The cost of company registration in Nepal is often one of the first questions foreign companies ask when exploring South Asia. Within the first planning call, budget clarity matters. Nepal offers a rare mix of low entry costs, strategic market access, and skilled talent. But is it truly worth the investment?
This definitive guide breaks down what you actually pay, what you get in return, and how foreign investors can maximize ROI while staying compliant. We draw on current legislation, regulator guidance, and real-world market experience to help you decide with confidence.
Before diving into fees, it helps to understand why Nepal remains compelling.
Gateway between India and China
Preferential investment policies for foreign investors
Competitive labor and operating costs
Growing IT, BPO, fintech, and manufacturing sectors
From outsourcing teams to regional hubs, Nepal offers cost efficiency with improving regulatory clarity.
The total cost depends on entity structure, capital size, and regulatory scope.
Company type (Private Limited, Branch, Liaison Office)
Authorized capital
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approvals
Legal, tax, and compliance support
Each choice directly impacts both upfront and long-term costs.
Most common for long-term operations.
Features
Separate legal entity
Profit repatriation allowed
Eligible for incentives
Typical cost range
USD 1,200–2,500 (excluding paid-up capital)
Ideal for extending an overseas parent’s operations.
Features
No separate legal personality
Parent company liability
Industry-specific approvals required
Typical cost range
USD 2,000–3,500
Best for market research and relationship building.
Features
No revenue generation
Lower compliance burden
Limited scope
Typical cost range
USD 1,000–1,800
Foreign investors must pay government-prescribed fees during registration.
Company name reservation
Registration fee based on capital slab
PAN/VAT registration
Industry registration
These fees are governed by the Companies Act and Department of Industry directives.
While Nepal allows self-registration, foreign companies rarely choose this route.
FDI approvals involve multiple regulators
Incorrect filings cause months of delay
Banking and repatriation compliance is complex
Professional fees typically cover
Legal drafting
Government liaison
Tax structuring
Post-registration compliance
| Entity Type | Govt Fees | Professional Fees | Timeframe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited (FDI) | Low–Medium | Medium | 3–5 weeks | Long-term operations |
| Branch Office | Medium | High | 4–6 weeks | Project execution |
| Liaison Office | Low | Low | 2–3 weeks | Market entry |
Insight: The cost of company registration in Nepal is low by regional standards, but ROI depends on choosing the right structure.
Many investors underestimate secondary costs.
Bank compliance documentation
Annual audits
Tax filings and renewals
Local director or representative costs
Office lease registration
These are manageable when planned early.
For most foreign companies, yes, when aligned with strategy.
Plan to hire skilled local talent
Want a cost-efficient South Asian base
Need regulatory access to India–China trade corridors
Require instant scale without setup time
Operate in restricted sectors
Foreign company registration and costs are regulated under:
Companies Act, 2006
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019
Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020
Income Tax Act, 2002
These laws define fee structures, ownership rights, and repatriation rules.
Compared to Singapore, India, or Vietnam, Nepal offers:
Lower setup costs
Competitive salaries
Favorable tax incentives in select sectors
For outsourcing, shared services, and tech teams, Nepal often delivers 12–24 month payback periods.
Smart structuring reduces unnecessary spend.
Choose minimum viable capital
Register VAT only if required
Combine registrations into one filing cycle
Work with a single compliance partner
Planning saves more than negotiating fees.
The minimum cost typically starts around USD 1,200 for a Private Limited company, excluding paid-up capital and operational expenses.
Yes. Most sectors allow 100% foreign ownership under FITTA, subject to approval.
On average, 3–5 weeks for an FDI company, depending on document readiness.
Yes. Annual audits, tax filings, and renewals are mandatory.
Yes. Nepal allows repatriation of profits and capital, subject to tax clearance and central bank approval.
The cost of company registration in Nepal is not just affordable. It is strategically sound when paired with the right advisory support. For foreign companies seeking growth with controlled risk, Nepal remains a high-value destination.
If you want clarity, speed, and full compliance, speak with a Nepal-focused advisory firm before you commit.
👉 Book a free consultation to get a customized cost breakdown and timeline for your Nepal entry.