Updated August 2026. Statutory figures from the Association Registration Act 2034. Fees and renewal practice vary by district, and the Social Welfare Council website was unreachable throughout our research — several points below are therefore flagged as unresolved.
Registering an NGO in Nepal is a two-office reality that catches people out: the District Administration Office registers you, and the Social Welfare Council is a separate step. Understanding which applies when saves months.
Step One: The District Administration Office
A requirement of 33% female representation on the executive committee is widely reported. We could not identify the instrument imposing it — it may come from a directive rather than the Act. Plan for it regardless; it is good practice and it is what districts appear to expect.
Annual Renewal — Do Not Miss This
Registration is not once-and-done. Renewal at the District Administration Office is annual and mandatory, reportedly within three months of fiscal-year end, though we could not trace that deadline to a statutory provision.
What renewal needs
Renewal application, annual progress report, audited financial statements, minutes of the annual general assembly, tax clearance certificate and updated committee details.
Why it bites
The audit and the tax clearance take time. An organisation that leaves renewal to the last week discovers the accounts are not ready.
The Act itself requires the management committee to submit accounts with the auditor’s report — so the audit obligation is statutory even where the renewal timing is not clearly published.
Step Two: The Social Welfare Council — Genuinely Contested
One reading: affiliation is required for all organisations doing social welfare work, under the Social Welfare Act 2049, and is a precondition for tax-exempt status.
The other: affiliation is only needed when you receive foreign grants or work with international donors.
The Social Welfare Council’s own website was unreachable throughout our research. Ask the Council directly before assuming you are exempt.
Reported affiliation and renewal fees conflict — and so does whether affiliation runs for one year or three. We are not going to pick a number.
NGO or Non-Profit Company?
| NGO / association | Non-profit company | |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Association Registration Act 2034 | Companies Act 2063 |
| Registrar | District Administration Office | Office of the Company Registrar |
| Minimum people | 7 applicants | 5 promoters |
| Renewal | Annual at the DAO, plus SWC | Standard Registrar filings — but fined at the highest band regardless of capital |
| Profit | No distribution | Expressly barred from paying dividends or any money to members from profits; surplus must be reinvested |
| Suits | Community welfare, donor-funded work | Foundations, research institutes, professional bodies wanting contractual certainty and limited liability |
🤝 Setting up an NGO or a non-profit and unsure which route fits?
Tell us what the organisation will do and whether foreign funding is likely. Digital Solution will explain which registration path fits, what each office wants and what the ongoing obligations are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people do I need to register an NGO in Nepal?
The Act requires seven or more applicants. Some districts reportedly ask for nine committee members — ask your DAO.
Where do I register?
At the District Administration Office under the Association Registration Act 2034.
Do I have to affiliate with the Social Welfare Council?
Sources conflict — some say all social welfare organisations must, others say only those receiving foreign funding. Confirm with the Council directly.
Do I need SWC approval for foreign funding?
Yes, and it is per project — the Council reviews the proposal, donor and budget for each one.
Does an NGO need to renew?
Yes, annually at the District Administration Office, with an audited report, progress report, assembly minutes and tax clearance.
What is the difference from a non-profit company?
Different law, different registrar, five promoters instead of seven applicants, and Registrar-style annual filings with fines at the highest band.
How much does it cost?
Reported at roughly Rs 6,000 in total, but this varies by district and is unverified.
How long does it take?
Reported at four to six weeks with complete documents.
Sources
- Association Registration Act 2034 — sections 4 and 9, from published English text.
- Social Welfare Act 2049 and Social Welfare Council practice, as described in professional guidance — the Council’s own site was unreachable.
- Companies Act 2063 — non-profit company provisions.
Related Reading
Disclaimer: Digital Solution Nepal is an independent educational and digital-service assistance website — not a government office, not a law firm and not an audit firm. Registration procedures, fees and thresholds change through Acts, regulations and local Economic Acts, and requirements differ by office, sector and province. Nothing here is legal or professional advice — the relevant registering office and a qualified professional are final. Confirm before filing or paying anything.
Rabin Paudel
Rabin Paudel is the Founder of Digital Solution, a Content Creator, and an AI Trainer. He shares practical and easy-to-understand content on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Literacy, Online Services, FinTech, and Technology. His mission is to make technology simple, accessible, and useful for everyone.
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