If you are planning online company registration Nepal, the very first legal step is company name reservation.
For foreign companies, this stage determines whether your brand, trademark strategy, and investment timeline move forward smoothly or face delays.
Nepal now allows company name reservation through the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) online system. While the process looks simple on the surface, foreign investors often face rejections due to naming rules, restricted words, or sector-specific compliance.
This guide explains exactly how to reserve a company name in Nepal online, what foreign companies must watch out for, and how to avoid costly mistakes before incorporation.
Company name reservation is not just an administrative formality. It is a legal gatekeeper for your entire Nepal market entry.
It legally secures your proposed company name
It prevents brand conflicts with existing Nepal entities
It is mandatory before submitting incorporation documents
It impacts FDI approval and sectoral licensing
It reduces trademark and reputational risk
Under the Companies Act, 2006 (Nepal), no company can be incorporated unless its name is approved and reserved by the OCR.
The online company registration Nepal process is divided into logical stages. Name reservation is always Stage 1.
Company name reservation (online OCR portal)
Preparation of incorporation documents
Foreign investment approval (if applicable)
Company incorporation certificate issuance
PAN, VAT, and sectoral registrations
Failing at stage one delays everything else.
Foreign investors should understand the legal framework behind name approval.
Companies Act, 2006
Company Registration Rules, 2007
Office of Company Registrar (OCR) Directives
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019
The OCR has discretionary authority to reject names that conflict with public interest, national integrity, or existing registrations.
The Office of the Company Registrar operates a centralized online company registration Nepal portal.
Foreign applicants may apply directly or through an authorized local representative.
You will need:
Valid email address
Contact number
Passport details (for foreign promoters)
All notifications are sent electronically.
You must submit:
Proposed company name (English or Nepali)
Alternative name options
Nature of business
Company type (Private Limited, Public, etc.)
Promoter details
Although documents are minimal at this stage, accuracy is critical.
Once submitted, the application is reviewed by OCR officers.
You can track status online.
Foreign companies often assume global naming rules apply. Nepal has unique restrictions.
Must be distinctive
Must not resemble existing registered names
Must reflect business activities
Must not mislead the public
Must respect national interest
The following typically require special approval or are rejected outright:
Bank, Finance, Insurance
University, Academy, Trust
Government, Nepal, National
Cooperative, Authority
Based on OCR practice, these are the top rejection triggers.
Similarity to existing company names
Use of regulated words without license
Mismatch between name and business activity
Use of country or authority terms
Trademark conflicts
A tech company proposing “Global Bank Solutions Pvt. Ltd.” will likely be rejected due to the word Bank, even if no banking activity is planned.
1 to 3 working days for review
May extend during peak periods
For foreign companies requiring sectoral review, timelines may increase slightly.
Once approved, the name is reserved for 35 days.
If incorporation is not completed within this window, the name expires automatically and must be re-applied.
| Aspect | Name Reservation | Company Incorporation |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | No company yet | Company legally formed |
| Validity | 35 days | Permanent |
| Documents required | Minimal | Full legal set |
| Foreign approvals | Not required | Often required |
| Risk level | Medium | High |
This distinction is crucial for foreign investors planning timelines.
Foreign companies entering Nepal through FDI must align name reservation with investment approval strategy.
Avoid restricted or sensitive sector terms
Align name with approved business scope
Cross-check with trademark strategy
Ensure future scalability
Under FITTA 2019, misleading or sector-conflicting names may complicate approval.
Here are proven strategies used by advisors handling online company registration Nepal for foreign firms.
Submit two to three alternative names
Keep names descriptive but simple
Avoid regulated words unless licensed
Align name with business classification
Conduct pre-search before submission
Yes. The online company registration Nepal system allows full remote name reservation.
Foreign promoters may:
Apply directly online
Authorize a local consultant
Use a power of attorney
No physical presence is required at this stage.
Choosing the wrong name can cause:
Repeated rejections
FDI approval delays
Trademark disputes
Rebranding costs
Regulatory scrutiny
Early professional guidance reduces these risks significantly.
Yes. The OCR requires name approval before incorporation. Without it, registration cannot proceed.
Yes. Foreign promoters can complete name reservation online directly or through an authorized representative.
You can submit multiple alternatives. Providing at least two options improves approval chances.
No. It only reserves the name. Incorporation depends on document compliance and approvals.
Yes, subject to availability and compliance with Nepal’s naming rules.
Company name reservation is the foundation of online company registration Nepal.
For foreign companies, it is not just about availability. It is about compliance, investment readiness, and long-term brand security.
Getting this step right saves weeks of delay and avoids unnecessary regulatory friction.
Planning to register a company in Nepal or enter via FDI?
Speak with our Nepal incorporation specialists to reserve your company name correctly and fast-track your online registration.