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.
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.
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.
Foreigners typically choose one of the following structures:
Most common option. Allows profit repatriation and long-term operations.
Suitable for overseas companies executing projects in Nepal.
Non-commercial presence only. No revenue generation allowed.
For most foreign companies, a Private Limited Company with FDI approval is the preferred structure.
Below is the simplified flow used in practice.
Submit 2–3 proposed names through the OCR portal.
Includes:
Memorandum of Association
Articles of Association
Shareholder and director details
Documents are uploaded digitally and reviewed by OCR officers.
Issued electronically once approved.
Foreign investors must obtain approval from:
Department of Industry (DOI) or
Investment Board Nepal (IBN) for large investments
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.
Foreign companies need additional documentation beyond local applicants.
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.
For foreign companies, timing depends on coordination.
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 1–2 working days |
| OCR registration | 5–7 working days |
| FDI approval | 15–30 working days |
| Bank account & capital inflow | 7–10 working days |
Total estimated time: 4–6 weeks with proper planning.
Government fees are modest, but compliance costs matter.
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.
| Aspect | Online Process | Traditional Process |
|---|---|---|
| Submission | Digital | Physical |
| Transparency | High | Moderate |
| Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Foreign compliance | Still required | Still required |
Insight: Online registration improves efficiency but does not eliminate regulatory complexity for foreigners.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Foreign founders benefit from:
Faster approvals
Reduced compliance risk
Single-point coordination
Ongoing accounting and HR support
This is especially critical for regulated industries.
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.
Not entirely. While filing is online, notarisation, banking, and capital inflow still require offline steps and local coordination.
There is no universal minimum. Capital requirements depend on sectoral thresholds set by DOI or IBN and the approved business plan.
For foreign companies, the full process typically takes 4–6 weeks when documentation is prepared correctly.
Yes. FITTA 2019 guarantees repatriation of profits and capital, subject to tax clearance and NRB procedures.
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.
Planning to register your company in Nepal online?
Speak with a Nepal market-entry specialist to structure your investment correctly, avoid delays, and stay fully compliant from day one.