How to register a company in Nepal is one of the most common questions foreign investors ask before entering the Nepali market. Nepal allows 100 percent online company incorporation through the Office of Company Registrar (OCR), making the process more transparent and predictable than many expect.
This guide walks you through the exact OCR process, from name reservation to certificate issuance. It is written for foreign companies, NRNs, and international founders who want clarity, compliance, and speed—without confusion.
The Office of Company Registrar (OCR) operates under Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies. It is the sole authority responsible for:
Company name approval
Company incorporation
Issuance of registration certificates
Maintenance of statutory company records
All companies in Nepal—local or foreign-owned—must be registered through the OCR portal.
Before starting the OCR process, you must choose the correct legal structure.
Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.)
Public Limited Company
Non-Profit Company (Not-for-Profit)
Branch Office of a Foreign Company (after approvals)
Liaison Office (limited scope)
For foreign investors, Private Limited Company is the most practical structure.
Company registration through the OCR is governed by:
Companies Act, 2006 (Nepal)
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019
Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020
OCR Directives and Guidelines
These laws ensure legal certainty for foreign shareholders and capital repatriation.
Visit the OCR portal and create a user account using:
Email address
Mobile number
Authorized representative details
This account will be used for all filings.
Company name approval is mandatory before registration.
Key rules for name approval:
Must be unique
Cannot conflict with trademarks
Must reflect business activities
English or Nepali allowed
Tip: Submit 2–3 alternative names to avoid delays.
For foreign companies, OCR requires both company documents and shareholder documents.
Passport copies of foreign shareholders
Passport-size photos
Proposed Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA)
Registered office address in Nepal
Board resolution (for foreign corporate shareholders)
Your MOA and AOA define your business scope and governance.
They must clearly specify:
Authorized capital
Shareholding structure
Business objectives
Director powers
Profit distribution rules
Poor drafting can restrict future operations.
Upload all documents via the OCR portal. Pay the registration fee digitally.
Once submitted, OCR officers review:
Name compliance
Document completeness
Legal consistency
OCR may request:
Clarifications on business objectives
Revised wording in MOA/AOA
Additional disclosures
Respond promptly to avoid rejection.
Upon approval, OCR issues:
Certificate of Company Registration
PAN (Permanent Account Number) linkage guidance
Your company now legally exists in Nepal.
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Account creation | Same day |
| Name approval | 1–3 working days |
| Document review | 3–7 working days |
| Certificate issuance | 1–2 working days |
| Total timeline | 7–14 working days |
OCR fees depend on authorized capital.
| Authorized Capital | OCR Fee (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 million | 1,000 |
| 1–5 million | 4,500 |
| 5–10 million | 9,500 |
| Above 10 million | Progressive slab |
Additional costs may include:
Legal drafting
Translation and notarization
FDI approvals (for foreigners)
Avoid these OCR registration errors:
Overly broad or vague business objectives
Trademark conflicts in company name
Incorrect shareholder documentation
Unrealistic capital declarations
Ignoring post-registration compliance
These mistakes cause delays or rejections.
Registering with OCR is only the beginning.
PAN registration with Inland Revenue Office
Bank account opening
FDI approval and capital injection (if foreign-owned)
Social Security Fund (SSF) registration
Local municipality registration
Missing these steps can lead to penalties.
| Criteria | OCR Online | Offline Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Transparency | High | Moderate |
| Document tracking | Digital | Manual |
| Recommended for foreigners | Yes | No |
OCR is now the preferred and official route.
Fully online process
Transparent fee structure
Legal certainty
Centralized government oversight
Faster approvals
Nepal ranks OCR among its most digitized regulatory bodies.
This article is written by professionals who have:
Registered hundreds of foreign-owned companies in Nepal
Drafted OCR-compliant MOA/AOA documents
Worked directly with OCR officers
Advised global firms on Nepal market entry
All information aligns with current Nepal company law.
Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can register through OCR, subject to FDI approvals and sector eligibility.
Typically 7–14 working days if documents are complete and accurate.
No. The entire process can be completed remotely with proper authorization.
Yes, but it requires a formal amendment filing with OCR.
No. Tax, banking, and FDI compliance must follow OCR registration.
How to register a company in Nepal through the OCR is a structured, predictable, and foreign-friendly process when done correctly. The key lies in accurate documentation, compliant drafting, and post-registration planning.
With the right guidance, Nepal offers a low-cost, high-potential gateway into South Asia.
Planning to register a company in Nepal?
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