The company registration process in Nepal may seem complex at first, especially for new founders and foreign investors navigating local laws. However, once you understand the steps, documentation, and approval timeline, the process becomes clear and highly manageable. 

This guide explains how registration works in practical, simple terms while referencing relevant legislation such as Nepal’s Companies Act 2006, FITTA 2019, and Government fee structures. Whether you are starting a private limited company, registering a foreign subsidiary, or planning long-term expansion, this article walks you through everything you need to know.

Understanding the Company Registration Process in Nepal

Registering a company in Nepal involves submitting your details to the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR), receiving approval, and obtaining your legal certificates. Although it sounds procedural, each stage has unique compliance rules, timelines, and government fee requirements.

Most local founders take 7–10 working days to complete the process, while foreign companies typically require 3–6 weeks due to additional approvals under FITTA.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of Company Registration in Nepal

Below is a structured walkthrough of the entire process. This applies to Private Limited, Public Limited, Non-Profit Companies, and Foreign Companies (with slight variations).

1. Name Reservation (Proposed Company Name Approval)

This is the first and most important step. You submit a name to OCR through its online portal.

Your company name must:

• Not duplicate existing registered names

• Not violate public morality

• Not use restricted words like "Government", "National", "Bank", unless approved

Timeline: Usually 1 business day
Validity: 35 days

OCR will issue a Name Reservation Certificate, which you will need for the next step.

2. Preparing Registration Documents

Once your name is approved, prepare the following:

Mandatory Documents

1. MOA (Memorandum of Association)

2. AOA (Articles of Association)

3. Copy of citizenship certificate(s) of shareholders

4. Corporate documents (for foreign companies)

5. Passport copies (if foreign shareholder is an individual)

6. Proof of registered office (rental agreement or ownership document)

For Foreign Companies Registered in Nepal (as a Branch or Subsidiary)
You must submit:

• Parent company incorporation certificate

• Board resolution authorising Nepal office

• Details of authorised representative

• FITTA approval (if foreign investment is involved)

All foreign documents must be notarised and translated into English or Nepali.

3. Submission to OCR & Payment of Government Fees

Upload all documents to the OCR portal and pay registration fees online.

Below is a comparative table of government fees for different structures:

Table: Government Registration Fees in Nepal (2026)

Source: Office of Company Registrar (OCR) fee schedule

This stage usually takes 1–3 working days as OCR reviews your documentation.

4. Verification, Compliance Check & Approval

OCR conducts a legal review to verify:

• Share structure

• Capital allocation

• Address proof

• MOA & AOA compliance with the Companies Act

• Legitimacy of foreign investment documents (if applicable)

If errors are found, OCR sends a rejection note.
If approved, you receive the official Company Registration Certificate, which legally establishes your company.

5. Post-Registration Requirements

Registering with OCR isn’t the end. You must complete several compliance steps:

Numbered List: Mandatory Post-Registration Tasks

1. PAN/VAT Registration with Inland Revenue Department

2. Employer Registration with Social Security Fund (SSF)

3. Labour Registration at Labour Office

4. Opening a Business Bank Account

5. Share Certificate Issuance within 60 days

6. Shareholder Register Preparation

7. Tax, HR, and Accounting Setup (monthly compliance begins)

For foreign companies, additional steps include:

• NRB approval for inward foreign investment

• Reporting obligations to FITTA

• Quarterly and annual submissions

What Foreign Investors Need to Know (FITTA 2019 Requirements)

Foreign investment in Nepal is governed by the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019 (FITTA).
FITTA classifies foreign investment into two major categories:

• Equity investment in a Nepal company

• Branch office or liaison office setup

You will require:

Bulleted List: FITTA Documentation Requirements

• Investment Proposal

• Financial statements of parent company

• Tax clearance certificate

• Authorized representative details

• Industry classification under Industrial Enterprises Act

Foreign direct investment must be routed through Nepal Rastra Bank via a documented banking channel.

Timeline for the Company Registration Process in Nepal

Average Estimated Timeline (Local vs Foreign)

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration

1. Using restricted or duplicate company names

Many applications are rejected due to name similarities.

2. Incorrect MOA or AOA drafting

This is the most common mistake. Incorrect objectives or capital structure often delay approval.

3. Forgetting post-registration steps

PAN/VAT, SSF, Labour Registration, and bank accounts must be completed before operations begin.

4. Not aligning documents with FITTA for foreign investment

Without FITTA-compliant documents, foreign registration cannot proceed.

Why Many Founders Choose Support Instead of Doing It Alone

The OCR system is improving, but challenges remain:

• Changing compliance interpretations

• Occasional OCR rejections

• Difficulty drafting legally compliant MOA/AOA

• Complexities for foreign shareholders

This is why many local and international companies choose to work with a specialised advisory partner who handles registration, HR setup, tax compliance, and ongoing legal support in one place.

Working with Us — Digital Consulting Ventures (DCV)

If you are a foreign or local entrepreneur planning to register a business in Nepal, DCV provides end-to-end incorporation support including:

• Company registration

• Branch office and liaison office setup

• FITTA and NRB approvals

• HR, payroll, SSF compliance

• EOR (Employer of Record) services

• Talent hiring and outsourcing

We help you launch quickly, compliantly, and confidently.

Conclusion

The company registration process in Nepal is structured and predictable once you understand each step, the required documentation, and the compliance framework. Whether you are a local founder or a foreign investor entering Nepal for the first time, following a clear roadmap will save time and prevent unnecessary rejection or delays.

If you want expert help managing the entire process, we’re here to support you at every stage—from name reservation to full operational readiness.

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FAQ — People Also Ask

1. How long does the company registration process take in Nepal?

Local companies take 7–10 business days. Foreign companies require 3–6 weeks due to FITTA and NRB approvals.

2. What documents are required to register a company in Nepal?

MOA, AOA, citizenship copies, passport copies for foreign shareholders, office address proof, and notarised parent company documents if registering a foreign entity.

3. How much does company registration cost in Nepal?

Government fees range from NPR 3,000 to NPR 50,000 depending on the company type. Private limited companies typically pay NPR 10,000.

4. Can foreign companies register in Nepal?

Yes. They can register as a branch office, liaison office, or a subsidiary with foreign investment. FITTA and NRB approvals are required.

5. Do I need a lawyer or consultant for company registration?

Not legally, but most founders prefer assistance to avoid OCR rejections, legal errors, and delays in FITTA/NRA approvals.