Apply for IPO from Abroad with NIC Asia

9th November 2025, Kathmandu

The Nepalese capital market has officially opened its doors to citizens residing abroad, ensuring that migrant workers can actively participate in the nation’s economic growth.

IPO Application from Abroad

This opportunity is facilitated by the 10% quota reserved in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for Nepalis working overseas, a system implemented by the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to encourage formal remittance channels and promote domestic investment. NIC ASIA Bank has streamlined this process, integrating necessary banking and application procedures to make investing from a foreign country straightforward and secure.

The Foundation: Understanding the IPO Quota for Foreign Employment

To capitalize on the 10% foreign employment quota, the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) requires applicants to meet specific criteria, centered on formal financial compliance and possession of a valid work permit. NIC ASIA Bank has structured its application steps to align perfectly with these regulatory mandates, making the entire process manageable for individuals thousands of miles away.

The eligibility is primarily based on two factors:

Valid Work Permit: The applicant must be a Nepalese citizen working abroad under a valid work visa or foreign employment permit (Shram Swikriti) issued by the Government of Nepal.

Formal Remittance Channel: Investment must be financed through money sent home via official, legal channels, ensuring the funds are accounted for in the nation’s formal banking system.

The Step-by-Step Digital Pathway to IPO Application with NIC ASIA

The application process is designed as a sequence of mandatory steps, each building the necessary financial infrastructure required for remote share application. NIC ASIA Bank makes this achievable by offering specialized accounts and digital services.

Step 1: Open a Remittance Savings Account

The journey begins with establishing the correct account type. You must open a Remittance Savings Account with NIC ASIA Bank, often referred to as a Sarbashrestha Remittance Bachat Khata IPO account. This account is specifically designed to meet the regulatory requirements for the foreign employment quota.

Purpose: This dedicated account is the conduit for your remittance earnings and the source account from which your IPO application funds will be blocked.

Online Convenience: NIC ASIA Bank typically offers an online account opening facility, allowing applicants to initiate the process without needing to visit a branch physically, simply by submitting scanned copies of the required documents.

Step 2: Establish the Share Holding Infrastructure (Beneficiary Account)

Just like any domestic investor, you need a digital vault to hold your shares. This is the Beneficiary Account, also known as the DEMAT (Dematerialized) Account.

Role: The DEMAT account holds all your shares in electronic form, eliminating paper certificates. You can typically apply to open this account simultaneously with your Remittance Savings Account through NIC ASIA’s specialized capital market division or authorized subsidiary.

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Mero Share: Along with the DEMAT account, you will need a Mero Share account, which is the online portal developed by CDSC for applying to IPOs and viewing your portfolio.

Step 3: Obtain the CRN and Prove Remittance Compliance

The CRN (Customer Registration Number) is the unique code that links your bank account to the online IPO application system (C-ASBA). For foreign workers, the process for obtaining this CRN is tied to remittance compliance.

CRN Registration: You must submit your labor approval certificate/work permit copy to the bank to register for the CRN from your Remittance Savings Account.

Remittance Requirement: Crucially, you must demonstrate compliance with the minimum remittance transfer rule set by SEBON. This requires you to have deposited at least NPR 50,000 in the past 6 months into your Remittance Savings Account from the country where you are employed. This minimum deposit must have been sent through formal channels.

Step 4: Deposit Required Savings

While the NPR 50,000 remittance requirement is a baseline for eligibility, you must ensure your Remittance Savings Account holds sufficient funds to cover the cost of the IPO shares you intend to apply for.

Step 5: Apply for the IPO via Mero Share

Once all the above accounts are opened, registered, and funded, you can apply for the IPO:

Digital Application: Log in to your Mero Share account and select the IPO under the “My ASBA” section.

Quota Selection: When applying, you must explicitly select the Foreign Employment Quota option to ensure your application is processed against the reserved 10% share pool.

NIC ASIA’s Commitment to Global Nepalis

NIC ASIA Bank plays a pivotal role in this process by integrating the necessary remittance and investment services, offering a streamlined experience. The bank’s commitment to facilitating this process makes it a go-to choice for Nepalese citizens living abroad who are keen to invest in their homeland.

For any procedural inquiries, compliance documentation, or support in initiating the account opening process, applicants can reach out to the bank directly:

• Email: [email protected]
• Customer Care Number: 01-5970101
• General Email: [email protected]

By following these integrated steps, Nepalese citizens across the globe can confidently secure their stake in the country’s growing economy, utilizing their hard-earned remittance money for productive and potentially profitable investment.

For More: IPO Application from Abroad