If you are a foreign company planning market entry, online company registration Nepal is now the fastest and most transparent route. Yet most delays happen because documents are incomplete, inconsistent, or improperly notarised. In this guide, I break down every document you need, why regulators ask for it, and how to prepare it correctly the first time.
This article is written specifically for foreign founders, CFOs, and legal teams who want clarity, compliance, and speed—without trial and error.
Online registration does not mean a single click process. It refers to digitally filed applications across multiple authorities, supported by physical verification where required.
For foreign investors, online company registration Nepal typically involves:
Office of Company Registrar (OCR)
Department of Industry (DOI) for FDI approval
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) for capital inflow
Inland Revenue Department (IRD)
Each authority asks for specific documents. Consistency across them is critical.
Your documents are assessed under these core laws and guidelines:
Companies Act, 2006
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Rules, 2021
Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020
Nepal Rastra Bank Foreign Exchange Directives
Income Tax Act, 2002
Understanding this framework strengthens your credibility and speeds approvals.
Below is the master checklist. Missing even one item can stall the entire process.
These establish the legal existence of the foreign investor.
Certificate of Incorporation of the foreign company
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Company profile or business registration extract
Board Resolution approving investment in Nepal
Shareholding structure of the foreign entity
All documents must be notarised and apostilled or consularised, depending on country of origin.
Nepal applies strict KYC and AML standards.
Required documents:
Passport copy of each foreign shareholder
Passport copy of proposed directors
Recent passport-sized photographs
Address proof (utility bill or bank statement)
These documents are used across DOI, OCR, and NRB filings.
These define the local entity you are creating.
Proposed company name (3 alternatives)
Memorandum of Association (Nepal entity)
Articles of Association (Nepal entity)
Registered office address in Nepal
Share capital structure and ownership split
Drafting errors in MoA or AoA are among the top reasons for rejection.
For foreign companies, FDI approval is mandatory before OCR registration.
You must submit:
FDI application form (online via DOI portal)
Project report or business plan
Investment schedule and funding timeline
Technology transfer details, if applicable
Your project report should clearly explain revenue model, employment impact, and sector eligibility.
Nepal Rastra Bank closely monitors capital inflows.
Documents include:
Bank reference letter from foreign bank
Commitment letter for capital investment
Proposed capital repatriation plan
Source of funds declaration
These documents ensure foreign exchange compliance.
| Authority | Key Documents Required | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| OCR | MoA, AoA, IDs, address | Inconsistent share capital |
| DOI | Project report, board resolution | Weak business justification |
| NRB | Bank letters, source of funds | Missing apostille |
| IRD | Lease agreement, IDs | Address mismatch |
Insight: Alignment across all authorities reduces registration time by up to 40 percent in practice.
Many foreign founders assume these come later. They do not.
Office lease agreement (even virtual office)
Consent letter from property owner
Power of Attorney for local representative
Specimen signatures of directors
Declaration of ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO)
Preparing these early avoids last-minute bottlenecks.
While online company registration Nepal is digital-first, some steps still require physical handling.
FDI application
Company incorporation forms
Tax registration application
Original notarised documents
Bank capital deposit slips
Stamp duty documents
Understanding this hybrid model helps you plan timelines realistically.
Incorrect notarisation is one of the costliest mistakes.
General rule:
Hague Convention countries → Apostille
Non-Hague countries → Embassy or consular legalisation
Documents must be notarised before apostille or consularisation. Reversing the order invalidates them.
Well-prepared documents directly affect speed.
Document preparation: 7–14 days
FDI approval: 10–15 working days
OCR registration: 3–5 working days
Tax and bank setup: 5–7 working days
Total average timeline: 25–40 days, depending on sector and clarity.
Avoid these recurring errors:
Mismatch between MoA and project report
Unclear ownership percentages
Expired passport copies
Generic board resolutions
Non-compliant business objectives
Professional review before submission saves weeks.
Foreign investors face higher scrutiny than local founders.
Expert support ensures:
Documents aligned with Nepal law
Faster DOI and NRB approvals
Zero resubmission cycles
Bank-ready compliance files
This is especially critical if you plan profit repatriation later.
If you are planning online company registration Nepal, document accuracy is everything. Our team supports foreign companies from document drafting to final approval, including FDI, banking, tax, and compliance setup.
👉 Book a free consultation to review your documents before submission and avoid costly delays.
Online company registration Nepal has simplified market entry—but only for investors who prepare correctly. With the right documents, aligned filings, and legal clarity, Nepal can be one of South Asia’s most efficient destinations for foreign expansion.
Prepare once. Register right. Scale with confidence.
No. Applications are online, but original documents still require physical verification by authorities.
Yes. Hague Convention countries require apostille. Others need embassy legalisation.
Yes. Nepal allows 100 percent foreign ownership in most approved sectors.
No. Foreign directors are allowed, but a local representative is recommended.
Minimum foreign investment is NPR 20 million, subject to sector rules.