How Much Does It Cost to Go Abroad for Work from Nepal? (2026)
Realistic, destination-specific cost breakdown — service charge, DOFE, medical, insurance, ticket, visa. With itemised tables for Gulf, Europe and East Asia routes.
"How much does it cost?" is the most common question we hear at our Battishputali office. The honest answer: it depends on destination and contract type — but it's much less than most workers expect, if you go through a DOFE-licensed agency. This guide gives you the realistic 2026 numbers.
The bottom line
For most Gulf placements (UAE, Qatar, Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) via a DOFE-licensed agency: total out-of-pocket cost to the worker is typically NPR 25,000–45,000, because the employer usually covers air ticket and visa fee. For Europe placements: typically NPR 65,000–120,000, mainly because workers usually self-pay the first air ticket and sworn translation of documents. For Korea EPS: NPR 75,000–120,000, mostly Korean-language preparation. For Japan SSW: NPR 110,000–220,000, including Japanese language preparation and self-paid ticket.
Anyone asking for substantially more than these ranges — especially NPR 1 lakh, 3 lakh or 5 lakh upfront for any destination — is running a scam. The DOFE-approved service-charge cap for the Gulf is NPR 10,000.
Gulf breakdown (UAE, Qatar, Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman)
| Item | Cost (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service charge (DOFE-capped) | 10,000 | Government-set ceiling for Gulf |
| GAMCA medical | 6,500–12,000 | 90-day validity |
| FEPB welfare fund | 1,500 | Mandatory; covers welfare insurance |
| DOFE labour permit fee | 700–1,500 | Mandatory |
| PDO (orientation) | 700–1,500 | Mandatory 2-day orientation |
| Biometric / fingerprint | 1,500–3,500 | First-time migrants only |
| Police clearance | 500–1,000 | From district police |
| Embassy attestation | 2,500–6,000 | Documents need to be attested |
| Photos, photocopies, courier | 1,500–3,500 | Various small costs |
| Air ticket | 0–35,000 | Usually employer-paid for Gulf |
| Estimated total | 25,000–75,000 | Lower if employer pays ticket |
Europe breakdown (Poland, Romania, Croatia, Czech, Malta, Portugal, etc.)
| Item | Cost (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service charge (Europe cap) | 15,000–20,000 | Higher than Gulf |
| Visa application fee | 12,000–24,000 | Type D / Schengen national visa |
| Sworn translation of certificates | 3,500–8,000 | Into destination language |
| Medical examination | 8,000–12,000 | Country-specific clinic |
| TB clearance test | 1,500–3,500 | Some embassies require |
| DOFE + welfare fund + PDO | 4,000–6,000 | Mandatory |
| Travel insurance (Schengen) | 3,000–5,000 | For visa application |
| Air ticket (self-paid) | 35,000–65,000 | Usually paid by worker for first contract |
| Estimated total | 65,000–120,000 |
Korea EPS breakdown
Korea EPS is government-to-government, so private agency fees are absent. Main costs are language preparation and tests:
- Korean-language course: NPR 25,000–60,000
- EPS-TOPIK test fee: ~NPR 28,000
- Skill test fee: NPR 5,000–10,000
- Medical examination: NPR 8,000–12,000
- Welfare fund + PDO + admin: NPR 8,000–12,000
- Total: NPR 75,000–120,000. Air ticket is HRD-Korea arranged, cost-recovered through small salary deductions.
Japan SSW breakdown
- Japanese language course: NPR 35,000–80,000
- JFT-Basic / JLPT test fee: NPR 6,500–8,500
- Skill test fee: NPR 8,000–15,000
- Document attestation, sworn translation: NPR 10,000–15,000
- Medical, DOFE, welfare fund, PDO: NPR 12,000–18,000
- Air ticket (usually self-paid): NPR 45,000–80,000
- Total: NPR 110,000–220,000.
Recovering your investment
A typical Nepali migrant's monthly take-home (after living costs) ranges from NPR 35,000 (entry-level Gulf with food + accommodation provided) up to NPR 200,000+ (Japan SSW, EU skilled trades). So even the most expensive Japan SSW path pays back its NPR 220,000 setup cost within 2–3 months of working abroad. Gulf placements typically pay back within 1 month.
Use our DOFE Fee Estimator
For a destination-specific, role-specific breakdown with current 2026 numbers, use our DOFE Fee Estimator. It generates an itemised cost table you can print and share with family before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Why are different agencies quoting wildly different amounts?+
Either some are below the DOFE-approved ceiling (good, but verify they're legitimate), or some are charging massively above it (illegal scam). Always cross-check against the DOFE service-charge cap before signing anything.
What's the cheapest country to go to from Nepal?+
Korea EPS has the lowest setup cost relative to salary — typically NPR 75,000-120,000 for a destination paying NPR 230,000-300,000/month. Pays back in 1 month. Gulf placements are similar low setup with employer-paid tickets.
Can I get a loan to pay for the migration cost?+
Yes — several Nepali banks (NMB, NIC Asia, Prabhu) offer 'foreign-employment loans' specifically for migrant workers. Interest rates are typically 8-12% annually, secured against your future salary remittance. NRB also offers a Sajilo Karja scheme for some destinations.
What if I'm asked to pay extra after I'm selected?+
Refuse and contact DOFE immediately. Once you're selected, the cost structure is fixed — any 'urgent extra payment' demand is a scam. Get receipts for every payment from day one.
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