Understanding the cost of company registration in Nepal is one of the first concerns for foreign companies planning market entry. Nepal is one of South Asia’s most cost-effective jurisdictions for incorporation, but hidden fees, regulatory missteps, and poor structuring can inflate costs quickly.
This guide shows how to register a company in Nepal on a budget, without compromising compliance, control, or future scalability. It is written specifically for foreign investors, NRNs, and international companies seeking a reliable, lawful, and cost-efficient setup.
Nepal offers a rare combination of low incorporation costs, competitive labour expenses, and a clear foreign investment framework.
Key advantages include:
Low government registration fees
No minimum capital for many service businesses
Affordable professional services compared to regional peers
Full foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA 2019), foreign companies enjoy strong investor protections and repatriation rights.
The cost of company registration in Nepal depends on ownership structure, capital size, and business activity.
Government registration fees
Professional and legal fees
Post-registration compliance costs
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Company name reservation | 100 | Online filing |
| Company registration fee | 1,000–15,000 | Based on authorised capital |
| PAN/VAT registration | Free | Mandatory |
| FDI approval | Free | Govt. processing |
| Legal & advisory support | 80,000–200,000 | Optional but recommended |
| Total budget range | 90,000–220,000 | Excludes capital |
Insight: Nepal remains significantly cheaper than India, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka for foreign incorporation.
Foreign companies must coordinate with the following authorities:
Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) – company incorporation
Department of Industry (DOI) – foreign investment approval
Inland Revenue Department – PAN and tax registration
Nepal Rastra Bank – capital repatriation compliance
Understanding their sequence prevents delays and unnecessary costs.
Registering economically is about structuring correctly from day one.
Choose a permitted business activity
Keep authorised capital realistic
Register as a Private Limited Company
Apply for FDI approval online
Complete incorporation at OCR
Register for tax and compliance
This process typically takes 15–30 working days when documents are prepared correctly.
For foreign companies, the most cost-efficient structure is usually:
Private Limited Company (FDI-approved)
Avoid higher-cost options unless required:
Branch office
Liaison office
Private limited companies offer:
Full profit repatriation
Local hiring rights
Lower compliance burden
Many investors exceed their expected cost of company registration in Nepal due to avoidable errors.
Common budget killers:
Overstated authorised capital
Re-filing due to document errors
Hiring unlicensed agents
Incorrect business classification
Tip: A lean initial structure saves money and allows future expansion.
| Factor | DIY Registration | Professional Support |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low | Moderate |
| Risk of rejection | High | Low |
| Time to register | 30–60 days | 15–25 days |
| Compliance accuracy | Uncertain | High |
| Long-term savings | Low | High |
Conclusion: Professional support often reduces total cost by preventing regulatory mistakes.
Registering cheaply is only half the equation.
Typical annual costs include:
Accounting & bookkeeping
Tax filing and audits
Labour and social security compliance
Annual returns
These costs remain low by global standards, especially for service-based businesses.
Nepal’s foreign investment regime is governed by:
FITTA 2019
Companies Act 2006
Industrial Enterprises Act 2020
These laws guarantee:
100% foreign ownership (most sectors)
Dividend and capital repatriation
Equal legal treatment
This stability makes Nepal attractive despite its low entry cost.
Yes.
Average incorporation cost comparison:
Nepal: USD 700–1,700
India: USD 1,500–3,000
Bangladesh: USD 2,000+
Nepal’s cost of company registration is among the lowest in the region.
The minimum cost of company registration in Nepal for foreign companies starts around NPR 90,000, excluding capital and optional advisory fees.
Yes. FITTA 2019 allows 100% foreign ownership in most permitted sectors.
With proper documentation, registration typically takes 15–30 working days.
No. Foreign companies can register without a Nepali shareholder.
Yes. Profits, dividends, and capital can be legally repatriated after tax compliance.
The cost of company registration in Nepal is low, but success depends on strategic planning. Budget-friendly registration is about:
Correct entity choice
Lean capital structuring
Compliance-first execution
Done right, Nepal offers one of Asia’s highest ROI market entry opportunities.
Planning to register a company in Nepal?
Speak with our FDI and incorporation specialists for a free cost and structure assessment tailored to your business model.
👉 Book a consultation today and register the smart way.