Choose Your Route
Every FDI project in Nepal is approved through one of two routes, depending on the size and sector of the investment.
No prior DOI approval apply online and get your certificate automatically.
- No prior Department of Industry (DOI) approval needed; the FDI approval certificate is issued automatically upon online application via IMIS (imis.doind.gov.np).
- Available for industries with total capital investment up to NPR 500 million.
- The investor selects ONE sector per project multiple sub-sectors within that sector are allowed.
- Open across 7 sectors: Energy-based, Tourism, ICT, Manufacturing, Agriculture & agro-based, Infrastructure, and Service industries.
The 8-Step Company Setup Process
Click through each step to see the responsible agency and expected timeframe, from foreign investment approval to industry operation.
Foreign Investment & Technology Transfer Unit, One Stop Service Center(OSSC)
The first step for any FDI industry: apply online via IMIS (imis.doind.gov.np).
How to Apply Online: IMIS
All FDI applications are submitted and tracked through the Department of Industry's online portal.
Open a browser and go to imis.doind.gov.np.
Register as a new user, or log in with your credentials.
Create the required application from the left pane of the dashboard.
Complete the pre-designed form, add attachments, and submit.
Track step-by-step progress online. You'll be notified of any deficiencies and of approval.
All FDI-related applications FDI approval, SPA/SSA approval, Technology Transfer Agreement approval, visa recommendation, repatriation of royalty/dividend, and industry registration & licensing are processed through IMIS within the timeframes of the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2019.
Required Documents
Document requirements vary by applicant type: Select a tab below to see the full checklist.
- Online application via IMIS (imis.doind.gov.np)
- Color-scanned project proposal (see required contents below)
- Color-scanned Joint Venture Agreement, if more than one investor
- Letter of authorization from the investing company/individual, if processing via a representative
Sector Explorer: Automatic Route
Seven sectors are open to the Automatic Route. Expand each one to see its sub-sectors.
Restricted Sectors
A small number of sectors remain closed or capped for foreign investment.
Not Open to Foreign Investment
- 1.Primary agriculture businesses animal husbandry, fisheries, bee-keeping, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, pulses, dairy except large industries and agri-tech/mechanisation exporting ≥75% of output.
- 2.Cottage and micro industries.
- 3.Personal service businesses hair cutting, tailoring, driving, etc.
- 4.Arms, ammunition, gunpowder/explosives, N.B.C. weapons; atomic energy and radioactive materials.
- 5.Real estate business (construction industries excluded), retail business, internal courier, local catering, money changer, remittance services.
- 6.Travel agency, tour/trekking/mountaineering guide services, rural tourism including homestay.
- 7.Mass communication media newspaper, radio, TV, online news and national-language motion pictures.
- 8.Management, accounting, engineering and legal consultancy; language, music and computer training.
- 9.Consultancy services with foreign investment above 51%.
- 10.Ride sharing with foreign investment above 70% (amended via Investment Ordinance, Nepal Gazette 2081/12/18).
- 11.Aviation caps: international air services 80%; domestic air services 49%; aviation training institutions 95%; maintenance institutions 95%.
Key Provisions & Incentives
Legal guarantees and incentives available to foreign investors once a company is set up.
Investment Thresholds
Minimum FDI threshold of NPR 20 million with no minimum for ICT-based industries via the Automatic Route, and no upper limit on investment.
Full Foreign Ownership
100% foreign ownership is permitted in many sectors.
Repatriation Guaranteed
Profits, dividends, capital, sale-of-share proceeds, liquidation proceeds, royalties, and lease rent can all be repatriated.
Protection Against Expropriation
A formal guarantee ensures industries with foreign investment will not be nationalized.
Tax Regime
Corporate income tax of 25% generally, reduced to 20% for priority sectors (energy, transport infrastructure, manufacturing) with tax holidays and customs exemptions in prioritized sectors (hydropower, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing) and cash incentives on exports.
Visas
Business visas are available for investors, representatives, and dependents; non-tourist (working) visas are available for foreign workers, backed by a labor permit and work permit.
Treaties & Memberships
BIPPA with France, Germany, UK, Mauritius & Finland; DTAA with Austria, Bangladesh, China, India, South Korea, Mauritius, Norway, Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka & Thailand; membership of SAARC, WTO, MIGA, BIMSTEC, UNCTAD, BRI & UNESCAP; trade & transit treaties with India and a transit & transport agreement with China.
Credit Rating & LDC Graduation
A BB- sovereign credit rating from Fitch, with Nepal on track to graduate from Least Developed Country to developing country status by 2026.
Official Service Timelines
Per the Department of Industry's service charter, applications are processed within these timeframes.
| Service | Timeframe | Approval Level |
|---|---|---|
| New FDI approval (FITTA 2019, s.15(2)) | 7 days | DG / Director |
| FDI via Share Purchase Agreement | 7 days | DG / Director |
| FDI via Technology Transfer Agreement | 7 days | DG / Director |
| FDI via lease agreement | 7 days | DG / Director |
| Repatriation recommendations share-sale proceeds, profit & dividend, liquidation proceeds, TTA royalty, lease rent, legal compensation, other legal provisions (FITTA 2019, s.20(2)) | 7 days each | DG / Director |
| Business visa recommendation (FITTA 2019, s.30(2)) | 2 days | Director |
| Non-tourist (working) visa recommendation | 2 days | Director |
New FDI approval (FITTA 2019, s.15(2))
FDI via Share Purchase Agreement
FDI via Technology Transfer Agreement
FDI via lease agreement
Repatriation recommendations share-sale proceeds, profit & dividend, liquidation proceeds, TTA royalty, lease rent, legal compensation, other legal provisions (FITTA 2019, s.20(2))
Business visa recommendation (FITTA 2019, s.30(2))
Non-tourist (working) visa recommendation