Tool
Document Checklist for Foreign Employment
Pick your destination country and role to generate a personalised checklist of every document you need. Missing even one document can delay your departure by weeks.
Tell us where & what
Documents for Construction in United Arab Emirates
- Valid passport (minimum 18 months remaining validity)
- Recent passport-size photos (white background, 4–6 copies)
- Updated CV / résumé (in English)
- Academic certificates (SLC/SEE and above) — original + copies
- Police clearance certificate (issued within last 3 months)
- CTEVT skill certificate (for trade roles)
- DOFE Pre-approval (processed through your licensed agency)
- Labour Permit (Shram Anumati) — issued by DOFE
- Worker insurance — FEPB welfare-fund coverage
- GAMCA-approved medical fitness certificate
- Biometric / fingerprint enrolment for Gulf visa
- Embassy attestation of academic / experience certificates
This checklist is indicative. Once you're shortlisted for a specific job, our compliance team will issue a job-specific checklist with employer-specific requirements.
Document Guide
Why each document matters
Every document on the checklist serves a specific legal or practical purpose. Understanding why it is required helps you prepare it correctly the first time.
Passport
CriticalYour passport must have at least 18 months of remaining validity when you apply for an overseas job. Many embassies and employers require 24 months. Renew early — a new/renewed passport takes 3–4 weeks from the Department of Passports. Cost: NPR 5,000–12,000 depending on type.
Police Clearance Certificate
CriticalRequired for all destinations to confirm you have no criminal record in Nepal. Issued by your District Police Office (or Metropolitan Police for Kathmandu). Takes 3–7 working days. Valid for 3 months — do not get it too early. Cost: NPR 500–1,000.
Medical Fitness Certificate
CriticalGulf destinations require a GAMCA-approved medical (NPR 6,500–12,000). European destinations require a general fitness certificate from a licensed medical centre (NPR 2,000–5,000). Ask your agency which medical centre the destination requires. A medical failure can disqualify a placement — get a pre-check if you have any chronic conditions.
CTEVT Skill Certificate
High for tradesThe Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) trade certificate is required for most skilled trade roles — welder, electrician, plumber, mechanic. Some employers also require a trade test at a government-approved testing centre. Without a CTEVT certificate, your wage offer may be lower.
DOFE Labour Permit
Mandatory by lawNo Nepali worker can legally work abroad without a DOFE Labour Permit. Your agency applies on your behalf using the demand letter from the employer. You must attend DOFE for biometric registration. Without this permit, you have no legal protection, no FEPB insurance, and no government recourse if anything goes wrong.
FEPB Worker Insurance
MandatoryThe Foreign Employment Promotion Board (FEPB) welfare fund provides accident, illness and death coverage for overseas workers. Contribution is NPR 1,500–2,500. Issued automatically during the Labour Permit process. Keep your insurance card with you abroad — you will need it if you ever need to file a claim.
Timeline
How long does document preparation take?
Common Mistakes
Avoid these document errors
- ✕ Letting passport validity run lowRenew your passport before starting any job application. Aim for 2+ years remaining validity.
- ✕ Getting police clearance too earlyPolice clearance is valid for only 3 months. Get it after your medical clearance is done, not before.
- ✕ Using uncertified certificate copiesEmployers and embassies require attested originals or certified copies. A photocopy is not accepted.
- ✕ Skipping the CTEVT skill certificateWorkers without certified skills receive lower wage offers. Enrol in CTEVT trade testing before applying.
- ✕ Not keeping copies of everythingBefore leaving Nepal, make 5 photocopies of every document. Store one set with your family at home and carry one set separate from your originals.
FAQ
Common questions about documents
How long does it take to prepare all documents?
Allow at least 4–6 weeks. Passport renewal alone can take 3–4 weeks. Police clearance requires visiting the District Police Office and typically takes 3–7 working days. Medical examination (GAMCA for Gulf) takes 1–3 days. Start early — rushing document preparation is the most common cause of delayed departure.
What is the GAMCA medical examination?
GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centres Association) is the mandatory medical fitness assessment for workers going to Gulf countries. Tests include chest X-ray (TB), blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B and C), physical examination and sometimes drug screening. You must visit a GAMCA-approved centre in Nepal. The cost is NPR 6,500–12,000. Results are valid for 3 months.
Do I need my certificates attested by the embassy?
For Gulf countries, yes — most employers require academic and experience certificates to be attested by the Ministry of Education Nepal, then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, and finally the destination country's embassy in Kathmandu. The process takes 5–15 working days and costs NPR 2,500–6,000. Your licensed agency should explain and help with this step.
What is the DOFE Labour Permit (Shram Anumati)?
The Labour Permit is the official government permission for a Nepali citizen to work abroad, issued by the Department of Foreign Employment (DOFE). It is mandatory by law for all overseas workers. Your agency handles the application process, but you must be present for biometric registration. The permit costs NPR 700–1,500.
Need help with your documents?
Power Support helps workers with document preparation, DOFE paperwork, visa processing support and pre-departure orientation. Contact us to talk through your case.