Nepali IT exporters receiving foreign payments under Nepal Rastra Bank rules

A Kathmandu software company builds systems for a Sydney healthcare provider and a US marketplace. Every payment arrives at its Nepali bank, which asks for the contract once and an invoice each time. The company cannot open an account abroad for the dollars, and does not try: Nepali law restricts it. What has improved is how easily it can keep and use the foreign currency it brings home.

The rules

Nepal's foreign exchange regime, administered by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), is strict:

• export earnings, including from services, come into Nepal through the banking system,
• residents generally may not hold accounts or investments abroad without approval.

These rules apply to Nepali companies and individuals alike.

What has eased

NRB has taken steps to support IT service exports, including allowing exporters to retain a portion of earnings in foreign currency accounts in Nepal and use them for permitted business expenses abroad, such as software and services. Rules and percentages change through NRB circulars; ask your bank which apply.

Getting receipts classified

Correct classification matters for tax and for retention. Make sure:

1. The contract describes the services and the foreign client.
2. Each invoice matches the payment.
3. The client's transfer states the purpose, such as "software development services".

Faster payment from clients

International transfers to Nepali banks pass through correspondent banks and can take several days. Agree who bears charges in the contract, and invoice clearly.

Where Rivet fits

Nepali rules generally do not allow a Nepal-registered company to hold funds in accounts abroad, so Rivet does not offer that to Nepali companies. Where available, Rivet's payouts can deliver payments to Nepali bank accounts where Nepal is among its payout destinations, for clients and partners abroad who bank with Rivet. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds.