NRB Circular on Repatriation of Salary of Expatriate -Updated

1. The foreign exchange facility of foreign expatriates working in Nepal (“Expatriates“) with various companies and organizations to repatriate their income is currently regulated by Directive No. 07/078 (“Repatriation Directive“) of Unified FOREX Directive, 2078. The Repatriation Directive has authorized the Commercial Banks, Development Banks of national level and money changer (“Banks and Money Changer”) for providing such exchange facilities subject to the conditions set out in the Repatriation Directive.

2.      The Banks and Money Changer can directly provide the exchange facility to Expatriates to repatriate their salary and benefits. The Expatriates can repatriate up to 75 % of their salary and benefits after tax to their own country. They can repatriate the entire amount of provident fund or retirement fund after tax. However, if the Expatriates wants to repatriate the amount borrowed from such funds during the term of his/her employment, then s/he can repatriate up to 75% of such amount borrowed. 

3.       In accordance with the Repatriation Directive the Expatriates are allowed to repatriate up to USD 6,000 per month or USD 72,000 in a year. The restriction on amount does not apply to the Indian nationals. Specific approval of NRB is required for the Expatriates to repatriate the additional amount exceeding such ceiling.   

4.      The Repatriation Directive specifies the documents required for such exchange facilities. The document requirement list varies for Indian nationals and other foreign foreign nationals. The foreign nationals other than Indian nationals are required to submit: (a) application of the concerned employee, (b) recommendation letter of the employer firm or organization, (c) work permit issued by the Department of Labor, (d) contract/appointment letter and identity card of an employee, (e) receipt of payment of employment tax, (f) evidence regarding validity period of the visa. 

5.      The Indian nationals can repatriate their income on the submission of the following documents (a) application from the Expatriates, (b) recommendation from the employer, (c) employment letter/contract/identity, and (d) receipt of the payment of employment tax. 

Disclaimer: This Pioneer Law Briefing may necessarily deal with every important aspects if the subject matter. This Briefing is intended for general information only and not to be construed as legal or other advice.