FDI Service in Nepal
Expert Foreign Investment Consultant
Start Your FDI Journey in Nepal with Expert Guidance
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nepal can be complex, but with the right partner, it becomes smooth, fast, and fully compliant. I help international investors navigate approvals, FITTA 2019 compliance, and sector-specific clearances, ensuring your business grows confidently in Nepal’s market.
- Over 10 years of experience in FDI consultancy
- Guidance via Department of Industry (DOI) and Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) approvals
- Sector-specific knowledge: industry, tourism, hydropower, and information technology
- Assistance with post-investment management and regulatory compliance
Why Invest in Nepal?
For foreign investors, Nepal provides a developing market, a strategic location, and government-friendly legislation.
Be part of Nepal’s fast-growing FDI ecosystem. Talk to Milan Today
Opportunities and Restrictions for Foreign Investors in Nepal
Nepal welcomes international investment in most industries, however some are prohibited to safeguard national security and natural resources.
Opportunities in Nepal FDI:
- SEZs with tax holidays, VAT exemptions & fast-track approvals
- High-potential growth in hydropower, IT, and tourism
- Support from Investment Board Nepal (IBN) for large projects
Restricted Sectors:
- Weapons manufacturing
- Logging and exploitation of natural forests
- Certain retail trade activities
FDI Growth in Nepal (2025 Insight):
FY 2024/25 (first 11 months):
- Total FDI committed: NPR 60.6 billion
- Projects approved: 717
- Jobs expected: 17,000+
Don’t miss your chance! Approvals take time, but opportunities are now.
Legal Framework & Authorities for FDI in Nepal
Nepal welcomes foreign investment through clear laws and institutions.
FITTA 2019 (Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act) protects investor rights and fosters technology transfer.
- Industrial Enterprises Act 2020: Governs business operations and industrial ventures.
- Department of Industry (DOI): Registration & approval body.
- Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB): Manages equity, foreign loans & profit repatriation.
- Investment Board Nepal (IBN): Handles large and strategic investments.
- Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA): Sector approvals in hydropower.
Step-by-Step Nepal FDI Process
Meet Minimum Investment Requirement
Minimum capital: NPR 20 million (~USD 150,000)
Example: Software company → NPR 20M, Hydropower → depends on project
Choose Investment Route
Automatic Route – Fast approvals for sectors like IT, tourism, certain manufacturing (processed within 7 days)
Approval Route – For sensitive sectors such as hydropower, telecom, large-scale manufacturing, requiring DOI review
Submit Documents to DOI
Business plan, incorporation documents, equity/loan agreements, technology transfer contracts
Obtain NRB Approval
Foreign loans, equity transfers, repatriation of profits
Sector-Specific Clearances
Some sectors require additional approvals (e.g., NEA for hydropower, Nepal Telecommunications Authority for telecom)
Average approval timeline: 30–60 days with complete documents.
Filing Requirements for Foreign Investors in Nepal
Various investment types have various paperwork needs.
Automatic vs. Approval Route in Nepal FDI
| Feature | Automatic Route | Approval Route |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Sectors | IT, tourism, light manufacturing | Hydropower, telecom, large projects |
| Investment Limit | Up to NPR 500M (~USD 3.8M) | No limit |
| Approval Timeline | ~7 days | 30–60 days |
| Application | Online (DOI portal) | Detailed filing with clearances |
| Best For | Quick entry, startups | Large strategic industries |
Case Study
NPR 20M investment approved online in 7 days.
Enabled foreign IT company to hire local staff swiftly.
Upper Marsyangdi A Hydroelectric Station (50 MW)
Special Economic Zone (SZE) in Nepal
A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a defined area where firms can receive economic and regulatory benefits to encourage investment, trade, and exports. In Nepal, SEZs simplify procedures, provide tax breaks, and support infrastructure, lowering operational costs and administrative barriers.
Benefits of Investing in SEZs in Nepal
Investing in SEZs in Nepal has several strategic benefits:
Current SEZs Status in Nepal
| Location | Operational Status | Permitted Industries | Active Industries | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhairahawa | Partially operational | 49 | 7 | Infrastructure issues, export hurdles |
| Simara | Partially operational | 25 | 2 | Slow development |
Although they are not yet at full capacity, the Bhairahawa and Simara SEZs are both partially operational.
Explore SEZ Investment Opportunities in Nepal – Get Expert Guidance Now!
Regulatory Compliance After Approval
About Milan Khatiwada – FDI Consultant in Nepal
I am a business consultant specializing in FDI Services in Nepal with:
- 10+ years of experience
- 100+ investors successfully advised
- Recognized advisor in top investment forums
I personally make sure your investment path is seamless and compliant, from planning to approvals and post-investment monitoring.
Why investors trust me:
- Faster approvals with accurate documentation
- Reduced legal & financial risks
- Personal involvement in every client project
- Transparent process, no hidden fees
How do I Help Investors?
How Can I Help you with FDI Services in Nepal?
Working with me means having a partner who cares about your success.
- Clear Regulatory Guidance: Practical advice on Nepal’s FDI laws, approvals, and NRB requirements.
- Strategic Risk Management: Insights to protect your investment and avoid common pitfalls.
- Proven Track Record: Over 10 years advising investors across hydropower, tourism, IT, and manufacturing.
- Transparent Process: No hidden fees—just clear, honest guidance.
- Hands-On Support: I’m personally involved in your documentation, approvals, and post-investment compliance.
How I Simplify the FDI Process?
Step-by-Step Guidance: From initial consultation to approvals and ongoing compliance, I guide you through every stage. Tailored Investment Solutions: Strategies designed for your sector, investment type, and business goals. Local Expertise: My team and I provide hands-on support with approvals, documentation, and government liaison, making entry into Nepal’s market seamless.
With my support, investing in Nepal is not just secure, it’s strategic. I make sure your investment is positioned for growth, compliance, and long-term success.
FAQs
My FDI service covers feasibility studies, investment structure planning, end-to-end documentation and application filing, liaison with government authorities (DOI, NRB, IBN), regulatory compliance guidance, and ongoing post-investment support such as foreign loan approvals and repatriation.
We assist by preparing all required documents including business plans, equity or loan agreements, technology transfer agreements, and submit applications to authority bodies. We ensure timely follow-ups and compliance with FITTA 2019, Industrial Enterprises Act 2020, and sector-specific requirements.
Foreign investment is open in most sectors, including hydropower, tourism, IT, manufacturing, and services. Restricted sectors include arms manufacturing, logging, certain agricultural activities, and retail trade beyond defined thresholds. The government periodically updates this list.
The process involves meeting minimum capital requirements, submitting detailed applications to the Department of Industry, securing approval from Nepal Rastra Bank for foreign equity or loan investments, and obtaining sector-specific licenses if applicable. Approval time normally ranges from 30 to 60 days.
Yes, we guide investors in fulfilling labor laws, tax compliance, social security contributions, foreign loan approvals, repatriation policies, visa and work permit processes, and company closure procedures if needed.
Key documents include a detailed project report/business plan, foreign investor’s corporate documents, board resolutions, equity share agreements, loan agreements (if applicable), technology transfer contracts, and statutory filing forms as per DOI and NRB requirements.
We facilitate loan approvals through NRB, guide transfers of investment returns abroad within legal frameworks, and ensure all remittances comply with Nepal’s foreign exchange regulations and repatriation rules.