How to Register a Company in Nepal Online (OCR Portal Guide)

If you are exploring South Asia for expansion, how to register a company in Nepal is likely one of your first questions. Nepal offers a cost-competitive workforce, improving digital infrastructure, and full foreign ownership in most sectors.

The good news is that company registration is now largely digital through the Office of the Company Registrar’s online portal. With the right preparation, foreign companies can complete incorporation efficiently, without repeated visits to Nepal.

This guide explains how to register a company in Nepal online using the OCR portal, with a clear, practical focus on foreign shareholders, compliance requirements, and post-registration obligations.

Why Nepal is attractive for foreign companies

Before diving into the process, it helps to understand why global businesses are choosing Nepal.

Foreign companies typically incorporate in Nepal to:

• Build offshore delivery or shared-service centers

• Establish regional IT, engineering, or BPO operations

• Enter the Nepali market for trading, services, or manufacturing

• Set up cost-efficient support teams for Australia, Europe, or the UK

Key advantages include:

• 100 percent foreign ownership in most sectors

• Competitive operating and salary costs

• English-speaking professional workforce

• Digital company registration through OCR

• Access to investment protections under national law

Legal framework governing company registration in Nepal

Understanding the legal basis strengthens compliance and builds investor confidence.

Company registration in Nepal is primarily governed by:

• Office of the Company Registrar

• Companies Act 2006

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019

The Companies Act establishes incorporation procedures, director duties, and shareholder rights. FITTA regulates foreign shareholding, technology transfer, and profit repatriation.

Types of companies foreign investors can register in Nepal

Foreign companies usually choose one of the following structures.

Private Limited Company (most common)

A Private Limited Company is the preferred option for foreign investors.

Key features:

• Separate legal entity

• Limited liability for shareholders

• Minimum one shareholder and one director

• Suitable for service, IT, trading, and consulting businesses

Branch Office

A branch is an extension of a foreign parent company.

• Cannot perform activities beyond parent scope

• Subject to higher regulatory oversight

• Less flexibility for local hiring

Liaison Office

Used only for market research and coordination.

• No revenue-generating activities allowed

• Limited operational scope

For most foreign companies, a Private Limited Company is the optimal structure.

How to register a company in Nepal online via the OCR portal

This section answers the core question: how to register a company in Nepal using the digital process.

Step 1: Name reservation through the OCR portal

The process starts with reserving a company name.

Requirements:

• Name must be unique and not misleading

• Must not conflict with existing trademarks or restricted terms

• Certain sector-specific words require approval

The OCR portal typically approves names within one to three working days.

Step 2: Prepare incorporation documents

Once the name is approved, prepare the mandatory documents.

These include:

• Memorandum of Association

• Articles of Association

• Details of shareholders and directors

• Passport copies of foreign shareholders

• Registered office address in Nepal

Foreign documents must be notarized and, where applicable, apostilled.

Step 3: Online submission through the OCR system

Upload all documents to the OCR portal and complete the digital application.

Information entered must exactly match supporting documents. Errors delay approval.

Once submitted, the application is reviewed by OCR officials.

Step 4: Payment of registration fees

Government fees depend on authorized capital.

Fees are paid online or through designated banks. OCR will not issue incorporation approval until payment is confirmed.

Step 5: Certificate of Incorporation issued

After verification, the OCR issues a Certificate of Incorporation.

This confirms that the company legally exists under Nepali law.

Typical timeline for online company registration in Nepal

Under normal conditions:

1. Name approval: 1 to 3 working days

2. Document review and clarification: 2 to 5 working days

3. Certificate issuance: 1 working day

In practice, foreign-owned companies usually complete incorporation within 7 to 14 working days, assuming documents are accurate.

Capital requirements and ownership rules for foreign companies

Nepal does not impose a high minimum capital requirement, but foreign investment thresholds apply.

Key points:

• Minimum foreign investment is NPR 20 million (sector-specific exceptions exist)

• 100 percent foreign ownership allowed in most sectors

• Certain industries remain restricted or partially restricted

Capital must be injected after incorporation, following central bank procedures.

Comparison: Nepal vs other South Asian incorporation jurisdictions

This balance makes Nepal attractive for operational entities and offshore teams.

Post-registration compliance requirements in Nepal

Registering the company is only the beginning.

After incorporation, companies must complete several mandatory registrations.

Tax and regulatory registrations

• Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Inland Revenue

• Value Added Tax (if applicable)

• Industry registration, depending on sector

Employment and payroll compliance

Companies hiring staff must comply with:

• Labor Act provisions

• Social Security Fund registration

• Withholding tax obligations

Failure to complete post-registration steps can lead to penalties.

Common mistakes foreign companies make during registration

Avoid these frequent issues:

• Choosing restricted business activities

• Submitting mismatched passport and name details

• Underestimating capital compliance timelines

• Ignoring post-incorporation registrations

• Using residential addresses without approval

Professional guidance significantly reduces risk.

Why professional support matters for foreign investors

While the OCR portal is digital, interpretation of law is not automated.

Foreign companies benefit from advisors who:

• Align structure with FITTA and tax rules

• Coordinate notarization and apostille requirements

• Manage approvals with OCR and investment authorities

• Support payroll, visas, and ongoing compliance

This reduces delays and regulatory exposure.

How to register a company in Nepal: key takeaways

To summarise how to register a company in Nepal:

• Nepal allows full foreign ownership in most sectors

• Registration is done online through the OCR portal

• Private Limited Companies are the preferred structure

• Timelines are reasonable with correct documentation

• Post-registration compliance is critical

With the right preparation, Nepal can be an efficient and strategic expansion destination.

Call to action

If you are planning to register a company in Nepal and want clarity on structure, capital, and compliance, speak with a local expert before applying.

👉 Request a free consultation to assess your Nepal market entry strategy and incorporation plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

Can foreigners fully own a company in Nepal?

Yes. Foreigners can own 100 percent of shares in most sectors, subject to FITTA and sector-specific restrictions.

How long does online company registration in Nepal take?

Typically 7 to 14 working days, assuming documents are accurate and complete.

Is physical presence required to register a company?

No. Foreign shareholders can complete registration remotely with notarized documents.

What is the minimum capital for foreign investment in Nepal?

Generally NPR 20 million, though some sectors have different thresholds.

Is OCR registration enough to start operations?

No. Tax registration, industry approvals, and labor compliance are required after incorporation.