The cost of company registration in Nepal is one of the first questions foreign companies ask when exploring South Asia for expansion. Nepal offers a low-cost entry point, a growing talent pool, and improving digital infrastructure. But the registration cost is not just a single government fee. It includes legal, regulatory, compliance, and operational expenses that vary by structure and sector.
This guide answers the most frequently asked questions foreign investors have about company registration costs in Nepal. It is written from the perspective of advisors who register companies, manage FDI approvals, and handle compliance daily.
By the end, you will know exactly what you will pay, why you pay it, and how to optimise the cost legally.
When people search for the cost of company registration in Nepal, they often expect a single number. In reality, costs fall into four distinct layers.
These are statutory charges payable to government bodies. They are fixed and published.
Foreign companies usually require lawyers, tax advisors, and compliance consultants.
Applies when foreign shareholding exists. These approvals add time and expense.
Costs continue after incorporation through accounting, payroll, tax, and reporting.
Understanding these layers prevents under-budgeting.
The OCR handles incorporation. Fees depend on authorised capital.
Typical OCR fees for a Private Limited Company:
NPR 1–10 million capital: NPR 9,500–15,000
NPR 10–50 million capital: NPR 15,000–25,000
Above NPR 50 million: incremental slabs apply
These are one-time fees.
Foreign investors must obtain approval under FITTA 2019.
Application and processing fees
Sector-specific approvals (if applicable)
A small but mandatory local registration cost applies.
Foreign companies rarely self-register. Legal and advisory costs form a major part of the total cost of company registration in Nepal.
Name reservation and incorporation filing
Shareholding and capital structuring
FDI approval documentation
Tax registration (PAN and VAT)
Bank account coordination
Typical professional fee range:
USD 800 to USD 2,500 depending on complexity.
If foreign ownership exists, additional steps apply.
Foreign investment approval application
Capital source documentation
Industry-specific clearances
Bank coordination for inward remittance
FDI approval itself does not require high government fees, but documentation and compliance work increases advisory costs.
| Structure | Suitable For | Initial Cost Range | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | Long-term operations | USD 1,500–3,500 | 3–6 weeks |
| Branch Office | Contract-based work | USD 2,000–4,000 | 4–6 weeks |
| Liaison Office | Market research | USD 1,200–2,500 | 3–5 weeks |
| Employer of Record (EOR) | Hiring staff fast | USD 300–800 | 1–2 weeks |
Insight: For cost-sensitive entry, EOR often replaces incorporation initially.
The cost of company registration in Nepal is often underestimated because of overlooked items.
Notarisation and translation of foreign documents
Bank compliance charges
Minimum capital parking period
Accounting system setup
Annual audit preparation
These costs are legal and unavoidable.
Nepal does not impose a high minimum capital requirement for most sectors.
Many service sectors: NPR 1 million minimum
Certain regulated industries: higher thresholds
Capital must be declared, not always immediately spent. However, foreign capital must be remitted through formal banking channels.
Nepal remains cost-competitive.
Nepal: USD 1,500–3,500
India: USD 2,500–6,000
Bangladesh: USD 3,000–7,000
Sri Lanka: USD 4,000–8,000
Nepal’s advantage lies in lower professional fees and simpler post-setup compliance.
Expedited registration increases professional fees.
Standard timeline: lower cost
Fast-track filings: higher advisory charges
Foreign companies should align urgency with budget.
Yes. Cost optimisation is possible with the right structure.
Start with EOR instead of incorporation
Use realistic authorised capital
Avoid unnecessary VAT registration initially
Consolidate legal and accounting services
Strategic planning reduces both upfront and ongoing costs.
Lower capital needs
Faster approvals
Minimal sector restrictions
Simplified compliance
Cost-effective setup
Higher capital
Additional licenses
Longer approval timelines
Business model matters more than nationality.
Registration is only the beginning.
Accounting and bookkeeping
Tax filings
Social security contributions
Annual audit
Expect USD 1,200–3,000 per year depending on scale.
This article reflects current practice under:
Companies Act 2006
FITTA 2019
Income Tax Act 2002
Labour Act 2017
Figures are based on active registrations handled for foreign clients, not theory.
The minimum realistic cost is around USD 1,500, including government and basic professional fees. Costs rise with complexity.
Yes. Nepal allows full foreign ownership in most service sectors under FITTA 2019.
No. Registration can be completed remotely with notarised documents and a local representative.
Typically 3 to 6 weeks for foreign-owned companies, depending on approvals.
There are no renewal fees, but annual compliance and audit costs apply.
For foreign companies, the cost of company registration in Nepal is modest compared to regional alternatives. When planned correctly, Nepal offers a compliant, scalable, and cost-efficient base for South Asian operations.
The key is choosing the right structure at the right time.
If you want a clear cost breakdown tailored to your business model, speak with our foreign investment specialists.
We will assess your sector, timeline, and budget before you spend a dollar.