Nepali nationals form a significant expatriate community in UAE, primarily in hospitality, construction, retail, and domestic work. UAE is one of Nepal’s top remittance-receiving countries. This guide covers UAE visa options for Nepali nationals in 2026.
In this guide:
UAE Work Permit for Nepali Nationals
- Approved sectors: Nepali workers are most commonly employed in hospitality (hotel staff, restaurants), security (Gurkha security services), construction, and retail
- Official recruitment: Nepal’s Foreign Employment Act governs overseas employment; workers must use DOFE (Department of Foreign Employment)-registered agencies; avoid illegal recruiters
- UAE work permit process: UAE employer applies to MOHRE → MOHRE approval → entry permit issued → medical in Nepal → travel to UAE → change of status
- Orientation: Nepal Foreign Employment Board (NFEB) conducts pre-departure orientation for Nepal workers; mandatory for first-time UAE workers
UAE Tourist Visa for Nepali Nationals
- No visa on arrival: Nepali passport holders do NOT get UAE visa on arrival
- UAE tourist visa: apply via UAE embassy in Kathmandu or through UAE airline websites (Emirates, Flydubai); 30 or 60 day visa
- Requirements: bank statement (showing at least USD 1,000 equivalent); employment or business proof; confirmed accommodation; return ticket; NOC from employer if employed
- Processing time: 3-7 business days at UAE embassy Kathmandu
UAE Visa for Nepali Skilled Professionals
- Doctors and nurses: UAE DHA (Dubai Health Authority) recognises Nepali medical qualifications; Nepali doctors and nurses can apply for DHA/HAAD registration; professional visa category
- IT professionals: Nepali software developers and IT workers increasingly employed in UAE tech sector; employer-sponsored work visa in professional category
- Engineers: Nepali civil and electrical engineers employed in UAE construction sector; engineering work permit requires credential verification through UAE engineering bodies
UAE Remittance for Nepali Workers
- UAE is Nepal’s #1 remittance source: Nepali workers send billions of dollars home annually; UAE banking system facilitates international transfers
- Transfer options: Al Ansari Exchange; Lulu Exchange; Western Union; bank transfer; online apps (Wise, Remitly); compare rates before transferring
- Frequency and amounts: most Nepali workers remit monthly; WPS ensures they receive salary on time and can remit regularly