The NGO registration process in Nepal is governed by specific legal frameworks that require organizations to follow a structured procedure before they can legally operate. Understanding the NGO registration process in Nepal is essential for any group of individuals who want to establish a non-governmental organization for social, humanitarian, educational, or developmental purposes.
This article covers the complete NGO registration in Nepal, including required documents, applicable laws, fees, timelines, and affiliated authorities.
What is an NGO in Nepal?
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) in Nepal is a non-profit, voluntary organization formed by citizens to work for the public benefit without government ownership or profit motive. NGOs in Nepal operate in sectors such as health, education, environment, human rights, women empowerment, child welfare, and disaster management.
In Nepal, NGOs are broadly categorized as:
- Local NGOs – Registered at the District Administration Office (DAO)
- National NGOs – Operating across multiple districts
- International NGOs (INGOs) – Foreign organizations registered with the Social Welfare Council
The legal foundation for NGO registration in Nepal rests primarily on the Association Registration Act, 2034 (1977) and the Social Welfare Act, 2049 (1992). These two laws define how an NGO must be established, governed, and monitored in Nepal.
Legal Framework for NGO Registration in Nepal
The NGO registration process in Nepal is regulated by several laws and regulatory bodies. Below are the key legal instruments:
| Law / Regulation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Association Registration Act, 2034 (1977) | Governs the registration of clubs, associations, and NGOs at the District Administration Office (DAO) level |
| Social Welfare Act, 2049 (1992) | Mandates affiliation of NGOs with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) |
| Foreign Aid Policy, 2019 | Regulates receipt and management of foreign funds by NGOs and INGOs |
| Income Tax Act, 2058 | Covers tax exemption provisions for non-profit organizations |
| Companies Act, 2063 | Applicable if an NGO registers as a not-for-profit company under Section 138 |
The District Administration Office (DAO) under the Ministry of Home Affairs handles primary NGO registration in Nepal. After DAO registration, affiliation with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) is mandatory for NGOs receiving foreign funds or implementing development programs.
Who Can Register an NGO in Nepal?
Under the Association Registration Act, 2034, any group of Nepali citizens can register an NGO. However, the following conditions must be met:
- A minimum of seven founding members is required
- All founding members must be Nepali citizens
- Members must be of legal age (18 years and above)
- The organization must have a non-profit objective
- The organization must have a registered office address in Nepal
Foreigners cannot independently register an NGO under Nepali law. However, they can participate as members in an INGO registered with the Social Welfare Council of Nepal.
Step-by-Step NGO Registration Process in Nepal
The NGO registration process in Nepal involves two major stages: registration at the District Administration Office (DAO) and subsequent affiliation with the Social Welfare Council (SWC).
Stage 1: Registration at the District Administration Office (DAO)
Step 1: Prepare the Constitution (Bidhan)
Draft the constitution of the NGO. The constitution must clearly state:
- Name of the organization
- Objectives and working areas
- Membership criteria
- Organizational structure (General Assembly, Executive Committee)
- Financial management procedures
- Dissolution procedures
Step 2: Conduct a General Assembly Meeting
Hold a founding General Assembly meeting with all seven or more founding members. Record the minutes of the meeting, which should include:
- Approval of the constitution
- Election of office bearers (Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer)
- Decision to register the organization
Step 3: Collect Required Documents
The following documents are required for NGO registration at DAO in Nepal:
- Application letter addressed to the Chief District Officer (CDO)
- Certified copy of the organization’s constitution (Bidhan)
- Minutes of the founding General Assembly meeting
- List of founding members with their citizenship certificate copies
- Passport-size photographs of all founding members
- Citizenship certificates of all founding members
- Proof of office address (lease agreement or land ownership certificate)
- Ward office recommendation letter
- Tax clearance certificate (if applicable)
Step 4: Submit Application to the District Administration Office
Submit all documents to the concerned District Administration Office (DAO) where the organization’s office is located. The CDO reviews the application, verifies documents, and may conduct an inquiry.
Step 5: Receive the Registration Certificate
Upon approval, the DAO issues the NGO registration certificate along with the approved constitution. The registration number is assigned at this stage.
Stage 2: Affiliation with the Social Welfare Council (SWC)
After obtaining the DAO registration certificate, the NGO must apply for affiliation with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) under the Social Welfare Act, 2049. This affiliation is mandatory for NGOs that plan to:
- Receive foreign funding or grants
- Implement development projects
- Partner with international organizations
Documents Required for SWC Affiliation:
- Application letter to the Social Welfare Council
- Copy of the DAO registration certificate
- Certified copy of the organization’s constitution
- Minutes of the General Assembly
- Citizenship copies of executive committee members
- Annual program and budget plan
- Office address proof
- Tax registration certificate (PAN)
- Audit report (if the organization is already operational)
The Social Welfare Council Nepal reviews and processes the affiliation application. You can access SWC services through the official Social Welfare Council website.
Documents Required for NGO Registration in Nepal
| Document Required | At Application |
|---|---|
| Application letter to CDO | District Administration Office |
| Organization’s Constitution (Bidhan) | District Administration Office |
| General Assembly Minutes | District Administration Office |
| Citizenship certificates of all members | District Administration Office |
| Passport-size photographs | District Administration Office |
| Ward Office Recommendation | District Administration Office |
| Office address proof | District Administration Office |
| DAO Registration Certificate | Social Welfare Council |
| PAN/Tax Registration Certificate | Social Welfare Council |
| Annual Program and Budget | Social Welfare Council |
| Audit Report (if applicable) | Social Welfare Council |
NGO Registration Fees in Nepal
The NGO registration fee in Nepal is relatively minimal. The fees vary depending on the type and level of the organization:
- DAO Registration Fee: Approximately NPR 500 to NPR 1,000 depending on the district
- SWC Affiliation Fee: Varies based on the type of affiliation (local or national level)
- PAN Registration: Free at the Inland Revenue Office
- Renewal Fee: Annual renewal at the DAO is required, with nominal fees
It is advisable to check the latest fee structure with the concerned District Administration Office or the Social Welfare Council as fee structures may be revised.
PAN Registration for NGOs in Nepal
After receiving the DAO registration certificate, the NGO must register for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) at the concerned Inland Revenue Office under the Income Tax Act, 2058. PAN registration is mandatory for:
- Opening a bank account in the organization’s name
- Filing tax returns
- Applying for SWC affiliation
- Receiving any institutional funding
You can access the Inland Revenue Department services at www.ird.gov.np.
Renewal of NGO Registration in Nepal
Under the Association Registration Act, 2034, NGOs in Nepal must renew their registration annually at the District Administration Office. Failure to renew on time can result in:
- Suspension of the registration certificate
- Fine or penalty for late renewal
- Cancellation of the registration in extreme cases
For SWC affiliation, periodic renewal is also required based on the terms mentioned in the affiliation letter.
Important Regulatory Bodies for NGOs in Nepal
Several government bodies oversee the NGO sector in Nepal:
- District Administration Office (DAO) – Primary registration authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs (www.moha.gov.np)
- Social Welfare Council (SWC) – Affiliation and monitoring of NGOs/INGOs (www.swc.org.np)
- Inland Revenue Department (IRD) – Tax registration and compliance
- Office of the Auditor General – Audit compliance for NGOs receiving public funds
- National Planning Commission – Coordination of development-oriented NGO activities
Common Reasons for Rejection of NGO Registration in Nepal
Applications for NGO registration in Nepal can be rejected or returned for the following reasons:
- Incomplete or incorrect documents
- Similar name already registered in the same district
- Objectives conflicting with national laws or public interest
- Insufficient number of founding members
- Inadequate or poorly drafted constitution
- Missing ward office recommendation
Difference Between NGO and INGO Registration in Nepal
| Criteria | NGO | INGO |
|---|---|---|
| Registered By | District Administration Office | Social Welfare Council |
| Members | Nepali citizens | Foreign nationals / organizations |
| Applicable Law | Association Registration Act, 2034 (1977) | Social Welfare Act, 2049 (1992) |
| Foreign Funding | Requires SWC affiliation | Directly permitted via SWC agreement |
| Operational Scope | Local / National | National / International |
Timeline for NGO Registration in Nepal
The NGO registration process in Nepal typically takes:
- DAO Registration: 7 to 30 working days after complete document submission
- SWC Affiliation: 30 to 60 working days depending on document verification and board meetings
The timeline can extend if additional information is requested by the concerned offices.
Conclusion
The NGO registration process in Nepal requires careful preparation of documents, compliance with the Association Registration Act, 2034, and the Social Welfare Act, 2049. Organizations must complete registration at the District Administration Office, obtain a PAN, and secure SWC affiliation to operate legally and receive funding. Understanding the complete NGO registration process in Nepal ensures smooth establishment and long-term legal compliance for any non-governmental organization working in Nepal.
FAQs
1. How many members are required to register an NGO in Nepal?
A minimum of seven founding members is required to register an NGO in Nepal under the Association Registration Act, 2034. All members must be Nepali citizens aged 18 years or above.
2. Which office handles NGO registration in Nepal?
The District Administration Office (DAO) under the Ministry of Home Affairs is the primary authority for NGO registration in Nepal. After DAO registration, the Social Welfare Council handles affiliation.
3. Is SWC affiliation mandatory for all NGOs in Nepal?
SWC affiliation is mandatory for NGOs that receive foreign funding or implement development programs. Under Section 12 of the Social Welfare Act, 2049, affiliation with SWC is legally required for such organizations.
4. What is the registration fee for NGOs in Nepal?
The NGO registration fee at the DAO is approximately NPR 500 to NPR 1,000. SWC affiliation fees vary. PAN registration is free at the Inland Revenue Office.
5. Can a foreign national register an NGO in Nepal?
No. Foreign nationals cannot register an NGO under the Association Registration Act, 2034. They can register as an INGO through the Social Welfare Council under the Social Welfare Act, 2049.
6. How long does NGO registration take in Nepal?
DAO registration takes 7 to 30 working days. SWC affiliation takes 30 to 60 working days, depending on document completeness and SWC board review schedules.