Buying Gold & Silver in Nepal: Tax, Customs & Limits (2025)

The “Gold Rush” has New Rules

Whether you are buying for a wedding or bringing jewelry from abroad, the Government of Nepal has tightened the screws in 2025. Gold is no longer just a metal; it’s a heavily regulated currency.

1. Buying in Nepal: The 12% Tax

Effective July 2025, buying gold jewelry in Nepal comes with a heftier price tag.

• Customs Duty: 10% (Reduced from 20% to curb smuggling).
• Luxury Tax: A NEW 2% Luxury Tax is added.
• Total Impact: You are effectively paying significantly over the international market rate.
• The KYC Rule: Buying more than NPR 10 Lakhs? You MUST provide ID, PAN, and source of income. No more anonymous cash dumps.

2. Bringing Gold from Abroad (Travelers)

Coming from Dubai, Qatar, or Australia? Be careful at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

The “Duty-Free” Limit:

• Women: Up to 50 Grams of Gold Jewelry (No Tax).
• Men: Up to 25 Grams of Gold Jewelry (No Tax).

The “Taxable” Limit:

• You can bring up to 200 Grams more by paying full customs duty at the airport.
• Strict Ban: You CANNOT bring Gold Bars (Bullion) or Raw Gold. Only jewelry is allowed. If you hide a gold biscuit in your pocket, it is 100% illegal smuggling (Jail + Confiscation).

3. Importing Silver

• Limit: Travelers can bring up to 100 Grams of silver jewelry.
• Customs: Commercial import duty is set at 10%.

4. Why the Strict Laws?

Nepal pays for gold in US Dollars, which drains the country’s foreign reserves. By limiting imports, the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) saves dollars for essential things like petrol and medicine.

Conclusion

If you are flying in, stick to the 50g/25g limit to walk through the “Green Channel”. If you are buying local, ask for a VAT Bill. Without a bill, your gold has no legal proof of ownership, which is risky if you ever want to sell it back.

Disclaimer: Customs rules change frequently. Check the TIA Customs website before flying.