Documents for Company Registration in Nepal

Understanding the documents required for company registration Nepal is the first critical step for any foreign company planning to enter the Nepali market. Nepal welcomes foreign investment, but its incorporation process is document-driven and compliance-focused. Missing or incorrect paperwork is the most common reason registrations get delayed.

This guide is written specifically for foreign founders, CFOs, and expansion leaders. It explains what documents you need, why each one matters, and how to prepare them correctly the first time.

Why Nepal’s Documentation Rules Matter for Foreign Companies

Nepal follows a civil-law-based regulatory system. Authorities rely heavily on formal documentation rather than discretion.

For foreign investors, this means:

• Every document must match exactly across jurisdictions

• Notarisation and consularisation are often mandatory

• Translations must be legally certified

• Regulatory sequencing matters

Company registration is governed primarily by the Companies Act 2006 and administered by the Office of the Company Registrar.

Types of Business Entities Foreigners Can Register in Nepal

Before reviewing the documents required for company registration Nepal, you must confirm the entity type. Each structure has slightly different documentation.

Common options for foreign companies

• Private Limited Company (with FDI)

• Branch Office

• Liaison Office

• Joint Venture Company

Most foreign investors choose a Private Limited Company with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) because it allows revenue generation and long-term operations.

Documents Required for Company Registration Nepal (Core Checklist)

This is the master list of documents required for company registration Nepal when a foreign company incorporates a private limited company.

1. Company Name Reservation Documents

Before incorporation, you must reserve a company name.

Required documents include:

• Proposed company name (minimum three alternatives)

• Brief description of business activities

• Online name reservation application via OCR portal

Tip: Names must not resemble existing Nepali companies or restricted terms.

2. Constitutional Documents of the Nepali Company

These define how the company operates.

Required documents:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Articles of Association (AOA)

These must specify:

• Company objectives

• Share capital structure

• Director powers

• Share transfer rules

Foreign ownership percentages must be clearly stated.

3. Foreign Shareholder Documents (Individual Investors)

If shareholders are individuals, prepare the following:

• Passport copy (clear and valid)

• Passport-size photographs

• Proof of permanent address

• Personal profile or CV (sometimes requested)

• Notarised signature specimen

All foreign documents must be notarised in the home country.

4. Foreign Shareholder Documents (Corporate Investors)

If the shareholder is a foreign company, documentation is more extensive.

You will need:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• Memorandum and Articles of Association

• Board resolution approving Nepal investment

• Shareholding structure of the parent company

• Power of Attorney to local representative

These must be:

• Notarised

• Apostilled or consularised

• Translated into English if required

5. Director and Local Representative Documents

Nepal requires at least one director. A local authorised representative is also mandatory.

Documents required:

• Passport copies of directors

• Photographs of directors

• Appointment consent letters

• Specimen signatures

• Power of Attorney for local representative

Documents Required for Company Registration Nepal for FDI Approval

Company registration and FDI approval are interlinked. Foreign investors must also submit documents to the investment authority.

Additional FDI-specific documents

• FDI application form

• Detailed project report or business plan

• Source of funds declaration

• Bank reference letter from investor’s bank

• Commitment letter for capital injection

FDI is regulated under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019.

Capital and Banking Documents

After provisional approval, you must open a bank account in Nepal.

Documents include:

• OCR-issued company registration certificate

• PAN registration application

• Board resolution for bank account opening

• KYC forms from Nepali bank

• Share capital commitment documents

Capital must be remitted through formal banking channels.

Translation, Notarisation, and Legalisation Rules

One of the most misunderstood aspects of documents required for company registration Nepal is document legalisation.

Key compliance rules

• Foreign documents must be notarised in the home country

• Some jurisdictions require apostille

• Others require Nepali embassy consularisation

• Translations must be certified

Incorrect legalisation is a leading cause of rejection.

Timeline Impact of Missing Documents

Proper documentation dramatically reduces registration time.

This table reflects real registration outcomes observed in Nepal.

Common Mistakes Foreign Companies Make

Avoid these frequent errors:

• Mismatch between passport and company documents

• Generic board resolutions without Nepal-specific wording

• Unclear business objectives in MOA

• Incorrect shareholding percentages

• Late submission of FDI paperwork

Most of these issues are preventable with proper guidance.

Documents Checklist Summary (Quick View)

Here is a simplified checklist for quick reference.

• Name reservation application

• MOA and AOA

• Foreign shareholder passports or incorporation certificates

• Board resolutions

• Power of Attorney

• Director consent letters

• FDI application and project report

• Bank and capital documents

Why Professional Support Matters

Nepal’s regulatory system is precise, not flexible. Professional support ensures:

• Correct sequencing of submissions

• Compliant document drafting

• Faster approvals

• Lower rejection risk

This is especially important for regulated sectors.

Call to Action

If you are planning to invest or expand into Nepal, getting the documents required for company registration Nepal right from day one saves time and money.

👉 Speak with our Nepal incorporation specialists for a free document checklist and pre-filing review.

Conclusion

The documents required for company registration Nepal are detailed but manageable when approached correctly. Foreign companies that prepare accurate, legally compliant paperwork enjoy faster registration and smoother operations. With the right structure and expert support, Nepal can be an efficient and rewarding market for expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

1. Can a foreigner register a company in Nepal without visiting?

Yes. Foreigners can register remotely by issuing a notarised Power of Attorney to a local representative. Physical presence is not mandatory for incorporation.

2. How many documents are required for company registration Nepal?

Typically 15–25 documents, depending on shareholder structure, industry, and whether FDI approval is required.

3. Do documents need to be notarised in Nepal?

Foreign documents must be notarised in the home country. Local documents are notarised in Nepal.

4. Is a business plan mandatory for foreign companies?

Yes. A project report or business plan is required for FDI approval, especially for service or technology businesses.

5. How long are company registration documents valid?

Most notarised foreign documents should be issued within the last 90 days to avoid rejection.