster.
More on the papers is in the article on proof of source of funds, and on sending a large sum in the article on sending a large sum abroad. All your capital step by step is on the capital relocation page.
Sending money to neighbouring countries
- How to send money to India: an open border and a rupee pegged at 1.6
- How to send money to China: the northern neighbour beyond the Himalayas
- How to send money to Qatar: a country where many Nepalis work
- How to send money to Malaysia: the second large work centre
- How to send money to the UAE: work and a stopover in Dubai
- How to send money to Saudi Arabia: construction sites and contracts
If you are moving with capital, start with the capital relocation page.
FAQ
Can a foreigner open an account at a bank in Nepal?
What is the minimum foreign investment in Nepal?
How much money reaches Nepal in transfers from abroad?
Can profit from an investment be taken out of Nepal?
We will suggest the best way to send your money
We will choose a transfer method for your amount and country, prepare the documents on the origin of the money for the bank, make the transfer through licensed partners and follow it until the money is credited. Ask your question in the chat - the manager will suggest the best terms and the cost. The legal side with banks and government bodies is handled by Murblz specialists and locally licensed partners.
Details and cost are with the manager in the chat. Describe your situation and we will reply right away.
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