Company Registrar Office Nepal: Beginner’s FAQ Guide (2026 Update)

If you are a foreign company planning to enter Nepal, the Company Registrar Office Nepal is your first and most important government touchpoint. Every legal business entity in Nepal must be registered through this office.

In this 2026-updated guide, you will learn exactly how the Company Registrar Office Nepal works, what foreign investors must prepare, common mistakes to avoid, and how to register smoothly while staying compliant. The goal is clarity, confidence, and faster market entry.

This guide is written specifically for foreign founders, CFOs, and expansion leaders.

What Is the Company Registrar Office Nepal?

The Company Registrar Office Nepal, commonly called the OCR, is the government authority responsible for company incorporation and statutory oversight.

It operates under the Companies Act, 2006 (2063) and regulates all registered companies in Nepal.

Key mandate of the Company Registrar Office Nepal

The office is legally empowered to:

• Incorporate companies and issue registration certificates

• Maintain the central company registry

• Approve amendments to company details

• Enforce annual filing and disclosure requirements

• Strike off non-compliant companies

The official authority is the Office of Company Registrar Nepal, based in Kathmandu.

Why the Company Registrar Office Nepal Matters for Foreign Companies

Foreign companies often underestimate how central the Company Registrar Office Nepal is to every stage of business operations.

Without OCR approval, you cannot:

• Open a corporate bank account

• Inject foreign direct investment (FDI)

• Hire employees legally

• Sign enforceable commercial contracts

In practical terms, the Company Registrar Office Nepal creates your company’s legal existence.

Types of Companies Registered at the Company Registrar Office Nepal

Foreign investors most commonly register one of the following structures.

1. Private Limited Company (FDI Company)

This is the most popular structure.

Features include:

• 1–101 shareholders

• Limited liability

• 100 percent foreign ownership allowed (sector-specific)

• Eligible for FDI approval

2. Public Limited Company

Used for large-scale ventures.

Key traits:

• Minimum 7 shareholders

• Can raise capital from the public

• Higher compliance burden

3. Branch Office of a Foreign Company

Suitable for project-based operations.

Limitations include:

• No separate legal personality

• Activities restricted to parent company scope

4. Liaison Office

Used for market research and coordination only.

Important note:
Liaison offices cannot generate revenue in Nepal.

Step-by-Step Process at the Company Registrar Office Nepal

Foreign companies follow a structured process when dealing with the Company Registrar Office Nepal.

Step 1: Name Reservation

You submit proposed company names through the OCR online portal.

Names must:

• Be unique

• Not infringe trademarks

• Match stated business objectives

Approval usually takes 1–3 working days.

Step 2: Document Preparation

Core documents include:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Articles of Association (AOA)

• Shareholder details

• Director identification

• Registered office address

All foreign documents must be notarized and, where required, apostilled.

Step 3: Online Submission

Applications are submitted digitally via the OCR system.

Uploaded documents are reviewed by registrar officers.

Step 4: Registration Approval

Once approved:

• Registration number is issued

• Certificate of Incorporation is generated

• Company becomes legally active

Step 5: Post-Registration Filings

Registration is only the beginning.

You must proceed with:

• FDI approval (if applicable)

• PAN and VAT registration

• Bank account opening

• Local authority registrations

Documents Required by the Company Registrar Office Nepal

Foreign applicants are often delayed due to documentation gaps.

Mandatory documents checklist

• Passport copies of shareholders and directors

• Board resolution from parent company

• Notarized incorporation certificate of foreign parent

• Power of attorney

• Lease agreement for registered address

Common document errors

• Incorrect spelling of names

• Mismatch between MOA and AOA

• Missing notarization

• Outdated board resolutions

Professional review before submission saves weeks.

Processing Time at the Company Registrar Office Nepal (2026)

Processing timelines have improved, but accuracy still matters.

Insight:
Over 40 percent of foreign applications face at least one correction cycle due to documentation issues, based on practitioner data.

Online Services of the Company Registrar Office Nepal

The OCR has digitized many services.

Available online services

• Company name search

• Name reservation

• New company registration

• Annual return filing

• Director and share updates

Still requiring physical follow-up

• Certain amendments

• Strike-off appeals

• Special approvals

Digital access has improved efficiency but does not eliminate compliance complexity.

Annual Compliance with the Company Registrar Office Nepal

Once registered, companies must maintain ongoing compliance.

Mandatory annual filings

Every company must submit:

• Annual return

• Financial statements

• Auditor details

• Shareholding updates

Failure to file leads to:

• Late fees

• Penalties

• Company suspension

• Eventual deregistration

Common Issues Faced by Foreign Companies

Foreign founders frequently face predictable challenges.

Typical problem areas

• Misunderstanding permitted activities

• Underestimating FDI approvals

• Incorrect capital structuring

• Poorly drafted MOA and AOA

How to avoid delays

• Align business objectives with Nepal’s industrial classification

• Draft documents with local legal context

• Sequence OCR and FDI approvals correctly

Expert guidance significantly reduces friction.

Company Registrar Office Nepal vs Other Authorities

Foreign investors often confuse OCR with other regulators.

Understanding this separation avoids costly missteps.

Legal Framework Governing the Company Registrar Office Nepal

The OCR operates under several key laws.

Core legislation

• Companies Act, 2006

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019

• Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020

These laws collectively define ownership, compliance, and operational boundaries for foreign companies.

Practical Tips for Foreign Investors

Based on real registration cases, here are proven tips.

1. Finalize business objectives before name reservation

2. Keep shareholding simple at incorporation

3. Budget time for notarization and apostille

4. Use local compliance professionals

5. Plan post-registration steps early

These steps shorten timelines and reduce risk.

How the Company Registrar Office Nepal Supports Startups

The OCR increasingly supports startups by:

• Expanding online services

• Simplifying name searches

• Publishing clearer guidelines

• Reducing manual paperwork

However, interpretation of rules still requires local expertise.

FAQ: Company Registrar Office Nepal (People Also Ask)

1. Can foreigners register a company through the Company Registrar Office Nepal?

Yes. Foreigners can fully own companies in permitted sectors. FDI approval is required in parallel, but incorporation happens through the Company Registrar Office Nepal.

2. How long does company registration take in Nepal?

If documents are correct, incorporation usually takes 5–10 working days. Errors or corrections can extend timelines.

3. Is online registration available for foreign companies?

Yes. Applications are submitted online. Some steps still require follow-up and coordination with other authorities.

4. What happens if annual returns are not filed?

Penalties apply first. Continued non-compliance can result in company suspension or deregistration.

5. Can company details be changed after registration?

Yes. Changes to directors, address, or shareholding must be approved by the Company Registrar Office Nepal.

Conclusion: Navigating the Company Registrar Office Nepal with Confidence

The Company Registrar Office Nepal is the legal foundation of doing business in Nepal. For foreign companies, understanding its processes, timelines, and compliance requirements is essential for a smooth market entry.

With the right preparation and expert guidance, registration becomes predictable rather than stressful.

Call to Action: Get Expert Support

Planning to register a company in Nepal?
Book a consultation with our Nepal incorporation specialists to handle OCR filings, FDI approvals, and ongoing compliance end-to-end.