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SSF for Foreign Workers — Learning Hub
Foreign nationals in Nepal and Nepali migrant workers abroad — know your SSF rights in 4 steps
SSF Newcomer
Level 1
0 XP
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Foreign National in Nepal
You hold a work permit and are employed by a Nepal-registered company.
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Nepali Working Abroad
You hold a Foreign Employment Permit (FEP) and work outside Nepal.
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Returnee / Between Jobs
You returned from abroad or are between jobs and want to continue SSF.
Step 1 — Your SSF Coverage +10 XP
You Are Fully Covered — Same as Nepali Workers
Foreign nationals with valid work permits in Nepal are covered by the exact same SSF rules. Same 31% total contribution, same 4 schemes, same SSFID.
[Source: Operating Procedure 2075 · lawbhandari.com]
What's Identical to Nepali Workers
- 31% total (11% you + 20% employer)
- All 4 schemes: medical, accident, dependent, pension
- Accident coverage from Day 1
- Medical after 3 months
- 11-digit SSFID — yours for life
- NPR 7,00,000 max non-workplace accident
What's Different for Foreign Workers
- Retirement Fund: withdraw any time after Nepal employment ends — no age 60 wait
- Heirs can take NPR 7,00,000 lump sum instead of ongoing benefits
- Special portal for foreign contributor registration
- Contact: migrantworker@ssf.gov.np
You Can Contribute Voluntarily from Abroad
Nepali citizens working outside Nepal under a Foreign Employment Permit (FEP) can voluntarily contribute to SSF and build retirement protection.
[Source: SSF Foreign Employment Contributor Scheme]
How to Register from Abroad
- Go to sosys.ssf.gov.np
- Select "Foreign Contributor" option
- Complete online registration
- Upload: passport, FEP, citizenship
- Set up monthly contribution payment
Benefits When You Return
- Healthcare benefits when in Nepal
- Retirement Fund accumulates
- Contribution months count toward pension
- Loan eligibility after 36 months
- Email: migrantworker@ssf.gov.np
- Phone: +977 9851345815
Informal Sector / Voluntary Scheme Available
If you are between formal jobs, self-employed, or recently returned from abroad, you can continue contributing through the Informal Sector Voluntary Scheme to protect your retirement fund.
[Source: SSF Informal Sector Scheme, FY 2023/24]
Voluntary Scheme Details
- Rate: 9.37% self + 9.37% govt match = 18.74%
- Portal: selfcontributor.ssf.gov.np
- Open to: freelancers, self-employed, domestic workers, farmers, drivers, artists
- Lower rate than formal sector (31%)
Gap Months Warning
⚠️ Contribution gaps reset waiting periods
The 3-month OPD/IPD and 12-month maternity waiting periods may restart if contributions are interrupted significantly. Contact SSF for specific guidance on your situation.
Step 2 — Quick Quiz +40 XP
Test what you just learned about SSF for foreign workers
Question 1 of 4
Score: 0/0
Step 3 — Your Action Checklist +48 XP
Complete each item to earn XP and build your SSF readiness
I know my SSFID number +8 XP
Find it at sosys.ssf.gov.np or ask your HR. It's an 11-digit number, unique to you for life.
I know I can withdraw my Retirement Fund when I leave Nepal +8 XP
Unlike Nepali workers who must wait until age 60 for pension, foreign workers can withdraw the Retirement Fund at any time after employment ends.
I have the migrant worker SSF contact saved +8 XP
Email: migrantworker@ssf.gov.np · Phone: +977 9851345815. Dedicated support for foreign contributors.
My work permit is valid and my employer has SSF registered +8 XP
Without a valid work permit, SSF registration cannot proceed. Your employer holds the work permit from DoFE.
I have a nominee registered for SSF benefits +8 XP
Critical if you die while working in Nepal. Your heir can claim NPR 7,00,000 lump sum or ongoing pension benefits.
I can access my SSF account at sosys.ssf.gov.np +8 XP
Check contribution history monthly. Foreign contributors use: sosys.ssf.gov.np → Foreign Contributor Registration.
I am registered as a Foreign/Voluntary SSF contributor +8 XP
Register at sosys.ssf.gov.np (Foreign Contributor) or selfcontributor.ssf.gov.np (Informal Sector).
My contributions are up to date +8 XP
Check sosys.ssf.gov.np for your contribution history. Gaps can reset waiting periods for certain benefits.
My nominee is registered +8 XP
Ensures your accumulated SSF balance reaches your family if something happens to you abroad.
I know I can access SSF loans after 36 months +8 XP
Housing, education, social function, and retirement fund loans — all require minimum 36 months continuous contributions.
I have the SSF migrant worker contact saved +8 XP
migrantworker@ssf.gov.np · +977 9851345815. Use for questions about foreign contributions, withdrawals, and benefits.
I understand the voluntary scheme rate (9.37% + 9.37% govt) +8 XP
Informal Sector Scheme: you pay 9.37%, government matches 9.37% = 18.74% total. Lower than formal sector's 31%.
Step 4 — Real-World Scenarios +30 XP
See how SSF rules apply to real situations for foreign workers
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Marco's Retirement Fund
Marco, an Italian engineer, worked in Nepal for 4 years and contributed to SSF. He's now returning to Italy. He's 38. Can he access his SSF money?
Yes, fully! Foreign workers can withdraw their entire Retirement Fund at any age once employment in Nepal ends — no need to wait until age 60. Marco should submit withdrawal docs (passport, work permit, SSFID, bank details) to SSF. International bank transfer available. Contact: migrantworker@ssf.gov.np
Source: Operating Procedure 2075 · lawbhandari.com
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Sanjana's SSF from Dubai
Sanjana is a Nepali nurse working in Dubai with an FEP. Her Nepali SSF account has been inactive for 18 months. She wants to restart. What should she do?
Register as a Foreign Contributor. She can re-activate by going to sosys.ssf.gov.np → "Foreign Contributor" section. After re-registration, she contributes monthly. Note: the 18-month gap may reset certain benefit waiting periods. Her Retirement Fund balance is safe — gaps don't erase accumulated contributions.
Source: SSF Foreign Employment Contributor Scheme
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Ahmed's Work Accident
Ahmed, a Pakistani construction worker in Nepal, fell from scaffolding on Day 3 of work. His employer hadn't deposited any SSF contributions yet. Who pays?
The employer pays personally. Accident coverage begins Day 1 — no waiting period. Under the July 2025 amendment (Section 9(6)), when contributions are undeposited and a work accident occurs, the employer is personally liable for SSF-equivalent benefits. Ahmed should file an accident report immediately and SSF will pursue the employer.
Source: Act to Amend Some Nepal Acts 2082 · Nepal Gazette 2082/04/14
Also see:
Full Foreign Workers Guide → · Employee Learning Hub → (for general SSF knowledge)
Congratulations! You've completed the Foreign Workers SSF Learning Hub. You now understand your SSF rights and obligations. Visit foreign-workers.html for the full detailed guide.