Registration process of the Contact Office of Foreign Company in Nepal

A contact office or a liaison office of a foreign company is established under Companies Act, 2006 (“Companies Act”) and Companies Directives, 2015 (“Companies Directives”). This article explains the process of registration of contact office in Nepal:

Contact Office Registration Laws

The Following Laws govern the Registration of Foreign Contact Office in Nepal:

• Companies Act 2006
• Companies Directives 2015

Registration Process

Registration at OCR

Submit an application with the required documents stated below at the Office of Company Registrar

Registration at Ward office

Acquits a business registration Certificate must be acquired from the Local Ward Office.

Registration at IRO

Tax Registration Certification is to be acquired from the relevant Inland Revenue Office.

Required Documents for Contact Office Registration in Nepal

The Following documents are required for the Registration of Contact Office in Nepal:

1. An Application for Contact Office Registration
2. Incorporation certificate, Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (notarized copies of originals and official translation into Nepali language is required);
3. Power of attorney provided to Nepalese national and resident (“Nepal Representative”) to receive legal documents on its behalf;
4. Notarized citizenship certificate of the Nepal Representative;
5. Copy of board resolution of Foreign Company to open Branch Office;
6. Notarized copy of passports of directors of Foreign Company;
7. Power of attorney provided to signatory of application forms;
8. Notarized copy of passport (if foreign national) or citizenship certificate of signatory;
9. Corporate details of Foreign Company;
10. Power of attorney for processing agent (if applicable); and
11. Disclosure signed by the director or the Nepal Representative stating the documents and details submitted is true and correct.

Permitted Activities

The contact office is allowed to undertake the following activities pursuant to the Company Directives :

Restriction/Limitation

The contact office is not permitted to undertake the following activities:

• Undertake “income producing” activities in Nepal.
• Conclude of contracts and agreements, marketing of its products and services, market promotion and advertising.

Waiver of Government Fees

The government fees for the registration of all types of company including contact office has been waived for the fiscal year of 2080/81 (2023/24) by the notification of Ministry Industry, Supplies and Commerce of the Government of Nepal published on 25th September 2023 in Nepal Gazette.