Documents Required for SSF Registration & KYC — Nepali Migrant Workers

Nepali workers employed in foreign employment, as well as Nepalis who are self-employed abroad, can now enrol in the Social Security Fund (SSF) and secure long-term financial protection — including accident insurance, dependent family protection, and an old-age pension. To complete this enrolment, every applicant must submit a specific set of documents and personal details during registration and KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. This post lays out exactly what is required, how the process works, and what benefits come with it.

What Is the Social Security Fund (SSF)?

The Social Security Fund is a Government of Nepal initiative designed to protect the financial wellbeing of Nepali migrant workers against risks such as old age, accidents, disability, or death. Under the contribution-based scheme, migrant workers can regularly deposit a set contribution amount online from the country where they are working, and in return become eligible for a defined set of benefits provided by the Fund.

Who Can Register?

Two broad categories of Nepalis living and working outside the country are eligible to register with the SSF:

• Migrant workers employed abroad — Nepalis working for an employer in a foreign country under a valid work arrangement.
• Self-employed Nepalis abroad — Nepalis who run their own business or profession in another country.

Documents and Details Required for Registration & KYC

The exact documents needed depend on whether you are an employed migrant worker or a self-employed individual abroad. Here is the complete checklist for both categories:

For Migrant Workers Employed Abroad

• Citizenship certificate or passport
• Labour approval (if the destination country requires one)
• Employer's name, address and country
• Contact person's details in Nepal, including name, address and relationship

For Self-Employed Nepalis Abroad

• Citizenship certificate or passport, along with a valid visa
• A copy of the business registration certificate
• Name, address and contact number of the company or profession
• The monthly contribution amount to be deposited

All documents must be uploaded as clear electronic copies during the online application. Applicants should make sure that details entered in the KYC form exactly match the information on their citizenship or passport, since mismatched information is one of the most common reasons an application gets delayed or rejected.

Step-by-Step: How to Register and Complete KYC

1. Choose the right portal: Workers going to countries other than South Korea apply through the Department of Foreign Employment's system at feims.dofe.gov.np. Workers under the EPS scheme in South Korea, along with self-employed Nepalis abroad, use the SSF's own system at sosys.ssf.gov.np.
2. Get a submission number: Start a new online application to generate a unique submission number, which you will need to track and complete your registration.
3. Complete the KYC form: Fill in your personal, employer, and Nepal-based contact details, and upload scanned or photographed copies of the required documents.
4. Get verified: Once submitted, the Fund typically verifies KYC applications within 1–2 working days.
5. Download your ID card: After verification, log back into the portal and download your Social Security ID card from the "Report" tab under the "Registration" section.

It's worth noting that new SSF registrations cannot currently be completed through the SSF mobile app — the app can only be used to update KYC details after your account has already been created through the web portal.

Contribution Amount

Contributions are calculated as a percentage of the government-specified minimum basic remuneration, which is revised every two years. Based on the current minimum monthly remuneration, contributions generally work out as follows:

• Minimum monthly contribution: 21.33% of the government-set minimum basic remuneration.
• Maximum monthly contribution: Up to three times the minimum basic remuneration.
• Contributions are split between the Accident, Disability & Dependent Protection Plan and the Old Age Protection Plan, with the majority allocated toward long-term pension savings.

Contributions can only be made for the current or upcoming month through the online system — missed or past months cannot be paid retroactively, so staying consistent with monthly deposits is important to avoid gaps in coverage.

Key Benefits of Registering with SSF

• Accident and disability coverage: Medical treatment and disability-related support in case of a workplace or other accident.
• Dependent family protection: Financial support for dependent family members in the event of the contributor's death.
• Old-age pension or retirement savings: A pension after 15 or more years of contribution, or a lump-sum withdrawal for shorter contribution periods.
• Customs duty exemption: Registered migrant workers returning through Tribhuvan International Airport with a valid SSF ID card are eligible for a one-time customs duty exemption on a single television of any size.
• Remittance-linked discounts: Contributors who send at least 70% of their foreign employment income through official banking channels can receive a 20% discount on plans other than the Old Age Protection Plan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Entering personal details that don't exactly match your citizenship or passport record.
• Uploading blurry or incomplete document photos, which is a common reason applications are delayed.
• Forgetting to make a monthly contribution, since missed months cannot be paid later.
• Trying to register through the mobile app instead of the web portal.
• Not updating KYC details after a change in employer, address, or contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I register for SSF using the mobile app?

No. New registration must be completed through the web portal. The mobile app can only be used to update your KYC details afterward.

2. How long does KYC verification take?

KYC applications are typically verified within 1–2 working days after submission.

3. Do I need to update my KYC every month?

No. You only need to update your KYC when your personal details change, such as your employer, address, or contact information.

4. What is the age limit for contributing to SSF?

Contributors can continue depositing into their SSF account up to the age of 60.

5. Can I pay for a month I missed?

No. The system only allows contributions for the current or upcoming month, not for previous or missed months.

Final Thoughts

Registering with the Social Security Fund is one of the most practical steps a Nepali migrant worker or self-employed individual abroad can take to protect their future. With the right documents ready — citizenship or passport, labour approval where applicable, employer or business details, and a contact person in Nepal — the entire registration and KYC process can be completed online in just a few steps.

If you're currently working abroad and haven't registered yet, gathering these documents today is the fastest way to get started and begin building long-term financial protection for yourself and your family.