Company Registration in Nepal Using OCR Portal

If you’re a foreign company looking to expand into Nepal, one of the biggest stumbling blocks is navigating the legal and digital systems required for company registration. The concept of company registration in Nepal using the OCR portal sounds straightforward, but in practice it involves understanding multiple authorities, digital processes, foreign investment rules and compliance obligations.

In this guide you will learn how to use the online system of the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) step-by-step, what legal frameworks apply (such as the Companies Act 2006, the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2019 and NRB directives), how to handle foreign ownership rules, and how to set up PAN, VAT, labour registration and audit compliance. By the end you’ll have a clear roadmap and know how DCV can help you register your company smoothly.

Understanding the Legal Framework Behind Online Registration

Before delving into the OCR portal process, it’s vital to understand the foundations:

• The Companies Act 2006 (and Rules 2064) governs the formation, registration and operation of companies in Nepal.

• FITTA 2019 governs foreign direct investment (FDI), technology transfer and foreign ownership rules.

• The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) directives regulate capital inflow/outflow for foreign-owned companies.

• The Industrial Enterprises Act 2020 offers classification and incentives for industries.

• Taxation laws including the Income Tax Act 2002 and VAT Act 1996 regulate tax compliance post-registration.

• Labour Act 2017 and Social Security Act 2018 govern workforce compliance and social security fund obligations.

These laws interplay with the OCR portal. For example, a foreign investor must satisfy FITTA 2019 and NRB verification before relying on OCR registration to engage in business operations or repatriate profits.

Why the OCR Portal Matters for Foreign Investors

The OCR portal (via CAMIS or e-Services) is Nepal’s digital gateway for company registration. The site allows name reservation, document upload, tracking of application status and issuance of digital certificates. 

For foreign companies this means:

• You can initiate registration remotely.

• You gain transparency via application tracking.

• You avoid many delays by proper digital submission.

• You create a legally recognised entity eligible under Nepal law (e.g., for FDI) rather than relying on informal structures.

Using the portal correctly helps you remove bottlenecks and meet all statutory requirements efficiently.

Step-by-Step Guide to Company Registration via OCR Portal

Here is the process broken down into clear steps so foreign companies can plan their timeline and compliance.

Step 1: Create Your OCR Portal Account

You must first create a user account on OCR’s e-Services system. Provide your email address, contact number, and citizenship/passport details. Once the account is approved, you’ll receive credentials. Make sure you have a reliable scanned identity document, and set up from abroad if needed via your local representative.

Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name

Through the portal navigate to “Name Check/Reservation” and submit your proposed name in both English and Nepali. The name must be unique, avoid restricted words, and reflect your business purpose. Approval typically comes in 2-4 days.
Plan for name approval before uploading core documents; name approval is a prerequisite for the full registration.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

You’ll need:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Articles of Association (AOA).

• Shareholder and director identity documents (citizenship or passport).

• Proof of registered address (lease, utility bill).

• For foreign investors: certified parent company registration, board resolution, power of attorney.
  Also align with the Companies Act 2006 requirements and FITTA 2019 approvals if foreign‐owned.

Step 4: Submit the Registration Application Online

Log into your OCR account, fill the registration form, upload documents, and ensure alignment of name, objectives, share structure and director details. Pay any applicable fees once the system indicates the amount.
Documents will be checked for consistency with what you stated during name reservation and for compliance with the Companies Act and Rules.

Step 5: Officer Review, Payment and Certificate Issuance

The OCR officer will review your submission. If everything is in order you will make payment of registration fees, and then OCR issues the Certificate of Incorporation via email or portal download. Applications with foreign shareholding may require coordination with FITTA and NRB before final certificate. 

Step 6: Post-Registration Compliance and Next Steps

Once registered you must proceed with:

• PAN registration under Income Tax Act 2002 and, if eligible, VAT registration under VAT Act 1996.

• Social Security Fund registration for employees under the Social Security Act 2018.

• Open corporate bank account (for foreign companies ensure NRB verification of capital inflow).

• Annual audit and returns under the Companies Act 2006.
  Without these steps your company cannot fully operate or access many benefits.

Benefits and Key Requirements at a Glance

Below are key highlights for foreign companies using the OCR portal:

• Online remote registration capability.

• Legal recognition enabling contracts, banking and investment.

• Integration with FDI approvals for foreign ownership.

• Structured tax and labour compliance from day one.

Highlights and Requirements:

• Unique company name in English and Nepali.

• Complete and accurate documentation of shareholders, directors and objectives.

• For foreign investors: FDI/NRB verification under FITTA and NRB directives.

• Use of digital uploads and recognised digital signatures where required.

• Post-incorporation compliance (PAN, VAT, SSF, audit).

Domestic vs Foreign Company Registration via OCR Portal

Special Considerations for Foreign Investors

When foreign capital or foreign directors are involved, the OCR process must align with FITTA 2019 and NRB directives. You must ensure your MOA/AOA reflect foreign shareholding, capital inflow must follow convertible currency and banking channel rules, and your ability to repatriate profits depends on NRB certification.

Foreign companies often appoint a local representative to submit documents and manage the portal uploads. They must also open an FDI account and obtain certification from NRB before commencing operations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though the OCR portal streamlines many steps, errors still delay applications. Avoid:

• Submitting name reservation with duplicate or similar names.

• Uploading blurred or incomplete document scans.

• Misalignment between MOA/AOA and actual business objective or share structure.

• Ignoring foreign investment conditions when foreign capital is involved.

• Forgetting post-registration compliance such as PAN, VAT or SSF.

Proper planning and alignment with OCR and FDI requirements help avoid rejections and time loss.

Corporate Governance, Audit and Compliance Post Registration

After registration you must comply with the Companies Act 2006 sections on annual general meetings, director accountability, and annual audit (Sections 109-110).
Registered companies must maintain proper books of accounts, have them audited by a certified auditor, hold AGMs and file annual returns. These governance steps enhance your credibility and ensure you remain eligible for banking, government contracts and foreign investment.

How DCV Helps You Navigate OCR Portal Registration

At Digital Consulting Ventures we provide end-to-end support: from name reservation and portal submission through document preparation, foreign investment approvals, NRB inflow verification, PAN/VAT registration, labour and social security registrations and ongoing audit and compliance support.

We help you:

• Choose a compliant company name and reserve it via the OCR portal.

• Prepare MOA/AOA aligned with your investment, industry and FITTA rules.

• Upload all documents correctly to lighten OCR review time.

• Manage foreign investor requirements, FDI approvals and NRB verification if applicable.

• Coordinate post-registration compliance, facilitating smooth operations from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time does company registration via the OCR portal take?
For domestic companies the online registration process often completes within 7–10 business days. For foreign-owned companies it can take 10–25 business days due to investment approvals.

Can a foreign company register entirely online via OCR portal?
Yes. A foreign entity can complete the OCR submission online. Additional approvals under FITTA 2019 and NRB verification apply for foreign capital.

What documents must be uploaded on the OCR portal for registration?
You’ll need MOA, AOA, shareholder/director IDs, address proof, business objectives and, if foreign investment is involved, FDI approval and bank remittance evidence.

Is physical presence required at OCR after online submission?
In most cases the process can be handled remotely via the portal. Some original documents or notarised copies may still need to be submitted or witnessed locally.

What happens if OCR rejects my application submitted online?
OCR will send remarks or correction requests via the portal. You must address comments, rectify the issue and resubmit. Delays often arise from mismatched documents or non-compliance with legal requirements.

Using the OCR portal for company registration in Nepal offers foreign and local investors a streamlined, transparent and efficient path to legally recognising your business. When correctly managed and aligned with the Companies Act, FITTA 2019 and NRB directives, you can launch your operations, hire staff and access banking and compliance infrastructure with confidence.

At Digital Consulting Ventures we combine legal, tax and compliance expertise so that your registration process is seamless. Whether you are a foreign investor or making your first step into Nepal’s market, book a consultation today to start your registration in Nepal with expert support and zero surprises.