If you are a foreign investor exploring South Asia, Company registrar office Nepal is likely one of the first search terms you use. Nepal welcomes foreign capital. But the process is not identical to local registration. Foreigners cannot simply walk into the registrar and register a company in the same way Nepali citizens do. There are additional approvals, laws, and compliance steps. This guide explains exactly how foreigners register a company via the Company Registrar Office Nepal, what is permitted, and how to avoid costly delays.
The Office of Company Registrar (OCR) is the government authority responsible for incorporating, regulating, and maintaining records of companies in Nepal. It operates under the Companies Act 2006 and functions as the final registrar for all corporate entities.
Registers private, public, and foreign-invested companies
Maintains statutory records
Approves constitutional documents
Issues registration certificates
Processes changes in shareholding and directors
For foreign investors, the OCR is the final step, not the first.
Short answer: No, not directly.
Foreign nationals and foreign companies must obtain prior foreign investment approval before the Company Registrar Office Nepal will register the entity.
Nepal regulates foreign investment to:
Protect restricted sectors
Monitor capital inflows
Ensure compliance with national interest policies
Align with central bank regulations
The registrar cannot bypass these controls.
Foreign registration through the Company Registrar Office Nepal is governed by several key laws and directives:
Companies Act 2006
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2019
Industrial Enterprises Act 2020
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) foreign exchange directives
These laws work together. The registrar enforces company law only after foreign investment approval is granted.
Below is the correct legal sequence.
Foreigners must apply to:
Department of Industry (DOI), or
Investment Board Nepal (IBN) for large projects
This approval confirms that your sector is open to foreign investment.
Authorities verify:
Minimum capital thresholds
Restricted or conditional sectors
Technology transfer clauses
Only after clearance can you proceed.
Once approved, the OCR accepts the application.
Documents are submitted electronically and in hard copy.
After registration:
Open bank accounts
Inject foreign capital
Register with tax and labor authorities
Foreigners submit more documents than locals.
Approved FDI permission letter
Memorandum of Association
Articles of Association
Passport copies of shareholders
Board resolution from parent company
Local office address in Nepal
Notarized and apostilled documents
Certified Nepali translations
Power of Attorney for local representative
Missing documents are the number one cause of rejection.
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| FDI approval | 15–30 working days |
| Company registration at OCR | 3–7 working days |
| Bank and tax setup | 7–14 working days |
| Capital repatriation approval | Ongoing compliance |
Insight: The Company Registrar Office Nepal is fast. The delays happen before OCR submission.
Foreigners cannot register companies in all sectors.
Small retail trade
Domestic courier services
Local travel agencies
Personal services
Always verify sector eligibility before applying.
Avoid these frequent errors.
Applying to the registrar before FDI approval
Using generic MOA templates
Ignoring minimum capital rules
Submitting untranslated documents
Underestimating post-registration compliance
These mistakes lead to months of delay.
Foreigners usually choose one of the following.
Most common structure
Allows 100% foreign ownership in approved sectors
Extension of foreign parent
Cannot generate independent profit
No commercial activity allowed
Market research only
Each structure has different compliance and tax outcomes.
| Entry Method | OCR Involvement | Revenue Allowed | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited (FDI) | Full | Yes | Medium |
| Branch Office | Limited | Restricted | High |
| Liaison Office | Minimal | No | Low |
| Employer of Record (EOR) | None | N/A | Very Low |
Original insight: Many foreign companies start with EOR before full registration.
The Company Registrar Office Nepal does not manage taxes.
Once registered, you must comply with:
Inland Revenue Department
Social Security Fund
Local municipality licensing
Failure here risks penalties and blacklisting.
OCR officers focus on:
Consistency between FDI approval and company documents
Shareholding accuracy
Director eligibility
Registered office legitimacy
They do not reinterpret investment approvals.
OCR operates an online portal.
New company registration
Director changes
Share transfers
Annual filings
Foreign applicants still need local representation.
Nepal’s system is rule-based but procedural.
A local advisor helps you:
Coordinate between DOI, NRB, and OCR
Prevent document rejection
Shorten timelines
Ensure repatriation eligibility
DIY approaches often fail.
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is allowed in approved sectors with prior FDI approval.
No. A local authorized representative can complete registration.
Generally NPR 20 million, but this varies by sector.
No. Bank accounts follow company registration and approval.
Typically 4–8 weeks if documents are prepared correctly.
The Company registrar office Nepal plays a critical role in formalizing foreign investments. But it is not the starting point. Foreigners must navigate investment approvals first, then register with the OCR. When done correctly, Nepal offers a stable, cost-efficient entry into South Asia with full legal protection.
Planning to register a company in Nepal as a foreign investor?
Speak with our Nepal market-entry specialists to get a compliant, end-to-end setup without delays.