Where do I register an NGO in Nepal?

NGOs are registered at the District Administration Office (DAO) of the district where the organization will be headquartered. After DAO registration, affiliation with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) is required for operational recognition.

How much does it cost to register an NGO in Nepal?

Government fees are approximately NPR 6,000 (Ward Office ~NPR 2,000 + DAO ~NPR 1,000 + SWC ~NPR 3,000). Total costs including documentation, legal consultation, and notarization may range from NPR 20,000 to NPR 50,000.

How long does the NGO registration process take in Nepal?

The official timeline is 7 to 15 working days after all documents are submitted to the DAO. In practice, the entire process from planning to receiving the registration certificate typically takes 1 to 3 months.

Can foreigners register an NGO in Nepal?

No. Only Nepali citizens can register a local NGO in Nepal. Foreign organizations must register as an INGO through the Social Welfare Council. INGOs are required to partner with a local SWC-registered NGO for project implementation.

What is Social Welfare Council (SWC) affiliation?

SWC affiliation is the process of registering your NGO with the Social Welfare Council at Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur. It is mandatory for NGOs that wish to receive foreign funding, partner with INGOs, or participate in national development programs.

What documents are needed to register an NGO in Nepal?

Required documents include: application form from DAO, constitution (Bidhan) in Nepali, founding assembly minutes, citizenship certificates and photos of all members, Nepal Police character reports, office rent agreement with landlord citizenship copy, office location map, commitment letter, audit commitment, Ward Office recommendation, and an initial work plan.

How do I register an INGO in Nepal?

INGOs must register with the Social Welfare Council under the Social Welfare Act 2049. The process includes submitting a project proposal, obtaining a line ministry recommendation, signing a General Agreement with SWC, and getting security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. INGOs must commit a minimum annual donation of USD 200,000.

What is the difference between an NGO and a Not-for-Profit Company in Nepal?

An NGO is registered under the Association Registration Act 2034 at the DAO with a minimum of 7 members. A Not-for-Profit Company is registered under Section 166 of the Companies Act 2063 at the Office of Company Registrar with a minimum of 5 promoters. Companies provide clearer contractual certainty and limited liability, while NGOs are better suited for community welfare and donor-funded work.

Do NGOs pay tax in Nepal?

NGOs must register for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and file annual tax returns. Income used for the organization’s stated objectives may be tax-exempt under the Income Tax Act 2058 (2002), but NGOs must maintain proper accounting records and submit to annual audits.

How often must an NGO renew its registration in Nepal?

NGO registration must be renewed annually at the District Administration Office by submitting an annual report, audited financial statements, and tax clearance. NGOs with foreign funding must also renew their SWC affiliation every 3 years.

What happens if an NGO does not renew its registration?

Failure to renew registration can result in suspension or cancellation of the NGO’s legal status. The organization may lose its ability to operate bank accounts, receive funding, enter contracts, and could face legal penalties.

Can an NGO receive foreign funding in Nepal?

Yes, but only with SWC affiliation and prior SWC approval for each foreign funding transaction. All foreign funds must come through official banking channels. The NGO must submit periodic financial and progress reports to SWC. Failure to comply may result in suspension.

What are the ongoing compliance requirements for NGOs in Nepal?

NGOs must renew DAO registration annually, submit audited financial statements, file annual tax returns with IRD, provide activity/progress reports to DAO and SWC, hold regular board meetings with documented minutes, and maintain transparent financial records. SWC-affiliated NGOs with foreign funding must renew affiliation every 3 years.

NGO Registration in Nepal: Process, Documents & Fees 2082

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NGO registration in Nepal is the legal process of establishing a non-governmental organization under the Association Registration Act, 2034 (1977). Nepal has over 50,000 registered NGOs working in education, health, environment, human rights, disaster relief, and community development. Whether you want to start a local community organization or bring an international NGO into Nepal, this guide covers the complete registration process, required documents, government fees, Social Welfare Council affiliation, INGO procedures, and annual compliance obligations.

Governing Laws for NGOs in Nepal

The establishment and operation of NGOs in Nepal is regulated by multiple laws. Understanding the legal framework is essential before starting the registration process.

Law	B.S. Year	Purpose
Association Registration Act	2034 (1977)	Primary law for NGO registration at DAO
Association Registration Regulation	2034 (1977)	Procedural details for registration
Social Welfare Act	2049 (1992)	Establishes SWC; regulates NGO affiliation, donor partnerships
Local Government Operation Act	2074 (2017)	Gives local governments authority over NGO operations
Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act	2076 (2019)	Governs financial accountability and record keeping
Income Tax Act	2058 (2002)	Tax exemptions and PAN obligations for non-profits
National Civil Code	2074 (2017)	Supplementary provisions on contracts and organizational operation

Types of NGOs in Nepal

Nepal recognizes several categories of non-governmental organizations based on their scope and operational reach.

Type	Scope	Registration Authority	Key Feature
District-Level NGO	Single district	District Administration Office (DAO)	Focused on local development and service delivery
National-Level NGO	Multiple districts	DAO + SWC affiliation	Policy advocacy, large projects, donor-funded programs
International NGO (INGO)	Cross-border	Social Welfare Council + Ministry of Home Affairs	Foreign-registered, must partner with local NGO
Specialized NGO	Sector-specific	DAO + relevant line ministry	Human rights, environment, education, health
Not-for-Profit Company	National	Office of Company Registrar (OCR)	Registered under Companies Act 2063, Section 166; min 5 promoters

Who Can Register an NGO in Nepal

Any group of seven or more Nepali citizens above 18 years of age can register an NGO under the Association Registration Act, 2034. Founding members must not have any criminal background and must agree on a common constitution for the organization. Foreigners are not permitted to register a local NGO in Nepal directly. The founding members should represent diverse fields relevant to the organization’s stated objectives.

Regulatory Bodies for NGOs in Nepal

Authority	Role	Contact
District Administration Office (DAO)	Primary registration under Association Registration Act	Respective district DAO office
Social Welfare Council (SWC)	Affiliation, donor coordination, INGO oversight	Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur — Tel: +977-01-5455495
Ministry of Home Affairs	Security clearance, INGO approval	Singhadurbar, Kathmandu
Inland Revenue Department (IRD)	PAN registration, tax compliance	Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Nepal Rastra Bank	Foreign fund approval and currency regulation	Baluwatar, Kathmandu
Ward Office / Local Level	Initial recommendation letter	Respective ward office
District Coordination Committee (DCC)	Scope review and district-level recommendation	Respective district

Step-by-Step NGO Registration Process in Nepal

The registration process involves multiple government offices and typically takes 1 to 8 weeks depending on document completeness and district workload.

Step	Action	Office	Details
1	Form founding committee	—	Minimum 7 Nepali citizens, age 18+, no criminal record
2	Choose unique name	DAO	Name must not duplicate any existing registered organization
3	Draft constitution (Bidhan)	—	In Nepali; must include objectives, governance structure, membership criteria, dissolution procedures
4	Hold founding general assembly	—	Pass resolution to register; prepare signed meeting minutes
5	Obtain Ward Office recommendation	Ward Office	Submit application + documents; fee ~NPR 2,000
6	Obtain DCC recommendation	District Coordination Committee	Review of proposed scope and district alignment
7	Submit registration application	District Administration Office	Submit all documents + fees (~NPR 1,000); DAO verifies and reviews
8	Receive registration certificate	DAO	Processing: 7–15 working days after complete submission
9	Affiliate with Social Welfare Council	SWC, Hariharbhawan	Required for donor partnerships and foreign funding; fee ~NPR 3,000
10	Register for PAN	Inland Revenue Department	Mandatory for tax compliance and financial reporting

Documents Required for NGO Registration

All documents must be current, properly signed, and submitted in person at the NGO Registration Section of the relevant District Administration Office.

#	Document	Notes
1	Application form (from DAO)	Completed and signed by the founding president
2	Constitution (Bidhan) in Nepali	Must follow Association Registration Act format; include objectives, governance, dissolution
3	Minutes of founding general assembly	Signed by all founding members
4	Citizenship certificates of all founding members	Certified copies
5	Passport-sized photographs of all executive members	Recent photos
6	Character report from Nepal Police	For all founding members from their respective districts
7	Office address proof	Rent agreement + copy of landlord’s citizenship + 3 months’ advance rent receipt
8	Map of office location	Sketch map showing organization’s office
9	Commitment letter from president	Signed commitment to organizational objectives
10	Audit commitment letter	Commitment to annual auditing
11	Ward Office recommendation letter	From the ward where the office is located
12	Initial work plan	Brief outline of planned activities for the first year

Government Fees for NGO Registration

The government fees for registering an NGO in Nepal are modest. However, total costs including documentation, legal consultation, and notarization may range from NPR 20,000 to NPR 50,000.

Authority	Fee (NPR)	Notes
Ward Office recommendation	~2,000	May vary by local level
District Administration Office registration	~1,000	May vary by district
Social Welfare Council affiliation	~3,000	Required for donor partnerships
Total government fees	~6,000	Approximate; varies by location
Total with documentation & legal costs	20,000–50,000	Includes notarization, consulting, transport

After registering at the DAO, an NGO must affiliate with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) at Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur. While DAO registration provides legal existence, SWC affiliation is essential for operational recognition, coordination with national and international donors, and eligibility to receive foreign funding.

SWC affiliation requires submitting organizational profiles, work plans, and board member details. Once affiliated, the NGO gains access to SWC training programs, small grants, and partnerships with INGOs. NGOs receiving foreign funding must renew their SWC affiliation every three years by submitting project proposals, progress reports, and audited financial statements.

The Social Welfare Council can be contacted at:

Detail	Information
Central Office	Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur
Phone	+977-01-5455495 / 5455448 / 5455494
Affiliation & Renewal Section	+977-01-5455448, Ext. 210
Email	info@swc.org.np
Website	www.swc.org.np

INGO Registration in Nepal

International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) follow a separate registration process governed by the Social Welfare Act, 2049 (1992). INGOs must receive approval from the Social Welfare Council before beginning operations in Nepal. The process is more rigorous and involves coordination with multiple government ministries.

Step	Action	Details
1	Contact SWC	Obtain application guidelines and documentation checklist
2	Obtain line ministry recommendation	From the relevant ministry (Health, Education, etc.) based on proposed activities
3	Submit application to SWC	Include home country registration certificate, project proposal, financial evidence, MoU draft
4	Sign General Agreement with SWC	Outlines scope, duration (3–5 years), compliance obligations; legally binding
5	Obtain Ministry of Home Affairs clearance	Security clearance for foreign organization operations
6	Sign Project Agreement	Separate agreement for each specific project with relevant government department
7	Partner with local NGO	Mandatory collaboration; local partner must be SWC-registered and in good standing
8	Register local office with IRD	Obtain PAN for tax compliance
9	Receive registration certificate	SWC issues Country Agreement Letter + Registration Certificate

Key Requirements for INGOs

Requirement	Detail
Minimum annual donation	USD 200,000 per year (SWC guideline)
Local partnership	Must collaborate with SWC-registered local NGO
Admin cost cap	Maximum 20% of total budget on office and admin costs
Funding channel	All foreign funds through official banking channels with SWC pre-approval
Board composition	Foreign staff permitted, but work permits and visas required
General Agreement validity	3–5 years; renewable
Registration timeline	45–90 days from complete submission

NGO vs Not-for-Profit Company in Nepal

Nepal offers two legal vehicles for non-profit activities: an NGO registered under the Association Registration Act, and a Profit Non-Distribution Company registered under Section 166 of the Companies Act, 2063. Choosing the right structure depends on your objectives, funding sources, and operational model.

Feature	NGO (Association)	Not-for-Profit Company
Governing law	Association Registration Act, 2034	Companies Act, 2063 (Section 166)
Minimum founders	7 Nepali citizens	5 promoters
Registration authority	District Administration Office (DAO)	Office of Company Registrar (OCR)
Governance	Membership + management committee + Bidhan	MOA, AOA, Board of Directors
Foreign grants	Standard vehicle via SWC affiliation	Possible, but donors and SWC may have preferences
Commercial activity	Can run projects; limited commercial scope	Clearer contractual certainty and limited liability
Best suited for	Community service, welfare, advocacy, grassroots development	Sustained operations, consulting, social enterprise
Initial costs	Lower (~NPR 6,000 govt fees)	Higher (OCR filing, legal drafting of MOA/AOA)

Annual Compliance and Renewal Requirements

Registering an NGO is only the beginning. Nepal requires ongoing compliance to maintain legal status. Non-compliance may result in penalties, suspension, or cancellation of registration.

Obligation	Authority	Frequency	Details
Registration renewal	DAO	Annually	Submit annual report, audited financial statements, tax clearance
Ward Office renewal	Ward Office	Annually	Update registration at local level
SWC affiliation renewal	Social Welfare Council	Every 3 years (for foreign-funded NGOs)	Project proposals, progress reports, audited financials
Financial audit	Certified auditor	Annually	Mandatory; audit report required for DAO renewal
Tax filing	IRD	Annually	File annual tax returns even if tax-exempt; maintain PAN compliance
Activity/progress report	DAO + SWC	Annually	Detail activities, achievements, beneficiary impact
Board meetings	Internal	Regular (per constitution)	Maintain minutes; required by law for transparency
IRD renewal	Inland Revenue Department	Annually	Renew tax registration status

Common Challenges in NGO Registration

While the registration process is straightforward on paper, organizations frequently encounter practical difficulties that can delay or complicate the process.

Challenge	Cause	Solution
Delayed approvals at DAO	Incomplete documents, high district workload	Ensure all documents are complete before submission; follow up with application number
Name rejection	Duplicate or conflicting name with existing organization	Check name availability at DAO before drafting constitution
Constitution rejected	Does not follow prescribed format or lacks required clauses	Use the format prescribed under Association Registration Act; consult a lawyer in Nepal
SWC affiliation delays	Missing organizational profiles or work plans	Prepare comprehensive profiles and first-year work plan before applying
Character report delays	Nepal Police processing time varies by district	Apply for police character reports well in advance
Scope expansion issues	Changing operational area requires re-approval	Define scope broadly but specifically in the initial constitution

Benefits of NGO Registration in Nepal

Registered NGOs in Nepal enjoy legal standing, operational legitimacy, and access to funding and partnerships that unregistered groups cannot access.

Benefit	Detail
Legal entity status	Can own property, open bank accounts, sue and be sued in its own name
Tax exemptions	Income used for organizational objectives may be tax-exempt under Income Tax Act 2058
Foreign funding eligibility	SWC-affiliated NGOs can receive international grants and partner with INGOs
Government grants	Eligible to apply for government grants and development program participation
Community trust	Registration provides legitimacy and builds credibility with beneficiaries and partners
SWC support	Access to SWC training programs, small grants, and INGO partnership facilitation

NGO Registration and Divorce Law Connection

While NGO registration and divorce law in Nepal may seem unrelated, our law firm regularly handles cases where NGO founders going through divorce face complex property and asset division issues. NGO assets, bank accounts, and donor commitments can become disputed during divorce proceedings under the property partition rules of the National Civil Code 2074.

If you are an NGO founder or executive dealing with a marital dispute, understanding how organizational assets are treated differently from personal property is critical. Our experienced divorce lawyer in Nepal can advise on both the divorce process and the protection of your NGO’s legal standing during family law proceedings.

For NRN founders abroad, filing for divorce from outside Nepal while managing an NGO in Nepal requires a power of attorney (POA) arrangement both for the divorce case and for ongoing NGO governance. Contact us at +977 9841114443 for guidance on both matters.

A minimum of 7 Nepali citizens above 18 years of age are required to register an NGO under the Association Registration Act, 2034 (1977). All founding members must hold Nepali citizenship and have no criminal background.

The primary law is the Association Registration Act, 2034 (1977). Other relevant laws include the Social Welfare Act 2049 (1992), Income Tax Act 2058 (2002), and the Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act 2076 (2019).

At Nepal Divorce Services, known as the first divorce law firm in Nepal, we understand that taking the first step toward divorce can feel overwhelming. Our experienced divorce lawyer in Nepal is here to guide you through the divorce process in Nepal and clearly explain divorce law in Nepal. Reach out today for confidential support and take the next step with confidence and clarity.

Whether you're inside or outside Nepal and need assistance with filing a divorce case in Nepal, we're here to help. Our services are accessible worldwide. You can contact us directly at +977 9841114443. We're also available on Viber and WhatsApp. Feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries or for expert guidance on divorce proceedings.