Business & investor visas
Bhutanese Business Visa
For foreign nationals visiting Bhutan for business, sponsored by the inviting organisation or company that arranges the trip.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
VERIFIED from official sources: recommending authority (MoICE), eligible sectors, document list (MoICE business-guest page), and 6-month passport validity (Immigration Rules & Regulations rule 51). UNVERIFIED figures: maximum stay / validity period and number of entries for the business visa are not clearly stated on official pages; the US$40 fee is the general statutory single-entry visa fee (Annexure V), not a stated business-visa-specific fee. The 'apply at least a week before arrival' timing seen in secondary summaries could not be confirmed verbatim on a primary page, so it is phrased generally here.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Bhutan government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Business Visa
- Route type
- Business — visitor sponsored by a Bhutanese company
- Sponsor
- Inviting organisation or company in Bhutan
- Purpose
- Doing business in Bhutan
- Enables the holder to do business in Bhutan; may be issued with documentary evidence of government approval to establish business in the kingdom.
- Recommending authority
- Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE)
- The Business Guest Visa/Permit is recommended by MoICE for guests in the Production & Manufacturing, Service and Construction sectors.
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months
- Passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
- Where to apply
- MoICE / Department of Immigration
- Domestic industry licence holders apply to the Secretary, MoICE; Foreign Direct Investment licence holders apply to the Head of the Department of Industry. The visa itself is issued by the Department of Immigration.
- Standard visa fee
- US$40 (single entry)
- General statutory visa fee schedule (single US$40, double US$80, triple US$120, multiple US$200). Confirm the applicable fee with the Department of Immigration.
Who it is for
- Business people visiting a Bhutanese counterpart or organisation
- Foreign nationals engaged in business activity that does not amount to employment
Requirements
- Invitation/sponsorship from the business counterpart or company in Bhutan
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Supporting documents as required by the Department of Immigration
How to apply
- The inviting organisation/company submits the application to the Department of Immigration
- Provide the invitation and passport details
Documents you may need
- Application to the Secretary, MoICE (or Head of Department of Industry for FDI) stating the purpose of the visit
- Completed Business Guest Application Form
- Visa / entry permit application form completed and signed by the guest
- Authorization letter or contractual agreement from the sponsoring company/employer
- Guest credentials, including CV and relevant certificates
- A copy of the guest's passport (valid at least six months from the intended departure from Bhutan)
- A day-wise programme / itinerary for the visit
- A passport-size photograph of the guest
Frequently asked questions
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) recommends the Business Guest Visa/Permit for guests visiting for official or business purposes in the Production & Manufacturing, Service and Construction sectors. The visa is then issued by the Department of Immigration.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
- Visa to enter Bhutan (categories) — Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (opens in new tab)
- Visa Division — Department of Immigration (opens in new tab)
- Department of Immigration - Business Visa (opens in new tab)
- Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment - Business Guest Visa Application (opens in new tab)
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
