How do I start investing in NEPSE?

To start investing in NEPSE, you need to: (1) Open a bank account at a NEPSE-connected bank, (2) Get a DMAT account from a depository participant (DP), (3) Register on the Meroshare platform, (4) Get a broker account with a licensed stockbroker, (5) Apply for an online trading system (TMS) account. Once set up, you can apply for IPOs through Meroshare and buy/sell shares through your broker's TMS platform.

What is the minimum amount needed to invest in Nepal?

You can start investing in Nepal with very small amounts. For NEPSE, you can apply for IPOs with as little as NPR 1,000 to 10,000 (10 to 100 units at NPR 100 face value). For mutual funds, the minimum investment starts from NPR 100 for some SIP plans. For gold, you can buy as little as 1 gram. Fixed deposits can be opened with as low as NPR 1,000 at many banks.

Is investing in NEPSE safe?

NEPSE is regulated by the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and follows established market regulations. However, like any stock market, NEPSE investments carry market risk — share prices can go up or down. To manage risk, diversify your investments across different sectors, invest for the long term, do thorough research before buying, and never invest money you cannot afford to lose. IPO investments in well-established companies are generally considered lower risk.

How is gold bought and sold in Nepal?

Gold in Nepal is primarily bought from licensed gold and jewelry shops, especially in areas like Kathmandu's New Road, Ason, and Indrachowk. Gold is measured in 'tola' (1 tola = 11.66 grams) and prices are set daily by the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association (FeNeGoSiDA). When selling, shops typically buy back at a discount of NPR 200 to 500 per tola below the market rate. Always get a proper bill with hallmark certification when buying.

Do I need to pay tax on investment income in Nepal?

Yes, investment income in Nepal is subject to capital gains tax. For shares held less than 365 days, the capital gains tax rate is 7.5%. For shares held more than 365 days, the rate is 5%. Dividend income above NPR 10,000 is taxed at 5%. Interest income from fixed deposits is taxed at 5% TDS (deducted at source). Rental income from real estate is taxed as per your income tax slab. Use Online Calculator Nepal's Tax Calculator for detailed calculations.

How to Invest in Nepal — NEPSE, Gold, Real Estate Guide for Beginners

Nepal's investment landscape has grown significantly in recent years, with more options than ever for both new and experienced investors. From the stock market (NEPSE) to gold, real estate, and fixed deposits, there are opportunities across risk levels and budget sizes. This beginner's guide walks you through the major investment avenues in Nepal, how to get started, and what to watch out for. Whether you are a salaried professional looking to grow your savings or an NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) wanting to invest back home, this guide has you covered.

Opening a DMAT Account — Your First Step

Before you can invest in the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), you need a DMAT (Dematerialized) account. This is an electronic account that holds your shares in digital form, similar to a bank account for your securities. Here is how to open one:

Choose a Depository Participant (DP): Banks, finance companies, and some broker firms act as DPs. Popular options include Himalayan Bank, Nabil Bank, NIC Asia, and Global IME Bank.
Gather documents: You will need a citizenship certificate (photocopy), passport-size photos, a bank account statement, and the DMAT application form.
Submit the application: Visit the DP's office or apply online if available. The DMAT account opening fee is typically NPR 50 to 100, with an annual maintenance fee of around NPR 100 to 200.
Register on Meroshare: Once your DMAT is active, register on the Meroshare platform (meroshare.cdsc.com.np). This is where you apply for IPOs (Initial Public Offerings), view your portfolio, and manage share transactions.
Get a broker account: Choose a licensed stockbroker from the 50 registered brokers in Nepal. Open a TMS (Trading Management System) account with your broker to buy and sell shares online.

How to Buy Shares on NEPSE

Once your DMAT and broker accounts are set up, you can start investing. There are two main ways to buy shares in Nepal:

Applying for IPOs

IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) are one of the most popular investment methods in Nepal. When a company goes public for the first time, it offers shares at a fixed price (typically NPR 100 per unit). IPOs are considered relatively lower-risk because you buy at face value, and historically, most IPOs in Nepal have listed at a premium.

Apply through the Meroshare platform during the IPO opening period
Minimum application is typically 10 units (NPR 1,000)
Shares are allocated through a lottery if the IPO is oversubscribed
Check allotment results on Meroshare after the IPO closes

Secondary Market Trading

To buy shares of already-listed companies, use your broker's TMS platform. You can place buy orders at market price or set a limit price. NEPSE operates Sunday through Thursday (except public holidays) from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Key things to know:

There is a daily circuit breaker of plus or minus 10% on individual stocks
Broker commission ranges from 0.34% to 0.40% depending on the trade amount
SEBON fee of 0.015% applies on all transactions
Shares settle on a T+2 basis (you receive shares two days after purchase)

Track real-time market data with our NEPSE Live tool.

Gold Investment in Nepal

Gold has been a trusted store of value in Nepal for centuries. It is deeply embedded in Nepali culture — from wedding jewelry to festival gifts to long-term savings. Here is what you need to know about investing in gold:

Where to buy: Licensed gold shops in Kathmandu (New Road, Ason, Indrachowk), Pokhara, Biratnagar, and other major cities. Always buy from reputable dealers with proper hallmark certification.
Measurement: Gold in Nepal is measured in tola (1 tola = 11.66 grams). Prices are quoted per tola.
Types: Chhapawal (fine/24K gold) is the purest form and commands the highest price. Tejabi gold (slightly lower purity) is also widely traded.
Price tracking: Gold prices in Nepal are set daily by FeNeGoSiDA. Track today's prices on our Gold Price tool.
Selling: Gold can be sold back to any licensed gold shop. The buyback price is typically NPR 200 to 500 below the day's market rate per tola.

Real Estate Basics in Nepal

Real estate is one of the most popular long-term investments in Nepal, though it requires significant capital. Key points for beginners:

Land measurement: Nepal uses unique measurement units — ropani, aana, paisa, and daam in the hills, and bigha, kattha, and dhur in the Terai. Use our Land Measurement converter to understand these units.
Due diligence: Always verify land ownership at the District Land Revenue Office. Check for any liens, disputes, or encumbrances. Hire a registered surveyor to verify boundaries.
Registration: Property transactions must be registered at the Land Revenue Office. Registration fees and capital gains tax apply.
Location matters: Properties within municipal areas (especially inside the Kathmandu Valley ring road) command premium prices. Consider upcoming infrastructure projects (roads, fast tracks) when evaluating locations.

Fixed Deposits and Interest Rates

For risk-averse investors, fixed deposits (FD) offer guaranteed returns. Nepal's banking sector offers competitive interest rates:

Current rates: FD rates in Nepal typically range from 7% to 12% depending on the bank and tenure. Cooperatives and microfinance institutions may offer slightly higher rates.
Tenure: Common FD periods are 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years. Longer tenures generally offer higher rates.
Tax: A 5% TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) applies on interest income. The bank deducts this automatically.
Safety: Deposits up to NPR 5 lakh per depositor per bank are insured by the Deposit and Credit Guarantee Fund (DCGF).

Use our Currency Converter to compare NPR returns with international currency values.

Mutual Funds in Nepal

Mutual funds are an increasingly popular investment option in Nepal, especially for those who want stock market exposure without picking individual shares. Here is what to know:

How they work: A mutual fund pools money from many investors and invests it in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other securities, managed by professional fund managers.
Types available: Nepal currently has closed-end mutual funds (traded on NEPSE like stocks) and open-end mutual funds (bought/redeemed directly from the fund house). Open-end funds offer SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) options.
Minimum investment: Some open-end funds accept SIP investments as low as NPR 100 per month, making them accessible to almost everyone.
Fund managers: Major fund managers in Nepal include NMB Capital, Siddhartha Capital, Nabil Investment Banking, Global IME Capital, and NIBL Ace Capital.
Returns: Historical returns on Nepali mutual funds have varied widely. Closed-end funds have given annual returns ranging from 5% to 25% depending on market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Tax Implications on Investments

Understanding tax obligations is crucial for maximizing your investment returns. Here is a summary of taxes on common investments in Nepal:

Investment Type	Tax Rate	Notes
Share capital gains (less than 365 days)	7.5%	On profit at the time of selling
Share capital gains (365+ days)	5%	On profit at the time of selling
Dividend income	5%	On dividends above NPR 10,000
FD interest income	5% TDS	Deducted at source by bank
Real estate capital gains	5% to 10%	Varies by holding period and gain amount

Calculate your exact tax liability using our Tax Calculator.

Related Tools

NEPSE Live — Real-time Nepal stock market data
Gold Price — Today's gold and silver prices in Nepal
Land Measurement — Convert ropani, bigha, and other units
Currency Converter — NPR to USD, GBP, EUR, and more
Tax Calculator — Calculate income tax and capital gains tax