Foreign investment approval time Nepal

Department of Industry Nepal FDI Process

The Department of Industry (DOI) is the primary government authority responsible for processing and approving most foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nepal. The DOI operates under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019 (FITTA) and the Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020. It functions as a central regulatory and facilitation body for medium and small-scale foreign investments that do not fall under the jurisdiction of Investment Board Nepal (IBN).

The DOI FDI process ensures that foreign investment is legally approved, properly documented, and aligned with Nepal’s industrial and economic policies.

Role of Department of Industry in FDI Nepal

The Department of Industry performs multiple regulatory and facilitation functions in relation to foreign investment.

• Approval of foreign direct investment applications under FITTA, 2019
• Registration of industries after company incorporation
• Monitoring industrial compliance and reporting
• Issuing industry-related certificates and approvals
• Facilitating implementation of approved investment projects

The DOI acts as a “one-stop approval authority” for most foreign investments in Nepal below NPR 6 billion.

Legal Framework Governing DOI FDI Process

The DOI operates under a structured legal framework that defines its authority and responsibilities.

Key Laws Applicable:

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019 (FITTA)
• Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020
• Foreign Exchange (Regulation) Act, 1962
• Companies Act, 2006
• Nepal Rastra Bank Directives

These laws collectively regulate investment approval, industrial registration, capital inflow, and foreign exchange compliance.

Step-by-Step DOI FDI Process in Nepal

The DOI FDI process follows a sequential approval and registration system.

Step 1: Submission of FDI Application

The foreign investor submits an application to the Department of Industry for approval.

Required Documents:

• Prescribed FDI application form under FITTA
• Project proposal or feasibility study report
• Passport or company registration certificate of foreign investor
• Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
• Joint Venture Agreement (if applicable)
• Financial credibility documents (bank statements or audit reports)

The application must clearly define the nature of investment, sector, and capital structure.

Step 2: Preliminary Review by DOI

The DOI conducts an initial review of the application to verify completeness and legal compliance.

This stage includes:

• Verification of sector eligibility under FITTA negative list
• Checking minimum investment requirement compliance
• Reviewing ownership structure and investment form
• Validating supporting documents

If documents are incomplete, the application may be returned for correction.

Step 3: Technical and Legal Evaluation

After preliminary approval, the DOI conducts a detailed evaluation of the investment proposal.

This includes:

• Economic feasibility of the project
• Legal compliance with FITTA and Industrial Enterprises Act
• Environmental and social impact considerations
• Employment generation potential
• Technology and innovation contribution

The evaluation ensures that the proposed investment aligns with Nepal’s industrial policy objectives.

Step 4: Inter-Agency Consultation (If Required)

For certain industries, DOI consults with other government agencies.

Examples include:

• Ministry of Environment for environmental clearance
• Nepal Rastra Bank for foreign exchange approval
• Sector regulators for specialized industries

This ensures coordinated regulatory decision-making.

Step 5: Issuance of Foreign Investment Approval

After successful evaluation, the DOI issues a Foreign Investment Approval Letter.

Contents of Approval Letter:

• Approved investment amount
• Ownership structure (foreign and local shareholding)
• Approved business sector
• Conditions for investment implementation
• Timeline for capital injection

FITTA, 2019 mandates timely processing, generally within a short statutory period for standard applications.

Step 6: Company Registration Support

After approval, the investor proceeds to the Office of Company Registrar (OCR) for company incorporation.

The DOI approval letter is mandatory for registration.

Required documents include:

• MOA and AOA
• DOI approval letter
• Shareholder and director details
• Registered office address

This step legally establishes the company in Nepal.

Step 7: Industry Registration at DOI

After company incorporation, the investor must register the company as an industry at DOI under the Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020.

Industry Registration Includes:

• Classification of industry type (manufacturing, service, tourism, etc.)
• Issuance of Industry Registration Certificate
• Eligibility for incentives and benefits

This registration confirms operational status as an industrial enterprise.

Step 8: Capital Inflow and Verification

Foreign investment must be brought into Nepal through formal banking channels.

Key requirements:

• Investment in convertible foreign currency
• Deposit in Nepalese bank account
• Issuance of Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC)
• Reporting to Nepal Rastra Bank

This ensures transparency and legal recognition of FDI.

Step 9: Post-Investment Compliance

After investment approval and registration, the investor must comply with ongoing regulatory requirements.

Compliance Includes:

• Annual financial audit submission
• Tax registration and filing with Inland Revenue Department
• Labor law compliance under Labor Act, 2017
• Renewal of industry licenses

The DOI may monitor compliance and project implementation progress.

Timeframe for DOI FDI Process

The DOI aims to process foreign investment applications within a short statutory timeline.

• FDI approval: generally within 7 working days
• Company registration: 3–7 working days
• Industry registration: 2–5 working days

Delays may occur due to incomplete documentation or inter-agency consultation requirements.

Advantages of DOI FDI System

The Department of Industry provides several advantages for foreign investors.

• Centralized approval system for most investments
• Faster processing under FITTA framework
• One-window facilitation system
• Clear legal guidelines for investment structure
• Access to industrial incentives and benefits

The DOI acts as the main facilitation hub for medium-scale foreign investment in Nepal.

Common Challenges in DOI FDI Process

Despite legal reforms, investors may face practical challenges.

• Delays in document verification
• Inter-agency coordination issues
• Sector classification confusion
• Environmental clearance delays
• Foreign exchange approval timing

Proper legal guidance can help minimize these challenges.

FAQs on Department of Industry FDI Process Nepal

What is the role of DOI in FDI approval?

The Department of Industry approves most foreign direct investment applications in Nepal, especially for projects below NPR 6 billion. It also handles industry registration and compliance monitoring.

How long does DOI take to approve FDI?

The DOI generally processes FDI applications within 7 working days, depending on document completeness and sector complexity.

Is DOI approval mandatory for foreign investment?

Yes, DOI approval is mandatory for most foreign investments in Nepal unless the project falls under Investment Board Nepal jurisdiction.

What happens after DOI approval?

After approval, the investor must register the company at OCR, inject capital through banking channels, and complete industry registration at DOI.

Can DOI reject FDI applications?

Yes, DOI can reject applications if they do not meet legal requirements, fall under restricted sectors, or lack proper documentation.

Conclusion

The Department of Industry FDI process in Nepal is a structured legal system designed to regulate and facilitate foreign investment. It includes application submission, evaluation, approval, company registration, and industry licensing. Operating under FITTA, 2019 and related laws, the DOI ensures transparency, legal compliance, and efficient processing of foreign direct investment in Nepal while supporting industrial development and economic growth.