Question 1

How do I book a consultation?

Accepted Answer

Use the online booking flow to choose a legal category, an advisor, a consultation method and a time that suits you. You will receive a confirmation with a reference number and a short list of things to prepare. If you prefer, you can also call our Kathmandu office during working hours.

Question 2

What happens during a first consultation?

Accepted Answer

The advisor listens to your situation, asks clarifying questions and explains the options available under Nepali law in plain language. You leave with a clear picture of the likely process, timeline and cost, and whether you need ongoing representation at all.

Question 3

Can I consult online or by phone instead of visiting the office?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Video and phone consultations are available for most matters, and written consultations work well for document reviews. In-person meetings are recommended for property transactions, court matters and anything involving original documents.

Question 4

Which languages do your advisors speak?

Accepted Answer

All advisors work in Nepali and English. Several also speak Hindi, Newari or Maithili. You can filter advisors by language on the Advisors page and mention any preference when booking.

Question 5

Does a consultation mean you are now my lawyer?

Accepted Answer

No. A consultation gives you legal information and advice about your situation. A formal engagement, with an agreed scope and fee, is only created when both you and the advisor sign an engagement letter.

Question 6

How much does a consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

Initial consultations typically range from NPR 2,500 to NPR 6,000 depending on the advisor's seniority and the complexity of the matter. The fee is shown before you confirm a booking, and there are no hidden charges.

Question 7

How are legal fees structured for ongoing work?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the matter we offer fixed fees (for example company registration or a trademark filing), hourly rates for advisory work, or staged fees for litigation. You receive a written estimate before work begins and are told promptly if the scope changes.

Question 8

Are government fees included in your quote?

Accepted Answer

Government fees, such as registration charges at the Office of the Company Registrar or the Land Revenue Office, are listed separately because they are set by the authorities and can change. Our estimates show government fees, professional fees and other likely expenses on separate lines.

Question 9

Which payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept bank transfer, major Nepali digital wallets and card payments at the office. Invoices are issued for every payment, and online payment for bookings will be added to the website as it is rolled out.

Question 10

How long does a typical legal matter take?

Accepted Answer

It depends heavily on the matter. Administrative procedures such as company registration usually take days to a few weeks, while contested court cases can take months or years. Every procedure page on this site shows an estimated timeline so you can plan realistically.

Question 11

Do I have to go to court to resolve a dispute?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many contract, family and property disputes can be settled through negotiation, mediation or arbitration, which are usually faster and less expensive. Court is often the last step rather than the first.

Question 12

What is the difference between a lawyer and an advocate in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

In Nepal, an advocate is a law graduate who has passed the Nepal Bar Council examination and holds a licence to represent clients in court. The word lawyer is used more loosely for anyone trained in law. All advisors listed on this site are licensed advocates.

Question 13

Can you help if my matter is outside Kathmandu?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Advisors regularly handle matters in district courts and land offices across Nepal, and many steps can be prepared remotely. Travel costs, where needed, are agreed in advance.

Question 14

What should I do if I receive a court summons?

Accepted Answer

Do not ignore it. Note the date and court named on the summons, keep the original document safe, and speak to an advisor as soon as possible so a response can be filed within the time limit. Missing a deadline can seriously weaken your position.

Question 15

Is what I tell you confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Information you share with an advisor is treated as confidential and is used only to advise you. Advocates in Nepal are bound by professional conduct rules and our own confidentiality commitments.

Question 16

How are uploaded documents handled?

Accepted Answer

Documents are shared only with the advisor handling your matter and are stored on access-controlled systems. Until secure storage has been configured for your matter, we recommend not uploading highly sensitive items such as passwords or full bank statements.

Question 17

Do you share my information with third parties?

Accepted Answer

Only when it is necessary to progress your matter, for example filing documents with a court or government office, and only with your knowledge. We never sell personal data. Our Privacy Policy explains this in detail.

Question 18

What documents should I bring to a first consultation?

Accepted Answer

Bring anything connected to the issue: contracts, letters, notices, receipts, citizenship certificate and any court documents. If you are not sure whether something is relevant, bring it anyway. The Document Checklist tool lists what each procedure needs.

Question 19

Do my documents need to be notarised?

Accepted Answer

Some do. Powers of attorney, affidavits and certain translations must be notarised, and documents from abroad may also need authentication from the relevant embassy. Your advisor will tell you exactly which documents require it.

Question 20

Can I submit documents in English?

Accepted Answer

Most courts and government offices in Nepal require documents in Nepali. English documents usually need a certified Nepali translation, which we can arrange as part of the process.

Question 21

What is a Lalpurja and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

A Lalpurja is the land ownership certificate issued by the Land Revenue Office. It is the primary proof of who owns a plot of land, so it is essential for any sale, transfer, inheritance or mortgage of property.

Question 22

Which court will hear my case?

Accepted Answer

Most civil and criminal cases start in the District Court of the district where the dispute arose or the defendant lives. Appeals go to the High Court and, in limited situations, the Supreme Court. Specialised tribunals handle some tax, labour and administrative matters.

Question 23

How much does it cost to file a case?

Accepted Answer

Court fees depend on the type of case and, for money claims, the amount in dispute. Your advisor will estimate the court fee, along with professional fees and other likely expenses, before anything is filed.

Question 24

Do I have to attend every hearing personally?

Accepted Answer

Not usually. Your advocate can appear on your behalf at most hearings, although your presence may be required for testimony, mediation sessions or when the court specifically orders it.

Question 25

Is there a time limit for filing a case?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Limitation periods vary by type of claim and are set in the relevant law, such as the National Civil Code. Some are as short as a few months, so it is important to get advice early rather than waiting.

Question 26

How long does company registration take in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

With documents in order, registration at the Office of the Company Registrar commonly takes one to three weeks, followed by PAN registration at the Inland Revenue Department. The company registration procedure page walks through every step.

Question 27

Do I need a PAN and VAT registration for my business?

Accepted Answer

Every business needs a Permanent Account Number (PAN). VAT registration becomes mandatory once your annual turnover crosses the threshold set by the Inland Revenue Department, or immediately for certain types of business.

Question 28

Can a foreigner own a company in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Foreign investment is allowed in most sectors under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, subject to approval and a minimum investment threshold. Some sectors are restricted. An advisor can confirm whether your planned business qualifies.

Question 29

What ongoing compliance does a private limited company have?

Accepted Answer

Companies must file annual returns and audited accounts with the Office of the Company Registrar, submit tax returns to the Inland Revenue Department, hold annual general meetings and maintain statutory registers. Missing deadlines can attract fines.

Question 30

Should I register a trademark before launching my brand?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, yes. Registering with the Department of Industry gives you exclusive rights to the mark and makes it far easier to stop copycats. A trademark search first helps you avoid a conflict with an existing mark.

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Answers to common questions

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Answers to common questions

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