Social security fund (SSF): Registration in Nepal. How to apply for social security fund in Nepal

What is social security fund?

Social security fund (SSF) Nepal was established in 2011 through social security management and operation regulation 2067. Nepal’s main aim of establishing a socialism-oriented governance is addressed through social security fund SSF. The social security fund in Nepal is now governed by social security Act, 2018 (2075). This act addresses that every company/ employer must enlist their name and its employees in the security Fund. Social security fund is known as Samajik Sanchaya Kosh. (सामाजिक संचय कोष)

Who should be registered in the social security fund?

In accordance to the notice published in the Nepal Gazette (नेपाल राजपत्र) it doesn’t specify any fixed industrial or service sector that needs to be enrolled in the fund. Therefor, each and every employer and employee must be registered under social security fund in Nepal. SSF helps one to gain access to different privileges for both formal and informal working in Nepal.

SSF is a compulsory registration process in Nepal, SSF or Social security fund of Nepal mandates compulsory registration for all employers and employees, making it an essential step for every business entity, whether formal or informal.

What does SSF mean for employers and employees?

Despite the absence of a fixed classification, the implication is clear: all employers and employees whether in the formal or informal sector must be enrolled under the Social Security Fund in Nepal. This includes:

Private companies
Freelancers and self- employed individuals
Informal sectors workers
Contract based or project-based workers
Household employers
NGOs and INGOs

Why is SSF Registration mandatory?

Registration under SSF is not merely a compliance requirement- it is a gateway to basic and critical security benefits for workers. Once registered, both employers and employees gain access to:

Medical treatment, health, and maternity protection
Dependent family protection
Accident and disability protection
Old age protection (pension and retirement)

Benefits for formal and informal sectors workers

Regardless of your employment nature or the size of your enterprise, enrollment into the SSF enables your workforce to enjoy long-term financial security and dignity. The Government of Nepal encourages mass participation in the SSF to ensure that no worker is left without basic social protection.

Legal implications of non-registration

Employers failing to register their workforce under the Social Security Fund could face:

Fines and legal penalties
Disqualification from public tenders or licenses
Denial of tax benefits and incentives

How to Register in the Social Security Fund (SSF) Nepal: Step-by-Step Guide for Employers

Registering under the Social Security Fund (SSF) Nepal is a legal obligation for all employers and a crucial step toward ensuring social protection for employees. Below is a detailed breakdown of the registration process and timelines that every employer must follow:

Step 1: Employer Registration in SSF

The first step is for the employer to register the business entity with the Social Security Fund. This process must be completed online through the official SSF portal.

Requirements:

Submission of the online registration form in the prescribed format
Upload of necessary documents, including company registration certificate and PAN/VAT certificate

Timeline:

Once the application is submitted, the employer will receive the SSF registration certificate within 2 working days from the date of submission.

Step 2: Registration of Existing Employees

After obtaining the employer certificate, the next crucial step is to register all existing employees under the Social Security Fund.

💡ImportantNote:
The employer must complete employee registration within three months from the date of appointment or the establishment of the employment relationship, whichever is earlier.

This step ensures that employees gain timely access to the benefits of the fund, including medical coverage, accident protection, and retirement plans.

Documents Required for Social Security Fund (SSF) Registration in Nepal

For successfully register for the Social Security Scheme under the Social Security Fund (SSF) Nepal, both employers and employees are required to submit specific documents. Proper documentation ensures smooth processing and timely activation of SSF benefits.

📄 Documents Required for Employer Registration in SSF Nepal

Employers must submit the following documents during the registration process:

Certificate of Company Registration
Issued by the Office of the Company Registrar, verifying the legal existence of the business entity.
PAN/VAT Certificate
Tax registration document provided by the Inland Revenue Department of Nepal.
Details of the Employer
Includes business name, contact information, type of business, and authorized personnel details.
Application to the Office of Social Security Fund
A formal application submitted in the prescribed format, available on the official SSF portal.

✅ Once these documents are submitted via the online portal, the employer will typically receive a registration certificate within 2 working days.

(Please Note: There is no need of physical submission of documents for Social Security Fund registration. Submission of documents online is sufficient.)

Documents Required for Employee Registration in SSF Nepal

After the employer is successfully registered, each employee must also be enrolled individually. The required documents include:

Details of the Employee
Full name, position, contact information, date of appointment, and salary structure.
Identification Documents (any one of the following):
- Citizenship Certificate
- National ID Card
- PAN Certificate
- Passport
Recent Passport Size Photograph
A clear and recent PP-size photo for SSF records.

📌 Note: Employee registration must be completed within three months of hiring to ensure timely eligibility for SSF benefits.

What Was the Last Date for SSF Registration in Nepal?

The Office of the Social Security Fund (SSF) had initially set a deadline for employer registration under the Social Security Scheme to ensure wide participation across the formal and informal sectors.

🗓️ Official Deadline for Registration:

October 17, 2019 A.D.
Ashoj 30, 2076 B.S.

This was the last official date announced by the SSF for mandatory registration of employers and employees who were already operating businesses or working in Nepal.

Can You Still Register After the Deadline?

Yes. Entities can still register with the Social Security Fund even after the expiry of the initial deadline. There is no penalty or restriction on late registration for those who missed the original cut-off.

💡 Newly established companies are required to register with the SSF as soon as they begin operations, regardless of the past deadline.