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Kathmandu

Bagmati Province · Nepal
Active
Last updated: 2026-06-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-23  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Kathmandu Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes in principle — homestay/business registration (OCR, Ward/Municipality, PAN); enforcement minimal
Tax RateIncome tax + VAT if applicable; municipal taxes
Night / Day CapNone known
Minimum StayNone known
PenaltiesPer national regime; municipal closure possible for non-compliant late-night/entertainment operations
Primary Residence RequiredTypically yes for homestay format
Browse all 2 STR regulations in Nepal →

Kathmandu Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Kathmandu Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Kathmandu, Bagmati Province are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes in principle — homestay/business registration (OCR, Ward/Municipality, PAN); enforcement minimal.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Kathmandu

Short-term rental operators in Kathmandu should be aware of these tax obligations: Income tax + VAT if applicable; municipal taxes. Yes — PAN/IRD registration; rental income filing.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Kathmandu

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Kathmandu include: Primary residence requirement: Typically yes for homestay format. Rental day cap: None known. Minimum stay: None known.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Kathmandu

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Kathmandu: Local municipal/ward registration; late-night operations need District Administration Office approval.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Kathmandu

Hosts who fail to comply with Kathmandu's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Per national regime; municipal closure possible for non-compliant late-night/entertainment operations.

Platform Obligations in Kathmandu

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Kathmandu: None confirmed; ~0% of listings show registration evidence.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes in principle — homestay/business registration (OCR, Ward/Municipality, PAN); enforcement minimal
Tax Registration
Yes — PAN/IRD registration; rental income filing
Primary Residence Rule
Typically yes for homestay format
Night / Day Cap
None known
Tax Rate
Income tax + VAT if applicable; municipal taxes
Zoning Restrictions
Local municipal/ward registration; late-night operations need District Administration Office approval
Minimum Stay
None known
Platform Obligations
None confirmed; ~0% of listings show registration evidence
Compliance Notes
Low regulation with minimal registration activity; hosts urged to verify local rules before listing
Key Notes
Largest STR market in Nepal (~320 active listings); Airbnb hosts concentrated in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Pokhara
Penalties
Per national regime; municipal closure possible for non-compliant late-night/entertainment operations
Additional Context
Operator-friendly midsize market; supply grew ~34% over the past year
Sources
https://www.tourism.gov.np
airroi.com/airbnb-data/nepal/bagmati-province/kathmandu
companykhata.com
myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Kathmandu?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Kathmandu with proper registration and permits. Low regulation with minimal registration activity; hosts urged to verify local rules before listing

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Kathmandu?

Yes. Kathmandu requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes in principle — homestay/business registration (OCR, Ward/Municipality, PAN); enforcement minimal.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Kathmandu?

Short-term rental hosts in Kathmandu are subject to the following tax obligations: Income tax + VAT if applicable; municipal taxes.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Kathmandu?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Kathmandu may face enforcement. Per national regime; municipal closure possible for non-compliant late-night/entertainment operations.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Kathmandu?

Largest STR market in Nepal (~320 active listings); Airbnb hosts concentrated in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Pokhara

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