VAT on Gold in Nepal
Gold purchases carry a 0.5% skill promotion fee. The gold value itself is not subject to VAT. The gold in jewellery carries the 0.5% fee; 13% VAT applies to the making charge (jyala), not to the gold. Local gold prices also include 20% customs duty. Today 10 grams of 24K gold cost Rs 1,89,598 at the world price and about Rs 2,28,656 with tax and duty.
Rules checked 26 October 2026 · Prices Oct 30, 2026, 21:55 UTC · Not tax advice
Gold in Nepal today, with tax
NPR · Oct 30, 2026, 21:55 UTC| Weight | World price, 24K gold | Bar or coin, with tax and duty | 22K jewellery metal, with tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gram | Rs 18,960 | Rs 22,866 | Rs 20,945 |
| 1 lal (1/100 tola) | Rs 2,211 | Rs 2,667 | Rs 2,443 |
| 10 grams | Rs 1,89,598 | Rs 2,28,656 | Rs 2,09,449 |
| 1 tola | Rs 2,21,144 | Rs 2,66,700 | Rs 2,44,297 |
| 1 ounce | Rs 5,89,717 | Rs 7,11,199 | Rs 6,51,458 |
The rules in Nepal
| What you buy | Tax | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bars and bullion coins | 0.5% | Gold purchases carry a 0.5% skill promotion fee. The gold value itself is not subject to VAT. The fee was introduced by the 2026/27 budget (29 May 2026), which also removed the 2% luxury fee. |
| Jewellery | 0.5% | The gold in jewellery carries the 0.5% fee; 13% VAT applies to the making charge (jyala), not to the gold. Charged on: full value (0.5% fee on the gold; 13% VAT on making charges). |
| Import duty | 20% | Customs duty on gold doubled from 10% to 20% in the FY2026/27 budget, effective from 31 May 2026. The fine-gold rate jumped Rs20,500 per tola, to Rs311,100. Imports go only through NRB-authorised banks, within a 25 kg/day quota. |
| Tourist refund | No | No tourist VAT refund scheme. Gold is listed as prohibited for export by air travellers. |
Compared with nearby countries
| Country | Bars and coins | Jewellery | Import duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 0.5% | 0.5% | 20% customs duty |
| India | 3% | 3% | 15% import duty |
| Pakistan | 0% | 3% | none |
| Bangladesh | 1% | 1.1% | baggage duty of Tk 5,000 per vori (about 2%) |
VAT on Gold in Nepal: FAQ
Is there VAT on gold in Nepal?
Gold purchases carry a 0.5% skill promotion fee. The gold value itself is not subject to VAT. The gold in jewellery carries the 0.5% fee; 13% VAT applies to the making charge (jyala), not to the gold.
Do you pay VAT on gold bars and coins in Nepal?
Gold purchases carry a 0.5% skill promotion fee. The gold value itself is not subject to VAT. The fee was introduced by the 2026/27 budget (29 May 2026), which also removed the 2% luxury fee.
Is there import duty on gold in Nepal?
Customs duty on gold doubled from 10% to 20% in the FY2026/27 budget, effective from 31 May 2026. The fine-gold rate jumped Rs20,500 per tola, to Rs311,100. Imports go only through NRB-authorised banks, within a 25 kg/day quota.
Can tourists claim back the VAT on gold in Nepal?
No. No tourist VAT refund scheme. Gold is listed as prohibited for export by air travellers.
Why is the gold price in Nepal different from the world price?
Local gold prices also include 20% customs duty. The FENEGOSIDA daily rate is built from the world price plus duty and fees, under rationed import quotas.
Sources (3)
Related
General information on the tax a private buyer pays, checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check with the seller, the tax authority or an adviser. Not tax advice.