Want to make a difference in the community? Are you planning to register NGO? But wait, are you clear with your organizational vision? Maybe you are but you might be unaware that more than 75,000 non-profit organizations/charities exist in Nepal and only 20% of the organizations are functioning effectively and the rest of them are only on paper. The reasons are lack of funding, dedication, motivation, support, etc. So, be very sure if you really want to register a new NGO. You might consider partnering with existing NGOs to work on the projects you have in your mind. You do not just want to go through all the hassles and end up on paper in a few years. If you have a real passion and dedication to give back to the community, then no doubt your organization will be different from the rest.
Most people complain about the confusion and complications with the procedure of registering an NGO in Nepal. Here we try to make your task easy with our step-by-step guidelines.
NGO in Nepal is registered under the District Administration Office (DAO) present in 77 districts. You also need PAN Number from the Inland Revenue Department and list your NGO under the Social Welfare Council (SWC). SWC is a government body established to coordinate and facilitate NGOs and INGOs in Nepal, in order to obtain the tax exemption and other specified facilities accorded by the Government. Registering under Social Welfare Council is also important to be able to receive a donation, whether it is from the government, bilateral/multilateral, or individual donor.
The registration must be renewed every fiscal year (Ashad-Shrawan).
Tip: File at least 5 copies of each document- you do not want to run around finding a photocopy machine.
You will need the “Recommendation Letter” from the ward office. The ward office varies with the location and address of your organization. You need to submit an application for the recommendation letter with copies of the above-mentioned documents. The application should be signed by the president and stamped. If you have already designed a letter pad for your organization you can use it, if not plain A4 size paper is acceptable.
After you receive a recommendation letter from the ward office, you need to submit an application to the District Coordination Committee for a “Certificate of Registration”. An application form is provided by District Cooperate Committee. Attach the required document.
Here is where you will receive the registration number for your NGO. You will need to fill in five copies of the application forms provided by the District Administration office. Please also keep the soft copy of your Bidhan handy because sometimes they ask us for a soft copy for their records.
Visit the Social Welfare Council (SWC) to get the Affiliation Certificate. You need to fill in the application form provided by SWC and submit it with copies of the recommendation letter from the ward office, a certificate of registration from the District Coordination Committee, and the District Administration Office with other mentioned documents.
Check: SWC’s Guideline for NGO Approval
All NGOs must have a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card which is a ten-digit alphanumeric number under the Income Tax Act 2058 And Regulation 2059. This is a must to open a bank account under your NGO’s name to work out the finances. Before you visit the office, make sure you have a copy of the minute, where it is clearly mentioned who among the Board of members will sign the application form.
You need to submit an application for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) provided by the Inland Revenue department with copies of the above-mentioned minute, Registration Certificate, citizenship, and two identical passport-size photos of the person who signs the application form, sketched map of the location of your main office or head office.
An inland revenue official vets your application with regard to correctness and completeness. If found correct and complete, you will receive a “Temporary Account Number Registration Certificate”. It is valid for 3 months. You will receive the “Permanent Account Number (PAN) Registration Certificate” and your “PAN Card” within 3 months.
Note: You need to pay a 10% tax on Rent mentioned in the Rent Agreement
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Finally, the process is completed, but before you get yourself busy working on the projects, do these steps, for future reference.
Now, get your new project running.
All NGOs’ registration must be renewed annually at:
Step 1 Auditing
Hire a legal representative/Auditor to prepare an audit report.
(Note: Don’t forget to ask for a Tax clarification certificate from your representative.)
Step 2 Tax Office
Documents needed: Photocopies of all the certificates, Audit report, Auditor’s tax clearance certificate, Application
Step 3 Ward office:
Documents needed: Photocopies of all the certificates, Photocopies of tax clearance, Application
Step 3 Nagarplika Office (Municipality office):
Documents needed: Photocopies of all the certificates, Photocopies of tax clearance. Photocopy of Auditor’s license & Tax certificate, Photocopy of Bidhan, Photocopy of Minute, Photocopy of Ward office application + receipt, Application
Step 4 Jilla Prasashan Office (District Administration Office) (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday only)
Documents needed: Photocopies of all the certificates, Photocopies of tax clearance, Photocopies of Auditor’s license & Tax certificate, Photocopies of Bidhan, Photocopies of Nagarpalika, Photocopies of Minutes, Upcoming year Planning, List of Board Members, Application
Step 5 Social Welfare Council (Once every 3 years)
Documents needed: Photocopies of all the certificates, Photocopies of tax clearance, Photocopies of Auditor’s license & Tax certificate, Photocopies of Bidhan, Photocopies of Nagarpalika, Photocopies of Minute (Board member selection meeting), List of Board Members, Application
ALL THE BEST!
[Note: The article was updated in August 2019 (Shrawan 2076) based on my own experience of registering an NGO, the registration process might change according to law.]
Priti is a Development Professional with years of experience as a Director of Operations for an American humanitarian organization in Nepal. She is a published writer and researcher focusing on international development funding and grassroots NGOs. She holds a master’s degree in Business. She oversees the team that provides support to NGOs and site users.
This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally
I’ve found something which helped me. Kudos!
Dear Moz: I am glad you found our resources useful!
Hello.
Is it possible to start a housing and education ngo project.
Can we take over existing ngo and expand it
How much money can be transferred and withdraw
Do we need to pay tax
Dear Rosgen: With the number of NGOs growing in Nepal, I’d say taking Over an existing NGO would be the best. The existing NGO needs to call a board meeting and make a minute of change of board members and then get it approved. All NGOsreceiving material, technical, economic or any other kind of assistance from Government or international donor should submit a project proposal and application along with details to Social Welfare Council.
As for Tax check this link.
Dear Rosgen: With the number of NGOs growing in Nepal, I’d say taking Over an existing NGO would be the best. The existing NGO needs to call a board meeting and make a minute of change of board members and then get it approved. All NGOs receiving material, technical, economic or any other kind of assistance from Government or international donor should submit a project proposal and application along with details to Social Welfare Council.
As for Tax check this link.
Helo Goodmorning sis, me 4 month ago I was did NGO from bt my form not approval why?
Hello Bikash: Could you explain more on how you applied for NGO registration.
Dear Rosgen,
we have organization that you have been searched for. we are based and working in remote area of Nepal. for further information kindly do contact with us on sangye567@gmail.com .
Dear Priti this article was of much help. Would like to get in touch with you. Can you share your e-mail ID/ LinkedIn with me?
Dear Protyusha: You can email me at priti@proposalsforngos.com
Wow, Priti You have given so much information here. I respect your research and effort to make this. It’s a great help for my upcoming business setup. Thank you so much !
Dear Ashok: Glad this was of help. 🙂
Mam I need some info about it like I am from India and I am social activist here under Dadhichi Foundation. We are working here for socially backward women. Can I start a NGO there in Nepal?
Ajit kumar
Dear Ajit ji: As far as I know, non- Nepali cannot register an NGO, all the BoD should have Nepali citizenship. But you can work with NGO’s in Nepal as partners.
Dear Ajit , please contact with me , i am on the same way with my team . we will do it jointly. Please contact me rahulray1126@gmail.com
dear, priti, I always quriuous on social work and help people who need it. but i can’t creat NGO’s persent days so i want join with NGO’ s or INGO’s who works for humanity and prosperity. can I?
Dear Kamman: Yes. We always recommend that its better to join an NGO, than opening a new one. Find an NGO that represents the sector you are passionate about or NGO that shares your believes. Even if you have your own idea and a project designed you can join an NGO as a partner and work.
Dear Priti this article was of much help. I would like to get in touch with you. Can you share your e-mail ID with me?
Dear Ritik: Glad it was of help. You can email me at priti@proposalsforngos.com
Thank you!
I am very much impressed by the easy understandable process you have written. Thanx for the effort. I agree on your point to take over the NGO who are not active rather than registering another new one. But how and where to find such list of inactive NGO’s . And if they are willing to give away to other people for future service. If you have any idea regarding this.
Dear Rajeshji: I contacted the Social welfare council and unfortunately they don’t have the data, neither do Association of NGOs in Nepal. But will contact you if I find anything else in the future.
Would you please provide me your contact details? I like to work with you. Cheers!
Hello Anil, you can send you CV with a cover letter to info@proposalsforngos.com. Thank you.
Thanks a lot for all these valuable informations.
I would like to be in touch with you
Sam
An article about registration of Non Profit Organisation in Nepal helps many people. If there are more article about annual renewal, planning and implementation of NOG and its programs will be greatful.
Dear Naveen: I am working with a lawyer to draft more articles related to these subjects, will post soon!
its really very helpful for me to understand the process of registering NGo. thankyou so mch fr ur valuable words.
This is such a helpful article, thank you for sharing! I am looking to support a Nepali charity organisation, but I would like to check independently that it has been registered officially. Would you know any place I can check that please?
Hello Carrie: Sorry for late response, you can ask them for their registration number and check here http://www.swc.org.np.
Dear Priti, thank you for this very informative write up about setting up NGO. I wish to register a trust in the name of my late father who was a World War II hero and a Victoria Cross awardee. Can I follow the same procedure outlined by you or is there a different procedure? Please do guide me. Thanks
Dear Rewati: The process is a bit different than registering an NGO. Trust should be registered under the Nepal Trust Registration Act 1882 in Register Office. You will need a minimum of 2 members -1 founder and 1 trustee, Nepali citizen.
Dear Priti, thank you for your reply. Can you please outline the procedure of registering trust under the trust act? We are in touch with a lawyer in Itahari and he has advised to register as Prathistan instead of trust. Is it correct? I am a Nepalese citizen and have nagarikta pramaan Patra, but I mostly live in India due to my medical problems. Is it possible for me to register trust/prathistan?
Dear Rewati: Yes, you can register a trust or foundation even if you live mostly in India. The only criteria are you should have Nepali citizenship.
The article I wrote is based on my personal experience and as I am not a legal expert I would recommend to listen to all aspects from your lawyer. Always good to take the second opinion 🙂
The differences between a trust and a foundation are foundation must be registered and overseen by a notary or lawyer, it needs to be backed by Governmental law whereas trust as more personal entity.
Excellent piece of work, Priti ji. I think this one regarding the trust or foundation is applicable to me since I am interested in setting up an organization to award grants to some public school students. I will contact you by email. Thanks.
Hi Priti,
I am based in Australia and was keen to set up an NGO to deal with reforestation in the East of the country ,your information was very informative.I have some Nepalese friends who would be keen to be involved ,do you know of an existing NGO doing this sort of works?
Thank you again for your informative information.
Regards
Paul
Dear Paul: Reforestation is one of the big projects of Nepal Government and many private companies – esp, trekking companies are carrying out similar projects everywhere with Govt and some with and without the cooperation of NGOs. ICIMOD is doing a lot. ECO-Nepal and Forest Action are other great NGOs you should look into. I will check with other NGOs working in the Eastern region and write more!
Thank you.
priti thapa can i talk to you in gmail?
Hello. you can email me on priti@proposalsforngos.com
Can we talk in email please
Hello. you can email me on priti@proposalsforngos.com
Really this article is very useful those who are interested to establish the NGOs for the development work. But I have a question about Board member; Can Foreigner also be a board member during establishment?
Hello Prakash, as far as I know, to be a part of Board, you need to be a Nepali citizen. But of course, you can add foreigners as a consultant.
In the month of August 2019, We are going to establish new NGO, and sure will gonna follow your instructions/guidelines dear priti mam. Hope will not face any problems for the registration.
Thank you so much for the most relivent information. Will be touch with you.
Is there any type of working experience required to open social organization?
Dear Prason: No special experience or educational qualification is required as of now.
will you please send us the sample of bidhan for NGO (Social type)?
Dear Ruben: Can you send me an email to priti@proposalsforngos.com.
can a +2 passed student open ngo without joining bachelor
Yes!
What sort of issues are most serious in Nepal currently based on which we can start a NGO foundation? Please suggest.
Can u send me a sample of bidhan???(niteshray30@gmail.com)
Hi Priti, we had registered NGO and worked on public health issues for about six years but it has not been so active for the last few years and we have not renewed it. What is the process of renewing the same NGO with new members and additional scope of work?
Hello, annual renewal is compulsory. According to 2018 news, if your organization is not renewed within the stipulated time-frame, the registration will be automatically revoked
Hi Priti
I know this question has probably been asked before but is there a difference in registration between an NGO and an INGO? If it is an INGO, is it ok if the people setting it up are not Nepali citizens?
Hi…mam tq for shear wonderful improtant subject …I want open new Ngo in Nepal im citizen of nepal and currently working in India and want know that if someone Indian donate us money for same purpose can receive ? If yes how ?? Plz suggest… ..
Dear Narayan ji:
Yes, donor can be from any country. You just need to be transparent about the source and show the channel where it will be spent on. And with you need to inform the Social Welfare Council too.
Okay tq mam, i want add one more question ….
For a Ngo I will provide my own land or want service life time If I will provide everything from my side,i have my own source to running ngo,like doner donation,my personal fund so will i need to make committee for formed Ngo or can open single person ….. For example Bawana foundation its my daughter’s name so i mean…. will necessary to make a 7 member commity or only can I operate individually???
Hi Priti,
Thanks for giving all the information in so detailing.
I want to open my existing International NGO’s branch office in Nepal. Please answer my Question:
– Do I need to register our self first for branch office also?
Kindly provide information regarding my question.
Thanks in advance
Hello Priti,
I reside in a different country. I have a team there, is it possible for me to become a part of new registration without my physical presence?
Thank you
Hello, You do not need to appear in the registrar office but it could be difficult since all documents from application to minute need signature and fingerprint of all members and it has to be original. Fax or scan is not accepted.
Hello.
Can you exaplain more about the objectives of ngos please? One ngo must have only one specific objectives?
Dear Sanjiv: on your Bidhan, you can specify different objectives, it does not need to be only one.
thank you so much for your information.
Hello. I want to expand my 30 year old NGO from Japan to Nepal. I have heard from people around me that I need prepare NRs. 3 Lakhs rupees for that. Is this true ? What are the deposits or capital or costs for setting up an International NGO in Nepal ?
Most of your articles are field and experience based…excellent article.
Dear Ram: Thank you so much for your kind words.
Good luck with your work!
My confusions are cleared now. Very easy and usefull advice. Lot of Thanks Miss Priti.
Dear Noorul: Thank you so much for your kind words.
Good luck with your work!
thank you so much
Hi Priti,
Thank you so much for the post. It is really very helpful for people like us who are new in this field. I would like to know about the renewal process of NGOs. Where to renew? Do I have to renew every year in every department every year? Someone told me that NGO needs to be renewed in every 3 year in SWC. Is it true? And what about other departments?
Dear Bishikha: All NGOs’ registration must be renewed annually at the Tax office, ward office and Nagar Palika and CDO office and for SWC every 3 years.
Here I have listed NGO Renewal process and documents needed as per my experience:
Step 1 Auditing
Step 2 Tax Office: Photocopies of all the certificates, Audit report, Auditor’s tax clearance certificate, Application
Step 3 Ward office: Photocopies of all the certificates, Photocopy of tax clearance
Application
Step 3 Nagarplika Office
Photocopies of all the certificates, Photocopy of tax clearance. Photo copy of Auditor’s license & Tax certificate, Photocopy of Bidhan, Photocopy of Minute, Photo copy of Ward office application + receipt, Application
Step 4 Jilla Prasashan Office (CDO office, Babar Mahal) (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday only)
Photocopies of all the certificates, Photocopy of tax clearance, Photocopy of Auditor’s license & Tax certificate, Photocopy of Bidhan, Photocopy of Nagarpalika, Photocopy of Minute, Upcoming year Planning, List of Board Members, Application
Step 5 Social Welfare Council, (Once in every 3 years)
Photocopies of all the certificates
Photocopy of tax clearance, Photocopy of Auditor’s license & Tax certificate, Photocopy of Bidhan, Photocopy of Nagarpalika, Photocopy of Minute (Board member selection meeting), List of Board Members, Application
Thank you so much ma’am these really had given clear idea.hats up to your Writings. The Information which I was searching I found it here. God bless.
Thank you sunil for your kind words! Best wishes.
We have registered an organisation but have not received any funds from locals bodies. we are collection money within members and doing Program. It was registered on 2018 Nov 2
.Now to go on Vat do we have to audit?
hello shyam, NGOs are not for profits so, no need to register under VAT. you must have a Pan Number and annual audit is needed.
hi priti. im planning to register NGO with my friends related to help for patients suffering from cancer and we are planning to collect fund from each family as donation in every month. till now we have not found any funding agency. just we are planning to collect 10 Rupee from each family in local people and our service will be for local people for starting period but it will be expand if organization will established well in future. would you please help me to develop bidhan with my purpose to register NGO. im not clear about bidhan. thank you
Could any one please send me a copy of bidhan
Hello Sneha: Unfortunately, we are not able to publish a sample, but please do write to our contributor Priti at priti@proposalsforngos.com, she might be able to help.
a good reference!! thanks !!
how to register club in village?
Dear Jayaram: Click here to see the registration process for clubs. http://ddcbaglung.gov.np/en/process-of-cluborganization-registration/
Hope this helps!
Thanks it’s really helpful
I just want to confirm whether if NGO can make their own revenue, or to make it simple can they run a program that makes money but not for profit, or their income rather than just relying on funds or grants?
Dear David: Yes, all NGOs can make money with the project activities. In fact it is very essential to include it as a organization sustainability plan. The only condition is the money earned should be invested in the NGO itself and not be distributed as profit.
Suggest me how to start new club??
Hello Chandan: Here is a sample of how you can register club in Nepal: http://ddcbaglung.gov.np/en/process-of-cluborganization-registration/
Dear Priti: NRN can open the NGO in Nepla?
hello Safid: You will need 7 Nepali citizens to register. Unfortunately as of now NRN can’t be the one registering but can be part of consulting Board.
Hi Priti Thapa Bahini, I would like to speak regarding setting up a foundation in Nepal. How do I contact you? I live USA and Australia but now I am in Sydney.
Hello Purusotam Ji: You can email me at priti@proposalsforngos.com
Hello mam I am an 16 years old girl from butwal and it may seems like I am joking but I really wanna help the street dogs and cats which are roaming here and there in my city . I dont know although there are other clubs involved for them but I think they are effectively working here. Whenever I see dogs and cats roaming here and there in street with wounds all over there body my eyes can’t control my tears. As u mentioned to open an NGOs one must have a nepali citizenship I dont think that I can get. If u have any idea that could help me to open organization then could u tell me?
Hello Rose:
Since you are just 16, I strongly recommend you to join NGOs working for betterment for the street animals and gain experience. There are also few NGOs who have paid internships. Look out for those opportunities and learn.
Best Wishes!
This is very usefull please let us know futher information or how i can get new information or information about business registration like woman entrepreneurship and process of registration etc
Mam how to make a proposal for ngo
Great information – thank you Priti!
Do you know if someone making a corporate donation from abroad to a Nepalese NGO can claim tax relief on their donation?
Dear Pritiji, I found this blog useful. We do have one non-profitable organization (as a football club) established in the year 2057 B.S., named Social Welfare Sports Center. Later, due to legal provision we re-registered in the same name under Kathmandu district sports office, sanogaucharan in the year 2068 B.S. (named Social Welfare Sports Center Club) which is affiliated with National sports council. Now, we have all the registration renewed, audit report intact, pan no. renewal, and certificate of non-profit.
Is it still necessary to get permission from DAO, Kathmandu, since legally we are updated and under the hierarchy of National sports Council and fully engaged in football. Please check the website swscfa.com
Hello Ms. Prity,
I am seeking your kind help. I am looking forward to open up the concept for the NGO that is targetted towards local participation and employment of the public residing in the world heritage sites in Nepal. Can you help me to find one of the NGOs that i can acquire to start this concept? Let me know if you could possibly help. (with thanks: makishan13@gmail.com)
Hi, I was wondering what was the process to add a Nepali board member to the board of a local NGO. Is there any form we can download? I have been trying to find information on the matter, but it has been quite hard.
mw pani intrested xu social work ma so help me who to ragistar
Hi,mam
We are recently registered new youth club. how to get help to develop our youth club? we don’t have any resource by economic and any other source so that we have no ide for running that youth club so please give us some ide to develop & running our youth club.
Thanks so much, Priti for this very well-written information. We are inviting and accepting new members now. Do you have any information about that process and their obligations?
Thank you Priti for sharing with us this procedures. It is really helpful. I want to start a NGO that generates funds from its members who are all nepali citizens? What documents do I need to prepare?
Do we also need to register with Office of Company Registrar for opening NGO in Nepal? Or is voluntary?
Such a Helpful Article for Registering a NGO. Thank You! 🙂
Glad you found the article helpful. Do follow us for more.
Thank you!
Mam can you please guide me how to prepare proposal for an NGO …..I am planning for one….
If you just start learning about the proposal, maybe this article about the article about what is a project proposal would be interesting for you.
I hope this helps!
Dear mam
Is the Dhurmus Suntali Foundation established and registered in the same way you mentioned or it has another procedure to register. We are thinking to register a trust(non profit organisation) in the name of a person who has contribution in our society. Could you please help me out?
I need auditor to audit and renew my NGO would u plz help
Hello Sudden: Unfortunately we do not offer audit service.
Pls give information about the renewal of club whose renewal process is stoped from 10 yrs.
Hello Prabin: Unfortunately we do not have specific about register clubs.
Sir, we can or not.
Thank you Priti Ma’am for the information…it is very helpful….
Very useful page! Does a small children’s home (under 10 children) in KTM, have to register as an NGO or can it be registered as a ‘non-profit’??
Hi Eric: As far as I know, it can be registered as NGO or a social enterprise but you need to be more careful on stating the function on the memorandum.
Best to take legal advice. Best wishes!
Woow ! You have mentioned everything clearly and stepwise. Its crystal clear . Your write up gave me the fascinating insights into registering an NGO.
Dear Yamuna: I am glad you found this article helpful!
hello mam , i want to start an NGO.. Your information is really useful. may, i get a sample of bidhan of any NGO.
how to open banch offfice one and other ?
Wow, Priti You have given so much information here. I respect your research and effort to make this. It’s a great help for my upcoming business setup. Thank you so much !
Dear Anand: I am glad that the article is helpful to you.
The website was extremly helpful. Can you please guide me as to what are the legal formalities included in changing the address of our NGO to another place. Is it possible to shift the office of our NGO to another district/ state from the existing state.
Hello Bibin:
As far as we know, the process can be done through a general meeting and you will have to contact the Company register office.
But for details please contact legal representative.
Wow ! Now this is amazing. Thanks. 🙏
Dear Priti Thapa,
Happy to know about your profile, we are an upcoming chain of Montessori & Primary School in the Far West Province of Nepal at Dhangadhi. We are planning to run this project under Siddh Raj Bhatta Memorial Education Trust – Shova’s Nest. We will like to contact you for your valuable advice. We can be reached at +9779825694432 Voice & Whatsapp. How to reach to you please advice.
R K Singh Admin
Dear Shova:
We have forwarded your contact to Mr. Priti. She will contact you soon.
Thapa jee
we have one non profit organization i e Chundiramgha Chitwan Samaj in Bharatpur. It is opened only for social work like celebration of Bhanu jayanti, new year, Dashain and reggards to the senior citizens above 80 yrs. could this organization need to registerd? what are the procedures of registration if yes.
this website gives lot of information but I want to learn more about it . So where and how can I contact you .
Hello Utais:
You can contact us at info@proposalsforngos.com
Thank you!
Namaste Madam,
We are working on the conservation of the indigenous cows of Nepal. Currenlty operation as the PVT LTD organisation. Since most of the cows are stray cows and are taken care of by us without any profit motive we would like to take this to the next level in great scale by registering a goshala. Could you please let us know if it would fall under NGO or some other category? Any help on how to register it would be highly appreciated. Thanks- Narendra Kunwar
Hello Narendra, there are many NGOs working for the rights of animals globally.
Wishing you all the best!
Hi,This is shashi from India…I have a question..Just like here we can not get foreign fund with out gating FCRA(Foreign Contribution Regulation Act)certificate.What about the rules of Nepal.
Thanks
NGOs want´s to help Nepali people. But shame to the government, because you make the process so complicated
Hello Ma’am,
Thank you for this information, helped me a lot.
Can you provide me the details of work to be done prior registration and annually for a non profit foundation?
Dear Pramajung:
Step 1: Forming a Team and Documents You Need- should give you a rough idea what needs to be preplanned before registering.
I am a minor and I wanna open Ngo in Nepal si can I open Ngo with my passport?
https://proposalsforngos.com/how-to-register-an-ngo-in-nepal/#comment-4022
here Thapa ji provided link for tax information. its not working. Any help?
Dear Kapil:
The link is to download the tax act. Here is a direct link.