A corporate lawyer in Nepal is a licensed legal professional who advises businesses on company formation, regulatory compliance, contracts, mergers, governance, taxation interfaces, and dispute resolution under Nepalese law, primarily engaging with regulators based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Corporate legal work in Nepal is structured by statute and enforced through administrative practice. The following Acts, Rules, and Regulations form the backbone of corporate advisory and licensing:
Companies Act, 2063 (2006)
Sections 3–9 (Incorporation and Registration)
Sections 81–89 (Directors and Governance)
Sections 133–141 (Mergers and Amalgamation)
Companies Regulation, 2064 (2007)
Partnership Act, 2020 (1964)
Insolvency Act, 2063 (2006)
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075 (2019)
Section 3 (Approval Thresholds)
Section 7 (Technology Transfer)
Industrial Enterprises Act, 2076 (2020)
Industrial Enterprises Regulation, 2076 (2020)
Income Tax Act, 2058 (2002)
Value Added Tax Act, 2052 (1996)
Labor Act, 2074 (2017)
Labor Regulation, 2075 (2018)
Competition Promotion and Market Protection Act, 2063 (2007)
Nepal Bar Council Act, 2050 (1993)
Nepal Bar Council Rules, 2051 (1994)
In practice, corporate lawyers must interpret statutes alongside circulars, notices, and regulator-specific guidelines issued from Kathmandu.
Corporate lawyers routinely liaise with the following Kathmandu-based authorities:
Office of the Company Registrar (OCR)
Tripureshwor, Kathmandu — Company incorporation, filings, mergers.
Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MOICS)
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu — Industrial approvals, policy oversight.
Department of Industry (DOI)
Tripureshwor, Kathmandu — Foreign investment and large industries.
Inland Revenue Department (IRD)
Lazimpat, Kathmandu — PAN/VAT, tax compliance.
Nepal Bar Council
Kupandole, Lalitpur — Licensing and discipline of advocates.
A corporate legal practice license in Nepal is the statutory authorization issued under the Nepal Bar Council Act, 2050 allowing an advocate to advise, represent, and transact on corporate and commercial matters.
Powers granted include:
Advising on company incorporation and governance
Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
Representing clients before regulators and courts
Handling mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring
Managing compliance and due diligence
To practice as a corporate lawyer in Nepal, the following are mandatory:
Nepalese citizenship
Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized university
Completion of Nepal Bar Council professional training
Passing the Nepal Bar Council Examination
Valid Advocate License issued by Nepal Bar Council
Clean disciplinary record
Physical office address in Nepal (Kathmandu preferred for corporate practice)
Citizenship certificate (certified copy)
LL.B. degree certificates and transcripts
Nepal Bar Council examination pass certificate
Advocate license card
Office lease deed or ownership document
PAN certificate (for professional tax purposes)
Passport-size photographs
Professional stamp and letterhead samples
Submitting uncertified academic documents
Using a residential address without zoning compliance
Mismatch between Bar Council records and PAN details
Complete LL.B. Degree from a recognized institution.
Enroll for Bar Training with Nepal Bar Council.
Pass the Bar Examination conducted periodically.
Apply for Advocate License with required documents.
Register PAN with IRD for professional income.
Establish Office and commence corporate practice.
Each step is scrutinized administratively; errors cause delays.
Corporate practice offices are inspected informally for credibility and compliance. Recommended standards include:
Minimum 120 sq. ft. office space
Dedicated client meeting area
Secure document storage (physical or digital)
Professional signage
Internet and communication facilities
Compliance with local zoning rules (Kathmandu Metropolitan City)
Professional licensing costs for corporate lawyers in Nepal are modest, primarily covering Bar Council registration, examinations, and annual renewals. Additional costs arise from office setup and tax compliance.
| Item | Estimated Fee (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Bar Training Program | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Bar Examination Fee | 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Advocate License Issuance | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Annual License Renewal | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| PAN Registration | No government fee |
Fees subject to change by the competent authority.
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Bar Training | 3–6 months |
| Examination & Results | 1–2 months |
| License Issuance | 2–4 weeks |
| PAN & Office Setup | 1–2 weeks |
Total Estimated Time: 5–9 months
Advocate license is valid for one year
Renewal required annually with Nepal Bar Council
Late renewal attracts penalties and suspension
Continuous legal education may be mandated
Corporate lawyers must:
Maintain client confidentiality (mandatory)
File annual professional tax returns
Renew Bar Council license on time
Avoid conflict of interest
Comply with ethical standards enforced by Nepal Bar Council
Non-compliance may result in suspension or disbarment.
Visit the Nepal Bar Council office or official notice board.
Request verification using the advocate’s license number.
Cross-check name and status against Bar Council records.
Confirm renewal status for the current fiscal year.
Online verification portals are limited; physical verification in Kathmandu is common.
Attorney Nepal PVT LTD is a Kathmandu-based corporate law firm providing end-to-end legal solutions under Nepalese law.
Deep expertise in company law and foreign investment
Regular liaison with OCR, DOI, IRD, and ministries
Compliance-driven advisory under regulatory scrutiny
Strong local presence in Kathmandu for fast execution
Practical, business-focused legal strategies
Yes. A corporate lawyer focuses on company law, compliance, contracts, and regulatory matters. While legally an advocate, specialization develops through practice, regulator engagement, and transaction experience, particularly in Kathmandu where most corporate authorities are located.
No. Only Nepalese citizens licensed by the Nepal Bar Council may practice law in Nepal. Foreign lawyers may act as consultants but cannot represent clients or sign legal opinions under Nepalese law.
Yes, but not advisable. While individuals may register companies themselves, corporate lawyers ensure compliance with the Companies Act, tax laws, and sectoral regulations, reducing future legal and regulatory risks.
Yes. Corporate lawyers routinely manage approvals under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, including DOI filings, technology transfer agreements, and post-investment compliance.
Yes. Mergers, share transfers, and restructuring require legal due diligence, OCR approvals, tax clearance, and contractual documentation, all of which fall squarely within corporate legal practice.
Fees vary. Charges depend on transaction size, complexity, and regulatory involvement. In practice, fees may be fixed, hourly, or success-based, particularly for foreign investment and restructuring matters.
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws, regulations, and administrative practices in Nepal may change. Professional advice should be obtained for specific transactions or legal matters.
February 02, 2026 - BY Admin