How Long Does Online Company Registration Take in Nepal

Online company registration Nepal is now the preferred route for foreign companies entering the Nepali market. But one question dominates boardroom discussions: how long does it actually take? The short answer is 7 to 21 working days, depending on structure, preparedness, and regulatory approvals.

The long answer—and the one that saves time, money, and frustration—is what this guide delivers. Drawing on Nepal’s Companies Act 2006, FITTA 2019, and real-world filings, this article breaks down each stage, realistic timelines, and how foreign companies can avoid costly delays.

What Is Online Company Registration in Nepal?

Online company registration in Nepal refers to the digitised incorporation process conducted primarily through the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) portal.

Foreign companies typically use this process to establish:

• A Private Limited Company (FDI subsidiary)

• A Branch Office

• A Liaison Office

• Or as a stepping stone before scaling through FDI

While the application is online, regulatory scrutiny remains manual, especially for foreign-owned entities.

How Long Does Online Company Registration Take in Nepal? (Quick Overview)

Typical timeline:
7–21 working days

However, the exact duration depends on:

• Entity type

• Foreign shareholding

• Industry sector

• Document readiness

• FITTA and NRB approvals

Average timelines at a glance

Step-by-Step Timeline for Online Company Registration in Nepal

1. Name Reservation (1–2 Working Days)

The process starts with company name approval through the OCR portal.

Common delays occur when:

• Names resemble existing entities

• Restricted or sensitive words are used

• Sector-specific approvals are required

Tip: Submit 3 alternative names to avoid resubmission delays.

2. Document Preparation and Notarisation (3–5 Working Days)

Foreign companies must prepare and notarise documents, often across jurisdictions.

Required documents typically include:

• Passport copies of shareholders and directors

• Certificate of incorporation of foreign parent

• Board resolution approving Nepal investment

• Memorandum and Articles of Association

Delays here usually stem from:

• Incorrect notarisation

• Missing apostille or consular attestation

• Mismatch between parent and Nepal entity details

3. Online Filing with Office of Company Registrar (2–3 Working Days)

Once documents are ready, the application is filed digitally.

OCR reviews:

• Shareholding structure

• Capital compliance

• Director eligibility

• Object clause alignment

If no clarifications are raised, OCR issues:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• Company Registration Number

4. Foreign Investment Approval (DOI) (5–10 Working Days)

For foreign-owned companies, approval under FITTA 2019 is mandatory.

The Department of Industry (DOI) reviews:

• Minimum investment thresholds

• Sector eligibility

• Repatriation feasibility

• Employment impact

This stage causes the most timeline variation.

5. Bank Account Opening and Capital Injection (3–5 Working Days)

After DOI approval:

• A local bank account is opened

• Capital is remitted from overseas

• Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) reporting begins

Only after capital confirmation does the company become fully operational.

Why Timelines Differ for Foreign Companies

Online company registration Nepal is not equal for locals and foreigners.

Key factors that affect duration

• FDI approval requirements

• NRB foreign exchange compliance

• Sector restrictions

• Document legalisation

• Tax registration sequencing

Foreign companies should expect longer but predictable timelines when managed professionally.

Numbered List: Top 7 Causes of Registration Delays

1. Incomplete or improperly notarised documents

2. Incorrect object clauses

3. Restricted business sectors

4. Name rejection by OCR

5. DOI clarification requests

6. Capital remittance delays

7. Lack of local compliance guidance

Bulleted List: How to Speed Up Online Company Registration in Nepal

• Conduct a pre-incorporation compliance check

• Use FDI-ready object clauses

• Pre-align with bank and NRB requirements

• Appoint a local compliance representative

• Consider EOR before incorporation

• Prepare documents in parallel, not sequentially

Comparison Table: Online Registration vs Strategic Entry Models

Insight: Many foreign companies start with EOR, then transition to full incorporation.

Legal Framework Governing Timelines

Online company registration Nepal is governed by:

• Companies Act 2006

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2019

• Industrial Enterprises Act 2020

• Nepal Rastra Bank Foreign Exchange Guidelines

• Income Tax Act 2002

Understanding these laws upfront significantly reduces delays.

Industry-Specific Timeline Variations

Certain industries face additional scrutiny:

• Fintech

• Education

• Healthcare

• Energy

• Media

These sectors may require:

• Line ministry approvals

• Additional documentation

• Longer DOI review periods

Realistic Timeline Summary for Foreign Companies

Best-case: 10–14 working days
Typical: 14–21 working days
Complex cases: 30+ working days

Professional handling usually keeps timelines within the two-to-three-week window.

FAQs: People Also Ask

How long does online company registration take in Nepal for foreigners?

Most foreign-owned companies complete registration within 14–21 working days, depending on approvals and documentation readiness.

Can company registration in Nepal be completed fully online?

The filing is online, but approvals, notarisation, and bank processes still involve offline verification.

What is the fastest way to start operations in Nepal?

Using an Employer of Record (EOR) allows hiring and operations within 1–3 days without incorporation.

Does FDI approval delay company registration?

Yes. FDI approval under FITTA 2019 typically adds 5–10 working days to the timeline.

Can timelines be reduced with professional support?

Yes. Structured planning and local compliance experts can reduce delays by 30–40%.

Conclusion

Online company registration Nepal is efficient, transparent, and increasingly foreign-investor friendly. But timelines depend less on government speed and more on preparation, compliance strategy, and execution.

Foreign companies that plan smartly, understand regulatory sequencing, and choose the right entry model can be operational in Nepal within weeks—not months.

Call to Action

Planning to register your company in Nepal?
Speak with our Nepal FDI and incorporation specialists to receive a timeline-backed, risk-mapped registration plan—before you commit capital.