Company Registration from Abroad: Use the Online Portal (NRN & Foreigners Guide)

The online portal for company registration Nepal has transformed how foreign companies, NRNs, and overseas founders enter the Nepali market. You no longer need to be physically present to reserve a name, submit incorporation documents, or obtain a registration certificate. With the right preparation, the entire process can be initiated and largely completed from abroad through the government’s digital system.

This guide is written for international founders, investors, and global businesses who want a clear, legally accurate, and practical roadmap. We explain what the portal does, what it does not do, and how to avoid delays. We also cover compliance links with FDI, tax, and post-registration steps so you can move from intent to operations with confidence.

What Is the Online Portal for Company Registration in Nepal?

The online portal is the official digital system operated by the Office of Company Registrar (OCR). It allows applicants to file incorporation documents electronically under the Companies Act 2006.

What the portal enables

• Online name reservation

• Digital submission of incorporation forms

• Upload of MoA, AoA, IDs, and resolutions

• Fee calculation and payment

• Issuance of Company Registration Certificate

What the portal does not replace

• FDI approval processes under FITTA 2019

• Industry-specific licenses

• Bank account opening and capital injection

• Tax registration and payroll compliance

Think of the portal as the legal birth registry of your company. Other approvals come after.

Who Can Use the Online Portal?

The system is open to both domestic and foreign applicants, including:

• Foreign companies setting up a Nepal subsidiary

• Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) registering businesses from overseas

• Joint ventures with Nepali shareholders

• Holding companies and SPVs for investment

Foreign founders can complete filings from abroad, provided documents are notarised and apostilled where required.

Step-by-Step: Company Registration from Abroad Using the Online Portal

1. Create an OCR User Account

You begin by creating a user profile on the OCR system. This account is used for:

• Name reservation

• Application tracking

• Document uploads

• Payment records

Use a stable email address that will remain active throughout the process.

2. Name Reservation (Online)

Submit up to three proposed names. The portal checks:

• Similarity with existing companies

• Restricted or sensitive words

• Compliance with naming rules

Tip: Add a distinctive word to reduce rejection risk.

3. Prepare Incorporation Documents

Foreign applicants must upload scanned copies of:

• Memorandum of Association (MoA)

• Articles of Association (AoA)

• Passport copies of shareholders and directors

• Board resolution (for foreign corporate shareholders)

• Power of Attorney (if using a local representative)

All foreign documents should be notarised and apostilled.

4. Online Submission via the Portal

Complete the digital incorporation form, including:

• Registered office address in Nepal

• Shareholding structure

• Director details

• Capital structure

Upload documents in the prescribed format and submit.

5. Pay Government Registration Fees

The portal automatically calculates fees based on authorised capital. Payment can be made through integrated banking channels.

6. OCR Review and Certificate Issuance

OCR officers review the application. If compliant, the Company Registration Certificate is issued digitally.

Average timeline:

• Simple cases: 3–7 working days

• Foreign-owned entities: 7–15 working days

Online Portal vs Physical Registration: What’s the Difference?

Insight: The portal is now the primary method. Physical filing is largely legacy.

Can Foreigners Complete the Entire Process Online?

Yes, for incorporation.
No, for the entire business setup.

The online portal for company registration Nepal completes the legal incorporation. However, foreign investors must also complete:

• FDI approval (where applicable)

• Bank account opening

• Capital injection

• PAN/VAT registration

• Industry licenses

This is where many foreign founders face delays without local guidance.

Common Mistakes Foreign Companies Make

Avoid these frequent errors:

• Uploading non-apostilled foreign documents

• Using generic company names

• Incorrect share capital classification

• Missing post-registration compliance

• Assuming OCR approval equals FDI approval

A single mistake can add weeks.

Compliance Framework You Must Know (Foreign Companies)

After using the online portal, your company must comply with:

• Companies Act 2006

• FITTA 2019 (for foreign investment)

• Income Tax Act 2002

• Labour Act 2017

• Social Security Act 2018

Ignoring post-registration compliance is the biggest risk for foreign founders.

How NRNs Benefit from the Online Portal

NRNs enjoy:

• Fully remote registration

• Eligibility for foreign investment incentives

• Easier bank account setup

• Faster approvals compared to non-NRN foreigners

The portal treats NRNs as foreign investors with special recognition.

When You Need Professional Support

You should consider expert help if:

• Your structure involves FDI or a holding company

• You need tax-efficient capital planning

• You want end-to-end compliance handled

• You plan to hire staff immediately

This reduces risk and accelerates market entry.

Why the Online Portal Is a Strategic Advantage for Foreign Companies

Using the online portal:

• Cuts incorporation time by up to 50%

• Reduces administrative uncertainty

• Creates a clear audit trail

• Enables remote founders to move faster

For global companies, this is a serious ease-of-doing-business upgrade.

Conclusion

The online portal for company registration Nepal is now the official, legally valid, and foreign-friendly gateway for entering Nepal’s market. Foreign companies and NRNs can incorporate remotely, efficiently, and transparently. However, true success depends on pairing the portal with correct FDI structuring, tax compliance, and operational setup.

Used correctly, the portal is not just a filing system. It is your first strategic step into Nepal.

Call to Action

Planning to register a company in Nepal from abroad?
Speak with our specialists for end-to-end support, from online portal filing to FDI, tax, payroll, and ongoing compliance.

👉 Book a consultation today

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

Is the online portal for company registration in Nepal legally valid?

Yes. Companies registered through the portal are fully valid under the Companies Act 2006.

Can foreigners register a company in Nepal without visiting?

Yes. Foreigners and NRNs can complete incorporation remotely using the online portal.

Does online registration automatically approve foreign investment?

No. FDI approval is a separate process under FITTA 2019.

How long does online company registration take?

Typically 7–15 working days for foreign-owned companies, if documents are correct.

Can one person be both shareholder and director?

Yes. Nepal allows single-shareholder, single-director private companies.