Company Registration Portal in Nepal (OCR Nepal) A Beginner’s Guide

Company registration in Nepal has become faster, more transparent, and largely digital thanks to the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) Nepal online portal.

For foreign companies exploring Nepal as a market, delivery hub, or outsourcing destination, understanding the OCR Nepal system is the first and most critical step.

This beginner’s guide explains how the company registration portal in Nepal works, what foreign investors need, common mistakes to avoid, and how to complete registration efficiently while staying compliant with Nepali law.

Whether you are setting up a private limited company, preparing for FDI approval, or evaluating Nepal as a South Asian base, this guide gives you clarity and confidence.

What Is the Company Registration Portal in Nepal (OCR Nepal)?

The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) operates under Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.

The OCR Nepal online portal is the official government platform used for:

• Company name reservation

• Company incorporation

• Director and shareholder filings

• Memorandum and Articles submission

• Statutory updates and amendments

For anyone serious about company registration in Nepal, this portal is unavoidable.

Why the OCR Nepal Portal Matters for Foreign Companies

Foreign companies often underestimate the importance of OCR compliance.

The OCR portal is not just a formality. It is the legal foundation of your Nepal presence.

Key reasons it matters:

• It creates your company’s legal identity

• Banks require OCR certificates to open accounts

• FDI approval references OCR filings

• Tax registration depends on OCR data

• Non-compliance can invalidate contracts

In short, no OCR registration means no lawful business activity.

Types of Companies You Can Register Through OCR Nepal

The OCR portal supports multiple company structures under the Companies Act, 2006.

Common options for foreign companies

• Private Limited Company (most popular)

• Public Limited Company

• Not-for-Profit Company

• Branch Office (via separate approvals)

• Liaison Office (non-revenue activities only)

For most foreign investors, private limited company registration in Nepal is the recommended structure.

Legal Framework Governing Company Registration in Nepal

Company registration is not governed by the portal alone. It is backed by strong legislation.

Key laws include:

• Companies Act, 2006

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019

• Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020

• Income Tax Act, 2002

Using the OCR portal correctly ensures your registration aligns with all of these laws.

Step-by-Step Process: Company Registration in Nepal via OCR Portal

Step 1: Create an OCR Portal Account

You must first register a user account on the OCR Nepal system.

You will need:

• Email address

• Contact details

• Identity details of the applicant

This account becomes the single source of truth for all future filings.

Step 2: Company Name Reservation

Before incorporation, you must reserve a company name.

Name approval rules:

• Must be unique

• Must not resemble existing companies

• Certain regulated words require approvals

Name reservation is done fully online and usually processed within 1–3 working days.

Step 3: Prepare Incorporation Documents

You will upload digital versions of:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Articles of Association (AOA)

• Citizenship or passport copies

• Shareholding structure

Foreign shareholders must submit notarised and apostilled documents.

Step 4: Submit Online Application

Once documents are uploaded, the application is submitted through the OCR portal.

The system automatically calculates:

• Government registration fees

• Capital-based charges

This step legally initiates company registration in Nepal.

Step 5: Review and Approval by OCR

OCR officers review the submission.

They may:

• Approve directly

• Request clarifications

• Reject incomplete filings

Timelines depend on document quality, not just portal speed.

Step 6: Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation

Once approved, you receive:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• Company registration number

• Digital records in the OCR system

Your company now legally exists in Nepal.

Typical Timeline for Company Registration in Nepal

Foreign-owned companies may take longer if FDI approvals are required in parallel.

Common Mistakes Foreign Companies Make on OCR Nepal

Avoid these frequent errors:

• Uploading unsigned documents

• Using incorrect share capital figures

• Mismatch between OCR and FDI filings

• Choosing the wrong business objective

• Assuming OCR equals FDI approval

OCR registration is necessary but not sufficient for foreign investment.

OCR Registration vs FDI Approval: Key Differences

Understanding this distinction prevents costly delays.

Documents Required for Foreign Company Registration

Foreign shareholders must provide additional documentation.

Typical requirements include:

• Passport copies

• Board resolution of parent company

• Notarised shareholding declarations

• Power of attorney

• Investment commitment letter

All documents must align exactly with OCR portal data.

Cost of Company Registration in Nepal

OCR fees depend on authorised capital.

Government fees range from:

• NPR 1,000 for very small entities

• Up to NPR 15,000+ for higher capital

Professional fees vary depending on complexity and foreign involvement.

Compliance Obligations After OCR Registration

Company registration is just the beginning.

After OCR approval, you must complete:

• PAN and VAT registration

• Bank account opening

• FDI approval (if applicable)

• Annual OCR filings

• Shareholder and director updates

Non-compliance can lead to penalties and deregistration.

Why Professional Support Matters for OCR Nepal Filings

While the portal looks simple, foreign companies face hidden complexity.

Professional support helps with:

• Structuring share capital correctly

• Drafting compliant MOA and AOA

• Coordinating OCR with FDI approvals

• Avoiding rejections and delays

• Long-term compliance planning

This reduces risk and saves time.

Who Should Use the OCR Nepal Portal?

The OCR portal is suitable for:

• Foreign startups entering Nepal

• Outsourcing and IT companies

• Consulting and professional services firms

• Manufacturing and trading companies

• Holding companies for South Asia

If Nepal is part of your growth strategy, OCR registration is unavoidable.

How Nepal Compares Regionally for Business Registration

Nepal stands out due to:

• English-language legal framework

• Competitive labour costs

• Strategic access to India and China

• Growing digital government services

The OCR portal is a key part of this modernization.

Final Thoughts: Company Registration in Nepal Made Clear

Company registration in Nepal through the OCR Nepal portal is a structured, rule-based process designed to protect investors and promote transparency.

For foreign companies, success depends on:

• Understanding legal requirements

• Using the OCR portal correctly

• Aligning OCR filings with FDI rules

• Planning compliance beyond registration

With the right guidance, Nepal offers a stable and cost-effective entry point into South Asia.

Call to Action

Thinking about company registration in Nepal?

Speak with our Nepal market entry and FDI specialists to ensure your OCR registration, FDI approval, and compliance are handled correctly from day one.

👉 Book a free consultation today and start your Nepal expansion with confidence.

FAQ: Company Registration Portal in Nepal (OCR Nepal)

1. Is OCR registration mandatory for company registration in Nepal?

Yes. All companies must register through the OCR portal to obtain legal status in Nepal.

2. Can foreigners directly register a company in Nepal?

Yes, but foreign investment requires additional FDI approval alongside OCR registration.

3. How long does company registration in Nepal take?

Typically 7–15 working days, depending on document readiness and approvals.

4. Does OCR registration allow business operations immediately?

No. Foreign-owned companies must complete FDI and tax registrations first.

5. Can OCR filings be updated later?

Yes. Director changes, share transfers, and amendments are filed through the same portal.