How Much Does It Cost to Go Abroad for Work from Nepal? (2026)
A practical, destination-by-destination breakdown of service charge, DOFE fees, medical, insurance, ticket and visa costs for Gulf, Malaysia and European routes.
"How much does it cost?" is the first question most workers and families ask. The honest answer: it depends on the destination and the contract type. Through a DOFE-licensed agency, total out-of-pocket cost is usually in the range of NPR 25,000 to NPR 120,000, with Gulf routes at the low end. The figures below are indicative. Fees and ceilings change, so confirm the current numbers with DOFE and your agency before you pay.
The bottom line
For most Gulf placements (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait), the employer usually covers the air ticket and visa fee, so the worker's cost is mostly medical, DOFE fees, insurance and documents: typically NPR 25,000–45,000. Malaysia is similar in structure, but check what the employer covers for your sector. For European placements (Romania, Croatia, Serbia), expect higher costs, roughly NPR 65,000–120,000, mainly because workers often pay their first air ticket and for translation of documents.
Anyone asking for far more than these ranges (for example NPR 1 lakh, 3 lakh or 5 lakh upfront) is a warning sign. Ask for the DOFE ceiling in writing, and get a receipt for every payment.
Gulf breakdown (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait)
| Item | Cost (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service charge (DOFE-capped) | up to 10,000 | Government-set ceiling; verify current figure |
| 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 |
| Document attestation | 2,500–6,000 | Needed for many destinations |
| 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 (Romania, Croatia, Serbia)
| Item | Cost (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service charge | per DOFE ceiling | Can differ from Gulf; confirm in writing |
| Visa application fee | 12,000–24,000 | Varies by country and visa type |
| Sworn translation of certificates | 3,500–8,000 | Into destination language |
| Medical examination | 8,000–12,000 | Country-specific clinic |
| DOFE + welfare fund + PDO | 4,000–6,000 | Mandatory |
| Travel insurance | 3,000–5,000 | If required for the visa |
| Air ticket (often self-paid) | 35,000–65,000 | Check the contract |
| Estimated total | 65,000–120,000 |
A licensed agency keeps these costs within the regulated ceiling and helps with documentation, visa processing support and embassy steps. Read how our recruitment procedure works before you decide.
Recovering your investment
Many workers recover their setup cost within a few months of starting work, depending on salary, living costs and how much the employer provides (accommodation, food, transport). Do the maths with the actual offer in your contract, not with promises made in conversation.
Use the DOFE Fee Estimator
For a destination-specific breakdown, use the DOFE Fee Estimator. It gives an itemised cost table you can print and share with family before deciding.
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Published by the editorial team at Power Support. Articles are general guidance. Always confirm current rules with DOFE.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Why are different agencies quoting wildly different amounts?
Either some are below the DOFE-approved ceiling (good, but verify they are legitimate), or some are charging far above it, which is illegal. Always cross-check against the DOFE service-charge ceiling before signing anything.
What is the cheapest route from Nepal?
Gulf routes are usually the lowest in upfront cost, because the employer commonly pays for the air ticket and visa. European routes cost more because of visa fees, translation and the ticket.
Can I get a loan to pay for the migration cost?
Some Nepali banks and financial institutions offer foreign-employment loans. Interest rates and terms vary, so compare them carefully and borrow only what the confirmed contract can repay.
What if I'm asked to pay extra after I'm selected?
Refuse and contact DOFE. Once you are selected, the cost structure should be clear and in writing. An urgent extra payment demand is a red flag. Get a receipt for every payment from day one.
Is the total cost paid all at once, or in installments?
Fees are normally paid as each step is completed (medical, visa fee, ticket), against receipts. A demand for the full amount before any process has started is a red flag worth reporting to DOFE.
Ready to take the next step?
Get in touch and we will explain the process and the paperwork.