How to move to India from Nepal

Nepalis can live and work in India freely — no visa or work permit needed, under the 1950 treaty.

Why Nepalis go: Open border, no visa, no labour permit, same rights to work as Indians in most private jobs, and cheap to reach.

The catch: Wages are lower than in the Gulf, Malaysia or Korea, and workers in India have little official protection or insurance from Nepal.

Most common route: Cross by land with your citizenship certificate or passport and find work (or study) directly.

Work or study without a visa

As a Nepali citizen you don't need a visa to enter, live, work or study in India.

• Who it's for: Any Nepali citizen.
• Cost: No visa fees.
• Time: Immediate.
• Stay: No limit.
• Family: Yes.
• Leads to permanent residence: Not needed — you already have the right to stay.

Indian Army Gorkha regiments

Nepalis have served in India's Gorkha regiments for generations. No Nepali has been recruited since India introduced the short-term Agnipath scheme in 2022, because Nepal has not agreed to it. As of August 2026 it had not resumed.

• Who it's for: Young Nepali men (when recruitment is open).
• Cost: Free.
• Time: Not currently running.
• Stay: Service contract.
• Family: —
• Leads to permanent residence: —

Scams to avoid

• Traffickers often take people through India to the Gulf or Europe on fake promises. Always get a Nepal labour permit for jobs beyond India.

If you need help in India

Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi

Last checked 2026-10-17. All countries · Before you leave Nepal