SSF for Foreign Workers in Nepal & Nepali Migrant Workers Abroad

Which situation applies to you?

Select your path to see the right information

🌏

Foreign National Working in Nepal

You have a valid work permit and are employed by a Nepal-registered company. You ARE covered by SSF — same as Nepali workers.

🇳🇵

Nepali Working Abroad

You have a Foreign Employment Permit (FEP) and are working outside Nepal. You can voluntarily contribute to SSF from abroad.

🔄

Returnee / Between Jobs

You returned from abroad or are between jobs. You can continue contributing voluntarily to protect your retirement fund.

🌏 If You Are a Foreign National Working in Nepal

✅ Same Rights as Nepali Workers — No Exceptions Foreign nationals working in Nepal under a valid work permit are covered by the same SSF rules: same 31% total contribution, same 4 schemes, same SSFID. [Source: Operating Procedure 2075 · lawbhandari.com]

What's the Same

31% total contribution (11% employee + 20% employer)
All 4 schemes apply: medical, accident, dependent, pension
Accident coverage from Day 1
Medical after 3 months
SSFID issued — 11-digit, lifetime
NPR 7,00,000 max accident cover (non-workplace)

What's Different for Foreign Workers

Retirement Fund: withdraw any time after employment in Nepal ends — no need to wait until age 60
Heir can take lump sum of NPR 7,00,000 instead of ongoing dependent benefits
Contact: migrantworker@ssf.gov.np
Phone: +977 9851345815

Work Permit Requirement

⚠️ Work Permit Required Foreign nationals must have a valid work permit from the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) to legally work in Nepal. Your employer (who holds the business visa/approval) is responsible for obtaining this. Without a work permit, both you and your employer may face legal consequences. [Source: Foreign Employment Act 2064 · dofe.gov.np]

Withdrawing Your SSF When Leaving Nepal

1

Get employment termination document

Your employer confirms end of employment.

2

Register at SSF contributor portal

sosys.ssf.gov.np — or special foreign contributor link (see below)

3

Submit withdrawal application

Documents: passport, work permit, SSFID, bank details (international transfer available)

4

Receive Retirement Fund

Lump sum of your accumulated Retirement Fund balance transferred to your bank account

Special Registration for Foreign Contributors sosys.ssf.gov.np → Foreign Contributor Registration ↗

🇳🇵 Nepali Working Abroad — Voluntary SSF

✅ You Can Contribute Voluntarily from Abroad Nepali citizens working abroad under a Foreign Employment Permit can voluntarily contribute to the SSF Foreign Employment Contributor Scheme.

📋

How to Register

1. Go to sosys.ssf.gov.np
2. Select "Foreign Contributor" option
3. Complete online registration
4. Upload: passport, FEP, citizenship
5. Set up contribution payment (monthly)

💰

Benefits When You Return

Healthcare benefits when in Nepal · Retirement Fund accumulated · Contribution history counts toward pension months · Can access loans after 3 years

Contact for Migrant Workers Email: migrantworker@ssf.gov.np · Phone: +977 9851345815

🔄 Returnee / Between Jobs

Informal Sector Voluntary Scheme If you are a returnee from abroad, self-employed, freelancing, or between formal jobs, you can contribute voluntarily through the Informal Sector Scheme.

Rate: 9.37% self + 9.37% government match = 18.74% total
Portal: selfcontributor.ssf.gov.np [Source: SSF Informal Sector Scheme, FY 2023/24]

⚠️ Gap Months If you have gaps in your contribution history (e.g., between jobs), this may affect your waiting periods for certain benefits. The 3-month OPD/IPD and 12-month maternity waiting periods restart if contributions are interrupted for a significant period. Contact SSF for specific guidance.

SSF for Foreign Workers & Migrant Nepalis