Top 5 Legal Issues in Nepal: What Everyone is Searching For (2025)
From US Visa fraud to Land Disputes, we answer the 5 most common legal questions Nepali citizens are asking right now.
What keeps Nepalis up at night?
As a leading law firm in Kathmandu, we see the trends firsthand. Based on client inquiries and search data, here are the top 5 legal “hot topics” in Nepal for 2025.
1. “Can I Divorce if my Spouse is Abroad?”
The Answer: Yes. With millions of Nepalis in Australia, USA, and the Gulf, “International Divorce” is huge. You can file for divorce in Nepal even if your spouse is abroad. The court will issue a summon (Italiyanama) via email or courier. If they don’t respond, ex-parte divorce is possible.
2. “How to punish Foreign Employment (Manpower) Fraud?”
The Issue: Agents taking money and disappearing. The Fix: Do not go to the regular police. You must file a claim at the Department of Foreign Employment (DOFE). If the amount is under 30 Lakhs, the CDO Office can also look into it. Always pay via Bank Channel, not cash!
3. “Is Bitcoin Legal yet?”
The Answer: No. Despite the global boom, crypto trading is still a Banking Offense in Nepal. Using Binance or USDT can freeze your bank account and lead to arrest.
4. “My Landlord won’t return my deposit.”
The Issue: Rent disputes. The Fix: A verbal agreement is hard to enforce. The new laws require a written House Rent Agreement for any rent above NPR 20,000/month. You can file a case at the Local Judicial Committee (Nyaya Samiti) at your Ward/Municipality, which is faster/cheaper than court.
5. “How to register a US LLC from Nepal?”
The Trend: IT Freelancers working for US clients. The Law: You can register a US company online, BUT… you cannot send capital from Nepal to invest in it (Capital Account Convertibility is restricted). However, receiving income into Nepal is encouraged (and taxed at 1% or 5%).
Stay Informed
Laws change, but your rights remain. Whether it’s a dispute over land borders or a visa complication, professional legal advice beats “chiyawala guff” (tea shop gossip) every time.
Disclaimer: General information only. Contact us for specific case details.
Important Note
This article provides general information and should not be considered as specific legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for your particular situation.
Utsav Prakash Sigdel
Senior Legal Advisor with expertise in corporate law and legal consultation.