Understanding the cost of company registration in Nepal is one of the first decisions foreign companies must make before entering the market. Nepal offers competitive setup costs, a young talent pool, and a clear legal framework for foreign direct investment. But timelines, government fees, professional charges, and compliance obligations vary by structure. This complete guide breaks down exact costs, realistic timelines, and practical risks, so you can plan with confidence and avoid delays.
Nepal has steadily improved its investment climate through policy reforms and digitalization. For foreign founders, Nepal offers:
Competitive company registration costs
English-language legal and tax systems
100 percent foreign ownership in most sectors
Access to South Asian markets
A growing skilled workforce
However, costs and timelines differ depending on how you enter the market.
The cost of company registration in Nepal depends on three variables:
Entity type (private limited, branch, liaison, or FDI subsidiary)
Authorized capital
Professional and compliance support
Government fees are relatively low. Most surprises come from compliance and post-registration obligations.
The most common structure for long-term operations.
Best for: Hiring staff, generating revenue, scaling operations
Ownership: Up to 100 percent foreign ownership
Minimum capital: NPR 50 million (sector dependent)
An extension of the foreign parent company.
Best for: Project-based work
Limitations: Cannot operate independently
A non-revenue-generating presence.
Best for: Market research and representation
Limitations: No commercial activity allowed
Not a registration model, but often used before incorporation.
Best for: Hiring staff quickly without entity setup
Fees depend on authorized capital.
| Authorized Capital (NPR) | Registration Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 million | NPR 1,000 – 4,500 |
| 1–10 million | NPR 4,500 – 15,000 |
| Above 10 million | NPR 15,000 – 25,000 |
NPR 100 to NPR 500
Valid for 30 days
Foreign companies typically require professional support due to regulatory complexity.
Legal drafting and notarization
FDI approval documentation
Tax registration and compliance setup
Bank account coordination
Estimated range: USD 1,500 to USD 5,000 depending on complexity
Many founders underestimate post-registration costs.
Annual company renewal fees
Audit and tax filings
Social Security Fund contributions
Visa and work permit processing
Sector-specific licenses
These do not appear during incorporation but impact your annual budget.
Name reservation: 1–2 working days
FDI approval: 10–20 working days
Company registration: 2–3 working days
Tax and VAT registration: 3–5 working days
Bank account setup: 5–10 working days
Total realistic timeline: 3–6 weeks
Delays usually arise from incomplete documentation or sector approvals.
| Entry Model | Setup Cost (USD) | Timeline | Revenue Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDI Private Limited | 2,000–5,000 | 3–6 weeks | Yes |
| Branch Office | 1,500–4,000 | 2–4 weeks | Limited |
| Liaison Office | 1,200–3,000 | 2–3 weeks | No |
| Employer of Record | No setup fee | 1–2 weeks | Yes (via EOR) |
This decision impacts cost, compliance, and future scalability.
Includes:
Parent company documents
Board resolutions
Investment plan
Passport and shareholder details
Required for all foreign investments under Nepal’s investment laws.
Filed with the Office of Company Registrar.
Includes:
Permanent Account Number
VAT (if applicable)
Social Security Fund
Foreign companies must maintain:
Annual audits
Monthly tax filings
Employee social security contributions
Statutory records and renewals
Non-compliance results in penalties and operational risk.
Nepal remains cost-effective compared to regional alternatives.
Lower professional fees than India
Lower minimum capital than Bangladesh
Faster setup than Sri Lanka
For service-based businesses, Nepal offers a strong cost-to-value ratio.
Underestimating compliance costs
Choosing the wrong entity structure
Delaying tax registration
Not planning repatriation strategy
Avoiding these saves time and money.
The cost of company registration in Nepal for foreign companies typically ranges from USD 2,000 to USD 5,000, including government and professional fees.
Foreign-owned company registration usually takes 3 to 6 weeks, depending on FDI approvals and documentation readiness.
Yes. Most sectors allow 100 percent foreign ownership, except a few restricted industries.
No. Registration can be completed remotely with proper notarized and apostilled documents.
The minimum foreign investment threshold is NPR 50 million, subject to sector rules.
The cost of company registration in Nepal is competitive, transparent, and attractive for foreign companies. With proper planning, most businesses can be operational within weeks. The key is understanding both upfront and ongoing obligations. When structured correctly, Nepal offers long-term scalability with manageable compliance.
If you are planning to enter Nepal, speak with a local FDI and compliance specialist before you register. A short consultation can save months of delays and unexpected costs.
👉 Book a free market-entry consultation today
Companies Act, 2006 (Nepal)
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019
Office of Company Registrar Guidelines
Nepal Rastra Bank Foreign Investment Directives