How to Register a Company at the Company Registrar Office Nepal

If you are a foreign investor planning market entry, the Company Registrar Office Nepal is your first and most critical legal checkpoint. Every private limited company, public company, or non-profit entity must be incorporated through this authority before doing business in Nepal.

This guide explains how foreign companies register at the Company Registrar Office Nepal, what documents are required, timelines, costs, and compliance risks—written clearly, practically, and from an on-the-ground legal perspective.

What Is the Company Registrar Office Nepal?

The Office of Company Registrar (commonly called OCR Nepal) is the government body responsible for:

• Incorporating companies in Nepal

• Maintaining the official company registry

• Approving constitutional documents

• Recording directors, shareholders, and capital changes

• Enforcing company law compliance

It operates under the Companies Act 2006, which governs how companies are formed, managed, and dissolved in Nepal.

Why Foreign Companies Must Register with the Company Registrar Office Nepal

Foreign companies cannot legally operate, hire staff, open bank accounts, or remit profits without OCR registration.

Registration at the Company Registrar Office Nepal enables you to:

• Establish legal presence in Nepal

• Apply for foreign direct investment approval

• Open corporate bank accounts

• Hire employees and enroll in SSF

• Sign enforceable contracts

• Repatriate dividends legally

Without OCR registration, all business activities remain legally invalid.

Types of Entities Registered at the Company Registrar Office Nepal

Foreign companies usually register one of the following:

1. Private Limited Company (Most Common)

• Separate legal entity

• Shareholders’ liability limited to capital

• Eligible for FDI

• Suitable for IT, outsourcing, consulting, trading

2. Public Limited Company

• Minimum seven shareholders

• Heavily regulated

• Rare for foreign SMEs

3. Non-Profit Company

• For NGOs or social enterprises

• Cannot distribute profits

Branch offices and liaison offices follow a different approval route but still require OCR registration after sectoral approvals.

Step-by-Step Process at the Company Registrar Office Nepal

Step 1: Name Reservation

You must reserve a unique company name through the OCR’s online portal.

Name rules include:

• Must not be misleading or offensive

• Cannot duplicate existing names

• Should reflect business activity

Approval usually takes one business day.

Step 2: Prepare Constitutional Documents

Foreign companies must submit:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Articles of Association (AOA)

These documents define:

• Company objectives

• Share capital structure

• Governance rules

• Director powers

Errors here often cause delays or future compliance issues.

Step 3: Submit Online Application to Company Registrar Office Nepal

All incorporation filings are now digital.

You upload:

• Name approval letter

• MOA and AOA

• Shareholder and director details

• Passport copies of foreign investors

• Registered office address in Nepal

Step 4: Pay Government Registration Fees

Fees depend on authorized capital size and company type.

Payment is made through designated banks linked to OCR.

Step 5: Company Registration Certificate Issued

Once approved, the Company Registrar Office Nepal issues:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• Company Registration Number

Your company now legally exists.

Documents Required by the Company Registrar Office Nepal

Foreign companies should prepare the following checklist:

• Passport copies of shareholders and directors

• Passport-size photos

• Board resolution approving Nepal investment

• MOA and AOA (Nepali language)

• Registered office address proof

• Authorized capital declaration

All foreign documents may require notarization and apostille.

Timeline: How Long Does Registration Take?

Total timeline: 7–14 working days if documents are accurate.

Costs at the Company Registrar Office Nepal

Government Fees (Indicative)

• NPR 1,000–15,000 for small companies

• Scales upward with authorized capital

Professional Fees (Optional but Recommended)

• Legal drafting

• FDI coordination

• Tax and compliance setup

Professional support reduces rejection risk and speeds approval.

Online vs Physical Filing at the Company Registrar Office Nepal

The OCR strongly encourages online filing for foreign investors.

Common Mistakes Foreign Companies Make

Avoid these frequent errors:

• Using generic or restricted company names

• Drafting MOA objectives too narrowly

• Mismatch between passport names and filings

• Incorrect capital structuring

• Ignoring post-registration obligations

These mistakes often lead to rejection or costly amendments.

Post-Registration Compliance After OCR Approval

Registration at the Company Registrar Office Nepal is only the beginning.

Foreign companies must also:

• Obtain PAN/VAT registration

• Open corporate bank accounts

• Register with Social Security Fund

• Maintain statutory registers

• File annual returns with OCR

• Comply with foreign exchange rules

Non-compliance can lead to penalties or company suspension.

How the Company Registrar Office Nepal Interacts with Other Authorities

OCR registration is linked with:

• Inland Revenue Department

• Nepal Rastra Bank (for FDI)

• Department of Industry

• Social Security Fund

Proper sequencing matters. OCR is step one, not the last step.

Why Professional Guidance Matters for OCR Registration

Although the process appears simple, foreign companies face unique risks:

• Regulatory interpretation issues

• Language barriers

• FDI compliance overlap

• Future repatriation challenges

Expert guidance ensures your OCR registration aligns with long-term business strategy.

Call to Action: Get Expert Help with Company Registrar Office Nepal

Registering at the Company Registrar Office Nepal is a legal milestone that shapes your entire Nepal operation.

If you want:

• Faster approvals

• Zero compliance risk

• Proper FDI structuring

• End-to-end support

👉 Book a consultation with our Nepal incorporation specialists today.

Conclusion

The Company Registrar Office Nepal is the legal gateway for foreign companies entering Nepal. Understanding its role, requirements, timelines, and compliance obligations is essential for a smooth market entry.

With proper planning and expert support, OCR registration becomes a strategic advantage—not a bureaucratic hurdle.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

1. What is the Company Registrar Office Nepal?

The Company Registrar Office Nepal is the government authority responsible for registering and regulating companies under the Companies Act 2006.

2. Can foreigners register a company in Nepal?

Yes. Foreign nationals and companies can register private limited companies in Nepal, subject to sector eligibility and FDI rules.

3. How long does OCR company registration take?

Typically 7–14 working days if documents are accurate and complete.

4. Is online registration mandatory at OCR Nepal?

Online registration is strongly recommended and is now the standard method for company incorporation.

5. What happens after company registration at OCR?

You must complete tax registration, bank setup, SSF enrollment, and annual compliance filings.