NGO/INGO Registration

NGO and INGO registration in Nepal is governed by the Social Welfare Act 1992, Associations Registration Act 1977, and Social Welfare Council Rules 1992. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are registered at the District Administration Office, while International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) must obtain approval from the Social Welfare Council (SWC) to operate in Nepal.

At Court Marriage in Nepal Pvt. Ltd., we provide complete legal assistance for NGO/INGO registration in Nepal. Whether you are establishing a local NGO or setting up INGO operations, our experienced legal team guides you through the entire registration process.

Governing Laws and Authorities

Governing Laws

1. Social Welfare Act 1992

2. Associations Registration Act 1977

3. Social Welfare Council Rules 1992

4. Relevant guidelines adopted by the Social Welfare Council

Regulatory Authorities

1. Social Welfare Council (SWC) – Primary regulatory body

2. District Administration Office (DAO) – NGO registration

3. Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens

4. Inland Revenue Department (IRD) – Tax registration

NGO Registration in Nepal

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are registered at the District Administration Office of the relevant district where the NGO is to be established. A minimum of 7 members is required for NGO registration.

NGO Registration Process

Step 1: Obtain Recommendation Letter from Local Level Ward Office

Step 2: Obtain Recommendation Letter from District Coordination Committee

Step 3: Registration of NGO at District Administration Office (DAO)

Step 4: PAN registration at Inland Revenue Department (IRD)

Step 5: Affiliation from Social Welfare Council (SWC)

Documents Required for NGO Registration

1. Minutes of meeting of ad-hoc committee approving establishment of proposed NGO

2. Certified copy of citizenship certificate of all board members

3. Passport-sized photographs of all members

4. Character report from Nepal Police of all members

5. Proposed draft of Organization's Constitution (Bidhan)

6. Rent agreement between proposed NGO and house owner of office

NGO Registration Fees

Ward Office: NPR 2,000 (may vary by local level)

District Administration Office: NPR 1,000 (may vary by district)

Social Welfare Council: NPR 3,000

Total Approximate Fee: NPR 6,000

Timeline: 1 to 2 months for complete registration process

INGO Registration in Nepal

International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) must obtain approval from the Social Welfare Council to operate in Nepal. INGOs are required to execute both a General Agreement (GA) and Project Agreement (PA) with the SWC before conducting any development, social, or welfare activities.

Minimum Annual Contribution: INGOs must commit a minimum of USD 200,000 annually, with funding sourced from outside Nepal.

INGO Registration Process

Step 1: Submit application to Social Welfare Council expressing intent to work in Nepal

Step 2: Submit draft General Agreement and proposed programs to SWC

Step 3: Negotiate final terms of the General Agreement

Step 4: Register with appropriate government ministries related to areas of work

Step 5: Appoint Country Director approved by SWC

Step 6: Set up office and operations in Nepal

Step 7: Submit Project Agreement within 3 months of signing General Agreement

Documents Required for INGO Registration

1. Certificate of Registration from home country

2. Approved By-Laws governing the INGO's operations

3. Detailed Concept Paper/Project Proposal

4. Formal Covering Letter introducing INGO's purpose

5. Draft General Agreement

6. Proof of Financial Commitment (minimum USD 200,000 per annum)

7. Letter of Authorization designating representatives

8. Identification documents of authorized personnel (Citizenship, Passport, Bio data)

9. Documentation validating reliable funding sources from outside Nepal

INGO Registration Fees and Timeline

Application Fee: NPR 5,000

Registration Fee: NPR 15,000

Annual Renewal Fee: NPR 10,000

Timeline: 3-6 months from initial application to signing of General Agreement

General Agreement vs Project Agreement

General Agreement (GA)

The main agreement providing the basis for INGO's operations in Nepal. It outlines areas of work, minimum annual funding commitment, provisions for office establishment, reporting requirements, and duration (usually 3-5 years).

Project Agreement (PA)

A tripartite agreement between INGO, SWC, and local partner organizations for specific project implementation. It includes project objectives, methodology, timeline, budget, target beneficiaries, and expected outcomes. INGOs can have multiple PAs under a single GA.

Compliance Requirements for INGOs

Financial Reporting: Submit annual audited financial statements to SWC

Progress Reporting: Regular reports on project activities and achievements

Local Partnerships: Implement projects through local NGO partners

Employment: Priority to Nepali nationals; expatriate staff limited to specialized positions

Visa Compliance: Proper visas and work permits for all foreign staff

Tax Compliance: Comply with applicable tax regulations

Annual Renewal: Renew registration annually within 3 months before expiry

Restrictions for INGOs in Nepal

1. Cannot implement projects directly without local partners

2. Cannot engage in political activities or those against national interests

3. Cannot fundraise within Nepal

4. Limitations on expatriate staff numbers and assignment duration

5. Cannot use funds for religious proselytization

6. Special permissions required for work in sensitive/restricted areas

Why Choose Us?

Experienced Legal Team: Our lawyers have handled NGO and INGO registrations across various sectors including health, education, and social welfare.

End-to-End Service: From application preparation to SWC affiliation, we handle the complete process.

Document Preparation: We draft constitution, agreements, and all required documents in compliance with applicable laws.

Liaison Services: We coordinate with DAO, SWC, and relevant ministries on your behalf.

Compliance Guidance: We provide guidance on ongoing compliance, renewals, and reporting requirements.