In a significant move to promote gender-inclusive entrepreneurship, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel announced on May 29, 2025, that new company registration and renewal will be completely free of cost for enterprises registered in a woman’s name.
This will take effect from Fiscal Year 2082/83 (2025/26) and is targeted especially at micro, small, and cottage industries, encouraging more women to enter and thrive in Nepal’s formal economy.
Policy Framework: Free Registration and Renewal for Women
This policy builds on a foundation of existing legal support for women entrepreneurs. The Industrial Enterprises Act 2076 (2020) remains the principal law guiding business registration, compliance, and governance across Nepal’s federal, provincial, and local levels.
The most recent update — a complete waiver of registration and renewal fees for businesses owned by women — marks a significant shift from the previous 35% exemption to 100% fee removal.
Announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel during the FY 2082/83 budget address, this reform reflects Nepal’s growing commitment to gender-inclusive economic development. The new budget also includes startup-friendly policies, such as tax exemptions and simplified processes to encourage more women to formally launch and grow businesses.
Objectives of the Policy
The new initiative is designed to:
- Eliminate upfront costs that disproportionately affect women with limited capital
- Improve access to bank loans, government contracts, and export opportunities
- Increase formal legal protection under labor and commercial law
- Encourage women’s economic autonomy and business leadership
- Create local employment opportunities and support family welfare
Business Registration Process
Women entrepreneurs can choose between online and offline registration methods.
Online Registration
- Visit the official portal of the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR): application.ocr.gov.np
- Small industries may also use the Online Industry Registration System (OIRS)
- Key steps:
- Reserve business name online
- Fill and upload necessary documents
- Submit application electronically
- Receive confirmation and certificate via email or pickup
- Reserve business name online
Offline Registration
- Visit your local ward office or the nearest Company Registrar’s Office
- Submit a written application with all required documents
- Complete registration with assistance from local officials
Business Registration Authorities in Nepal
| Authority | Legal Basis | Business Type | Key Responsibilities | Portal |
| Office of Company Registrar (OCR) | Companies Act 2063 | Private & public companies | Incorporation, registry, compliance | application.ocr.gov.np |
| Department of Cottage and Small Industries (DCSI) | Industrial Enterprises Act 2076 | Micro, small, cottage industries | Legal recognition, training, technical support | dcsi.gov.np/en |
| Department of Industry (DoI) | Industrial Enterprises Act 2076 | Large industries | Investment facilitation, IP rights | doind.gov.np |
| Local Government Offices | Local regulations | Small local businesses | Local-level registration and support | Varies by municipality |
Impact and Outlook
The policy has already begun to show positive effects:
- 29% of registered businesses in Nepal are now owned by women
- Access to concessional loans has increased among women entrepreneurs
- Initiatives like EWPN (Entrepreneurship for Women Program Nepal) have enabled 39% of trained women to launch or expand income-generating activities
By facilitating access to formal business systems, women gain economic independence, improve family welfare, and help drive local economic growth.
Global IME Bank’s Role in Women’s Entrepreneurship
At Global IME Bank, we’re proud to support Nepal’s shift toward inclusive growth. Our dedicated loan product — “Global Ma Udhyami Karja” — is specially designed to assist women-owned businesses through:
- Competitive interest rates
- Business digitization tools
- Financial products tailored to small business needs
We believe empowering women through finance leads to stronger families, resilient communities, and a stronger national economy.
Conclusion
The wavier of business registration and renewal fees is more than a policy — it’s a strategic move to create equal opportunities for women across Nepal. With supportive reforms, dedicated financial products, and strong institutional partnerships, we can unlock the transformative potential of women-led enterprises.
