Nepal Accouting

Documents Needed to Register a Company in Nepal (Checklist 2026)

Vijay Shrestha
Vijay Shrestha Dec 22, 2025 1:11:28 PM 3 min read

If you are researching how to register a company in Nepal, documents are the single biggest factor that decides speed, cost, and approval success.
Most foreign companies face delays not because of policy barriers, but because of incomplete, inconsistent, or incorrectly prepared documents.

This 2026-ready guide gives you the most authoritative, practical checklist for company registration in Nepal. It is written specifically for foreign founders, overseas directors, and international businesses entering Nepal.

By the end, you will know exactly:

  • What documents are legally required

  • Which documents must be notarised or apostilled

  • What changes for foreign-owned companies

  • How to avoid common rejection points at the Office of Company Registrar

Why Documents Matter When Registering a Company in Nepal

Nepal follows a document-driven incorporation system.
Every application is reviewed manually by regulators.

A missing page or mismatched name can delay registration by weeks.

For foreign companies, document scrutiny is even tighter due to:

  • Foreign Investment approval requirements

  • Anti-money laundering checks

  • Beneficial ownership disclosures

Getting the paperwork right is the fastest way to register smoothly.

Overview: How to Register a Company in Nepal (Document Perspective)

At a high level, company registration involves four authorities:

  • Office of the Company Registrar (OCR)

  • Department of Industry (for foreign investment)

  • Inland Revenue Department

  • Local ward office or municipality

Each authority requires specific documents, often overlapping but not identical.

Core Documents Required to Register Any Company in Nepal

These documents apply to all companies, local or foreign.

1. Application for Company Registration

This is submitted online through the OCR portal.

Includes:

  • Proposed company name

  • Company type

  • Registered office address

  • Share capital structure

2. Memorandum of Association (MOA)

The MOA defines:

  • Company objectives

  • Authorised share capital

  • Shareholding structure

  • Liability of shareholders

Objectives must be precise.
Overly broad objectives often trigger revisions.

3. Articles of Association (AOA)

The AOA governs internal management:

  • Director powers

  • Board meetings

  • Share transfers

  • Dividend rules

For foreign companies, governance clauses are closely reviewed.

4. Citizenship or Passport Copies

Required for:

  • All shareholders

  • All directors

Foreign nationals must submit passport copies, not national IDs.

5. Registered Office Address Proof

Accepted documents include:

  • Lease agreement

  • Ownership certificate

  • Landlord consent letter

Virtual offices are not accepted for incorporation.

Additional Documents for Foreign-Owned Companies

Foreign companies must submit extra compliance documents.

6. Foreign Investment Application

Required under Nepal’s foreign investment regime.

Includes:

  • Investment amount

  • Business sector

  • Ownership percentage

  • Funding source

7. Board Resolution of Foreign Parent Company

Mandatory if:

  • A foreign company is the shareholder

  • A foreign entity is investing

The resolution must approve:

  • Investment in Nepal

  • Appointed local director or representative

8. Certificate of Incorporation (Foreign Company)

Issued by the home country authority.

Must be:

  • Notarised

  • Apostilled or embassy-attested

9. Company Charter or Constitution (Foreign Entity)

Confirms:

  • Legal existence

  • Authority to invest overseas

Must match details in the board resolution.

Notarisation, Apostille, and Attestation Requirements

This is where many foreign companies get stuck.

When Apostille Is Required

  • Documents issued outside Nepal

  • Countries that are Hague Convention members

When Embassy Attestation Is Required

  • Countries not part of the Hague Convention

Documents Commonly Requiring Attestation

  • Foreign company incorporation certificate

  • Board resolutions

  • Power of attorney

Incorrect attestation is a common rejection reason.

Power of Attorney (POA): When and Why It’s Needed

A POA is required if:

  • Directors are not physically present in Nepal

  • A consultant or representative files documents

POA must:

  • Clearly define authority

  • Be notarised and attested

  • Match passport details exactly

Document Checklist by Company Type

Company Type Key Documents Complexity Level
Local Private Limited MOA, AOA, citizenship copies Low
Foreign-Owned Pvt Ltd All core + FDI documents High
Branch Office Parent documents + approvals High
Liaison Office Approval letters only Medium

Insight:
Foreign-owned private limited companies face the highest document scrutiny.

Common Mistakes That Delay Company Registration

Avoid these frequent errors:

  • Mismatch between passport names and forms

  • Objectives not aligned with investment sector

  • Missing apostille or incorrect notarisation

  • Incorrect share capital figures

  • Using residential addresses without consent letters

Even one mistake can reset the review cycle.

Estimated Timeline Based on Document Readiness

Document Status Estimated Registration Time
Fully compliant 10–15 working days
Minor corrections 3–5 weeks
Major document issues 6–10 weeks

Preparation saves more time than follow-ups.

Supporting Documents After Incorporation

Once registered, you will also need:

  • PAN/VAT registration documents

  • Bank account opening forms

  • Local ward registration

  • Employment compliance documents

Many founders overlook post-registration paperwork.

Legal Basis and Compliance References

This checklist aligns with:

  • Companies Act 2006

  • Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019

  • Industrial Enterprises Act 2020

  • Inland Revenue Department guidelines

  • Office of Company Registrar directives

These laws define documentation standards applied in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

1. What documents are needed to register a company in Nepal?

You need an application form, MOA, AOA, ID documents, address proof, and foreign investment approvals if applicable.

2. Can a foreigner register a company in Nepal?

Yes. Foreigners can register companies but must submit additional investment and attested documents.

3. Do documents need to be notarised?

Yes. Foreign documents must be notarised and apostilled or embassy-attested.

4. How long does document verification take?

If documents are correct, verification usually takes 7–10 working days.

5. Can I register a company in Nepal remotely?

Yes. With a properly attested power of attorney, physical presence is not required.

Conclusion: How to Register a Company in Nepal Without Document Delays

Understanding how to register a company in Nepal starts with understanding documents.
For foreign companies, paperwork is not a formality. It is the process.

A complete, compliant checklist:

  • Reduces approval time

  • Avoids repeated rejections

  • Ensures long-term compliance

If you want registration done right the first time, document preparation matters more than speed.

Call to Action

Planning to register a company in Nepal as a foreign business?
Get a free document checklist review and timeline assessment before you apply.

👉 Speak with a Nepal incorporation specialist today.

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Vijay Shrestha
Vijay Shrestha

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