If you’re planning to start an education consultancy in Nepal, you need to go through a legal registration process that includes various government approvals, most importantly from the Provincial Ministry of Social Development. This guide explains how to register an education consultancy in Nepal, the required documents, cost, legal process, and important compliance rules.
Important Update
As per the latest regulations, the authority to license education consultancies in Bagmati Province now rests with the Ministry of Social Development, Hetauda—not the Ministry of Education. Applicants are advised to file their licensing requests accordingly or contact us and get legal assistance.
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What is an Education Consultancy Company?
An education consultancy company is a specialized service provider that offers guidance and support to students seeking educational opportunities, both domestically and internationally. These companies assist students in various aspects of their academic journey, including:
- Course and university selection
- Application processes
- Visa assistance
- Scholarship information
- Career counseling
- Test preparation (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, SAT)
- Documentation support
- Pre-departure orientation
Education consultancies in Nepal help students navigate the complex process of pursuing higher education abroad, ensuring they make informed decisions about their academic future.
How to Register an Education Consultancy in Nepal?
Step 1: Company Registration at the Office of Company Registrar (“OCR”)
Step 2: PAN/VAT Registration at Inland Revenue Department (“IRD”)
Step 3: Business Registration at Local Ward Office
Step 4: Completing Initial Compliance and Obtaining Share Registry
Step 5: Filing Application at the Ministry of Social Development
Step 6: Inspection of Consultancy by the Ministry
Step 7: Registration of Education Consultancy and Obtaining Consultancy License
Step 1: Company Registration at the Office of Company Registrar (“OCR”)
Register your education consultancy as a private limited company by first selecting and reserving a unique name through the OCR online portal at camis.ocr.gov.np. After the reservation of name, the legal documents of the company which includes the Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association and Application must be drafted.
The Requirements for Education Consultancy Company Registration:
- Name and Location of Company
- Share Capital of Company
- Citizenship and National Identity Card of Shareholders
- Signature and Thumbprints on AOA, MOA and Application
Step 2: PAN/VAT Registration at Inland Revenue Department (“IRD”)
After the Registration of Company at Office of Company Registrar (“OCR”), the companies need to get Company Registered at Inland Revenue Department to get their tax registered. They can register either in PAN or VAT. If the Annual Transaction is assumed to cross NPR 30 Lakhs, its better to register in VAT.
The Requirement for PAN/VAT Registration are:
- Approved Copies of Company Registration Certificate, AOA, MOA, PAN Letter and Company Registration Letter
- House Rent Agreement along with Citizenship of House Owner
- Company Stamp
- Duly filled PAN Application Form
- PAN Number of all Shareholders
- Physical Biometric of one of the Shareholders
Step 3: Business Registration at Local Ward Office
Thereafter, the Bank Account of the company must be opened along with Business Registration at the Local Ward Office. The Local Ward Office charges certain amount to the business owner as business registration tax. Physical Presence is not required.
The Requirements for Ward Registration are:
- Approved Copies of Company Registration Certificate, AOA, MOA, PAN Letter and Company Registration Letter
- House Rent Agreement along with Citizenship of House Owner
- Company Stamp
- PAN Registration Certificate
- House Tax Clearance by House Owner
Step 4: Completing Initial Compliance and Obtaining Share Registry
Set up a corporate bank account at a local bank and inject the required investment amount before obtaining the share registry from OCR. Usually, its recommended to setup a minimum Authorized Capital of NPR 5 Lakhs as well as Paid Up Capital of NPR 5 Lakhs for the registration of company. The Initial Compliance must be conducted within 3 Months of the Registration of Company.
Step 5: Filing Application at the Ministry of Social Development
After the Completion of the above processes, an online application can be filed at the ECIS Portal of the Ministry of Social Development, Hetauda. The Online Application Requires the documents as mentioned below.
Step 6: Inspection of Consultancy from the Ministry
The Ministry conducts mandatory inspection to verify compliance with operational standards. Every consultancy must have at least two trained counsellors to provide accurate information to students, and there must be transparency in fee structures. Details and certificates of language instructors or test preparation tutors must be presented during inspection.
Step 7: Registration of Education Consultancy at the Provincial Ministry
Complete the final registration process with the relevant Provincial Ministry to obtain the official education consultancy operating license. Any educational consultancy must meet government compliance and be approved by the Ministry of Education as per Nepal Government policy. License renewal is required within three months from the end of each financial year (before Ashoj end) to maintain legal operational status.
What Documents are Needed for Education Consultancy Registration?
The Official List of Required Documents for the Registration of Education Consultancy in Nepal are:
- Duly filled application form along with a non-refundable application fee of NPR 5,000/-.
- Copy of company registration certificate, including the Articles of Association (AOA), Memorandum of Association (MOA), and PAN/VAT certificate.
- Copy of the house rent agreement, along with a copy of the house owner’s citizenship certificate and either the Lalpurja (land ownership certificate) or any other valid proof of ownership.
- If the company is over one year old, submit the latest tax clearance certificate, audit report, and annual compliance letter.
- Company profile and citizenship certificates of the directors.
- Details of two education counsellors, including copies of their Bachelor’s degree or higher academic transcripts, citizenship certificates, offer and acceptance letters, and training completion certificates from TITI.
- Representative Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with at least two foreign universities, including the MOU copies, profiles of the respective universities, and representation letters.
- For language preparation programs, submit Bachelor’s degree or higher academic transcripts, citizenship certificate, offer and acceptance letters, and a language proficiency certificate showing a minimum 75% pass score.
How Long Does it Take to Register an Education Consultancy?
The timeline for registering an education consultancy ranges from one to four months from the date of initiating company registration.
What is the Cost of Education Consultancy Registration?
The cost of registering an education consultancy in Nepal includes various fees and expenses. While the exact amount may vary, here’s an estimate of the costs involved:
- Government Fee at the Office of Company Registrar: Starts from NPR 1,000
- Government Fee at the Local Ward Office: Starts from NPR 10,000
- Government Fee at the Ministry of Social Development: NPR 5,000 as Application Fee
- Office Setup and Operational Costs
- Legal Service Fees for Registration
What are the Requirements for Starting an Education Consultancy?
To start an education consultancy in Nepal, you must meet the following requirements:
- It must be registered at the Office of Company Registrar (“OCR”) and its respective Provincial Ministry. For Province No.3: Ministry of Social Development, Hetauda.
- It must have existing House Rent Agreement of Minimum 2 Years.
- It must have Authorized Representation Agreement with Two Foreign Universities.
- It must have Two Qualified and Certified Education Counsellors.
- Shareholders must have Citizenship and National ID Card.
Where to Register an Education Consultancy Company?
Education consultancy companies in Nepal must be registered with the following authorities:
- Company Registrar’s Office (for company registration)
- Inland Revenue Department (for PAN/VAT registration)
- Local Ward Office (for Business Registration)
- Ministry of Social Development (for Education Consultancy License)
What Laws Regulate Education Consultancies in Nepal?
Education consultancies in Nepal are regulated by several laws and regulations, including:
- Companies Act, 2063 (2006)
- Education Act, 2028 (1971) and its amendments
- Education Rules, 2059 (2002)
- Foreign Employment Act, 2064 (2007)
- Foreign Employment Rules, 2064 (2008)
- Education Consultancy Service Directive, 2073 (2016)
These laws govern the establishment, operation, and conduct of education consultancies in Nepal.
Which Authority Grants Approval for Education Consultancies?
The Ministry of Social Development, Hetauda is the primary authority responsible for granting approval and licenses to education consultancies in Nepal. The Ministry oversees the registration process, conducts inspections, and ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Can a Foreigner Open an Education Consultancy in Nepal?
Foreigners can open an education consultancy in Nepal, but there are certain restrictions and additional requirements. Foreign Ownership is restricted to 51%. According to the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075 (2019), foreign investment is allowed in the education sector, including consultancy services. However, foreigners must:
- Obtain approval from the Department of Industry
- Invest a minimum of NPR 20 million in the company
- Partner with a Nepali citizen or company (joint venture)
- Comply with all relevant laws and regulations
Is an Education Consultancy License Mandatory?
Yes, an education consultancy license is mandatory for operating an education consultancy in Nepal. The Education Consultancy Service Directive, 2073 (2016) requires all education consultancies to obtain a license from the Ministry of Social Development before commencing operations.
Operating an education consultancy without a valid license is illegal and can result in penalties, fines, or closure of the business. The license ensures that the consultancy meets the necessary standards and regulations set by the government to protect students’ interests and maintain the quality of educational services.
What is an Education Consultancy Company?
An Education Consultancy Company guides students in pursuing studies abroad by assisting with admissions, visas, and counseling. It must be legally registered to operate and requires approval from the Ministry of Social Development, Hetauda.
How to register an Education Consultancy Company in Nepal?
Step 1: Reserve company name and register at the Office of Company Registrar (OCR).
Step 2: Obtain PAN from the Tax Office and register with the Ward Office.
Step 3: Obtain Share Registry
Step 4: Apply for a license from the Ministry of Social Development.
Step 5: Join the Education Consultancy Association.
What is the Process for Education Consultancy Company Registration?
The Process are:
1. Finalize name and register at OCR with required documents.
2. Get PAN and VAT from the Inland Revenue Office.
3. Register office address with the local Ward Office.
4. Submit application to the Ministry of Social Development.
5. Receive inspection and approval from the Ministry.
6. Begin operations after receiving the final license.
What documents are required for Education Consultancy Registration?
The Required Documents are:
a. Citizenship and PAN of all shareholders.
b. Rental agreement and house owner’s details.
c. Company registration certificate and MOA/AOA.
d. Passport-size photos and National ID.
e. Business location map and proof.
f. Authorized Representation with 2 Foreign Universities
What time and cost are involved in Registration?
Registration may take around 30 to 100 working days. Total cost ranges between NPR 1,75,000 to NPR 2,50,000 including government fees, legal services, document preparation, and Ministry-level approvals.
What are the Requirements to register an Education Consultancy Company?
The Requirements for Registration are:
1. Registered company with PAN and local address.
2. At least two certified counselor with relevant training.
3. Office space with minimum standards set by the Ministry.
4. Ministry of Social Development approval and inspection.
Our Services for Education Consultancies in Nepal
We provide comprehensive support services to help education consultancies establish, operate, and maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements in Nepal.
1. Education Consultancy Company Registration
We handle complete company registration process at the Office of Company Registrar, including name reservation, document preparation, and submission procedures.
2. Obtaining Consultancy License
Our team manages the entire licensing process with the Ministry of Social Development, from application filing to inspection coordination and approval.
3. Education Consultancy Renewal
We ensure timely license renewal within three months of each financial year end to maintain your consultancy’s legal operational status.
4, Legal Consultant for Education Consultancy
Our legal experts provide ongoing consultation on regulatory compliance, government policy changes, and legal matters affecting your education consultancy business.
5. Internal Policy/HR Policy and Contractual Services
We develop comprehensive internal policies, human resource frameworks, and contractual agreements tailored specifically for education consultancy operations and staff management.
6. Tax and Financial Advisory Services
Our financial advisors provide PAN/VAT registration support, tax compliance guidance, and ongoing financial management services for your education consultancy business.
7. Complete Compliance Services
We offer end-to-end compliance management including municipal registration, ministry inspections, documentation maintenance, and regulatory requirement fulfillment for education consultancies.
