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.
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.
Typical timeline:
7–21 working days
However, the exact duration depends on:
Entity type
Foreign shareholding
Industry sector
Document readiness
FITTA and NRB approvals
| Registration Type | Typical Timeline | Key Dependencies |
|---|---|---|
| Nepali-owned Pvt Ltd | 3–7 days | OCR approval only |
| Foreign-owned Pvt Ltd (FDI) | 14–21 days | OCR + DOI + NRB |
| Branch Office | 15–25 days | Parent documents |
| Liaison Office | 10–15 days | Limited scope |
| EOR-first model | 1–3 days | No incorporation |
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Online company registration Nepal is not equal for locals and foreigners.
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.
Incomplete or improperly notarised documents
Incorrect object clauses
Restricted business sectors
Name rejection by OCR
DOI clarification requests
Capital remittance delays
Lack of local compliance guidance
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
| Entry Model | Time to Operate | Legal Setup | Risk Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Company Registration Nepal | 14–21 days | Full incorporation | Medium | Long-term presence |
| Branch Office | 15–25 days | Parent dependent | High | Contract execution |
| Liaison Office | 10–15 days | Non-revenue | Low | Market research |
| Employer of Record (EOR) | 1–3 days | No entity | Very low | Fast hiring |
Insight: Many foreign companies start with EOR, then transition to full incorporation.
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.
Certain industries face additional scrutiny:
Fintech
Education
Healthcare
Energy
Media
These sectors may require:
Line ministry approvals
Additional documentation
Longer DOI review periods
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.
Most foreign-owned companies complete registration within 14–21 working days, depending on approvals and documentation readiness.
The filing is online, but approvals, notarisation, and bank processes still involve offline verification.
Using an Employer of Record (EOR) allows hiring and operations within 1–3 days without incorporation.
Yes. FDI approval under FITTA 2019 typically adds 5–10 working days to the timeline.
Yes. Structured planning and local compliance experts can reduce delays by 30–40%.
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.
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.