FAQs on Online Company Registration in Nepal (Updated for 2026)

Online company registration Nepal has transformed how foreign companies enter the Nepali market. What once required weeks of physical filings can now be started digitally through government portals. Yet, for non-residents, the process still raises practical and legal questions.

This updated 2026 guide answers the most common FAQs foreign founders ask. It combines legal accuracy, regulatory context, and real-world execution insights so you can move forward with confidence.

What Is Online Company Registration in Nepal?

Online company registration in Nepal refers to the digital incorporation process managed by the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) under the Companies Act, 2006.

Through the OCR portal, applicants can:

• Reserve a company name

• Submit incorporation documents

• Obtain a company registration certificate

For foreign companies, this online step is only part of a wider regulatory journey.

Can Foreign Companies Use Online Company Registration in Nepal?

Yes. Foreign companies can initiate online company registration in Nepal. However, they must also comply with foreign investment rules.

Foreign ownership is governed by:

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2019

• Industrial Enterprises Act 2020

• Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) foreign exchange regulations

Online filing handles corporate registration. Foreign investment approval runs in parallel.

What Types of Companies Can Be Registered Online?

Foreigners typically choose one of the following structures:

1. Private Limited Company

Most common option. Allows profit repatriation and long-term operations.

2. Branch Office

Suitable for overseas companies executing projects in Nepal.

3. Liaison Office

Non-commercial presence only. No revenue generation allowed.

For most foreign companies, a Private Limited Company with FDI approval is the preferred structure.

Step-by-Step Online Company Registration Process (Foreigners)

Below is the simplified flow used in practice.

Step 1: Name Reservation (Online)

Submit 2–3 proposed names through the OCR portal.

Step 2: Prepare Incorporation Documents

Includes:

• Memorandum of Association

• Articles of Association

• Shareholder and director details

Step 3: Online Submission to OCR

Documents are uploaded digitally and reviewed by OCR officers.

Step 4: Obtain Company Registration Certificate

Issued electronically once approved.

Step 5: Parallel FDI Approval

Foreign investors must obtain approval from:

• Department of Industry (DOI) or

• Investment Board Nepal (IBN) for large investments

Key Laws Governing Online Company Registration in Nepal

Foreign companies should understand the legal framework behind the online process.

• Companies Act, 2006 – governs incorporation and corporate governance

• FITTA 2019 – regulates foreign investment rights and protections

• Labour Act 2017 – applies once employees are hired

• Income Tax Act 2002 – corporate taxation

• NRB Unified Directives – capital inflow and repatriation

These laws determine what online registration can and cannot achieve.

Documents Required for Online Company Registration

Foreign companies need additional documentation beyond local applicants.

Core documents include:

• Passport copies of shareholders and directors

• Parent company incorporation certificate

• Board resolution approving Nepal investment

• Notarised and apostilled documents

• Proposed shareholding structure

All foreign documents must be notarised and, in many cases, apostilled.

Timeline: How Long Does Online Company Registration Take?

For foreign companies, timing depends on coordination.

Total estimated time: 4–6 weeks with proper planning.

Costs of Online Company Registration in Nepal

Government fees are modest, but compliance costs matter.

Typical cost components:

• OCR registration fees

• Name reservation fees

• FDI application fees

• Legal and advisory support

• Notarisation and apostille costs

Foreign companies should budget beyond just online filing fees.

Online Registration vs Traditional Registration: Key Differences

Insight: Online registration improves efficiency but does not eliminate regulatory complexity for foreigners.

Common Mistakes Foreign Companies Make

Avoid these frequent pitfalls:

• Assuming online registration equals FDI approval

• Underestimating document notarisation requirements

• Delaying NRB compliance planning

• Choosing the wrong investment structure

• Ignoring post-registration tax obligations

These mistakes cause delays and compliance risks.

Post-Registration Compliance Obligations

Online company registration in Nepal is only the beginning.

Foreign companies must comply with:

• Permanent Account Number (PAN) registration

• VAT registration (if applicable)

• Social Security Fund (SSF) enrollment

• Annual returns to OCR

• Tax filings and audits

Failure to comply can lead to penalties or operational suspension.

Taxation Overview for Foreign-Owned Companies

Key points:

• Corporate tax generally ranges from 20%–30%, depending on sector

• Dividends are subject to withholding tax

• Repatriation requires tax clearance and NRB approval

Nepal offers incentives in priority sectors such as IT, hydropower, and manufacturing.

Repatriation of Profits: What Foreigners Should Know

Nepal legally allows:

• Repatriation of profits

• Repatriation of dividends

• Repatriation of capital upon exit

This right is protected under FITTA 2019, subject to tax clearance and banking procedures.

Is Online Company Registration in Nepal Fully Digital?

Partially. While OCR filings are online:

• Bank account opening requires physical presence

• Notarisation is offline

• Some FDI approvals still involve physical review

A hybrid approach is still required in 2026.

Why Work With a Local Compliance Partner?

Foreign founders benefit from:

• Faster approvals

• Reduced compliance risk

• Single-point coordination

• Ongoing accounting and HR support

This is especially critical for regulated industries.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

Can foreigners register a company online in Nepal?

Yes. Foreigners can initiate online company registration in Nepal through the OCR portal. However, they must also secure foreign investment approval under FITTA 2019 before operations begin.

Is online company registration in Nepal fully remote?

Not entirely. While filing is online, notarisation, banking, and capital inflow still require offline steps and local coordination.

How much capital is required for foreign investors?

There is no universal minimum. Capital requirements depend on sectoral thresholds set by DOI or IBN and the approved business plan.

How long does the full process take?

For foreign companies, the full process typically takes 4–6 weeks when documentation is prepared correctly.

Can profits be repatriated outside Nepal?

Yes. FITTA 2019 guarantees repatriation of profits and capital, subject to tax clearance and NRB procedures.

Conclusion

Online company registration Nepal has made market entry faster and more transparent for foreign companies. Yet success depends on understanding the full legal and compliance framework beyond the online portal.

With the right structure, documentation, and guidance, Nepal offers a stable and attractive destination for foreign investment in 2026 and beyond.

Call to Action

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