Education Consultancy Licensing Process in Nepal

To run an education consultancy or language institute in Bagmati Province, Nepal, obtaining a license from the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD) is a mandatory legal requirement, in addition to standard company, ward, and PAN/VAT registrations. The application process, which can be initiated through the ECIS portal (note: the site may experience downtime) or directly at the Hetauda office, requires several key documents and adherence to specific operational standards. Essential documentation includes the company registration certificate, Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA), PAN/VAT certificate, a minimum two-year office rent agreement, and a tax clearance certificate for the premises. A key requirement is having at least two certified education counselors who possess a Bachelor’s degree and a TITI (Training Institute for Technical Instruction) certificate. The consultancy must also present valid Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with at least two accredited foreign universities or colleges, along with authorization letters from those institutions. After initial document verification, the Ministry conducts a physical inspection of the office to ensure it meets infrastructure standards, such as having a proper reception area and a minimum of two separate cabins for counselors. If the inspection is successful, the applicant must pay a one-time application fee of NPR 15,000 and a refundable security deposit of NPR 100,000. The license is then issued and must be renewed annually to ensure ongoing compliance with all regulatory standards.