Manpower / Recruitment Agency Registration in Nepal
Foreign employment agencies (manpower companies) in Nepal must obtain a license from the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE). The process requires significant capital, a bank guarantee, and compliance with the Foreign Employment Act 2064 BS.
Foreign Employment vs Domestic Recruitment
Foreign Employment Agency: Licensed by DoFE to recruit Nepali workers for jobs abroad. Requires the full DoFE license, bank guarantee, and compliance with the Foreign Employment Act 2064 BS.
Domestic Recruitment Agency (Job Center): Places workers within Nepal. Licensed by the Department of Labour. Lower capital requirements and simpler compliance.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Register the company at OCR
Incorporate a Private Limited Company with relevant objectives (foreign employment, manpower recruitment) and a minimum paid-up capital of NPR 30 lakh.
- 2
Obtain PAN and ward license
Register for PAN at IRD and obtain the ward-level business permit.
- 3
Deposit bank guarantee
Deposit a bank guarantee of NPR 30 lakh at a commercial bank as required by DoFE. This is a refundable security deposit, not a fee.
- 4
Submit DoFE application
Apply for the foreign employment agency license at DoFE with all required documents including the bank guarantee letter, company documents, and office details.
- 5
DoFE inspection and verification
DoFE may conduct an office inspection. Ensure your office meets the physical space requirements.
- 6
License issuance and renewal
The license is issued for one year and must be renewed annually with updated documents and compliance certificates.
Key Financial Requirements (Government Fees)
These are mandatory government and regulatory fees only. Service charges are separate.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
Minimum paid-up capital Must be reflected in company registration | NPR 30,00,000 |
Bank guarantee deposit Refundable, lodged with DoFE-approved bank | NPR 30,00,000 |
DoFE license fee Annual license fee | NPR 25,000 – 50,000 |
Welfare fund contribution Per worker sent abroad | NPR 1,500/worker |
Serious Compliance Requirements
Manpower agencies are heavily regulated due to past abuse of migrant workers. Non-compliance with DoFE regulations — including false advertising, overcharging workers, or failing to ensure worker welfare — can result in license cancellation and criminal prosecution.Need help with this process? Chartered Corporate Business Consulting handles it all for you — from start to finish.