The cost of company registration in Nepal is one of the first questions foreign companies and Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) ask when exploring market entry. Nepal offers competitive setup costs, a young workforce, and clear FDI laws. But the real cost goes beyond a single government fee. Legal filings, approvals, capital thresholds, and ongoing compliance all matter.
This guide gives you a clear, end-to-end breakdown of costs, timelines, and decisions. It is written for foreign founders, CFOs, and expansion teams who want certainty before committing capital.
Nepal has become attractive for foreign investors due to three structural advantages:
• Low setup and operating costs
• Strong legal protection for FDI
• Full profit and capital repatriation under law
Under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA 2019), foreigners can own up to 100 percent equity in most sectors.
Popular sectors include IT services, BPO, fintech support, education services, tourism, manufacturing, and professional services.
The cost depends on three core factors:
Type of entity
Amount of foreign investment
Whether you use professional support
Foreigners and NRNs can register:
• FDI Private Limited Company
• Branch Office
• Liaison Office (no revenue activities)
Most investors choose an FDI Private Limited Company due to operational flexibility.
Company incorporation fees are charged by the Office of Company Registrar and depend on authorized capital.
| Authorized Capital (NPR) | Government Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 million | NPR 1,000 |
| 1–5 million | NPR 4,500 |
| 5–10 million | NPR 9,500 |
| Above 10 million | Scales progressively |
These fees are low. They are not the main cost driver for foreign investors.
Nepal mandates a minimum foreign investment of NPR 20 million (approx. USD 150,000).
This capital must be:
• Approved by authorities
• Remitted through banking channels
• Declared during registration
FDI approval is issued by the Department of Industry.
Typical government processing costs:
• Application fees: NPR 20,000–25,000
• Industry registration: NPR 10,000–15,000
These are statutory and unavoidable.
While government fees are modest, professional support is where most foreign founders invest.
Professional fees generally range between:
• USD 1,500 to USD 4,000
This usually covers:
• FDI structuring advice
• Company incorporation
• Drafting MOA and AOA
• DOI approval coordination
• Tax registration
• Bank account setup support
Using experienced advisors reduces rejection risk and delays.
Foreign investors should also budget for:
• Company seal and statutory books
• PAN and VAT registration
• Office lease documentation
• Initial accounting setup
Estimated additional cost: USD 300–700
| Factor | DIY Registration | Professional Support |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront |
| Approval risk | High | Low |
| Timeline | 2–4 months | 3–5 weeks |
| Compliance accuracy | Uncertain | High |
| Bank coordination | Difficult | Guided |
Insight: Most foreign companies choose professional support to protect capital and timelines.
Registration is only the start. Annual compliance is mandatory.
• Accounting and bookkeeping
• Tax filings and audits
• Company renewals
• Labor and SSF compliance
Typical annual compliance cost:
• USD 1,200 to USD 3,000
These costs scale with company size.
Foreign investors often miss these items:
• Bank compliance delays
• Currency conversion charges
• Audit thresholds
• Employment compliance fines
Planning for these avoids surprises.
A realistic timeline:
Name reservation: 2–3 days
FDI approval: 10–20 working days
Company incorporation: 3–5 days
Bank account and capital injection: 1–2 weeks
Total: 3 to 5 weeks with proper guidance.
Nepal provides strong investor protection under:
• FITTA 2019
• Industrial Enterprises Act 2020
• Companies Act 2006
Key guarantees include:
• Full profit repatriation
• Capital repatriation on exit
• Protection against nationalization
These protections significantly reduce risk.
NRNs receive special treatment under Nepal law.
• Treated as foreign investors
• Simplified banking coordination
• Faster approvals in practice
Costs for NRNs are generally identical but timelines are often shorter.
Foreign-owned companies are subject to:
• Corporate income tax
• Withholding tax
• VAT (if applicable)
Nepal’s corporate tax rate is competitive within South Asia.
Professional tax planning at setup can save long-term costs.
Realistic total initial cost for foreigners:
• Minimum capital: NPR 20 million
• Government fees: USD 200–400
• Legal and advisory: USD 1,500–4,000
• Miscellaneous setup: USD 300–700
Total non-capital setup cost: USD 2,000–5,000
The cost of company registration in Nepal is transparent, affordable, and investor-friendly when done correctly. Government fees are low. The real value lies in proper structuring, legal compliance, and speed.
For foreign companies and NRNs, Nepal offers one of South Asia’s most accessible FDI regimes with strong legal protection and repatriation rights.
Planning to register a company in Nepal?
Speak with a Nepal FDI specialist to get a tailored cost breakdown, timeline, and compliance roadmap before you invest.
Yes. Most sectors allow full foreign ownership under FITTA 2019, with limited restricted industries.
Foreign investors must bring at least NPR 20 million as foreign direct investment.
With proper documentation, registration typically takes 3 to 5 weeks.
Yes. Nepal guarantees full profit and capital repatriation through legal banking channels.
NRNs are treated as foreign investors but often experience smoother banking and approvals.