NRB authorises Nepali IT firms to open foreign branches, transfer equity

• iDream Technologies becomes first Nepali firm to open a branch in the US

KATHMANDU: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has authorised the establishment of foreign branch offices and equity transfers for domestic IT companies. Industry leaders say the move marks the most significant policy shift in the history of Nepal’s digital economy.

Following the reform, iDream Technologies has become the first Nepali IT firm to receive formal approval to open a branch office in the United States, registering iDream LLC in Delaware.

For decades, the Nepali IT sector was constrained by legal barriers that prevented companies from scaling beyond national borders. The new provision removes those hurdles, allowing Nepali firms to compete for Fortune 500 contracts, access international venture capital and establish a permanent legal presence in major global markets.

The policy change follows years of research and advocacy. Dr Sushil Paudel, Founder of iDream Technologies and a leading scholar in Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO), said his academic work provided the evidential framework for the reform.

"This is not just a policy reform; it is liberation," Dr Paudel said. "For years, our engineers hit an invisible ceiling. December 15, 2025, will be remembered as the day Nepali IT companies gained the freedom to scale globally while keeping their Nepali identity and pride intact."

The announcement has been widely welcomed across the ICT sector. Chiranjibi Adhikari, Chief Executive Officer of One Cover, described the decision as a transformative milestone for young innovators.

"This is a decisive green signal for the young generation," Adhikari said. "It signals to every young coder and entrepreneur in Nepal that their dreams are no longer confined by geography. We are now officially global players."

Industry observers say the reform has three key implications: firms can now legally sign enterprise-level contracts in the United States, Europe and beyond; equity transfers will facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI)and cross-border mergers and acquisitions; and the change supports the national goal of reaching Rs 3 trillion in IT exports.

iDream Technologies is a Nepali IT firm specialising in software development, digital transformation and global outsourcing. With its Delaware-based entity, iDream LLC, the company aims to bridge Nepali technical expertise and the global market.

Likewise, One Cover is a Nepali cybersecurity firm that provides security solutions for domestic and international enterprises.