Why Start a 3-Star Hotel in Nepal? 🌟
Nepal’s booming tourism industry attracts millions of backpackers & travelers yearly. A 3-star hotel is a lucrative business with high ROI—offering affordable luxury while meeting international backpacker demands.
✅ Low startup costs vs. hotels
✅ High demand from digital nomads & budget travelers
✅ Government incentives for tourism businesses
✅ Easy scalability in tourist hotspots (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan)
Legal Requirements for 3-Star Hotel Registration in Nepal ⚖️

1. Business Entity Formation
- Private Limited Company (Recommended)
- Step 1: Choose a unique name (check at OCR Nepal)
- Step 2: Draft MOA & AOA
- Step 3: Submit to Company Registrar’s Office (Fee: NPR 10,000 – 50,000)
- Step 4: Obtain Certificate of Incorporation
- Partnership Firm (Alternative)
- Register at Department of Industry (DoI)
📌 Pro Tip: Foreign investors must invest at least $200,000 and partner with a Nepali citizen (land ownership restrictions apply).
2. Tourism Industry License (Mandatory)
- Where to Apply? Department of Tourism (DoT)
- Documents Needed:
- Business registration certificate
- Project report (investment proof: NPR 10M+)
- Fire safety & environmental clearance
- Building blueprints & lease agreement
💰 Fee: NPR 25,000 (renewal every 2 years)
3. 3-Star Classification Process 🏨
To qualify, your hotel must meet:
Infrastructure Requirements
✔ 15+ rooms (24/7 hot water, Wi-Fi, backup power)
✔ Dining area, reception, lobby
✔ Secure parking
Service Standards
✔ 1:3 staff-to-room ratio
✔ 16-hour front desk service
✔ Daily housekeeping & concierge
Safety Compliance
✔ Fire extinguishers & emergency exits
✔ CCTV & 24/7 security
✔ First aid trained staff
📝 Apply at: DoT’s Hotel Classification Committee (Fee: ~NPR 50,000)
Key Challenges & How to Avoid Them ⚠️
❌ Delays in approval? → Hire a legal consultant
❌ Land ownership issues? → Long-term lease (30+ years)
❌ Staffing problems? → Recruit trained hospitality workers
Cost Breakdown (2025 Estimates) 💰
Expense | Estimated Cost (NPR) |
---|---|
Business Registration | 10,000 – 50,000 |
Tourism License | 25,000 |
3-Star Classification | 50,000 |
Minimum Investment | 10,000,000+ |
Annual Renewals | 10,000 – 35,000 |
💡 Total Setup Time: 6-8 monthFinal Tips for Success 🚀
- Visit top 3-star hostels in Nepal for benchmarking
- Hire a tourism lawyer for smooth approvals
- Market aggressively on Booking.com, Hostelworld & Airbnb
- Focus on sustainability (solar power, waste management)
Need Expert Help? 📞
Contact our legal team for fast-track hostel registration in Nepal
📧 Email: info@corporatebizlegal.com
📞 Phone: +977 9861817739
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