CompassTalk to us

Pathways

Explore

Swadesh Nai Swarga

CompassSectors

IT, digital work and creative services

सूचना प्रविधि, डिजिटल काम तथा सिर्जनात्मक सेवा

Software, freelancing, e-commerce, digital marketing, design and media are among the few fields where a young Nepali can earn foreign income from home with small startup capital. Industry bodies say service exports passed about USD 1 billion in 2025, but official recorded numbers are far lower, so treat all totals with care. The rules changed a lot in 2025 and 2026 (e-commerce listing, NRB foreign currency limits, the income tax concession for IT exports), so check each rule at the office before you act.

Research as of 2026-10. Fees, rules and loan terms change often. Items marked Check rest on secondary sources, so confirm them with the office or on its website before you pay or sign anything.

The market today

Nepal's IT and digital sector is small but growing quickly. Industry body NAS-IT estimates service exports crossed about USD 1 billion in 2025, a best estimate extrapolated from a 2022 IIDS study that found about USD 515 million. The officially recorded figure for telecom, computer and information services in FY 2024/25 is only about Rs 22.33 billion, because many freelancers and firms are paid through foreign platforms, foreign accounts or as remittances and are not counted as exports. About 100,000 people are estimated to work in the sector, roughly 90 percent of them in Kathmandu. Digital payments are widespread: QR payments are the most used retail payment method and wallet users passed 26 million by mid-July 2025. The government's policy push is real but patchy: the Digital Nepal Framework 2.0 was drafted in 2025, IT export income tax relief exists but is reduced for FY 2083/84, and implementation of earlier plans has been weak.

  • Industry estimate (NAS-IT, reported Feb 2026): Nepal's ICT service exports passed about USD 1 billion in 2025. It is a best estimate, not audited data.kathmandupost.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • The 2022 IIDS study put total IT service exports at about USD 515 million in 2022, up about 64 percent from 2021, about 1.4 percent of GDP.iids.org.np (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Recorded exports of telecommunications, computer and information services in FY 2024/25 were about Rs 22.33 billion, about 9.4 percent of service exports. Much freelance and outsourcing income is not captured in this figure.kathmandupost.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • About 100,000 people work in the IT sector (up from over 70,000 in the 2022 survey) and about 90 percent of IT jobs are in Kathmandu.kathmandupost.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • The 2022 IIDS study counted about 66,500 IT professionals and freelancers working across all digital platforms. No reliable current count of Nepali freelancers exists; higher claims of 150,000 to 300,000 have no traceable source.iids.org.np (opens in a new tab)Check
  • IIDS reported that freelancers earn about USD 4,723 a year on average and entry-level IT workers about USD 2,810 a year.iids.org.np (opens in a new tab)Check
  • NRB Payment Systems Oversight Report 2081/82: QR code payments are the most widely used retail digital payment, with about 2.9 million merchants accepting QR.nrb.org.np (opens in a new tab)
  • NRB report: e-wallet users grew from 8.9 million (mid-July 2021) to 26.8 million (mid-July 2025). Mobile banking users were about 18.3 million by mid-July 2022 and rising.nrb.org.np (opens in a new tab)
  • Reported QR payment volume grew 92.5 percent and value 91.8 percent in FY 2024/25.en.himalpress.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Nepal Telecommunications Authority MIS for Jestha 2083 showed 30.31 million total telephone subscriptions (Nepal Telecom about 15.7 million GSM, Ncell about 14.1 million). A confirmed 2026 internet penetration percentage was not found.en.himalpress.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Digital Nepal Framework 2.0 (draft released March 2025) keeps eight sectors, adds AI as a tool, and was estimated at Rs 107.5 billion. Cabinet approval was not confirmed in sources found.en.himalpress.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • NRB circular reported April 2026: individual freelancers with foreign income may use up to USD 25,000 a year, IT prepaid cards up to USD 3,000 a year (USD 5,000 for exporting IT entities), larger IT firms up to USD 100,000 for online software and infrastructure.b360nepal.com (opens in a new tab)Check
  • Cyber Bureau complaints rose from 4,255 in FY 2023/24 to 6,740 in FY 2024/25, with 7,379 online fraud victims reported in FY 2025/26.risingnepaldaily.com (opens in a new tab)Check

What drives demand

  • Foreign clients (US, Australia, Europe) hire Nepali developers, data processors and designers at lower cost than at home.
  • Cheap mobile data, over 26 million wallet users and 2.9 million QR merchants make online selling and online payment normal for local customers.
  • Banks, telecoms, government and NGOs keep digitising and need local software, apps, websites and support staff.
  • Returning diaspora founders are starting outsourcing firms in Kathmandu.
  • Government tax relief for IT exports and a 2026 plan for a legal framework for remote work.

Challenges

  • Export income is hard to track because it is often paid as remittance or through foreign platforms, so official figures undercount and policy is made on weak data.
  • Tax rules change every budget: the IT export income tax exemption was reported as 75 percent in FY 2082/83 and 50 percent in FY 2083/84.
  • Payment channels for freelancers are still awkward, with limits on foreign currency use and uneven access to platforms.
  • Most IT jobs are in Kathmandu, and skills in the market often do not match what employers want.
  • Online scams and fake job offers are rising.
  • Government startup loans reached about 1,500 entrepreneurs in three years, but many startups reportedly closed within a year.

Where in Nepal

  • Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur): about 90 percent of IT jobs, most outsourcing firms and agencies, and most training institutes.
  • Pokhara: growing freelancer and remote-work scene, plus an innovation centre at Pokhara University.
  • Other cities (Biratnagar, Butwal, Chitwan, Birgunj, Dhangadhi): freelancing, e-commerce and local digital marketing work; fewer firms and employers. No sourced city-level data was found.
  • Banepa/Panauti IT Park near Kathmandu: government-built park, long underused; check its current status before relying on it.

Business and work ideas

Freelance developer

medium risk

Build websites, apps or software for foreign or local clients through platforms such as Upwork or direct contacts. Income grows as you build a portfolio and reviews.

Start-up cost
NPR Laptop and internet only, roughly 60,000 to 150,000 (estimate, no official source)
Skills
Programming (web, mobile or backend), English communication, Client management
Suits
Self-learners and CSIT/BCA/BIT students who can work alone and wait for the first clients.
Note
First 3 to 6 months are usually slow. Income is irregular. Foreign income is taxed, see steps.

Freelance graphic or UI/UX designer

medium risk

Logos, social media designs, app and website interfaces for local businesses and foreign clients.

Start-up cost
NPR Laptop and design software, roughly 50,000 to 120,000 (estimate)
Skills
Figma or similar tools, Visual design basics, Portfolio building
Suits
Creative people who can learn from free online courses or a short course.
Note
Local clients pay little; foreign clients pay more but are harder to win. Never give away final files before payment.

IT outsourcing or software company

high risk

Register a private limited company and sell development, data processing or support services to foreign clients, with a small team of staff.

Skills
Technical lead skills, Sales to foreign clients, Team management, Basic accounting
Suits
Experienced developers or returnees with a client network, ideally with a partner.
Note
Qualifying IT export income gets an income tax concession, but you must keep export income separate from local income. Staff cost is the main expense. Startup cost: no sourced figure; registration fee plus office, salaries and 3 to 6 months of running cost. No sourced figure.

E-commerce shop (own store or social media shop)

medium risk

Sell goods online through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, your own site or marketplaces. Needs a registered business and listing on the Department of Commerce e-commerce portal.

Start-up cost
NPR Roughly 50,000 to 300,000 depending on stock (estimate, no official source)
Skills
Sourcing and stock management, Photography and product listing, Customer service, Delivery coordination
Suits
People who like selling and can handle logistics and returns.
Note
Unlisted online sellers can be fined under the E-Commerce Act. Return and refund handling is where most small shops struggle.

Digital marketing agency or freelancer

medium risk

Run social media, search ads and content for local businesses that want customers online.

Start-up cost
NPR Roughly 50,000 to 200,000 for equipment and ad testing budget (estimate)
Skills
Social media ads, SEO basics, Content writing, Reporting results to clients
Suits
People good at communication who can show results to small business owners.
Note
Many clients want quick results and pay late. Use written agreements and part-payment upfront.

Content creator (video, writing, podcasts)

high risk

Make videos or other media and earn from sponsors, platform payouts, selling services or products.

Start-up cost
NPR Roughly 30,000 to 150,000 for phone or camera, microphone and editing (estimate)
Skills
Video editing, Storytelling, Consistency over months, Audience building
Suits
Patient creative people who can work without income for a long time.
Note
Most creators earn little for the first year. Payout rules of each platform and Nepali tax on the income apply.

BPO or data processing service

high risk

Handle foreign companies' back-office work such as data entry, loan document processing or customer support. Several firms process Australian home loan data in Nepal.

Skills
Process management, English, Staff training, Data security
Suits
Operations-minded founders with a foreign client contract; also good first jobs for fresh graduates.
Note
Depends on one or two big clients. For foreign-owned firms, FDI approval and Department of Industry registration steps apply and sources conflict on thresholds, so check with the Department of Industry. Startup cost: no sourced figure; seats, internet backup power and staff. No sourced figure.

IT training and coaching centre

medium risk

Teach programming, design, digital marketing or office skills to students and job seekers.

Start-up cost
NPR Roughly 3 to 10 lakh for room, computers and furniture (estimate)
Skills
Teaching, Practical technical skills, Marketing the courses
Suits
Experienced professionals who enjoy teaching.
Note
Check with CTEVT if you want to offer recognised programmes. Many fast-growing institutes charge high fees; reputation matters.

Computer, phone and device repair

low risk

Repair laptops, phones and printers, sell accessories, set up networks and CCTV for homes and small shops.

Start-up cost
NPR Roughly 1 to 4 lakh for tools, parts stock and a small shop (estimate)
Skills
Hardware troubleshooting, Soldering and diagnostics, Customer trust, Parts sourcing
Suits
Hands-on people, including CTEVT diploma and pre-diploma graduates.
Note
Steady local demand. Needs a shop licence from the local ward or municipality. Margins are small, repeat customers matter.

Step by step

  1. Choose your legal form

    Decide between working as an individual freelancer, a sole proprietorship firm, or a private limited company. Freelancing alone needs only a PAN. A firm or company is needed for a business with staff, an office, or e-commerce selling. A company is the usual choice for an IT export business.

    Where
    Decide first, then register at the office in step 2
    Level
    private
    Time
    A day to think; ask an accountant if unsure

    lawalpine.com (opens in a new tab)Check

  2. Register your firm or company

    A private limited company is registered online at the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) through CAMIS: reserve a name, upload documents, pay the fee, download the certificate. A sole proprietorship (private firm) is registered with the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (or its local office) using the department's online user account.

    Where
    OCR (camis.ocr.gov.np) for companies; Department of Commerce online portal (online.doc.gov.np) for firms
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Citizenship certificate and photo of each owner or director, Proposed business name, Memorandum and Articles (companies), Office address and proof
    Fee
    NPR Companies: about 1,000 to 43,000 depending on authorised capital (law firm summary); firms: about 600 to 15,000 (blog estimates)
    Time
    About 7 to 14 days for a clean company file (law firm estimate)

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)doc.gov.np (opens in a new tab)Check

  3. Get a PAN

    A Permanent Account Number from the Inland Revenue Department is required for business tax, bank accounts and for larger foreign currency use. NRB guidance reported in 2026 advises a PAN for foreign currency demand above USD 5,000.

    Where
    Inland Revenue Department, online or tax office
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Citizenship certificate, Registration certificate (if firm or company), Address proof, Photo
    Time
    Usually same day to a few days; not confirmed

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)ird.gov.np (opens in a new tab)Check

  4. Check whether you must register for VAT

    Registration is reported to be required when taxable turnover in the last 12 months crosses Rs 30 lakh for services (Rs 50 lakh for goods). Some secondary sources say software is among the sectors that must register regardless of turnover, so ask IRD. Standard VAT is 13 percent. Returns are filed monthly. Export services are normally zero-rated, confirm with IRD.

    Where
    Inland Revenue Department portal
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    PAN, Registration certificate, Premises proof, Bank details
    Time
    Register within 30 days of crossing the threshold (secondary source)

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)lawalpine.com (opens in a new tab)Check

  5. Open a business or professional bank account and update KYC

    Use a Class A or national-level Class B bank that handles foreign currency. Update KYC and keep records of every foreign payment (invoices, contracts, platform statements) so you can show the source of the money and qualify for higher limits.

    Where
    A commercial bank branch
    Level
    private
    Documents
    Citizenship, PAN, Registration certificate (firm or company), Client contracts or invoices
    Time
    A few days

    b360nepal.com (opens in a new tab)Check

  6. Receive foreign payments through a legal channel

    Bring earnings in through your Nepali bank (SWIFT transfer, or from platforms such as Payoneer or Wise that pay out to a bank). Do not use informal hundi or ask clients to pay a friend's account. NRB's April 2026 circular reportedly lets freelancers use up to USD 25,000 a year, IT firms more. Rules and limits change, so confirm with your bank. PayPal availability for Nepali users is unclear and not confirmed from official sources.

    Where
    Your bank's foreign exchange or IT-export desk; NRB Foreign Exchange Management Department sets the rules
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Contract or invoice, Platform statement, PAN
    Time
    A few days per transfer

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)b360nepal.com (opens in a new tab)Check

  7. Understand income tax on foreign earnings and the IT export concession

    Nepali residents are taxed on income earned abroad. Freelance and service income paid in foreign currency through a bank has been subject to 5 percent tax at source since Finance Act 2080 (secondary source). For companies, qualifying IT export income gets an income tax concession: reported as 75 percent exempt in FY 2082/83 and cut to 50 percent from 1 Shrawan 2083 (FY 2083/84). Keep export income separate from local income in your books and ask an accountant to apply the current Finance Act.

    Where
    Inland Revenue Department; a chartered accountant
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Books of account, Foreign inward remittance records, Contracts
    Time
    Annual return plus advance tax during the year

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)lawalpine.com (opens in a new tab)Check

  8. List your online business on the Department of Commerce e-commerce portal

    If you sell goods or services online (including through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or WhatsApp) you must be registered as a firm or company and list on the Department of Commerce e-commerce listing system. The Act took effect on 15 April 2025 and the Department has repeated its listing notice in 2026. You then display your listing number, business and PAN details, and a complaint contact. Penalties for unlisted sellers are reported at different amounts (up to Rs 200,000 quoted by the Department), check the Act.

    Where
    Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection e-commerce listing portal
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Firm or company registration certificate, PAN or VAT certificate, Contact details, Website or social media page links, Other licences if relevant
    Time
    Not stated

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)doc.gov.np (opens in a new tab)Check

  9. Get a local business licence or ward registration if you have a shop or office

    Shops, repair centres, training centres and offices usually need a business licence from the local ward or municipality, renewed every year. A home-based freelancer without customers visiting may not need one; ask your ward.

    Where
    Ward office or municipality
    Level
    local
    Documents
    Firm or company registration, PAN, Rent agreement or land papers, Citizenship
    Time
    Varies by municipality

    nitipartners.com (opens in a new tab)Check

  10. Follow data privacy and electronic transaction rules

    If you collect customers' personal data, the Individual Privacy Act 2075 requires consent and notice and limits disclosure. The Electronic Transactions Act 2063 covers digital signatures, online offences such as illegal content and hacking. The E-Commerce Act adds duties to protect customers' data. Keep a short privacy notice and do not share data without consent.

    Where
    Nepal Law Commission for the texts; a lawyer for advice
    Level
    federal
    Time
    Ongoing

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)lawcommission.gov.np (opens in a new tab)

  11. File returns and keep accounts

    File VAT monthly if registered (due by the 25th of the next Nepali month, per secondary source) and an annual income tax return. Keep invoices, contracts and bank records for every export payment so the concession can be claimed.

    Where
    IRD online taxpayer portal
    Level
    federal
    Documents
    Invoices, Bank statements, Books of account
    Time
    Monthly (VAT) and yearly (income tax)

    Do it online (opens in a new tab)lawalpine.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Permits, licences and registrations

Company registration certificate (private limited)

Issued by
Office of the Company Registrar
Needed when
You form a company, for example an IT outsourcing or agency business.
Fee
NPR About 1,000 to 43,000 depending on authorised capital (law firm summary)
Valid for
Permanent, with annual filing
Law
Companies Act 2063
lawalpine.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Firm (sole proprietorship) registration

Issued by
Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection or its offices; local government in some places
Needed when
You run a business in your own name with staff or a shop, and need a registered name for bank and tax.
Fee
NPR About 600 to 15,000 depending on declared capital (blog estimates)
Valid for
Renewed yearly
Law
Private Firm Registration Act 2014 (as reported by law firms); check the current Act
doc.gov.np (opens in a new tab)Check

PAN (Permanent Account Number)

Issued by
Inland Revenue Department
Needed when
You do business, receive foreign payments through a bank above set limits, or must file tax.
Valid for
Permanent
Law
Income Tax Act 2058
ird.gov.np (opens in a new tab)Check

VAT registration

Issued by
Inland Revenue Department
Needed when
Taxable turnover over Rs 30 lakh for services or Rs 50 lakh for goods (secondary source); software may be a mandatory sector.
Valid for
Ongoing with monthly returns
Law
Value Added Tax Act 2052
lawalpine.com (opens in a new tab)Check

E-commerce listing

Issued by
Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (Electronic Trade and IT Branch)
Needed when
You sell goods or services online, including from a social media page.
Valid for
Not confirmed
Law
Electronic Commerce Act 2081 and Electronic Commerce Directive 2082
doc.gov.np (opens in a new tab)Check

Local business licence

Issued by
Ward office or municipality
Needed when
You run a shop, repair centre, training centre or office open to customers.
Valid for
Yearly renewal in most municipalities
Law
Local Government Operation Act 2074
nitipartners.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Foreign currency facility for an IT or service exporter

Issued by
Commercial bank, under NRB Foreign Exchange Management Department directives
Needed when
You want to use part of your foreign earnings for expenses such as online tools, ads or cards.
Valid for
Per the bank's approval and yearly NRB limits
Law
NRB Foreign Exchange (Regulation) Act 2019 and NRB directives
b360nepal.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Industry registration for BPO or IT outsourcing company (foreign-owned or foreign-invested)

Issued by
Department of Industry and Nepal Rastra Bank (investment reporting)
Needed when
A foreign investor owns shares. The minimum foreign investment rule for IT is reported differently by different law firms, so confirm.
Valid for
Not stated
Law
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2075
lawbhandari.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Social media platform registration (platform operators only)

Issued by
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology
Needed when
Only for a company running a social media platform in Nepal; ordinary creators and sellers do not register with this. A 2025 push to register platforms led to blocks and unrest; the current position was not confirmed.
Valid for
Not stated
Law
Electronic Transactions Act 2063 and Social Media Usage Regulation 2080
thehimalayantimes.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Offices you will deal with

Private steps

  • Open a business bank account that handles foreign currencyAsk the bank about its IT export desk, inward transfer charges and card limits before choosing.
  • Hire an accountant or tax consultantNeeded to claim the IT export concession and file correctly. Ask for a monthly or yearly fixed fee in writing.
  • Set up payout accounts on freelance platformsCreate profiles on Upwork or similar and link a bank or Payoneer account in your own name. Check the platform's rules for Nepali users first. Cost: NPR Platform fees apply (percentage of earnings); amounts not confirmed.
  • Get a reliable internet and power backupA second internet line and a UPS or inverter protect you from missed client deadlines. Cost: NPR Roughly 15,000 to 40,000 (estimate).
  • Use written contracts and part-payment upfrontUse a simple written agreement, take an advance and a milestone payment structure, especially with new clients. Cost: NPR 0.

Loans, grants and support

Government subsidised startup loan

Collateral-free loan of Rs 500,000 to 2.5 million at 3 percent interest, repayable up to five years (as reported in 2025 and 2026).

Provider
Government of Nepal through Rastriya Banijya Bank and the Deposit and Credit Guarantee Fund; run with IEDI
Who can apply
Startup entrepreneurs who meet the government's startup definition; a business plan is required. About 5,000 applied in FY 2081/82 and 661 received loans.
Check

Nepal Enterprise Facility

A Rs 500 million facility to help startups and small firms with financing and incubation support. Details and application process were not yet confirmed.

Provider
Government of Nepal (Budget 2083/84)
Who can apply
Not yet published in sources found.
Check

Startup income tax exemption

Startups with turnover under Rs 10 crore were reported to get a five-year income tax exemption in the FY 2082/83 budget. It was not confirmed that this continues for new startups in FY 2083/84.

Provider
Inland Revenue Department (Budget 2082/83)
Who can apply
Must meet the startup definition and the turnover limit.
Check

Kathmandu University startup incubation (NTIC)

Mentoring, workspace and funding support. The 2021 to 2023 programme focused on agriculture, renewable energy and health; check current intake.

Provider
Kathmandu University
Who can apply
Early stage ventures in its focus areas.
Check

Banepa/Panauti IT Park

Government IT park with space for software firms, incubation and data centres. It was largely idle for years; confirm it is open and the rental terms.

Provider
Department of Information Technology
Who can apply
Not stated.
Check

NAS-IT and CAN Federation industry networks

Industry associations that publish policy updates, run events and help new IT companies find clients and training.

Provider
Nepal Association for Software and IT Services; Computer Association of Nepal Federation
Who can apply
Membership rules vary.
Check

Education and training

Bachelor

BSc Computer Science and Information Technology (BSc CSIT), Tribhuvan University

Providers
TU-affiliated colleges (government and private). Entrance exam run by TU Institute of Science and Technology.
Duration
4 years
Cost
NPR About 3 to 4 lakh at public campuses; about 6 to 12 lakh at many private colleges; some listings go up to 20 lakh (all third-party, tentative)
Entry
Plus Two (Science, or equivalent) and a pass in the TU entrance test; reported 2026 form fee Rs 1,950 and exam on 9 August 2026. Seats are limited, about 3,000 nationally.
iost.tu.edu.np (opens in a new tab)
Bachelor

Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Tribhuvan University

Providers
TU-affiliated colleges; entrance run by TU Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Duration
4 years
Cost
NPR About 3 lakh at a public campus; about 5 to 16 lakh at private colleges (tentative)
Entry
Plus Two in any stream and a pass in the TU entrance test; reported form fee Rs 1,500 for the 2026 round.
fohss.tu.edu.np (opens in a new tab)
Bachelor

Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT), Tribhuvan University

Providers
TU-affiliated colleges; entrance run by TU Institute of Science and Technology.
Duration
4 years
Cost
NPR About 3.5 to 3.75 lakh at public campuses (tentative); private fees not confirmed
Entry
Plus Two and the TU entrance test; 2026 form fee and date not confirmed from TU itself.
iost.tu.edu.np (opens in a new tab)
Bachelor

Bachelor of Engineering in Computer or Software Engineering

Providers
Engineering colleges under TU, Pokhara University, Kathmandu University and Purbanchal University.
Duration
4 years
Entry
Plus Two Science and a university or IOE entrance test; fees not sourced.
ioe.edu.np (opens in a new tab)
Diploma

Diploma in Computer Engineering (CTEVT)

Providers
CTEVT constituent and affiliated institutes, including technical schools.
Duration
3 years
Entry
SEE with minimum grades in compulsory maths, science and English (the exact grades differ between listings) plus CTEVT entrance exam. Scholarships exist for eligible students, check the current CTEVT notice.
ctevt.org.np (opens in a new tab)
TSLC

Pre-Diploma in Computer Engineering (Computer Sub-Overseer)

Providers
CTEVT institutes. In 2026 CTEVT offered 1,065 merit scholarships across 16 pre-diploma programmes; the window was 12 to 27 May 2026.
Duration
About 15 to 18 months (as for CTEVT pre-diploma programmes)
Entry
SEE pass at the grade set in the CTEVT notice, plus the entrance exam.
ctevt.org.np (opens in a new tab)
Short course

Digital marketing and SEO courses

Providers
Private training institutes in Kathmandu and Lalitpur, and free online courses (Google Digital Garage and similar).
Duration
1 to 6 months
Cost
NPR Roughly 10,000 to 50,000 for basic SEO courses; about 1 to 3 lakh at larger institutes (institute-reported, vary a lot)
Entry
No fixed entry requirement.
kumarijob.com (opens in a new tab)
Certification

Vendor certificates (cloud, networking, Google, Meta, Microsoft) and bootcamps in web development, UI/UX and data analysis

Providers
Online platforms and Kathmandu training institutes.
Duration
Weeks to months
Entry
No fixed entry requirement. Check that a certificate matters to employers before paying.
necojobs.com.np (opens in a new tab)

Careers

Software developer

How to get in
BSc CSIT, BCA, BIT or BE, or self-taught with a portfolio and internship.
Pay per month
NPR Freshers about 25,000 to 50,000; mid-level about 50,000 to 100,000; senior about 90,000 to 250,000 (salary-site estimates, vary a lot)
whatisthesalary.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Graphic designer

How to get in
Short course or self-learning plus portfolio; entry roles in agencies and print.
Pay per month
NPR Entry about 15,000 to 30,000; mid about 30,000 to 60,000; senior about 60,000 to 100,000 or more (blog estimate)
necojobs.com.np (opens in a new tab)Check

UI/UX or web designer

How to get in
Design course or portfolio, then junior roles in software firms.
Pay per month
NPR UI/UX average about 46,000 (range about 24,000 to 71,000); web designers mostly about 41,000 to 91,000 gross (aggregator and survey estimates)
paylab.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Data analyst

How to get in
Bachelor in IT, statistics or business plus SQL, Excel and a BI tool; internship first.
Pay per month
NPR Entry about 30,000 to 50,000; mid about 50,000 to 120,000; senior 120,000 and above (blog estimate; a survey gives about 42,000 to 117,000 gross for most)
necojobs.com.np (opens in a new tab)Check

Digital marketer

How to get in
Short course plus practice on real pages or small businesses; junior roles in agencies and companies.
paylab.com (opens in a new tab)Check

Freelancer (any digital skill)

How to get in
Build a portfolio, set up profiles and win first jobs at low rates, then raise them.
iids.org.np (opens in a new tab)Check

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Fake online job offers and 'simple task' schemes on Telegram, WhatsApp and Facebook: you are paid small amounts first and then lose your savings. Never pay to get a job.
  • Clients who ask you to pay for software, a laptop or a 'security deposit' before work starts are scammers.
  • Unpaid or heavily underpaid internships: ask for a written stipend and end date, and leave if it becomes free labour.
  • Do not use hundi or ask clients to pay a friend's account. It can break foreign exchange law and leaves you with no proof of income.
  • Do not ignore tax. Foreign income of residents is taxable and the e-commerce listing is now required, so keep records from day one.
  • Rules change every budget. Check the IT export concession (cut from 75 to 50 percent for FY 2083/84) with the IRD or an accountant before planning.
  • Do not trust a single salary figure or a coaching centre's job guarantee; compare several sources and visit alumni.
  • Platform risks: a banned account on Upwork or a payout hold can stop income overnight. Do not depend on one platform or one client.
  • Copy a template or use pirated software for client work and you risk legal trouble and lost clients.
  • High-priced short courses: some digital marketing courses cost over Rs 1 lakh. Compare with free courses and ask for the syllabus first.

Sources

  1. Nepal's IT exports near $1 billion. Can the momentum be sustained?, The Kathmandu Post, read 2026-10-15
  2. Unleashing Nepal's IT service export potential, IIDS, read 2026-10-15
  3. Foreign study costs outpace growth in Nepal's service exports, The Kathmandu Post, read 2026-10-15
  4. Payment Systems Oversight Report 2081/82 (2024/25), Nepal Rastra Bank, read 2026-10-15
  5. QR payments drive digital payment boom, Himal Press, read 2026-10-15
  6. Total telephone subscriptions in Nepal hit 30.31 million, Himal Press (NTA MIS), read 2026-10-15
  7. NTA MIS report page, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, read 2026-10-15
  8. CAN Federation welcomes NRB directive on foreign currency access for ICT, B360 Nepal, read 2026-10-15
  9. Budget 2083/84 tax changes in Nepal, Alpine Law Associates, read 2026-10-15
  10. Budget 2082/83 tax changes in Nepal, Alpine Law Associates, read 2026-10-15
  11. Nepal's IT budget 2083/84, B360 Nepal, read 2026-10-15
  12. Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (e-commerce and firm registration pages), Department of Commerce, read 2026-10-15
  13. Urgent notice on mandatory e-commerce listing, Department of Commerce, read 2026-10-15
  14. Unregistered online sellers now illegal under new e-commerce law, The Kathmandu Post, read 2026-10-15
  15. The Privacy Act 2075, Nepal Law Commission, read 2026-10-15
  16. VAT registration in Nepal, Alpine Law Associates, read 2026-10-15
  17. Private company registration in Nepal, Alpine Law Associates, read 2026-10-15
  18. Is Nepal's startup loan scheme enough?, The Kathmandu Post, read 2026-10-15
  19. Second phase of Digital Nepal Framework will begin this fiscal, Himal Press, read 2026-10-15
  20. Nepal blocks unregistered social media platforms, The Himalayan Times, read 2026-10-15
  21. Cyber-enabled fraud rising in Nepal, Rising Nepal, read 2026-10-15
  22. BSc CSIT, BCA and BIT entrance and fee information, TU IOST and FoHSS (via college listing sites), read 2026-10-15
  23. CTEVT courses, scholarships and notices, CTEVT, read 2026-10-15
  24. Software engineer salary in Nepal, whatisthesalary.com, read 2026-10-15
  25. Graphic designer salary in Nepal, Necojobs, read 2026-10-15
  26. Web designer salary data for Nepal, Paylab, read 2026-10-15
  27. BPO company registration in Nepal through FDI route, Bhandari law firm, read 2026-10-15
  28. Information Technology Park, Nepal, Wikipedia, read 2026-10-15