NGO Registration in Nepal (2082/2025): A Clear and Refined Complete Guide
Registering an NGO in Nepal is not just a legal formality. It is the foundation of a social mission, one that requires thoughtful planning, proper documentation, and compliance with several administrative processes. This guide presents the entire procedure in a clean, easy to understand format so that anyone whether a founder, student, social worker, or researcher can follow it without confusion.
What Is an NGO in Nepal?
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) in Nepal is a non-profit, service-oriented organization established to address public welfare issues. These may include:
- Â Â Â Education and literacy
- Â Â Â Health and sanitation
- Â Â Â Gender equality
- Â Â Â Youth development
- Â Â Â Disaster support
- Â Â Â Human rights
- Â Â Â Community development
- Â Â Â Environmental conservation
Unlike companies, NGOs cannot distribute profits. Every fund received must be used to achieve the organization’s stated objectives.
Where and How NGOs Are Registered
NGOs are registered at the District Administration Office (DAO). The registration requires involvement at three administrative levels:
Registration Pathway
Level | Office | What They Do |
Local Level | Ward Office | Initial recommendation |
District Level | DCC | District-wide verification |
Federal/District Level | DAO | Official registration |
Federal Level | IRD | Issues PAN |
Federal Level | SWC | Affiliation for funding |
Legal Framework Governing NGOs
Law | Purpose |
Association Registration Act, 2034 | Foundation for NGO registration |
Social Welfare Act, 2049 | Regulates SWC and NGOs/INGOs |
Local Government Operation Act, 2074 | Local-level monitoring |
Income Tax Act, 2058 | Tax rules & exemptions |
National Directive Act, 2018 | Governance and reporting standards |
Minimum Members Required
NGOs require at least seven Nepali citizens:
- Â Â Â President
- Â Â Â Vice-President
- Â Â Â Secretary
- Â Â Â Treasurer
- Â Â Â Three or more members
Each must provide citizenship, a recent photo, and a police character report.
How does NGO Registration take place in Nepal?
Step 1:Formation of Founding Committee.
Step 2. Choosing of Name and Structure.
Step 3: Prepare Constitution (lawfg) of the organization and other documents.
Step 4: File Application to the District Administration Office.
Step 5: Enrollment to the Social Welfare council.
Step 6: Acquisition of Certificate of Registration.
There are multiple steps during NGO registration and some interactions with government bodies. A description of the process is as follows:
- Create a Founding Committee: Aggregate at least 7 Nepali citizens to act as founding members. This team will make up the task of composing the constitution and early planning of the organization.
- Pick a Unique Name: Pick a unique name to your NGO that symbolizes what it does and does not use by other country.
- Write Constitution: Develop an elaborate constitution of the NGO, which includes exactly what it will do, how it is going to operate and what its structure will be. This is an essential document during registering. Gather Support
- Documentation: Gather all the required paper work which may include citizenship certificates of founding members, recommendation letters, and passport-sized photos.
- Send Application to DAO: Lodge your application of registration under the District Administration Office where you operate your NGO mainly. Add the necessary documentation and make registration fee.
- Gain Registration Certificate: A registration certificate will be granted to you after the DAO checks your application, and all is fine. This normally requires 1-2 weeks.
- Language with Social Welfare Council: Upon registration with the DAO, an application should be made to the Social Welfare Council to be affiliated with it. This is essential to the NGOs which are intending to collaborate with other organizations abroad or obtain foreign funding.
Stay open in communication with the responsible authorities and be ready to give them information or change your application respectively as necessary.
What are the required documents to register NGO in Nepal
The NGO registration process is very smooth in Nepal if there is proper documentation.
Here is a full list of documents that you will have to prepare:
- Application Form: To be taken in the Office of District Administration, and then filled in properly .
- NGO Constitution: This is an elaborate document that contains details of what the organization aims to achieve, its structure and the operational processes.
- Citizenship Certificates: Duplicates of citizenship certificates of all founding members (at least 7 people).
- Passport-sized Photos: Up to date pictures of all the founding members.
- Police Clearance: All founding members have certificates to show that they have no criminal record.
- Property (Ownership or Rent Agreement): Demonstration of the official address of the NGO.
- Recommendation Letters: From Local government bodies or any relevant authorities that supports the establishment of the NGO.
- Meeting Minutes: Proof of decision made by the founding members of the NGO to establish the same.
- Commitment Letters: A promise of founders to abide the rules of an NGO.
- Initial Work Plan: A concise idea of plans that NGO will execute during the first year of its operation.
Make sure that all the documents are up-to-date and signed correctly and notarized according to the need. A well arranged document file will be of great assistance to the registration process.
Time Required for NGO Registration
Step | Duration |
Document preparation | 1–3 weeks |
Ward Office | 1–3 days |
DCC | 2–5 days |
DAO Registration | 1–2 weeks |
PAN Registration | 3–7 days |
SWC Affiliation | 2–3 days |
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Cost of NGO Registration in Nepal
Office | Cost |
Ward Office | NPR 2,000 (varies) |
DCC | Free |
DAO | NPR 1,000 – 5,000 |
SWC | NPR 3,000 – 5,000 |
IRD (PAN) | Free |
What are the means by which NGO can manage fund in Nepal?
In Nepal, NGOs have to:
- Have separate bank accounts regarding various forms of funding.
- Maintain proper financial bookkeeping. This is done to maintain proper financial records.
- Have an audited account by a registered auditor in every year
- Present financial reports to concerned authorities.
- Acquire authorisation of foreign-financed projects.
- Use money with an approved purpose.
- Provide audit of records to officials on demand.
How does INGO Registration take place in Nepal
What are the Documents required for General Agreement?
To enter into the General Agreement, you need to submit an application along with the following documents:
SN. | Documents Required |
1. | Certificate of Registration from home country, proving legal establishment. |
2. | Draft of the General Agreement in the specified format. |
3. | Financial Commitment (minimum of USD 200,000 annually). |
4. | Concept paper or project proposal. |
5. | Letter of Authorization for handling agreement-related matters. |
6. | Approved By-laws (Constitution) |
7. | Copy of Citizenship, Passport with valid Visa, and Bio-data of the designated Country Director of the INGO. |
8. | Covering Letter. |
9. | Proof of Reliable Funding Sources (to verify a minimum of USD 200,000 in funding). |
10. | If the INGO’s charter documents are not in English, notarized translated versions in English are required. |
NGO & INGO Renewal Process
Office | Frequency | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
DAO | Annually | Report, audit, tax clearance |
Ward Office | Annually | Activity report |
DCC | Annually | Annual report + plan |
IRD | Annually | Tax return + audit |
SWC | Every 3 years | Progress + financials |
What to Do After Registration
- Â Â Â Make copies of all documents
- Â Â Â Conduct first board meeting
- Â Â Â Approve annual plan & budget
- Â Â Â Open NGO bank account
- Â Â Â Create official letterhead & stamp
- Â Â Â Inform local authorities
- Â Â Â Begin project activities
- Maintain meeting minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to register an NGO in Nepal?
The entire process typically takes 1 to 2 months, including document preparation, recommendations, DAO approval, PAN registration, and SWC affiliation.
How many members are required to establish an NGO?
A minimum of 7 Nepali citizens are required, holding key positions such as President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Is SWC affiliation mandatory?
Yes, if your NGO wants to receive donations, foreign funding, or tax exemptions, SWC affiliation is compulsory.
Can foreigners be members of a Nepali NGO?
Foreign nationals can participate as advisors, but board members must be Nepali citizens.
How much does NGO registration cost?
Government fees generally range from NPR 4,000 to NPR 10,000, excluding document preparation and travel expenses.
Do NGOs need to pay tax in Nepal?
NGOs do not pay income tax if they receive SWC approval and maintain transparent financial records. However, annual tax filing is mandatory.
Can an NGO receive foreign funding without SWC approval?
No. All foreign-funded projects must be approved by the Social Welfare Council.
What happens if an NGO fails to renew its registration?
The NGO may face penalties and, in repeated cases, risk suspension or cancellation of registration.
Can an NGO change its objectives or structure after registration?
Yes, but any amendments to the Constitution (Bidhan) must be approved by the DAO and, in some cases, by SWC.
Is it necessary to have a rented office before registration?
Yes. A verified office address with a rent agreement or ownership documents is required for both DAO and IRD processes. include only this Â