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.
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.
Before reviewing the documents required for company registration Nepal, you must confirm the entity type. Each structure has slightly different documentation.
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.
This is the master list of documents required for company registration Nepal when a foreign company incorporates a private limited company.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Company registration and FDI approval are interlinked. Foreign investors must also submit documents to the investment authority.
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.
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.
One of the most misunderstood aspects of documents required for company registration Nepal is document legalisation.
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.
Proper documentation dramatically reduces registration time.
| Documentation Status | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| All documents complete | 2–4 weeks |
| Minor corrections needed | 4–6 weeks |
| Major document gaps | 8+ weeks |
| Incorrect legalisation | Indefinite delay |
This table reflects real registration outcomes observed in Nepal.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Foreigners can register remotely by issuing a notarised Power of Attorney to a local representative. Physical presence is not mandatory for incorporation.
Typically 15–25 documents, depending on shareholder structure, industry, and whether FDI approval is required.
Foreign documents must be notarised in the home country. Local documents are notarised in Nepal.
Yes. A project report or business plan is required for FDI approval, especially for service or technology businesses.
Most notarised foreign documents should be issued within the last 90 days to avoid rejection.