Registering an NGO in Nepal is a process that trips up many first-time founders because there are two separate routes, and choosing the right one depends on your scope and funding. Register locally with the District Administration Office (DAO) if the organisation will work within Nepal under domestic funding, or seek approval through the Social Welfare Council (SWC) if it operates at a wider or international scale. An INGO that intends to work through local partners follows a third, more regulated path.
Two types of non-profit registration
In common usage, an NGO (non-governmental organisation) is a domestic non-profit registered with the DAO and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council. An INGO (international non-governmental organisation) is a foreign non-profit that enters Nepal under the Social Welfare Act and an agreement with the SWC, and it must work with local NGO partners rather than operate directly in the community.
Step 1: Form the founding committee
You need a group of founding members, usually five or more Nepali citizens, who will form the general assembly and elect an executive committee. The members' citizenship certificates and, in most cases, passports are required.
Step 2: Draft the constitution and documents
The NGO's constitution is the core document and should set out the organisation's name, objectives, area of operation, membership, the composition and tenure of the executive committee, how decisions are taken, and how funds are managed. Supporting documents include the minutes of the formation meeting, the election of office bearers, and the PAN application of the institution.
Step 3: Register at the District Administration Office
The complete file is submitted to the DAO of the district where the organisation will be based. The DAO reviews the constitution and documents and, once satisfied, issues the registration. This registration gives the NGO legal personality, which it needs before it can open a bank account or enter into agreements.
Step 4: Affiliate with the Social Welfare Council
Registered NGOs that intend to receive foreign funding, or that operate beyond the local level, typically register with and seek affiliation from the Social Welfare Council. Affiliation is what unlocks access to funding and formal recognition at the national level. The SWC reviews the constitution, the DAO registration, and the organisation's work plan.
Step 5: Open a bank account and obtain PAN
With the DAO registration and, where applicable, SWC affiliation in hand, the NGO can open a bank account in its own name and complete its registration with the tax office to receive a Permanent Account Number (PAN). These are prerequisites for receiving funding, issuing receipts and employing staff.
Ongoing compliance
An NGO must file its annual reports and financial statements with the DAO and the Social Welfare Council to keep its registration and affiliation current. Falling behind on reporting is the most common reason an NGO's status lapses and funding is interrupted. Renewals and report dates vary by office, so keeping a compliance calendar from day one is worthwhile.
How we can help
Our NGO and INGO practice prepares the constitution and formation documents, manages the DAO registration and SWC affiliation, and keeps annual reporting on track. View our NGO registration service, explore our INGO compliance support, or speak to our team about your organisation's plans.