How to Prepare the Required Documents for Company Registration in Nepal

If you are a foreign investor planning market entry, understanding the documents required for company registration Nepal is the first and most critical step. Nepal welcomes foreign direct investment, but the process is document-driven and compliance-heavy. Missing or poorly prepared paperwork can delay approvals by weeks. This guide explains exactly what documents foreign companies need, how to prepare them, and how to avoid common mistakes—so you can register faster and start operating with confidence.

Why documentation matters for foreign company registration in Nepal

Nepal’s regulators take documentation seriously. Authorities verify ownership, source of funds, compliance intent, and legal accountability before allowing incorporation.

Key regulators involved include the Office of Company Registrar, Department of Industry, and Nepal Rastra Bank.

Proper documentation ensures:

• Legal recognition of your company

• Eligibility for FDI approval

• Smooth bank account opening

• Profit repatriation rights

Types of company structures available to foreign investors

Before preparing documents, you must decide the legal structure. Each option affects documentation depth.

Common registration options for foreigners

• Private Limited Company with FDI

• Branch Office

• Liaison Office

• Joint Venture with Nepali partner

Most foreign companies choose a Private Limited Company due to scalability and repatriation rights.

Documents required for company registration Nepal (foreign investors)

Core company registration documents

These documents are mandatory for incorporation with the Office of Company Registrar.

1. Proposed company name approval

You must submit three name options for availability checking.

Tips:

• Avoid restricted or sensitive terms

• Include business-relevant keywords

• Ensure uniqueness

2. Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Defines:

• Company objectives

• Authorized capital

• Shareholding structure

The MOA must align with approved FDI activities under Nepalese law.

3. Articles of Association (AOA)

Covers:

• Governance rules

• Director powers

• Share transfer restrictions

MOA and AOA must be notarised and, if foreign-executed, apostilled.

Shareholder and investor documents

Foreign shareholders must submit personal or corporate identity documentation.

Individual shareholders

• Passport copy

• Passport-size photographs

• Personal profile or CV

Corporate shareholders

• Certificate of incorporation

• Board resolution approving Nepal investment

• Company profile

All foreign documents must be notarised and apostilled in the home country.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approval documents

FDI approval is mandatory before final incorporation.

Required submissions include:

• FDI application form

• Project report or business plan

• Shareholding structure chart

• Investment amount declaration

Approval is granted by the Department of Industry under Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act.

Banking and capital infusion documents

After provisional approval, investors must open a capital account in Nepal.

You will need:

• Bank account opening application

• FDI approval letter

• KYC documents of shareholders

Capital must be remitted through official banking channels and certified by Nepal Rastra Bank.

Additional documents required after registration

Once the company is registered, several post-incorporation documents are required.

Tax and statutory registrations

• PAN registration with Inland Revenue Department

• VAT registration if applicable

Employment compliance documents

• Social Security Fund registration

• Employment contracts

• HR policies

These are governed by the Labour Act and Social Security Act.

Comparison table: document requirements by entity type

Insight: Private Limited Companies require the most documentation but offer the strongest long-term benefits.

Common mistakes foreign companies make

Avoid these frequent errors that delay registration.

• Submitting unsigned or improperly notarised documents

• Business activities not aligned with approved FDI sectors

• Inconsistent shareholder information

• Underestimating translation and apostille timelines

A compliance-led approach saves time and cost.

Step-by-step checklist to prepare documents correctly

1. Finalise business structure and activities

2. Prepare MOA and AOA aligned with Nepal law

3. Collect shareholder identity documents

4. Obtain notarisation and apostille

5. Submit FDI application

6. Open capital bank account

7. Register company and tax accounts

How long does document preparation take?

Typical timelines:

• Document collection and apostille: 1–3 weeks

• FDI approval: 2–4 weeks

• Company registration: 3–5 working days

Well-prepared documentation can reduce timelines significantly.

Why foreign companies work with local experts

Nepal’s regulatory environment is stable but procedural. Foreign investors benefit from local legal, tax, and compliance expertise.

A local partner helps with:

• Document drafting and validation

• Regulator liaison

• Banking coordination

• Ongoing compliance

Call to action: get your documents right the first time

Preparing the documents required for company registration Nepal does not need to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, foreign companies can register smoothly and start operations faster.

👉 Speak with our Nepal FDI specialists today to receive a personalised document checklist and end-to-end registration support.

Conclusion

Understanding and preparing the documents required for company registration Nepal is the foundation of successful market entry. From shareholder verification to FDI approvals and banking compliance, every document plays a legal role. With structured preparation and expert support, foreign companies can enter Nepal confidently and compliantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main documents required for company registration Nepal?

Foreign investors need MOA, AOA, shareholder IDs, FDI approval, and bank capital certificates. Apostilled foreign documents are mandatory.

Is FDI approval required before company registration?

Yes. Foreign investment approval must be obtained before final incorporation with the Office of Company Registrar.

Do all documents need notarisation?

Foreign-issued documents must be notarised and apostilled. Nepal-issued documents usually require notarisation only.

Can a foreigner be the sole shareholder?

Yes. Nepal allows 100 percent foreign ownership in most permitted sectors.

How long is the document approval process?

With proper preparation, document approval and registration typically take four to six weeks.