NGO Project Registration and Extension Process Nepal is the legal and administrative procedure through which a Nepal-registered non-governmental organization registers, approves, and later extends a project for lawful implementation in Nepal. This process ensures regulatory compliance, funding legitimacy, and continued operational authority under Nepal’s social welfare and association laws.
In Nepal, NGO project registration and extension is not a procedural formality—it is a core compliance requirement that directly affects funding access, banking operations, government coordination, and long-term organizational credibility.
Without proper project approval or timely extension:
NGOs may be unable to receive or utilize donor funds
Project bank accounts may be frozen or questioned
Government monitoring bodies may treat activities as unauthorized
Audit objections and donor non-compliance risks increase
From a governance and accountability perspective, project registration and extension link an NGO’s mission to the national development and regulatory framework, ensuring transparency, coordination, and lawful execution of social interventions.
NGO registration establishes the organization as a legal entity
Project registration/approval authorizes specific activities, funding sources, timelines, and geographic scope
An NGO may exist legally but still be non-compliant if it operates projects without approval or beyond the approved duration.
Nepal’s regulatory structure requires NGOs—especially those receiving foreign or external assistance—to submit project proposals for review, coordination, and permission. The approving authority coordinates with relevant line ministries or agencies to ensure alignment with national priorities.
Approved projects are governed by formal agreements that define:
Approved objectives and activities
Budget ceilings and cost categories
Reporting and audit obligations
Allowable deviations and amendment thresholds
Extensions and amendments are treated as regulated changes, not informal decisions.
NGO project registration and extension is the formal authorization process that allows a registered NGO to implement, continue, or modify a project within Nepal’s legal and regulatory framework.
Purpose and scope include:
Legal approval to implement defined project activities
Authorization to receive and use project funding
Coordination with government bodies and local authorities
Monitoring, reporting, and accountability obligations
NGO legally registered with competent authority
Constitution and objectives aligned with social welfare activities
Active executive/management committee
Regular governance meetings and record-keeping
Functional accounting and audit systems
Clearly defined objectives and beneficiaries
Identified funding source(s)
Realistic workplan and implementation schedule
Transparent and activity-linked budget
Defined project location(s) and coordination plan
NGO registration certificate
Constitution/statute
Executive committee details
Project proposal (narrative, logframe, workplan)
Detailed project budget
Donor commitment or funding agreement
Bank and financial compliance documents
Formal extension request letter
Project progress report against approved targets
Audited financial statements
Revised workplan and timeline
Revised budget (if applicable)
Governance approval (board/committee resolution)
Requesting extension after project expiry
Submitting incomplete or inconsistent progress data
Budget revisions without justification
Introducing new activities or locations without approval
Weak financial reporting or delayed audits
Ensure registration, governance, accounting, and reporting are up to date.
Compile a complete and internally consistent proposal, logframe, and budget.
File the application with the relevant authority for review and coordination.
Provide clarifications or revisions promptly when requested.
Finalize approval documents and confirm compliance conditions.
Track activities, expenses, and outputs against approved plans.
Submit justification, progress evidence, and revised plans in advance.
Only continue activities after extension approval is secured.
There is no fixed national fee schedule for NGO project registration or extension. Costs depend on administrative charges, documentation, audits, and compliance expenses.
| Cost Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Registration/renewal fees | NGO and administrative filings |
| Documentation & notarization | Legal copies, resolutions |
| Audit expenses | Annual or project audits |
| Banking compliance | Account setup and verification |
| Administrative processing | Project approval formalities |
Fees and costs are subject to change and vary by authority and fiscal year.
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Project preparation | 1–3 weeks |
| Initial review | 1–2 weeks |
| Coordination and approval | 3–6 weeks |
| Agreement finalization | 1–3 weeks |
| Extension processing | 2–6 weeks |
Actual timelines depend heavily on document quality and responsiveness.
Project approvals are valid only for the approved duration
Any scope, budget, or timeline change requires formal approval
Extensions must be requested before project expiry
Projects must be formally closed with final reports and accounts
Maintain accurate financial and activity records
Conduct timely audits
Submit progress and completion reports as required
Keep governance approvals documented
Ensure transparency in procurement and staffing
Retain project records for audit and inspection
Verify NGO legal and governance status
Ensure project documents are internally consistent
Align budget strictly with activities
Track indicators and evidence from day one
Prepare extension documentation early
A disciplined, process-driven approach reduces regulatory risk, improves donor confidence, and ensures smoother approvals. NGOs that prioritize documentation quality, governance discipline, and compliance planning experience fewer delays and stronger institutional credibility.
Yes. NGOs must obtain approval for projects, particularly those involving external or foreign assistance, to lawfully implement activities and receive funds.
An extension should be filed well before project expiry, ideally several weeks in advance, to avoid operational gaps or compliance issues.
Yes, but only through approved amendments. Budget changes must be justified, documented, and approved within permissible deviation limits.
Activities become unauthorized. Continued spending or implementation without extension may lead to regulatory and audit complications.
Yes. Audited financial statements are a key requirement for extension and demonstrate accountability and compliance.
No. Registration establishes legal existence, but each project requires separate approval and compliance.
The NGO Project Registration and Extension Process Nepal is a structured compliance lifecycle, not a one-time task. NGOs that approach it strategically—through early planning, strong documentation, disciplined reporting, and timely extensions—operate with greater legal certainty, financial stability, and institutional trust.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Regulatory practices, fees, and procedural requirements may change. NGOs should assess their specific project structure, funding sources, and operating locations before relying on this guidance.
February 03, 2026 - BY Admin