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.
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.
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.
Before diving into numbers, here is the strategic difference.
Higher upfront legal fees
Lower compliance risk
Faster approvals
Structured for repatriation and exits
Lower visible cost
High learning curve
Higher rejection and delay risk
Costly corrections later
The cheapest option is not always the lowest total cost.
Whether you use a lawyer or not, these fees apply.
Company registration fee at OCR
PAN and VAT registration
Stamp duties
Industry registration fee
FDI approval charges (if applicable)
These are statutory and non-negotiable.
For foreign investors, legal fees usually range between:
USD 1,000 to USD 3,500+, depending on complexity
This does not include government fees.
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 sounds attractive on paper.
In practice, it carries hidden costs.
Document translation and notarisation
Re-filing fees after rejection
Consultant calls for clarification
Opportunity cost of delays
Most foreign founders underestimate these costs.
| Cost Factor | Lawyer Assisted | DIY Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Government fees | Same | Same |
| Legal fees | Higher upfront | Minimal |
| Approval speed | Fast | Slow |
| Rejection risk | Low | High |
| Compliance accuracy | High | Uncertain |
| Long-term cost | Lower | Higher |
Insight:
DIY often becomes more expensive within 6–12 months.
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.
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.
Skipping legal support can create long-term problems.
Incorrect shareholding ratios
FDI approval mismatch
NRB repatriation delays
Tax registration errors
Non-compliant employment contracts
Fixing these later costs more than legal fees.
Time is money.
Lawyer assisted: 15–30 days
DIY: 30–90+ days
Delays affect hiring, invoicing, and market entry.
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.
The cost of company registration in Nepal does not stop at incorporation.
Annual returns
Tax filings
Audit fees
Labour law compliance
Social Security Fund registration
Lawyers often bundle these into predictable packages.
Not all legal providers are equal.
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.
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.
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.
The total cost ranges from USD 1,500 to USD 4,000, including legal and government fees, depending on structure.
Yes, but it is risky. Foreign ownership usually requires FDI approval and legal guidance.
No. Legal fees are optional, but highly recommended for foreign companies.
With legal support, 15–30 days. DIY can take 2–3 months or longer.
FDI approval is a separate process and often adds legal and regulatory costs.