Foreign company registration in Nepal has become significantly more streamlined with the government’s shift toward online approvals and digital filings. For global companies seeking market entry, cost-efficient talent, or South Asia expansion, Nepal offers a compliant, investor-friendly pathway when the process is done correctly.
This guide explains the online registration process for foreign companies in Nepal, from pre-investment structuring to digital approvals and post-registration compliance. It is written for decision-makers who want clarity, not legal jargon, and outcomes, not guesswork.
Nepal has quietly emerged as a strategic destination for foreign investors.
Competitive operating and labor costs
English-speaking professional workforce
Open FDI policy across most sectors
Repatriation guarantees under investment law
Digitalised approval systems via DOI and OCR
Foreign companies commonly enter Nepal to build delivery centers, regional offices, manufacturing units, or long-term subsidiaries.
Foreign company registration in Nepal usually refers to one of three legally recognised entry routes.
FDI-backed Private Limited Company
The most popular and scalable option.
Branch Office
Allowed for revenue-generating activities tied to the parent company.
Liaison Office
Restricted to non-commercial, representative activities.
Each structure follows a different approval path, documentation standard, and compliance burden.
Foreign investment is regulated by several core statutes and policies.
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2019
Industrial Enterprises Act 2020
Companies Act 2006
Income Tax Act 2002
Nepal Rastra Bank foreign exchange directives
These laws collectively define ownership thresholds, capital requirements, approval authorities, and repatriation rules.
While Nepal is not yet fully “one-click,” most approvals now run through online portals, supported by scanned filings and digital tracking.
The process is best understood in six structured phases.
Before any online filing, structure matters.
Sector eligibility under FDI policy
Minimum investment threshold compliance
Ownership and shareholding structure
Capitalisation plan and funding timeline
Tax and repatriation implications
Mistakes at this stage lead to rejections later.
Department of Industry (DOI)
Parent company incorporation certificate
Board resolution approving Nepal investment
Passport and KYC of shareholders
Project profile and business plan
Proposed capital structure
Once submitted, the DOI reviews the application digitally and issues FDI approval if compliant.
15–30 working days, depending on sector.
After FDI approval, the entity is incorporated online.
Memorandum of Association
Articles of Association
Shareholder and director details
Registered office address in Nepal
Once approved, the company receives a Certificate of Incorporation.
Immediately after incorporation, tax registration is mandatory.
Permanent Account Number (PAN)
Value Added Tax (VAT), if applicable
This enables lawful invoicing, payroll, and banking.
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
Open local bank account
Register foreign currency inflow
Inject approved capital amount
Obtain NRB confirmation
Capital must enter Nepal through formal banking channels.
Registration is not the finish line.
Social Security Fund enrollment
Labour office registration
Industry-specific licenses, if required
Ongoing annual filings and audits
| Stage | Authority | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| FDI Approval | Department of Industry | 15–30 days |
| Company Registration | OCR | 3–5 days |
| Tax Registration | Inland Revenue | 1–2 days |
| Bank & NRB Approval | Bank + NRB | 7–14 days |
| Full Operational Readiness | Multiple | 30–45 days total |
Many delays are avoidable.
Incorrect parent company documents
Mismatch between business plan and sector policy
Poor capital structuring
Ignoring post-registration compliance
Assuming “online” means no physical follow-up
A guided approach prevents rework.
Faster approvals than manual filings
Transparent application tracking
Reduced administrative friction
Alignment with NRB and DOI systems
Clear compliance audit trail
| Factor | Nepal | India | Bangladesh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum FDI | Low | Sector-based | Moderate |
| Approval Speed | Moderate-Fast | Slow | Moderate |
| Repatriation | Guaranteed | Conditional | Restricted |
| Labour Cost | Low | Medium | Low |
| Compliance Complexity | Moderate | High | High |
Nepal balances cost efficiency with regulatory clarity.
In some cases, direct registration is not ideal.
You want to test the market quickly
You need immediate hiring without entity setup
Capital commitment is not final
Employer of Record or project-based models may suit early entry.
Foreign-owned companies must maintain ongoing compliance.
Financial audit
Tax filings and advance tax
SSF contributions
Company renewals
FDI reporting
Non-compliance affects repatriation and future approvals.
Most steps are online, but some banking and licensing stages still require physical coordination.
The general threshold is NPR 20 million, subject to sector-specific rules.
End-to-end timelines usually range from 30 to 45 days.
Yes. FITTA 2019 guarantees lawful repatriation through NRB channels.
Yes, in most sectors, unless specifically restricted.
Foreign company registration in Nepal is no longer a paper-heavy, opaque process. With structured online approvals, clear investment laws, and growing institutional efficiency, Nepal offers a credible entry point for global businesses.
Success depends on correct structuring, compliant filings, and proactive post-registration management. When done right, Nepal becomes a scalable, cost-efficient base for long-term growth.
If you are planning foreign company registration in Nepal, speak with an advisor who manages the entire process, not just filings.
👉 Book a strategic consultation to assess your eligibility, timeline, and optimal entry structure.