This simplified guide will walk you through the complete step-by-step process required to legally register and operate an education consultancy. From selecting a company name to securing the mandatory licenses, here’s everything you need to get started with confidence.
Education Consultancy License
An Education Consultancy License is an official authorization issued by the Provincial Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) that allows a company to legally operate as an education consultancy.
The purpose of the licensing system is to:
- Regulate consultancy operations
- Protect students from fraud
- Ensure counsellor qualification standards
- Maintain compliance with the Education Consultancy Service Directive 2073
- Enforce consumer protection rules under the Consumer Protection Act 2075
The Department of Commerce, Supplies & Consumer Protection regularly inspects Kathmandu-based consultancies to ensure they hold a valid license.
Where is the Education Consultancy License Issued?
| Province | Licensing Authority |
|---|---|
| Bagmati Province (Province 3) | Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), Hetauda via ECIS Bagmati Portal |
| All Other Provinces | The respective Provincial Ministry of Social Development |
MoSD Hetauda is now the sole licensing authority for Bagmati Province.
Legal Framework Governing Education Consultancy Licensing in Nepal
| Legal Instrument | Year | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Education Consultancy Service Directive | 2073 (2016) | Licensing, inspections, counsellor qualifications |
| Companies Act | 2063 (2006) | Pvt. Ltd. company incorporation |
| Consumer Protection Act | 2075 (2018) | Student protection, service quality |
| Provincial Social Development Regulations | Ongoing | Provincial licensing procedures |
| Custom Enforcement & Commerce Department Guidelines | 2082/83 | Penalties for unlicensed operation |
Requirements for Education Consultancy License in Nepal
A. Company Requirements
- Must be registered as a Private Limited (Pvt. Ltd.) at OCR
- Must be registered at the concerned Provincial Ministry
- Corporate bank account mandatory
B. Office Requirements
- Minimum 2-year house rent agreement
- Property owner’s citizenship copy
- Land ownership proof (Lalpurja)
- Tax clearance slip of rented premises
C. Professional Requirements
- Two qualified education counsellors, mandatory:
- Bachelor’s degree
- TITI Certification
- Offer letters + CV
- MOU with at least two foreign universities
D. Financial Requirements
- Application fee: NPR 15,000
- Security deposit: NPR 100,000 (Bagmati Province)
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Education Consultancy License in Nepal
Phase 1: Company Establishment (OCR)
- Reserve company name
- Draft MOA & AOA
- Submit shareholder citizenship, PAN, NID
- Obtain Company Registration Certificate
Phase 2: Tax & Municipal Registration
- Obtain PAN/VAT from Inland Revenue Department
- Obtain Ward Office Business License
- Submit rent agreement & utility bill
Phase 3: ECIS Portal Listing (Bagmati Province)
- Create ECIS account
- Upload all required documents
- Pay Government Fee: NPR 15,000
(Note: ECIS experiences downtime during system upgrades.)
Phase 4: MoSD Inspection (Hetauda)
- MoSD team conducts onsite inspection:
- Counsellor qualification check
- Infrastructure & signage check
- Verification of foreign university MOUs
Phase 5: Final License Issuance
- After inspection & verification
- MoSD issues Education Consultancy License
- Valid for 1 fiscal year, renewable annually
Required Documents (Complete Checklist)
| Category | Documents |
|---|---|
| Application | Filled form + NPR 5,000 filing fee |
| Company Documents | Registration certificate, MOA, AOA, PAN/VAT |
| Property Documents | 2-year rent agreement, owner citizenship, Lalpurja |
| Financial Documents | Tax clearance, audit report (if applicable) |
| Personnel Documents | Director citizenship copies, office staff details |
| Counsellor Requirements | 2 counsellors with Bachelor’s degree + TITI training |
| International Partnerships | MOUs with minimum 2 foreign universities |
| Language Training Docs | Academic transcripts, 75% proficiency certificate |
Government Fees (Updated 2082/83)
MoSD Fees (Bagmati Province)
- FY 82/83 — NPR 15,000
Timeline for Education Consultancy License
30 – 90 days depending on:
- Document readiness
- Inspection schedule
- ECIS system availability
Post-License Annual Compliance Requirements
| Compliance | Description |
|---|---|
| MoSD Annual Reporting | Operational report submission |
| License Renewal | Every year before Ashoj |
| Audit Report | Submit audited financial statements |
| Company Renewal | OCR compliance renewal |
Can Foreigners Open an Education Consultancy in Nepal?
Yes, but under strict legal conditions.
Ownership Rules
- Foreign investors: up to 51%
- Nepali partners: minimum 49%
Investment Requirement
- Minimum investment: USD 150,000
- USD 25,000 at incorporation
- Remaining invested gradually
Mandatory Steps
- Pvt. Ltd. company registration
- Tax + Ward registration
- ECIS listing
- MoSD inspection
- License issuance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does licensing take?
30–100 working days depending on documentation and inspection readiness.
2. Is ECIS mandatory for Bagmati Province?
Yes. All applications must be submitted through the ECIS Bagmati system.
3. What is the penalty for operating without a license?
A fine of NPR 50,000–100,000, closure orders & legal action.
4. How often is the license renewed?
Annually, within 3 months of the fiscal year end.
5. Can foreigners own 100%?
No. Maximum allowed foreign ownership is 51%.
Conclusion
The Education Consultancy License in Nepal is now governed by a stricter regulatory framework under MoSD Hetauda. With increased penalties, inspections, and updated documentation requirements, compliance is essential.
This unified 2025 guide ensures you understand:
- Legal requirements
- Step-by-step licensing procedure
- ECIS registration
- Foreign investment rules
- Compliance & annual renewal
With the right guidance and professional support, obtaining the license is smooth and efficient.