How Long Does It Take to Register a Company in Nepal Timeline Explained

If you are researching how to register a company in Nepal, one of the first questions you will ask is simple: how long does it take?
For foreign companies, timelines matter. Delays affect budgets, hiring, and market entry plans.

The good news is that Nepal’s company registration process is predictable when done correctly. The challenge is that foreign ownership, sector approvals, and compliance steps can stretch timelines if not planned properly.

This guide explains the realistic timeline for company registration in Nepal, step by step. It is written specifically for foreign founders, investors, and international businesses.

Why Timeline Planning Matters for Foreign Companies

For local founders, registration is relatively fast. For foreign companies, timelines vary based on approvals, investment structure, and document readiness.

Delays usually happen because of:

• Incorrect documents

• Missing foreign investment approvals

• Poor coordination between agencies

• Underestimating post-registration steps

Understanding the full timeline upfront helps you:

• Plan capital deployment

• Schedule hiring

• Avoid compliance penalties

• Enter the Nepal market smoothly

Overview: How Long Does It Take to Register a Company in Nepal?

At a high level, the timeline looks like this:

• Local company: 3–7 working days

• Foreign-owned company: 15–45 working days

• FDI-heavy or regulated sectors: 30–60+ working days

The difference lies in approvals, not in the basic company registration itself.

Step-by-Step Timeline: How to Register a Company in Nepal

1. Name Reservation and Company Registration (Day 1–3)

All companies are incorporated through the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR).

Timeline:

• Name reservation: same day

• Company incorporation approval: 1–3 working days

Key documents required:

• Proposed company name

• Memorandum of Association

• Articles of Association

• Shareholder and director details

For foreign companies, documents must be notarised and, in some cases, apostilled.

2. Foreign Investment Approval (Day 7–30)

If any foreign shareholder is involved, foreign investment approval is mandatory under Nepal’s investment laws.

Approvals are governed by:

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019

• Industrial and sector-specific regulations

Depending on the investment size, approvals come from:

• Department of Industry

• Investment Board Nepal

Timeline:

• Small to medium investments: 7–15 working days

• Large or regulated investments: 20–30 working days

This stage determines most delays.

3. Company Registration Certificate Issued (Day 3–5)

Once OCR approves the incorporation:

• Company Registration Certificate is issued

• Legal existence begins

At this point, your company exists legally but cannot operate yet.

4. PAN and VAT Registration (Day 1–3)

After incorporation, you must register for tax with Nepal’s Inland Revenue Office.

Timeline:

• PAN registration: same day

• VAT registration (if applicable): 1–2 working days

Without PAN, you cannot open bank accounts or issue invoices.

5. Bank Account Opening and Capital Injection (Day 5–10)

Foreign companies must open:

• Local Nepali bank account

• Capital account for foreign investment

Capital must be injected through banking channels and reported.

Regulated by Nepal Rastra Bank.

Timeline:

• Bank KYC and account opening: 3–7 working days

• Capital verification: additional 2–3 days

6. Local Ward and Business Registration (Day 1–2)

Companies must register with:

• Local ward office

• Municipality for business operation

This step is often overlooked but mandatory.

7. Sector-Specific Licences (If Applicable)

Some sectors require additional approvals:

• IT and outsourcing

• Education and training

• Energy and infrastructure

• Financial services

Timeline:

• Unregulated sectors: no extra time

• Regulated sectors: 7–30 working days

Total Timeline Summary

What Factors Affect Registration Time?

Several variables influence how long it takes to register a company in Nepal.

Key factors include:

• Foreign ownership percentage

• Industry classification

• Investment amount

• Document quality

• Experience of advisors

Common causes of delays:

• Incorrect notarisation

• Incomplete shareholder documents

• Misclassified business activities

• Bank compliance issues

Fast-Track vs Standard Registration: What’s the Difference?

Professional support does not bypass laws. It removes friction.

Compliance After Registration: Often Ignored

Registering a company is not the finish line.

Foreign companies must also comply with:

• Labour laws

• Social security registration

• Annual filings

• Tax compliance

Ignoring post-registration compliance leads to penalties.

Legal Framework Governing Company Registration

Company registration timelines are influenced by:

• Companies Act 2006

• Foreign investment regulations

• Tax and banking guidelines

These laws define approvals, reporting obligations, and timelines.

Practical Tips to Reduce Registration Time

1. Finalise business activities clearly

2. Prepare notarised documents early

3. Structure shareholding correctly

4. Use compliant banking channels

5. Engage local experts from day one

Small mistakes can add weeks.

How to Register a Company in Nepal: Timeline Recap

To summarise, how to register a company in Nepal depends less on the law and more on preparation.

With proper planning:

• Registration can be completed in weeks, not months

• Compliance risks are minimised

• Market entry becomes predictable

Call to Action

If you are planning to enter Nepal and want a clear registration timeline, compliant structure, and zero surprises, speak with a specialist.

👉 Book a free consultation to map your company registration timeline in Nepal and avoid costly delays.

FAQs: How Long Does It Take to Register a Company in Nepal?

How long does company registration in Nepal take for foreigners?

Foreign-owned companies typically take 15–45 working days. The timeline depends on foreign investment approvals, sector regulations, and document readiness.

Can a company be registered in Nepal before FDI approval?

The legal entity can be incorporated, but operations and capital injection require foreign investment approval under Nepalese law.

What is the fastest way to register a company in Nepal?

Clear documentation, correct sector classification, and professional handling can reduce timelines to 15–30 working days.

Is online company registration available in Nepal?

Yes. The OCR portal allows online filing, but foreign companies still require physical approvals and banking compliance.

What causes delays in company registration in Nepal?

Incomplete documents, incorrect notarisation, banking compliance issues, and sector-specific approvals cause most delays.