Nepal’s online portal for company registration (run by the Office of the Company Registrar, OCR) lets foreign companies incorporate quickly under Nepali law. Launched in 2013, this digital system (often called CAMIS) made company filings paperless. Through the portal you can reserve a company name, upload your incorporation documents, pay fees and even download your registration certificate electronically. In this guide we explain step-by-step how foreign firms can use the OCR e-portal, what documents and fees are involved, and what to do after getting registered in Nepal.
Table: Comparison of Foreign Company Options in Nepal
| Entity Type | Foreign Ownership | Activities Permitted | Minimum Capital | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company (Subsidiary) | Up to 100% (sector limits) | All commercial business activities | ~NPR 20 million (approx.) | Separate legal entity; profits and dividends repatriable |
| Branch Office | 100% (extension of parent) | Commercial activities (same as parent) | Typically same threshold (often NPR 20M) | Not a separate legal entity; parent company fully liable |
| Liaison Office | 100% (representative) | Non-commercial (research/liaison) | No specific minimum | Cannot earn income in Nepal; limited duration and scope |
Nepal’s OCR online registration portal (CAMIS) is the official platform for company incorporation. Before this system, entrepreneurs had to file papers in Kathmandu; now the portal handles most tasks digitally . Name reservation, document submission, and certificate issuance are done through the portal. For example, applicants “can visit the OCR’s web site and do most of the tasks online” without physically visiting the office. Since October 2013 all new companies must register online. The shift has been dramatic: OCR officials report a 40% drop in office visits thanks to the e-filing system. Businesses (including foreign investors) can now check their file status from home, making the process far more transparent and efficient.
The online portal brings major benefits for foreign companies. First, it speeds up the process: name approval often takes 1–2 days, and company incorporation can be completed in about a week after submission. All filings are logged electronically, so applicants get instant confirmation and can track progress in real time. Second, the portal is more convenient. You avoid multiple trips to Kathmandu: you only need a one-time visit to complete any offline tasks like paying charges or verifying signatures. Finally, it ensures compliance. Every step (name check, fee payment, form submission) follows the Companies Act requirements automatically. In short, the portal centralizes Nepal’s entire company registration workflow, saving time and reducing errors.
Nepal’s OCR online portal (CAMIS) allows foreign investors to complete company name reservation and registration entirely over the Internet.
Follow these steps on the OCR portal to register your Nepal company:
Choose your company structure. Decide whether you will form a Private Limited company (most common for foreign investors), or register a Branch or Liaison office of an existing foreign company. (A private limited company is a separate Nepali entity; branches and liaison offices are extensions of a foreign parent.)
Reserve a company name. Log in to the OCR portal (https://camis.ocr.gov.np) and use the Name Reservation tool. Submit 2–3 unique name options in order of preference. Pay the nominal name-check fee online; approval typically comes in 1–2 working days. Download the name reservation certificate when available.
Gather required documents. Prepare the incorporation documents listed below (with English or Nepali text). All foreign documents must be notarized – some may also need apostille or attestation.
Create an OCR account. On the CAMIS portal, register your company user account (using the approved name) to access online services.
Fill the online application. Complete the digital registration form. Include details of shareholding, directors, capital, and company address as required by the Companies Act.
Upload documents. Scan and upload the required files (e.g. MOA/AOA, passports, board resolution) to the portal. Make sure each upload meets OCR’s file format/size rules.
Pay registration fees. Using the portal’s payment gateway (or designated bank), pay the government fee based on your investment amount.
Submit and track. After verifying all information, submit your application online. You will receive an acknowledgment and can check the application status anytime on the portal.
Receive incorporation certificate. Once OCR approves the filing, it issues the Certificate of Incorporation via the portal. Download and print this certificate – your Nepal company is now legally formed.
Each of these steps corresponds to functions in the OCR portal’s interface. Be sure all information is accurate before final submission to avoid delays.
Foreign investors must upload a comprehensive set of documents along with the online application. Key required documents include:
Parent company papers: Notarized (and translated) copies of the foreign parent’s certificate of incorporation/charter, Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.
Board resolution: A certified board resolution from the parent company authorizing establishment of a subsidiary/branch in Nepal.
Shareholder and director details: Passports (or ID) of all foreign shareholders and directors, with addresses and citizenship information.
Nepal representative: For branch/liaison offices, the Nepal-based representative’s acceptance letter and Nepali citizenship certificate or passport.
Office address proof: Lease or utility document for the company’s registered office in Nepal.
Investment/scope details: A cover letter or declaration explaining the proposed business, capital investment and activities.
Power of Attorney: A notarized POA authorizing a Nepali lawyer or agent to act on behalf of the company.
Any licenses: If the planned business is regulated (e.g. education, banking), include prior approvals or licenses.
In practice, the OCR portal will prompt you for specific attachments under each section. As Digital Consulting Ventures notes, “all foreign documents must be notarised and, in many cases, apostilled” before uploading. Having a local consultant can ensure nothing is missing.
Nepal’s government fees for company registration are scaled by capital. For example, registering a branch or liaison office requires approximately NPR 15,000 for an investment up to NPR 10 million, NPR 40,000 for NPR 10–100 million, and up to NPR 100,000 for larger projects. (If no capital is declared, a flat fee around NPR 100,000 applies.) Private companies pay similar fees based on authorized capital. Note that name reservation carries its own small fee (a few hundred rupees).
In terms of timing, the OCR portal is quite fast. Once you submit a complete application, the Name Approval usually takes 1–2 business days. The registration review (after document upload and payment) typically takes 5–7 business days. Overall, a fully prepared foreign company can obtain its Nepal registration certificate in about 1–2 weeks. However, if foreign investment approval (FDI) from the Department of Industry or Investment Board is needed, budget 4–6 weeks total (name approval is usually quick but DOI/NRB steps can add time).
Getting registered is just the beginning. After incorporation, foreign companies must complete local filings:
Tax registration: Obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and VAT registration from the Inland Revenue Department for tax and VAT compliance.
Local permits: Register the office at the local Ward Office and any required industry licenses (especially for manufacturing, tourism, education, etc.).
Auditors & filings: Appoint an auditor and prepare annual financial statements. Branch offices must submit their audited accounts (and parent balance sheet) to the OCR within 6 months of fiscal year-end. Liaison offices submit a simpler annual report.
Ongoing compliance: File annual returns with OCR, hold Annual General Meetings, and submit tax returns to IRD. Enroll employees in the Social Security Fund (SSF) and follow Nepali labor laws.
Visa and labor: Ensure foreign directors/employees have proper work/business visas. For long-term projects, first apply to the Department of Industry for a feasibility/business visa.
Failure to meet these requirements can incur fines or deregistration. It’s wise to maintain an in-country agent (like our firm) to handle notifications and filings on your behalf.
Registering a company through Nepal’s online portal is straightforward if you follow the rules, but foreign investors often benefit from local guidance. Our team specializes in foreign company incorporation in Nepal. We can manage the entire online registration on your behalf, ensure all FDI approvals are in place, and keep your business compliant with Nepali regulations. Contact us today via our consultation page to discuss your project. With expert support, your Nepalese company can be up and running smoothly.
Q: How can foreign companies register online in Nepal?
A: Foreign firms can register online through the OCR’s CAMIS portal. First, reserve a company name and prepare incorporation documents. Then use the portal to submit the application, upload required documents, and pay fees. In parallel, ensure you have any necessary FDI approval (from DOI/IBN) for your investment.
Q: What documents do foreign investors need to register a company in Nepal online?
A: Required documents include notarized and translated copies of the parent company’s charter (MOA/AOA), a board resolution approving Nepal registration, and passport/ID of shareholders/directors. For branch or liaison offices, include a Nepali representative’s acceptance letter and relevant visas. All filings must be authenticated.
Q: How long does the online registration process take in Nepal?
A: Once all paperwork is ready, the OCR typically approves name reservation in 1–2 days and processes the registration in about 5–7 business days. The full process (including foreign investment approval) can take 4–6 weeks for foreign companies. Delays usually occur only if documents or FDI clearances are missing.
Q: What are the fees for company registration on Nepal’s online portal?
A: Fees depend on your capital. For example, a branch office with investment up to NPR 10 million pays about NPR 15,000; NPR 10–100 million costs NPR 40,000; larger projects up to NPR 100,000 or more. Private companies pay similar scaled fees on their authorized capital. A name reservation fee (a few hundred rupees) is also required.
Q: What types of companies can foreigners establish through the Nepal portal?
A: Foreigners can register a 100% foreign-owned Private Limited Company (most popular for profit ventures). They may also register a Branch Office (an extension of the parent) or a Liaison Office (non-profit representative office). Each has different capital requirements and permitted activities (see table above).
By following this guide and using Nepal’s online company registration portal, foreign investors can establish a legally compliant Nepalese business efficiently. For personalized assistance, reach out through our contact page and let our experts handle the process from start to finish.