Understanding the cost of company registration in Nepal is one of the first and most critical steps for foreign companies planning market entry. While Nepal is cost-competitive compared to many Asian jurisdictions, the total registration expense is not limited to a single government fee.
Foreign investors must account for government charges, professional service costs, regulatory approvals, and ongoing compliance obligations. When these are misunderstood or underestimated, budgets overrun quickly.
This guide breaks down exactly what foreign companies pay, why the costs vary, and how to plan a realistic registration budget with no surprises.
Foreign investors often compare Nepal with India, Bangladesh, or Vietnam. Nepal stands out for its lower setup cost, English-based legal documentation, and improving FDI framework.
However, Nepal follows a multi-authority registration system, meaning costs are spread across several institutions rather than one single office.
Key regulators involved include:
Office of the Company Registrar
Department of Industry
Nepal Rastra Bank
Inland Revenue Department
Each authority introduces its own fees, timelines, and documentation requirements.
The cost of company registration in Nepal depends on three main variables:
Entity type
Authorized capital
Business activity and sector
Foreign companies typically register under one of the following structures.
The most popular structure for long-term operations.
Separate legal entity
Eligible for profit repatriation
Can hire local and foreign staff
Subject to full tax and compliance regime
Suitable when the foreign parent wants operational control.
Not a separate legal entity
Restricted activities
Parent company liability applies
Used only for market research and coordination.
No revenue-generating activity allowed
Lower setup cost
Limited regulatory scope
Government charges are statutory and non-negotiable. These are paid directly to regulators.
The Office of the Company Registrar charges a fee based on authorized capital.
Indicative structure:
NPR 1,000,000 capital → approx. NPR 9,500
NPR 10,000,000 capital → approx. NPR 29,500
NPR 100,000,000 capital → approx. NPR 109,500
Higher capital means higher registration fees.
All foreign investments must be approved under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA).
DOI charges include:
Application processing fee
Industry registration fee
Sector-specific review charges
This cost typically ranges from NPR 20,000 to NPR 50,000, depending on complexity.
Foreign-owned companies must register for:
Permanent Account Number (PAN)
VAT (if applicable)
Government fees here are minimal, but documentation preparation adds indirect cost.
This is where the largest cost variation occurs.
Foreign companies require:
Memorandum of Association
Articles of Association
Share subscription agreements
Board resolutions (local and overseas)
Professional legal fees typically cover:
Drafting
Regulatory liaison
Filing and follow-ups
Initial tax structuring includes:
Capital structuring advice
Profit repatriation planning
Transfer pricing considerations
These services ensure compliance with:
Income Tax Act, 2002
Companies Act, 2006
| Entity Type | Government Fees (NPR) | Professional Fees (NPR) | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liaison Office | 30,000 – 50,000 | 150,000 – 250,000 | 180,000 – 300,000 |
| Branch Office | 40,000 – 70,000 | 200,000 – 350,000 | 240,000 – 420,000 |
| FDI Pvt Ltd | 50,000 – 120,000 | 300,000 – 600,000 | 350,000 – 720,000 |
Figures are indicative and vary by sector and capital.
Many foreign companies underestimate post-registration obligations.
Bank account opening support
Share capital certification
Translation and notarization
Annual audit and tax filings
Social Security Fund registration
Visa and work permit support
These costs are not “optional” once operations begin.
Name reservation and document drafting
OCR registration fee payment
DOI foreign investment approval
Bank account and capital injection
PAN and VAT registration
Post-incorporation compliance setup
Each step adds incremental cost and time.
Low-cost providers often:
Skip tax structuring
Ignore repatriation planning
Underestimate compliance scope
This leads to:
Delayed approvals
Penalties
Blocked profit repatriation
For foreign companies, compliance certainty is more valuable than upfront savings.
Time affects cost.
Typical timelines:
Liaison Office: 2–3 weeks
Branch Office: 3–5 weeks
FDI Company: 4–8 weeks
Delays increase professional fees and opportunity cost.
Foreign companies can optimize costs by:
Choosing realistic authorized capital
Avoiding unnecessary sector licensing
Structuring FDI correctly at entry
Bundling legal, tax, and compliance services
Strategic planning reduces lifetime cost, not just registration expense.
If you want a clear, all-inclusive estimate of the cost of company registration in Nepal, tailored to your industry and expansion goals, speak with a specialist before filing anything.
👉 Book a free FDI cost assessment and registration roadmap today.
The cost of company registration in Nepal is affordable, transparent, and competitive for foreign companies—but only when understood holistically. Government fees are only one piece of the puzzle.
Professional services, compliance obligations, and regulatory alignment determine whether your Nepal entry is smooth or painful. Plan correctly, and Nepal becomes one of South Asia’s most cost-effective expansion destinations.
No. Nepal is one of the most cost-competitive countries in South Asia. Costs depend on structure and capital.
Most sectors require a minimum foreign investment of NPR 20 million, subject to sector rules.
No. Government fees are non-refundable once paid.
Yes. Most sectors allow full foreign ownership under FITTA.
Yes. Audits, tax filings, and statutory reporting are legally required.