Registration, affiliation and compliance for the non-profit sector
Non-profits in Nepal operate within a distinct legal framework. Local NGOs are registered as associations under the Association Registration Act, 2034 (1977) at the District Administration Office and affiliate with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) under the Social Welfare Act, 2049. International NGOs (INGOs) engage separately, entering into a general agreement with the SWC (with Council of Ministers approval) and project agreements for their activities.
We guide organisations through registration, affiliation, project approvals, tax-exemption status and the ongoing reporting and renewals that keep them in good standing.
Our non-profit & NGO services
- NGO & INGO Registration — association registration under the Association Registration Act, 2034 and SWC affiliation or agreement.
- Project Approvals & Agreements — SWC project agreements and approvals for programme activities and foreign-funded projects.
- Governance & Constitutions — statutes, by-laws and board frameworks appropriate to the non-profit sector.
- Tax & Exemption — advising on income-tax exemption status and donor-funding compliance.
- Reporting & Renewals — annual renewals, progress reporting and audit coordination for continued good standing.
- Foreign Funding Compliance — structuring receipt of foreign grants in line with SWC and foreign-exchange rules.
NGO vs INGO: which route applies?
A locally formed non-profit registers as an association under the Association Registration Act, 2034 and affiliates with the Social Welfare Council. An international organisation establishing a presence enters into a general agreement with the SWC and separate project agreements. We identify the correct route for your objectives and manage the approvals end-to-end.
Compliance keeps your mission funded. Donors and the Social Welfare Council expect timely renewals, clean reporting and audited accounts. We keep your organisation compliant so funding and programmes are never interrupted.
Frequently asked questions
How is an NGO registered in Nepal?
A local NGO is registered as an association under the Association Registration Act, 2034 (1977) at the District Administration Office, and then affiliates with the Social Welfare Council under the Social Welfare Act, 2049. We handle the constitution, registration and affiliation.
How do INGOs operate in Nepal?
INGOs enter into a general agreement with the Social Welfare Council (with Council of Ministers approval) and sign project agreements for their activities. We advise on the agreement, project approvals and ongoing reporting.