How to Register a Foreign Company in Nepal: Complete Guide for 2025

Nepal is emerging as an attractive destination for international businesses expanding into South Asia. Foreign company registration in Nepal has become more streamlined in 2025 thanks to pro-investment reforms and digital services. Full foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors, startup costs are relatively low, and the regulatory environment is improving. However, setting up a company as a foreign investor still involves navigating specific laws, obtaining government approvals, and completing various registrations.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to register a foreign company in Nepal, with up-to-date information for 2025. We’ll cover every step – from securing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approval and incorporating your company, to understanding timelines, costs, and post-incorporation compliance. Whether you plan to open a manufacturing venture, tech startup, or service company, this guide is structured to help foreign investors in any industry successfully incorporate in Nepal.

Understanding Nepal’s Foreign Investment Laws and Requirements (2025)

Before diving into the registration process, it’s important to understand the legal framework governing foreign business incorporation in Nepal. The key law is the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019 (FITTA), which outlines how and where foreigners can invest. Under FITTA, foreign investors must obtain government approval before incorporating a company in Nepal. As of 2025, Nepal mandates a minimum foreign investment of NPR 20 million (approximately USD 150,000) for most new foreign-owned businesses. This threshold was reduced from NPR 50 million in late 2022 to encourage small and medium-sized investors. Notably, some flexibility has been introduced for certain sectors – for example, information technology (IT) startups can be exempt from the NPR 20 million minimum if they qualify under an automatic approval route (more on this below).

Equally important is ensuring your business is in a permitted sector. Nepal maintains a “Negative List” of industries where foreign investment is restricted or prohibited. Examples of sectors closed to foreign investors include small-scale farming (e.g. local poultry or vegetable farming), micro cottage industries, personal services (such as local hairdressing or taxi services), real estate trading (buying and selling land, except development projects), retail trading aimed at the domestic market, local travel and trekking agencies focused on domestic tourism, and weapons or ammunition manufacturing. Professional services like law, accounting, and engineering are also partly restricted for foreign ownership. Always confirm that your intended business activity is not on the Negative List; if it is, foreign company registration in Nepal will not be allowed in that sector. Most medium and large industries—ranging from IT, manufacturing and export businesses to tourism, energy, and infrastructure—are open to 100% foreign ownership. Nepal’s policy is generally welcoming to FDI in permitted areas.

Aside from sector rules, foreign investors should be aware of a few other legal conditions:

• FDI Approval Requirement: You must go through an approval process for your investment (explained in the step-by-step guide below) and receive an official Foreign Investment Approval Certificate. This is mandatory under Nepali law before you can incorporate a foreign-owned company.

• Capital Commitment: Once approval is granted, you are typically expected to bring the committed capital into Nepal within a specified timeframe (usually within one year of approval). In practice, at least a portion of the capital (e.g. 25%) should be remitted in the first year to demonstrate commitment, with the remainder to follow as per your project plan. This ensures that approved projects proceed on schedule.

• Repatriation and Reporting: Nepal’s laws allow foreign investors to repatriate profits and capital, but only if the investment was brought in through formal channels and properly registered with the central bank. So, keeping documentation of all financial transactions and following reporting procedures (with Nepal Rastra Bank and tax authorities) is crucial for future profit repatriation.

By understanding these fundamentals – the minimum investment requirement, sector restrictions, and approval obligations – you’ll be better prepared for the registration process. Next, we’ll outline the types of business entities available to foreign investors and then delve into a detailed step-by-step registration guide.

Business Entity Options for Foreign Investors in Nepal

Foreign companies have a few options for establishing a presence in Nepal. It’s important to choose the structure that best suits your goals before registration:

• Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.): This is the most common vehicle for foreign investors. A private limited company incorporated in Nepal is a separate legal entity with limited liability. It requires at least one shareholder (which can be a foreign individual or a company) and can have up to 100% foreign ownership in allowed sectors. This structure is ideal for most startups, SMEs, and general business operations. It allows you to hire staff, enter contracts, and conduct profit-making activities in Nepal. We will focus on this structure in the step-by-step guide, as it’s the route most foreign investors take.

• Branch Office of a Foreign Company: Instead of creating a new Nepalese company, a foreign company can register a branch in Nepal. A branch is not a separate legal entity; it’s an extension of the parent company. Branch offices are allowed for certain sectors and require prior approval from the Department of Industry (and sometimes the relevant line ministry). Branches can engage in commercial activities similar to the parent’s business. One advantage is that there is no minimum capital requirement for branch offices (since the capital is considered part of the foreign parent), but the parent company must commit to covering any liabilities. Branch registration can be complex and is typically used by larger corporations or those executing specific projects (e.g. a foreign construction company opening a branch for a project in Nepal). If your aim is long-term operation in Nepal, often setting up a local company is simpler than a branch.

• Liaison (Representative) Office: A liaison office is a strictly non-commercial presence. Foreign companies can open a liaison or representative office in Nepal to act as a communication or promotional office. Liaison offices cannot conduct revenue-generating business or trade; they exist only to liaise, do market research, or promote the foreign company’s interests. This structure is relatively easier to set up (no special FDI approval needed beyond registration with the Company Registrar), but it’s limiting since you can’t earn income locally. It’s suitable if you only need an office to coordinate with local partners or customers without doing direct business.

For the purposes of foreign company registration in Nepal aimed at doing business (earning revenue in Nepal), the Private Limited Company is by far the most suitable and widely used structure. The remainder of this guide will assume you are establishing a new Nepalese company (Pvt. Ltd.) with foreign ownership. Now, let’s walk through the registration process step by step.

Step-by-Step Guide to Foreign Company Registration in Nepal

Registering a foreign-owned company in Nepal involves several stages, each with its own procedures and paperwork. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide covering everything from initial approvals to post-incorporation tasks.

Step 1: Obtain Foreign Investment Approval (FDI Approval)

The first step to register a foreign company in Nepal is securing approval for your proposed investment under FITTA. This approval verifies that the government consents to your investment plan and that your business meets Nepal’s foreign investment criteria.

Determine the Approving Authority: For most investments, approval is handled by the Department of Industry (DoI) under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. If your proposed investment is small or medium-scale (generally below NPR 6 billion, roughly USD 45–50 million), the DoI’s Foreign Investment Section will process it. For very large projects above NPR 6 billion or those of strategic national importance, the approval falls to the Investment Board Nepal (IBN), a high-level government body. (IBN typically oversees mega-projects such as large infrastructure, hydropower, or big finance sector investments.) In summary, most foreign investors will apply to the DoI, while only very large ventures need IBN approval.

Prepare the Application: You will need to submit a formal application for FDI approval. Nepal now provides a One Stop Service Center for foreign investors, and an online application portal is available for FDI proposals. In the application, you generally must include:

• Project Proposal or Business Plan: A document outlining your proposed business in Nepal – nature of the project, objectives, scale of operations, financial projections, and how it will benefit Nepal (jobs, technology transfer, etc.). This is essentially a detailed business plan that the government reviews for feasibility and compliance with policy.

• Organizational Documents: If the investor is a foreign company, you’ll need corporate documents like your Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association from your home country, and a Board Resolution authorizing the Nepal investment. If the investor is an individual, a copy of the passport is required. All foreign documents should be notarized and, if not in English, translated into English or Nepali with notarization.

• Financial Credibility Documents: You should provide evidence of the investor’s financial capacity to make the investment. This might include recent bank statements, a letter of credit from a bank, or a net-worth statement. The idea is to show that you have at least the amount of capital you plan to invest (meeting the minimum NPR 20 million or more as required).

• Joint Venture Agreement (if applicable): If you are partnering with a Nepali individual or company (not mandatory in most sectors, but some investors choose a joint venture), then a joint venture agreement outlining the share structure and roles should be submitted.

• Power of Attorney: If you won’t be in Nepal to handle the process, you can appoint a local legal representative or consultant. A Power of Attorney letter authorizing that person or firm to act on your behalf for the FDI application should be included.

Once your documents are ready, submit the application through the DoI’s online system or in person at the One Stop Service Center in Kathmandu. As of 2025, Nepal has introduced an automatic approval route for certain investments: if your project is in one of several priority sectors (such as IT, manufacturing, energy, tourism, agriculture, or services) and below a certain capital amount (up to NPR 500 million, about USD 3.7 million), the DoI may grant approval within a few days via an automated online process. This automatic route means that straightforward, smaller projects no longer require lengthy case-by-case review – a recent reform to speed up foreign investment.

Approval and Initial Fees: If everything is in order, the Department of Industry will issue you an FDI Approval Letter (Investment License). This letter formally authorizes the foreign investment and specifies conditions (such as the approved capital amount and business scope). You will be required to pay a small application/approval fee to the government. Notably, the DoI currently asks for a refundable deposit of NPR 20,000 (around USD 150–160) at the time of approval issuance. This is like a bond – it will be returned to you once you actually bring in the pledged investment capital into Nepal. Essentially, it’s an incentive to follow through with the investment. Be sure to obtain a receipt for this payment, as you’ll use it later.

Timeline: Under the normal process, obtaining FDI approval from DoI typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks. In many cases it’s around one month, assuming all documents are satisfactory. If multiple government ministries need to review the proposal (for example, if your project spans multiple regulated areas), it might take a bit longer. For those using the automatic route, approvals have been reported in as fast as a few days to one week. Large projects going through Investment Board Nepal can take a few months since they often involve detailed negotiations and cabinet-level decisions. For most investors, expect roughly one month or less for this Step 1 in 2025.

Step 2: Reserve a Company Name with the Office of the Company Registrar

While your FDI approval is in process (or once you have it), you should proceed to reserve a name for your new company. All companies in Nepal must be registered with a unique name through the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR).

Name Selection: Think of a suitable company name that reflects your business. It’s common to include a word related to your activity (e.g., “Technologies,” “Consulting,” “Trading,” etc.) along with a unique brand word. The name must be unique among all registered companies in Nepal and comply with naming guidelines (for example, it shouldn’t be too similar to an existing company or use prohibited terms). All company names end with the suffix “Private Limited” (or “Pvt. Ltd.”).

Online Name Reservation: The OCR provides an e-Services portal where you can search the database for name availability. Through this portal, you submit a name reservation application. You will typically provide two or three name options in order of preference, in case your first choice is rejected or already taken. There’s a small fee (a few hundred Nepali Rupees) for name reservation, paid online.

Approval of Name: The Office of the Company Registrar will review the requested name. If the name is not duplicate and meets the criteria, the OCR will approve and reserve it for you. You’ll receive a Name Reservation Certificate or approval letter (often via the online portal or email) with a reservation code. This name will be held for a certain period (usually 45 days) during which you must complete the company incorporation using that name. If the name is rejected (perhaps because it’s similar to an existing name or violates guidelines), you’ll need to apply again with a different name.

Timeline: Name reservation is a quick step – it usually takes 1 to 3 business days to get approval. In many cases, you might receive confirmation within one day. It’s wise to initiate name reservation while your FDI approval is underway (you don’t have to wait for the FDI letter to reserve a name). This parallel processing can save time so that you’re ready to incorporate as soon as the investment approval is obtained.

Step 3: Register the Company at the Office of the Company Registrar

With your FDI Approval Letter in hand (Step 1) and a reserved company name (Step 2), you can now proceed to formally register your company. Company registration in Nepal is done through the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) and can be completed online via the OCR portal or in-person by submitting documents.

Prepare Incorporation Documents: You will need to prepare the constitutional documents of the company and gather required paperwork, including:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA): These are the primary legal documents for your company. The MOA outlines the company’s name, registered office address, objectives (business activities), share capital, and shareholder details. The AOA contains the rules for internal management (board of directors, meetings, etc.). Standard templates are available on the OCR website, but for foreign-owned companies, ensure the objectives align with what was approved by the DoI. The objectives section should match the project proposal’s scope. These documents must be signed by all proposed shareholders. If you (the foreign investor) are signing from abroad, you may need to notarize and, in some cases, get the documents attested by the Nepali Embassy or consulate in your country. Alternatively, many investors sign these documents in Nepal with local lawyers’ assistance.

• Approved Name Reservation Certificate: Attach the proof of your reserved company name (from Step 2).

• FDI Approval Letter: Include a copy of the Foreign Investment Approval Certificate/letter from the Department of Industry or IBN.

• Identity Documents: Copies of passports of all foreign individual shareholders and directors. For a corporate shareholder (foreign company investing in Nepal), include its Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA, and a Board Resolution authorizing the investment and naming a representative. All foreign documents should be notarized and translated if not in English.

• Registered Office Address in Nepal: You must provide a local address in Nepal that will serve as the company’s registered office. This can be an actual office space you have leased or the address of a law firm/consultant offering registered address services. You’ll need a lease agreement or proof of address (for example, a lease contract or a utility bill of the premises) to submit. If you haven’t set up an office yet, you may use a temporary address (often service providers offer their address for registration purposes, then you can change it later once you have your own office).

• Power of Attorney (if applicable): If you won’t be present to submit documents, a POA to your local agent or lawyer to handle the submission should be included (with proper notarization).

• Photographs: Passport-sized photos of directors or authorized representatives (this may be required for the registration forms).

Once all documents are ready, you or your representative will fill out the Company Registration Application on the OCR portal. You’ll input company details (name, address, directors, shareholders, share capital, etc.) and upload the required documents digitally. Nepal’s OCR has made significant improvements, and as of 2025, most incorporation filings can be done online without needing to submit physical papers, except you may need to present originals for verification when collecting the certificate.

Share Capital and Subscription: During registration, you’ll declare the company’s authorized capital and issued capital. The authorized capital is the maximum capital the company can issue (often you can set this higher in case you want to add more capital later). The issued (or paid-up) capital is what the shareholders are actually investing initially. For foreign investors, this should match or exceed the minimum FDI amount (NPR 20 million, unless you’re exempt or approved for a different amount). You will also indicate how this capital is divided into shares (e.g., 1000 shares of NPR 10,000 each to make NPR 10 million, etc.) and who holds how many shares. Be prepared to show proof of capital deposit or commitment: the OCR may ask for evidence that the shareholders have deposited the subscribed capital into a Nepali bank account. In practice, after you get FDI approval, you can open a temporary bank account in Nepal (some banks allow opening an account in the company’s name pending incorporation, or you deposit in a suspense account). You would then deposit at least the amount of the issued capital into that account and obtain a deposit slip or a bank letter confirming the funds. This letter can be submitted to OCR as proof that the investment capital is ready to be injected. (If for some reason you cannot deposit before incorporation, you may discuss with OCR – policies can vary, but generally they want assurance of capital availability.)

Government Registration Fee: When submitting the incorporation application, you’ll pay the company registration fee to the OCR. The fee is based on the company’s authorized capital. As of 2025, the fee schedule for a private company is roughly:

• For authorized capital up to NPR 100,000: NPR 1,000 fee

• NPR 100,001 to 500,000: NPR 4,500 fee

• NPR 500,001 to 2,500,000: NPR 9,500 fee

• NPR 2,500,001 to 10,000,000: NPR 16,000 fee

• NPR 10,000,001 to 20,000,000: NPR 19,000 fee

• NPR 20,000,001 to 30,000,000: NPR 22,000 fee

(For reference, a company with a very large capital of NPR 100 million would pay NPR 43,000. Most small-to-medium foreign companies set an authorized capital in the range of NPR 5–20 million to meet requirements.) This fee is paid one-time at incorporation (if you later increase the authorized capital, additional fees apply then).

Review and Certification: The OCR officers will examine your application and documents. If everything is satisfactory, they will approve the registration. You will then be issued a Certificate of Incorporation (sometimes called the Company Registration Certificate) and a copy of the registered MOA/AOA stamped by the Registrar. At this point, your company legally exists as a Nepalese entity (a Private Limited Company). You will also receive a unique company registration number.

If there are any issues (missing information, minor errors), OCR may send the application back with queries or comments, which you or your agent can correct and resubmit. It’s common to have a round of queries, so don’t be alarmed – just address them promptly.

Timeline: Company incorporation through OCR typically takes about 5 to 10 working days once you submit all documents. Many registrations are completed in one week if documents are in order. The online system has made processing faster, and straightforward cases get approved within 5–7 days. However, if queries arise or additional verification is needed, it could add another week or so. In most cases, expect around one week for this step.

Step 4: Obtain PAN and Register for Taxes

After your company is incorporated, there are a few immediate post-registration tasks. One of the first is to register with the tax authorities to obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for your company. The PAN is the tax identification number in Nepal, and it is required for all business operations (for paying taxes, opening bank accounts, invoicing clients, etc.). If your business will be involved in selling goods or providing certain services, you may also need to register for VAT (Value Added Tax) at the same time.

Tax Office Registration: The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) manages tax registrations. Usually, you will visit the local Tax Office corresponding to the area of your registered address to apply for PAN (and VAT if applicable). The documents you’ll need include:

• A copy of the Company Registration Certificate and MOA/AOA.

• A filled application form for PAN registration (available at the tax office).

• Identity documents of directors (some offices ask for copies of director passports and photos).

• Proof of your business address (copy of lease or utility bill).

• Board minute or resolution appointing a person as the Tax Signatory (often one of the directors or an accountant is designated to handle tax matters).

Submit these to the Tax Office. The process is usually straightforward and free of charge – there is no fee for PAN issuance. The tax office will issue a PAN Registration Certificate with your company’s PAN number, usually within a couple of days. If you are also registering for VAT (required if your annual turnover is expected to exceed a certain threshold, currently NPR 5 million, or if you are in a business that mandates VAT from the start), you’d get a VAT/PAN certificate (a combined registration).

Timeline: Obtaining a PAN can be done in 1–3 days. In many cases, it is issued the same day or next day after application.

Note: Your company will be required to quote this PAN on invoices and use it for all tax filings. Also, when you open a bank account (next step), the bank will ask for the company PAN.

Step 5: Register with Local Authorities and Industry Regulators

With the company now officially formed and tax-registered, there are a couple of additional registrations to complete before you can start operations fully:

• Local Ward/Municipality Registration: Businesses in Nepal are required to register with the local government body where they are located. This means you should register your company at the Ward Office or Municipality Office corresponding to your office address. This local registration is often called a “trade license” or local business registration. The process involves filling out a simple form with your company details and paying a local registration fee. The fee varies by municipality; for example, in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, a typical yearly fee is around NPR 10,000 for a small company (it can range roughly NPR 5,000 to NPR 15,000 depending on the locale and business category). The Ward Office will then issue a certificate of registration or acknowledgment letter. This essentially lets the local authorities know that your business is operating in their jurisdiction, and you will need to renew this registration annually by paying the renewal fee. Registering at the local level is important for compliance and sometimes needed to get other utilities or permissions.

• Industry Registration with DoI: Since you obtained an FDI approval from the Department of Industry to start with, you must inform the DoI once the company is incorporated. Practically, this means registering your new company as an “industry” under the Department of Industry records. You would submit a copy of your Company Registration Certificate, PAN, and the previously obtained FDI approval letter to the DoI (Foreign Investment Section) and apply for an Industry Registration Certificate. The DoI will then issue a certificate confirming that the company has been established and registered as an industry as per the initial approval. This step is often procedural but important: it closes the loop on your FDI approval process and often is required to activate certain rights like applying for investor visas or qualifying for any incentives. The DoI does not charge a significant fee for this (usually it might be free or just a nominal stamp fee), and it’s usually done quickly (within a week).

By completing industry registration, you also make your company eligible for any sector-specific incentives under Nepal’s Industrial Enterprise Act, 2020 (such as tax concessions if applicable).

If your business falls under a highly regulated sector, there may be additional sectoral licenses to obtain at this stage (or soon after):

• For example, a tourism business (travel agency, trekking company) would need a license from the Department of Tourism.

• A healthcare venture might need Ministry of Health permissions.

• An infrastructure project could require licenses from the concerned ministry.

• These are case-specific and not part of the general company registration, but do ensure you secure any necessary operating licenses before commencing that line of business. You would typically pursue these once the company is formed and basic registrations are done.

At this point, your company has completed its foundational registrations: it’s incorporated, tax-registered, and recognized by local and industry authorities.

Step 6: Open a Company Bank Account and Bring in the Investment Capital

Now that the company structure is in place, the foreign investor needs to bring the promised capital into Nepal through proper channels. This involves banking procedures and coordination with Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central bank.

Open a Bank Account: Choose a reputable commercial bank in Nepal and open a company bank account (current account) in the name of your new company. You will need your company registration documents, PAN certificate, copies of directors’ passports, and the board resolution (if any) authorizing the account opening. Banks will also require your local address proof and may have their own KYC (Know Your Customer) forms to fill. Some banks in Nepal are very familiar with handling FDI accounts and will guide you through the process. You might open both a local NPR account and a foreign currency account (typically USD) for your company, as foreign investors often bring money in foreign currency.

Nepal Rastra Bank Approval for Capital Inflow: Nepal Rastra Bank regulates foreign currency flows. After your company is set up, you must register the intended foreign investment with NRB to ensure that when you bring money in, it’s recorded as FDI. Often, your commercial bank will facilitate this. You will typically submit an application to NRB (through your bank) for Foreign Investment Currency approval. You’ll provide a copy of the FDI Approval letter, the Industry Registration certificate, Company registration documents, and details of the amount being remitted and the source. NRB will then issue a letter of consent or a reference number for your investment remittance.

Remit the Funds: With NRB’s go-ahead, you (the foreign investor) will transfer the investment amount from abroad into the company’s bank account in Nepal. The transfer must come through formal banking channels and should clearly indicate it’s for capital investment in [Your Company Name]. It’s recommended to slightly overshoot the minimum amount (to account for any currency exchange fees or fluctuations) – for instance, if NPR 20 million is required, sending the equivalent of maybe NPR 20.5 million worth of foreign currency ensures you meet the minimum after any bank charges.

Once the funds arrive in Nepal, your bank will credit the company account and issue a Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) or equivalent documentation confirming the amount received, the sender, and purpose. This document is crucial.

Allotment of Shares: Now that money is in the company, you’ll formally allot shares to the foreign investor equal to the amount of capital received. Essentially, the company will pass a Board Resolution acknowledging receipt of the investment and issuing the corresponding shares to the foreign shareholder. This is then reported back to the Department of Industry and Nepal Rastra Bank. You will submit proof to NRB that the funds have been injected (the FIRC from the bank, the company’s share allotment letter, and that NPR 20,000 deposit slip from earlier). NRB will then provide an NRB Investment Registration Certificate for your company, which is an official record that you invested X amount of foreign currency in the company. This certificate is what you will need in the future to repatriate profits, dividends, or even the capital if you sell the company or liquidate. It is effectively your lifeline to convert NPR earnings back into foreign currency up to the amount you brought in (plus profits).

Timeline: Opening a bank account can be done in a few days (1–3 days depending on the bank’s internal process). Getting NRB approval for the remittance might take around a week, often running in parallel with account opening. The international wire transfer may take a few days to land. Overall, within 1 to 2 weeks after incorporation, you can typically complete the capital injection process.

Now your company is not only legally established, but also financially capitalized as per Nepali regulations, allowing you to start business activities like purchasing assets, hiring employees, etc.

Step 7: Obtain Investor Visa and Work Permits (Immigration Compliance)

One key consideration for foreign investors after setting up the company is the ability to reside in Nepal to manage the business, as well as to hire any foreign staff if needed. Nepal offers certain visa facilities for investors:

• Investor Visa: Nepal provides special Investor Visas to foreign nationals who invest above a specified threshold. As of 2025, an investor who has invested at least roughly USD $100,000 in Nepal (the threshold can be around NPR 10 million and is subject to change) is eligible for an Investor Visa. This is typically a multiple-entry visa granted for 1 year at a time (renewable each year as long as the investment is maintained). In some cases, significant investors may get up to a 5-year term on their visa. The Investor Visa allows you to live in Nepal and oversee your business without needing a separate work permit. To apply, you would use your FDI approval and proof of capital injection: submit the application to the Department of Industry which will recommend the Investor Visa to the Department of Immigration. Required documents will include your company’s Industry Registration Certificate, proof of the amount invested (NRB certificate, bank letters), your passport, and company registration documents. The visa can also be extended to your dependents (spouse and children) as dependent visas once yours is approved.

• Business Visa: For foreign individuals who have a stake in a company but perhaps below the Investor Visa threshold, Nepal has a category called Business Visa. This is generally a shorter-term visa (for example, 3 or 6 months at a time, up to 1 year) given to persons involved in business in Nepal. The Department of Industry also facilitates the recommendation for Business Visas for registered investors or company representatives. If your investment is smaller (say you took advantage of an IT sector exemption and invested less than NPR 20 million), you might start with a Business Visa. It is a multi-entry visa that can be renewed as needed.

• Work Permits for Employees: If your company plans to hire foreign nationals as employees or technical experts, those individuals will need work permits. Work permits are issued by the Department of Labor after confirming that the expertise is necessary and not readily available in the local labor market. Generally, Nepal encourages hiring local employees, so there may be quotas or justification needed for foreign hires. Typically, a company might be allowed a certain proportion of foreign workers (e.g., in some industries, up to 5% of the workforce can be foreign, or specific technical roles can be filled by foreigners if Nepali talent is unavailable). To get a work permit, the employee would first get a non-tourist visa (category is often an “employment visa”) from Immigration upon recommendation by the Department of Labor. The company has to provide documents like the employment contract, the employee’s qualifications, and a letter explaining why this foreign hire is needed. Additionally, each foreign worker’s salary tax must be paid and Social Security Fund registration done just like for local staff.

For the company founder or key investor, the Investor Visa is the most convenient status, as it not only allows residency but also implicitly covers working in your own company (no separate labor permit required for the investor themselves). Digital Consulting Ventures and similar service providers often assist in preparing the visa applications and coordinating with the government offices to secure these visas promptly for their clients.

Note: Visa regulations can change, and Nepal is considering even more investor-friendly visa rules (like potentially a long-term residency for substantial investors). Always check the latest requirements with the Department of Immigration or a reliable consulting firm when you are at this stage.

Step 8: Ongoing Compliance and Operational Considerations

With all the above steps, your foreign company is fully registered and ready to operate in Nepal. Before we move to FAQs and services, a brief word on ongoing compliance:

• Annual Reporting: All companies in Nepal must submit annual financial statements and an annual report to the Office of the Company Registrar. You will need to appoint a certified auditor to audit your books each fiscal year and file audited accounts.

• Tax Filing: You’ll need to file annual income tax returns, and if applicable, monthly/quarterly VAT returns. Tax payments (advance tax installments) must be made per Nepali tax law schedule.

• Renewals: Renew your local municipality registration each year (pay the annual fee to keep your local license active). Also renew any sector licenses annually if required (for example, tourism licenses).

• Labor Compliance: If you have employees, ensure provident fund or social security contributions are made as required under Nepal’s Social Security Fund (SSF) system, and labor laws (like minimum wage, leave, etc.) are followed.

• Changes and Updates: Any time you change your company’s directors, address, or increase capital or shares, you must update the Company Registrar and sometimes the DoI. For share transfers involving foreigners or bringing additional foreign investment, you’ll again involve DoI and NRB approvals.

Staying compliant is essential to avoid penalties and to ensure you can repatriate your profits without issues. Many foreign businesses opt to hire local accountants or corporate service providers to handle these filings.

Having covered the comprehensive process, let’s summarize the expected timeline and cost for registering a foreign company in Nepal in 2025, and then we will introduce how professional services can assist you.

Timeline and Costs for Foreign Company Registration in Nepal (2025)

Typical Timeline: From start (FDI application) to finish (capital injected and ready to operate), a foreign company incorporation in Nepal can be completed in as little as 4 to 8 weeks under ideal conditions. Here’s a breakdown of stages and approximate durations:

• FDI Approval (DoI/IBN): ~1–4 weeks. If you qualify for the automatic route, it could be just a few days to a week. Otherwise, plan for around a month for standard approvals. Very large projects may take longer (several months), but those are exceptions.

• Name Reservation (OCR): 1–3 days. This can run concurrently with FDI approval to save time.

• Company Registration (OCR): 5–10 days. Roughly one week for document review and issuance of the certificate, assuming prompt responses to any queries.

• Post-incorporation steps (PAN, Bank Account, NRB): 1–2 weeks. Tax registration (PAN) is a couple of days. Opening bank accounts and obtaining NRB approval for inward remittance can align within a week or so. The actual fund transfer might take a few additional days, and getting the NRB final registration certificate might take another few days after funds arrive.

• Local and Industry registrations: 3–7 days, often overlapping with the above. Ward office registration might be done in a day or two of visiting the office. Industry registration certificate from DoI is usually within a week of application.

In summary, many foreign investors find that about 1.5 to 2 months is a reasonable total timeframe to have a fully operational company (from the date of applying for FDI approval to the date the money is in the bank and all registrations are done). This assumes proactive follow-up and that documents are in good order. With Nepal’s new efficiencies (like the automatic approval in key sectors), the process has sped up, and timelines of even 4-6 weeks have been achieved. More complex cases or delays in paperwork can stretch the timeline to 3–4 months in rarer instances, but that is becoming less common in 2025.

Estimated Costs: Below are the typical government and administrative costs to budget for when registering a foreign company in Nepal. (These exclude any fees you might pay to law firms or consultants, which can vary.)

• FDI Application Fee: The Department of Industry/IBN does not charge a large processing fee for the application itself. The main cost is the refundable deposit of NPR 20,000 at approval time, which we discussed. Think of it as part of your initial investment outlay (you’ll get it back after bringing in the capital). Aside from that deposit, any miscellaneous stamp duties or form fees are minimal.

• Company Registration Fee (OCR): Based on authorized capital (see detailed breakdown in Step 3). For example, if your authorized capital is NPR 10 million (≈ USD 75k), the registration fee is NPR 16,000 (≈ USD 125). If you go with NPR 20 million capital (≈ $150k), fee is NPR 19,000 (~$150). Larger capital companies pay incrementally higher fees (e.g., NPR 43,000 for 100 million capital, which is still under $350). These fees are one-time.

• Notary & Document Authentication: You may incur costs to notarize and translate documents. Notarization in your home country and then obtaining a Nepali embassy attestation (if required for certain documents) can cost a few hundred dollars, depending on the number of documents and your country’s fees. In Nepal, translating a document to Nepali and notarizing might cost on the order of NPR 200–500 per page (a few dollars). Budget perhaps a few hundred USD for all document-related formalities, especially if there are many corporate documents.

• PAN/VAT Registration: There is no fee for obtaining a PAN or VAT certificate from the tax office.

• Local Ward Registration Fee: Typically ranges from NPR 5,000 to NPR 15,000 annually for a small or mid-sized company. For instance, around NPR 10,000 (≈ $80) is common in cities for a standard business. This is paid to the local government every year.

• Industry Registration Fee: The Department of Industry usually doesn’t charge a fee for issuing the industry registration certificate to FDI companies. If it does, it might just be a nominal charge or stamp duty of a few hundred rupees. Essentially negligible.

• Bank Account and Remittance Charges: Opening a bank account usually requires a minimum deposit (which is your capital in this case). Some banks might ask for a minimum balance like NPR 5,000 or NPR 10,000 just to keep the account active, but that’s nominal (under $100). The main cost here could be the bank’s incoming wire transfer fee for foreign funds and currency exchange commission. Banks might deduct $50 to $100 in fees when a large international wire arrives. Also, sending the money from your home country will incur your bank’s outward remittance fee. These banking costs are variable, but plan for perhaps $100–$200 total in banking charges.

• Professional Services (Optional): While not a government cost, most foreign investors allocate funds for hiring local professionals to assist. If you engage a consulting firm or law firm for an end-to-end incorporation service, the fees can range widely based on scope and the firm’s rates. It might be a few thousand US dollars for a basic company setup package for a small investment (covering all steps, document prep, translations, filings, etc.), up to significantly more for large-scale projects that require extensive advisory. Given the complexity of FDI procedures, many find this cost justified. (In the next section, we’ll discuss the services offered by Digital Consulting Ventures, which specializes in such support.)

• Office Setup Costs: If you are establishing a physical office, consider costs like rent and deposits. Many commercial rentals in Kathmandu, for example, will ask for 2–3 months’ rent as a security deposit upfront. Office rent varies by location and size, but just as an example, a small office might be $200–$500 per month, whereas larger spaces can go into thousands. Remember that Nepal imposes a 10% tax on rent which the tenant must ensure is paid (often the landlord will handle it but pass on the cost). While office rent is not part of the incorporation cost per se, be prepared for these expenses when budgeting your launch.

Overall, apart from your investment capital itself, the direct administrative costs of company registration and approvals in Nepal are modest – often only a few hundred dollars in total government fees. This makes Nepal a cost-competitive jurisdiction to incorporate in. The main investments will be in your actual business (capital, equipment, etc.) rather than in red-tape expenses.

Digital Consulting Ventures – Incorporation Services for Foreign Companies

Navigating a foreign country’s incorporation process can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Digital Consulting Ventures (DCV) is a Nepal-based professional services firm that specializes in helping international businesses establish and grow their presence in Nepal. We offer end-to-end support to make foreign company registration in Nepal smooth and hassle-free. Our services for foreign investors include:

• Business Registration Support: We handle the entire company setup process on your behalf. This includes advising on optimal business structure, preparing all necessary documents (FDI applications, MOA/AOA drafting tailored to your needs, government forms), and liaising with government agencies. DCV will manage your name reservation, FDI approval submissions, and company registration filing with OCR, ensuring that paperwork is accurate and complete. Our local expertise means we can preempt common issues and speed up approvals by maintaining close communication with DoI and OCR officials.

• Visa and Immigration Assistance: DCV provides comprehensive visa support services for foreign investors and expatriate staff. We will facilitate your Investor Visa or Business Visa applications, preparing the required documentation and coordinating with the Department of Industry and Department of Immigration. If you need work permits for foreign experts, our team will guide you through the labor permit process as well. We stay up-to-date on the latest visa rules and can advise you on the best immigration strategy (for example, meeting the criteria for a 1-year Investor Visa versus a 5-year visa). Our goal is to ensure that you and your team can legally reside and work in Nepal with minimal delays.

• Office Setup and Local Infrastructure: Establishing a new office in Nepal can be daunting when you’re abroad. DCV offers support in office setup, which ranges from providing a registered office address for initial incorporation to assisting in finding suitable office space for your operations. We can connect you with reliable local real estate agents or property providers and even assist in negotiating lease agreements. Additionally, we help with setting up essential local infrastructure: this might include connecting utilities, setting up corporate bank accounts (we have relationships with major banks to smooth the KYC process), and registering for local services. We also ensure you fulfill local administrative requirements like municipality registration (ward office) and obtaining any specific trade licenses you might need to start operating.

• Post-Incorporation Compliance: Staying compliant with Nepali laws is crucial for the long-term success of your company. Digital Consulting Ventures provides ongoing post-incorporation compliance services so you can focus on your business while we handle regulatory matters. This includes:

  • Accounting and Tax Compliance: We offer bookkeeping services, tax filing support (VAT returns, income tax returns), and coordination with auditors for your annual audit.

  • Legal and Company Secretarial: DCV can act as your company secretary in Nepal, handling formalities such as annual returns to the Company Registrar, maintaining statutory records, and updating any corporate changes (directors, address, share increases) with authorities.

  • Payroll and HR Compliance: If you hire staff, we can assist with setting up payroll, registering employees for the Social Security Fund, and ensuring labor law compliance (employment contracts, labor permits, etc.).

  • Repatriation Assistance: When it comes time to remit dividends or profits overseas, we help prepare the necessary applications to Nepal Rastra Bank and tax clearance documents so that you can repatriate funds smoothly.

In essence, Digital Consulting Ventures acts as your local partner and guide. From the initial planning stages through to daily operational support, our team’s knowledge of Nepali regulations and business practices helps foreign investors avoid pitfalls and save time. By leveraging our incorporation services, you gain peace of mind that every aspect of establishing your company is handled professionally and in accordance with Nepali law. We pride ourselves on a professional and client-focused approach – we understand the expectations of international businesses and aim to deliver timely, clear, and reliable service at every step.

If you’re considering registering a company in Nepal, Digital Consulting Ventures is here to assist with business registration, visa processing, office setup, and full compliance management, ensuring your expansion into Nepal is efficient and successful.

(For tailored advice or to engage our services, you can contact Digital Consulting Ventures directly – our consultants would be happy to provide an initial consultation.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can foreign investors own 100% of a company in Nepal?

Yes. In most sectors open to investment, foreign nationals or foreign companies can own up to 100% equity in a Nepalese company. Nepal does not require a local partner or shareholder for the majority of industries – you can incorporate a wholly foreign-owned private limited company. Common sectors with full foreign ownership include IT and software development, export-oriented manufacturing, tourism (e.g. hotels), energy (e.g. hydropower projects), and consultancy services. There are restricted sectors (on the Negative List) where foreign ownership isn’t allowed at all, and a few areas where only a certain percentage of foreign ownership is permitted. But if your business is in a permitted sector, you are not obliged to have any Nepali shareholding. Similarly, there is no general legal requirement to have a Nepali citizen on the Board of Directors; foreigners can be the sole directors of the company. That said, many foreign investors still hire local advisors or nominate a local person as an authorized signatory for convenience, but legally you can have a fully foreign-managed company.

2. What is the minimum capital requirement for foreign company registration in Nepal?

For most sectors, the current minimum Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) required is NPR 20 million (approximately USD $150,000). This is the minimum amount of capital a foreign investor must bring into Nepal to register a new company (or invest in an existing one). This rule is in place to ensure that foreign investments are substantive and contribute meaningfully to the economy. However, there are important exceptions:

• In late 2023, Nepal waived the minimum capital requirement for certain IT and tech sector startups that go through the automatic approval route. This means if you are establishing an information technology company (software, digital services, etc.) and use the online automatic FDI approval (for investments under NPR 500 million), you can invest less than NPR 20 million – even a much smaller amount like NPR 5 million (~$40k) – and still get approval. The intention is to encourage startups and smaller tech investments.

• Certain consultancy or service sectors have lower thresholds in practice. For example, management consultancies or international consultancy firms have been allowed with around NPR 2 million capital in some cases. This is more of a policy flexibility for specific cases, so it’s advisable to check the latest guidelines or consult with the DoI if your business is a small-scale consultancy.

• If you are an expatriate of Nepali origin (Non-Resident Nepali), the minimum FDI threshold might not apply under specific provisions – but that is a special category.

For everyone else, plan for at least NPR 20 million investment. You do not necessarily need to inject all of it at once – but you should commit to that scale of investment and typically bring in a significant portion upfront (and the rest within the project timeline). Keep in mind that if your project requires a larger sum (say a factory needing NPR 100 million), the requirement isn’t a cap; you can invest more. The law just sets a floor of 20 million for foreign investors.

3. How long does the company registration process take for a foreigner in Nepal?

Typically 4 to 8 weeks in total, assuming all goes smoothly. Here’s the breakdown:

• FDI Approval: ~1 to 4 weeks (a week or less if automatic route applies; up to a month for normal cases).

• Company Registration (after FDI): ~1 to 2 weeks (including name reservation and OCR approval).

• Post-registration (PAN, bank, NRB): ~1 to 2 weeks.
  By overlapping some steps (like name reservation during the FDI wait, and preparing documents in advance), the timeline can be compressed toward the shorter end. Many foreign companies have been set up in about 5-6 weeks from start to finish in recent times. If complications arise (additional queries from authorities, delays in document courier, etc.), it might extend to 3 months or more, but that’s not the norm for standard projects in 2025. Using experienced local service providers can also expedite the timeline since they know the process intricacies. Overall, compared to many other South Asian countries, Nepal’s incorporation timeline for foreign businesses is quite reasonable now.

4. Do I need to visit Nepal in person or hire a local partner to complete the registration?

You do not need a local equity partner (as explained, 100% foreign-owned companies are allowed in most cases). As for visiting Nepal, it is not strictly required to be physically present to register the company, but it can be helpful. Many foreign investors grant a Power of Attorney to a local lawyer or consulting firm (like DCV) to handle the paperwork on their behalf. This way, the process can move forward even if you are abroad. Key documents like the MOA/AOA can be signed abroad, notarized, and sent to Nepal. The FDI application can also be submitted online. That said, you might choose to visit Nepal at critical points — for example, to open the bank account (some banks prefer the account signatories to be present for KYC) and to sign papers in front of officials if needed. But even these can sometimes be managed remotely by prior arrangement or by using authorized signatories in Nepal. In summary: personal presence is not mandatory; a trusted local representative with Power of Attorney can complete all formalities. Once the company is set up, you will likely want to visit to kickstart operations, but the initial registration can be done by proxy.

5. Can I freely repatriate my profits and capital from Nepal as a foreign investor?

Yes, Nepal’s laws allow foreign investors to repatriate profits, dividends, and even the principal capital out of Nepal, in foreign currency, provided all the necessary compliance steps are met. To ensure you can repatriate:

• Your investment must be registered with Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) (which we did in Step 6). NRB maintains a record of how much foreign currency you brought in. You can repatriate up to that amount in capital, and any profits on top of it, through official banking channels.

• You must obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate each fiscal year from the tax office to prove that your company has paid all due taxes on the profits you want to send out. If profits are properly declared and taxes (typically 25% corporate tax on net profit) are paid, the remaining net profit is eligible for dividend distribution.

• After declaring a dividend, you apply to NRB for repatriation. You’ll submit the tax clearance, board resolution declaring the dividend, audited financial statements, and NRB will approve the outward remittance. The funds can then be converted to USD (or other convertible currency) and transferred abroad.

• For repatriating the initial capital (say if you liquidate or sell the company), you would show proof of the sale or liquidation, tax clearance on any capital gains, and then NRB would allow sending back the investment amount.

• Royalties, technical service fees, or management fees can also be repatriated if they were part of an approved agreement and after withholding taxes are paid. They need NRB approval too, with documents like agreements and invoices.

In practice, profit repatriation is a well-trodden path for established foreign companies in Nepal. The process does involve paperwork and can take a few weeks to get approvals, but as long as your accounts and filings are clean, you are entitled to 100% repatriation. Keeping good accounting records and compliance up to date (which DCV can assist with) will make this process smooth.

6. Are there any tax incentives or benefits for foreign businesses in Nepal?

Yes, Nepal offers various tax incentives to encourage investment in certain sectors and regions, as outlined in the Industrial Enterprise Act and periodic Finance Acts:

• Tax Holidays: Industries categorized as “priority” or “special priority” (for example, agriculture processing, tourism resorts, hydropower, certain manufacturing, etc.) can get partial or full income tax exemptions for a number of years. A typical incentive might be a 5 to 10 year tax holiday (either full exemption for some years and 50% for next few years) for companies in particularly promoted sectors or in less-developed regions of the country.

• Export Industries: If your company exports goods or services and earns foreign currency, you may qualify for a reduced corporate tax rate. For instance, income from exports might be taxed at a lower rate (somewhere around 18% instead of the standard 25%, subject to current laws).

• Special Economic Zones (SEZ): If you set up in a Special Economic Zone, there are generous incentives like a 100% income tax exemption for the first 5 years and 50% for the next 5, zero customs on raw materials, etc., provided you export a certain percentage of your product.

• Customs and VAT Exemptions: New industries can often get exemptions on import duty and VAT for importing machinery, equipment and sometimes raw materials needed for their project. For example, a hydropower company typically enjoys customs duty waivers on importing turbines and generators.

• Industry-Specific Incentives: Certain sectors have their own perks. IT parks offer reduced rents and dedicated facilities. Tourism businesses might get discounts on licensing fees. Agribusinesses might have grants available.

• Dividend Tax: Dividends distributed by a company are subject to a final withholding tax (currently 5%). This is payable when distributing profits to shareholders. There’s no additional tax when taking it out if that 5% is paid. Nepal has Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) with many countries, which might reduce withholding on dividends, interest, or royalties if applicable.

It’s recommended to consult with a tax advisor to know which incentives your business can utilize. Digital Consulting Ventures can also guide investors on applicable incentives and assist in obtaining any approvals needed to claim these benefits.

7. What ongoing compliance requirements should my company be aware of?

After incorporation, your company will need to operate in compliance with Nepali laws. Key ongoing compliance requirements include:

• Annual Financial Audit: Every company must appoint a qualified auditor and have its financial statements audited annually. The audited financials are submitted to the Office of the Company Registrar and the tax office.

• Annual General Meeting (AGM): You’re required to hold an AGM of shareholders within 6 months of the fiscal year end to approve accounts and make any major decisions (this can be done with minimal formalities if you’re the sole shareholder, but minutes should be prepared).

• Tax Filings: File an annual corporate income tax return within 3 months of fiscal year end (the Nepali fiscal year ends in mid-July). Pay any taxes due. If your company is operating, you’ll also file VAT returns monthly or quarterly (if registered for VAT), and remit VAT collected. You’ll file withholding tax returns quarterly for any taxes you withhold (e.g., on staff salaries, payments to consultants, etc.).

• Tax Payments: Pay advance taxes in installments as required (Nepal requires paying 40% of estimated tax by Poush end (mid-Jan), 30% by Chaitra end (mid-April), and remaining by filing time).

• Renewals: Renew your local municipal registration each year (typically by the end of the Nepali fiscal year). This involves paying the annual fee to the ward/municipality and getting a renewal stamp or letter. Similarly, renew any industry-specific licenses annually.

• Labor Compliance: If you have employees, you must contribute to the Social Security Fund (SSF) on their behalf (currently totaling 31% of basic salary, split between employer and employee contributions). Deposit those monthly. Ensure work permits for any foreign employees are kept valid (renew annually).

• Company Changes: Report any changes in your company’s registered particulars. For example, if you change your company’s registered address or board of directors, you need to file a notice with the Company Registrar within 15 days of the change. If you increase shares or transfer shares, those need approval from DoI (for foreign share transfers) and recording at OCR.

• Repatriation Approvals: Whenever you want to repatriate dividends, you’ll need a tax clearance and NRB approval as discussed. Plan ahead for these by keeping records ready.

Non-compliance can result in fines or penalties, and in worst cases, the government could cancel licenses or delay repatriation requests. However, with diligent adherence to regulations and possibly the support of compliance experts, running a company in Nepal can be quite straightforward. Always stay informed of any regulatory changes (for instance, new labor laws or tax rate changes in the annual budget) to ensure your company remains in good standing.

8. Is it better to open a branch office or a subsidiary company in Nepal?

This depends on your business goals, but for most investors, a subsidiary company (private limited) is the preferred approach. Key differences to consider:

• Liability: A subsidiary (Nepalese company) has limited liability; the foreign parent’s liability is basically limited to the capital it invested. A branch, however, is not a separate entity – the foreign parent is fully liable for branch activities in Nepal.

• Minimum Investment: Branch offices technically have no minimum FDI requirement (no NPR 20 million rule), which might seem like an advantage if you want to invest a smaller amount. However, the branch’s approval can be trickier. Branches need a specific approval from line ministries or a government contract, whereas subsidiaries just need the standard FDI approval.

• Activities: A branch must engage in the same business activities as its parent company and cannot expand beyond that scope. Its permitted scope in Nepal might also be subject to what’s in the approval. A subsidiary can pursue any business outlined in its MOA and approved by DoI.

• Repatriation and Taxation: Branch profits are directly remittable to the head office (after tax). Branches are taxed at the corporate rate on profits, and an additional repatriation tax may apply on funds sent back (since it’s not dividends but remittance of profit). A subsidiary pays corporate tax on profits and can then declare dividends (with a 5% dividend tax) to remit to the foreign parent. Tax-wise, there may not be a huge difference, but depending on double tax treaties, one form could be slightly more tax-efficient than the other.

• Closure: Closing a branch means winding up the operations and deregistering with OCR and notifying authorities – it can be a bit simpler since it’s just closing a foreign company’s office. Closing a subsidiary involves a liquidation process of a Nepali company, which can be lengthy. However, selling a subsidiary to another investor is also an option; selling a branch’s business is less straightforward.

• Perception and Practicality: Operating as a Nepali company (subsidiary) might make it easier to work with local clients, participate in tenders, etc., as it’s a local entity. A branch is seen as a foreign company’s extension – in some cases, that’s fine or even beneficial for branding, but in other cases a fully Nepali entity is preferred by stakeholders.

In summary, if you plan a long-term presence and potentially broad activities, a Nepali subsidiary is generally more flexible. If you only need to execute a specific project or maintain a liaison, a branch or rep office could suffice. Consult with a legal advisor on what suits your scenario best. Many foreign SMEs and virtually all startups go the subsidiary route for simplicity.

By addressing these FAQs, we hope to have cleared up common queries foreign entrepreneurs have about establishing a business in Nepal. In the next section, we list some key sources and references that underpin the information provided in this guide.

Sources

1. Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019 (Nepal) – The primary law governing FDI in Nepal, outlining approval requirements and investor rights.

2. Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies – FDI Policy Updates (2022) – Government announcement reducing the minimum FDI threshold to NPR 20 million (Cabinet decision of 14th Nov 2022).

3. Companies Act, 2006 (Nepal) – The law under which companies (including foreign-owned) are incorporated and regulated in Nepal.

4. Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) – Official Company Registration Guidelines – Procedural information on name reservation, online filings, and fee schedule for company incorporation in Nepal.

5. Department of Industry – One Stop Service Center Documentation – Guidelines and checklists for foreign investment approval, industry registration, and investor visa facilitation provided by the Department of Industry (Government of Nepal).

6. Nepal Inland Revenue Department – Taxation Regulations – Reference for corporate tax rates, PAN/VAT registration, and tax incentives as per Nepal’s tax laws and Industrial Enterprise Act provisions.