Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in Nepal’s development. They make significant contributions to health services, education, child rights, women’s empowerment.

They also build essential infrastructure. This includes schools, roads, water tanks, and sanitation facilities.

A report from the Social Welfare Council reveals that there are 50,358 NGOs in Nepal as of 2019. Out of these, 25,992 are registered in Bagmati Province. It’s estimated that over 15,000 NGOs are actively working in different sectors across Nepal.

Graph of Total NGO Registrations in Nepal

Wikipedia provides a helpful resource for a list of notable NGOs in Nepal.

If you’re considering starting an NGO in Nepal, this guide outlines the essential steps for successful registration. Following these steps ensures compliance with local regulations.

Before you register an NGO, there are specific legal requirements you need to meet. Here’s a simple breakdown of the minimum requirements and eligibility criteria you must fulfill:

Minimum requirements:

  • You need at least 7 people to start an NGO.
  • Clearly state your NGO’s mission and objectives.
  • Your NGO must have a registered office address in Nepal.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Members should not have a criminal record.
  • Members must be 18 years or older.
  • The proposed NGO name should be unique and not match any existing organizations.

Choose Between Two Options for NGO Registration

There are two options to register NGOs in Nepal. You can choose either the Office of the Company Registrar or the District Administration Office.

Registering an NGO with the Company’s Office can be costly, with a registration fee of NPR 15,000.

On the other hand, registering with the District Administration Office is more affordable at NPR 1,000. But, the process is complex and time-consuming.

We highly recommend choosing the Company Registrar’s Office for NGO registration. It’s easy to register and manage your NGO with them.

We’ll guide you through both registration processes, so keep reading.

A Guide to Register an NGO in Nepal

8 Simple Steps to Register an NGO with the Office of the Company Registrar

Follow these 8 simple steps to register an NGO in Nepal:

  1. Name Registration
  2. Prepare the Necessary Documents
  3. Complete and Submit the Application Form
  4. Pay the Registration Fee
  5. Receive Certificate of Registration
  6. TAX Registration
  7. Register with the Social Welfare Council (SWC)
  8. Open a Bank Account

1. Name Registration

Select a unique and meaningful name for your NGO. Make sure it reflects your organization’s mission and objectives. Check the availability of the chosen name at www.ocr.gov.np to avoid conflicts.

If the name is available, go ahead and reserve it for your organization.

2. Prepare the Necessary Documents

Gather these documents for registering your NGO:

3. Complete and Submit the Application Form

Fill out the registration form. Provide all requested information and double-check for accuracy.

Submit the filled application form along with the required documents to the Office of the Company Registrar.

4. Pay the Registration Fee

Pay the NGO registration fee, which is NPR 15,000.

5. Receive Certificate of Registration

Once you’ve submitted the application and paid the registration fee, the office of the company registrar will provide you with a registration certificate. This document officially acknowledges your NGO as a registered entity.

6. TAX Registration

Register your NGO with the Inland Revenue Department for tax purposes. Get a Permanent Account Number (PAN) certificate for your organization.

7. Register with the Social Welfare Council (SWC)

Apply for registration with the Social Welfare Council within three months. Please note that the approval process may take some time, so be patient.

Once approved, the Social Welfare Council will issue you a registration certificate. This certificate officially recognizes your NGO.

8. Open a Bank Account

Open a bank account in the name of your NGO. You will need the registration certificate from the SWC for this step.


Register with the District Administration Office

  • Step 1: Visit the ward office and request a recommendation letter.
  • Step 2: Submit an application to the District Coordination Committee for a certificate of registration.
  • Step 3: Provide required documents, including the constitution, to the District Administration Office for NGO registration.
  • Step 4: The DAO office will review your application. Once approved, they will issue a registration certificate for your NGO.
  • Step 5: Register your NGO with the SWC within three months.
  • Step 6: Get a PAN from Inland Revenue Department.
  • Step 7: Open a bank account in the name of your NGO.

Note: It is recommended to consult legal experts or a professional company registration agency. This will ensure that you have completed all necessary steps to register an NGO in Nepal.

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