Legal Fees for Company Registration in Nepal: Lawyer or DIY

If you are a foreign company planning to enter Nepal, one of the first questions you ask is simple.
What is the cost of company registration in Nepal, and should you use a lawyer or do it yourself?

The answer is not just about government fees.
It includes legal risk, compliance exposure, delays, and future regulatory costs.

This guide gives you a clear, honest comparison.
You will understand legal fees, DIY costs, and which route makes sense for foreign investors.

What “legal fees” really mean in Nepal company registration

Legal fees are not only for paperwork.
They cover regulatory interpretation, filings, approvals, and risk mitigation.

For foreign companies, this usually involves:

• Corporate law

• Foreign investment law

• Tax and compliance law

• Labour and immigration law

In Nepal, company registration interacts with multiple authorities, not just one office.

Key authorities involved in company registration in Nepal

Foreign companies usually deal with:

• Office of the Company Registrar (OCR)

• Department of Industry (DOI) or Investment Board

• Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)

• Inland Revenue Department (IRD)

Each authority adds time, documentation, and compliance layers.

This is where legal support often matters most.

Lawyer vs DIY: high-level comparison

Before diving into numbers, here is the strategic difference.

Using a lawyer or professional firm

• Higher upfront legal fees

• Lower compliance risk

• Faster approvals

• Structured for repatriation and exits

Doing it yourself (DIY)

• Lower visible cost

• High learning curve

• Higher rejection and delay risk

• Costly corrections later

The cheapest option is not always the lowest total cost.

Government fees: fixed costs regardless of approach

Whether you use a lawyer or not, these fees apply.

Mandatory government costs

1. Company registration fee at OCR

2. PAN and VAT registration

3. Stamp duties

4. Industry registration fee

5. FDI approval charges (if applicable)

These are statutory and non-negotiable.

Legal fees for company registration in Nepal (lawyer route)

Typical legal fee range for foreign companies

For foreign investors, legal fees usually range between:

• USD 1,000 to USD 3,500+, depending on complexity

This does not include government fees.

What legal fees usually include

• Name reservation and incorporation

• Drafting Memorandum and Articles

• Shareholding and director structuring

• FDI application preparation

• NRB compliance advisory

• PAN, VAT, and industry registration

• Compliance roadmap post-incorporation

DIY company registration: real cost beyond “free”

DIY sounds attractive on paper.
In practice, it carries hidden costs.

Common DIY expenses

• Document translation and notarisation

• Re-filing fees after rejection

• Consultant calls for clarification

• Opportunity cost of delays

Most foreign founders underestimate these costs.

Comparison table: lawyer vs DIY cost of company registration in Nepal

Insight:
DIY often becomes more expensive within 6–12 months.

When DIY might make sense

DIY is rarely ideal for foreign companies, but there are exceptions.

DIY may work if:

• You have a local legal expert on staff

• No foreign shareholding exists

• No FDI approval is required

• Operations are minimal

Even then, professional review is recommended.

When a lawyer is strongly recommended

You should use a lawyer if:

• Any foreign ownership exists

• Capital repatriation is planned

• You need visas or work permits

• You plan to hire local staff

• You want tax optimisation

For foreign companies, this is the majority case.

Legal risks foreign companies often overlook

Skipping legal support can create long-term problems.

Common issues we see

• Incorrect shareholding ratios

• FDI approval mismatch

• NRB repatriation delays

• Tax registration errors

• Non-compliant employment contracts

Fixing these later costs more than legal fees.

Timeline impact on cost

Time is money.

Typical timelines

• Lawyer assisted: 15–30 days

• DIY: 30–90+ days

Delays affect hiring, invoicing, and market entry.

How legal fees protect repatriation rights

Foreign companies care about exits.

Legal structuring ensures compliance with:

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019

• Companies Act 2006

• Income Tax Act 2002

Without proper setup, repatriation approvals can be delayed or denied.

Hidden costs beyond registration

The cost of company registration in Nepal does not stop at incorporation.

Ongoing compliance costs

• Annual returns

• Tax filings

• Audit fees

• Labour law compliance

• Social Security Fund registration

Lawyers often bundle these into predictable packages.

How to choose the right legal partner

Not all legal providers are equal.

Look for partners who:

• Work with foreign companies regularly

• Understand NRB and FDI processes

• Provide fixed-fee clarity

• Offer post-registration support

Avoid vague pricing or “registration only” promises.

Final verdict: lawyer or DIY?

For foreign companies, the answer is clear.

DIY looks cheaper.
Lawyer-assisted registration is safer, faster, and cheaper long-term.

The cost of company registration in Nepal should be evaluated over years, not weeks.

Call to action

If you are a foreign company planning to enter Nepal, get a clear cost breakdown and compliance roadmap before you decide.

👉 Speak with our Nepal FDI and company registration specialists for a fixed-fee consultation.
Avoid surprises. Enter Nepal with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

How much does it cost to register a company in Nepal for foreigners?

The total cost ranges from USD 1,500 to USD 4,000, including legal and government fees, depending on structure.

Can foreigners register a company in Nepal without a lawyer?

Yes, but it is risky. Foreign ownership usually requires FDI approval and legal guidance.

Are legal fees mandatory for company registration in Nepal?

No. Legal fees are optional, but highly recommended for foreign companies.

How long does company registration take in Nepal?

With legal support, 15–30 days. DIY can take 2–3 months or longer.

Is FDI approval included in company registration cost?

FDI approval is a separate process and often adds legal and regulatory costs.