How to Register a Company in Nepal Without Visiting the Office

Nepal has fully digitized business incorporation. Using the official online portal for company registration in Nepal, foreign investors can now incorporate a Nepali company remotely. The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) – under Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies – handles all company filings through its OCR e-Services portal. This modern e-portal replaced the old paper-based system (Companies Act, 2063/2006) to speed approvals and increase transparency. In this guide we explain each step of the online registration process and show how our full-service team can handle the legal compliance and filing for you.

Overview of Nepal’s Online Company Registration System

Nepal’s digital e-registration portal (often called OCR or CAMIS) is the official platform for registering new companies. It supports English and Nepali, and uses HTTPS encryption to keep your data secure. Through the portal you can reserve a unique company name, upload required documents (like the Memorandum and Articles of Association), pay fees, and monitor your application status online. This means you can incorporate from anywhere without visiting government offices. The OCR portal is mandated by the Companies Act 2063 (2006) and related regulations, which now explicitly allow online filings.

The OCR portal caters to all company types: Private Limited, Public Limited, non-profits, and foreign branches/liaisons. When you use the portal, you avoid the typical delays of paperwork. You can track your application in real time and download digital certificates once approved. Overall, online registration is faster, more transparent, and more convenient than the old manual process.

Benefits of the OCR Online Portal

• No office visit needed: Complete registration from home or abroad.

• Fast processing: OCR typically completes name checks in 1–2 days and approves documents in 3–5 days.

• 24/7 access: Submit and review applications at any time of day via the secure portal.

• Real-time tracking: Check status online and receive email updates about your application.

• Lower cost: Digital filing reduces paperwork and logistical costs.

• Uniform procedure: The same streamlined process applies across all regions of Nepal.

Using the portal also helps foreigners. All forms and guidance are available in English, and the system prompts you for exactly what’s needed. Because OCR is integrated with other agencies, document approvals and fee payments can often be handled electronically or with designated Nepal banks, saving you lengthy trips or courier delays.

Step-by-Step Guide to Online Registration

Registering a Nepal company online involves these main steps:

1. Name Reservation: Visit the OCR portal and propose a company name. The registrar will check for conflicts and approve within ~2 business days. Secure the name approval certificate on the portal.

2. Draft Key Documents: Prepare your company’s Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) as required by the Companies Act. Include details of shareholders, capital, and directors. (Our team can handle drafting and translation for foreign investors.)

3. Portal Account & Application: Create an account on the OCR e-Services portal. Log in and upload your MoA, AoA, name reservation certificate, and other required documents. Common requirements include passport copies of foreign nationals, proof of address, and board resolutions or powers of attorney if applicable.

4. Fee Payment: Calculate the government registration fee based on your authorized capital. For example, capital up to NPR100,000 incurs ~NPR1,000, while larger firms pay higher fees (up to ~NPR19,000+). Pay online or via a designated bank and upload the payment voucher.

5. Submit and Review: Finalize your submission on the portal. OCR will review your application for completeness. If any corrections or clarifications are needed, they will notify you through the portal. Respond promptly to any comments to avoid delays.

6. Certification: Once approved, the OCR will issue your Certificate of Incorporation online. You can download it immediately from the portal and your company is legally formed.

Each step is done through the portal interface, so you can check in at any time to see progress. In most cases, the full registration is completed in about 1–2 weeks if all documents are in order. Our experts will prepare and review everything in advance to meet all requirements on the first try.

Types of Business Entities (for Foreign Investors)

Foreign companies and NRNs (Non-Resident Nepalis) can establish various entities in Nepal. Choosing the right type affects ownership, compliance, and permitted activities. Below is a comparison:

Foreign investors must comply with the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2019. Certain sectors have limits or require approval. For example, manufacturing, tourism, and hydropower often encourage FDI, while defense is restricted. Importantly, Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) with dual citizenship are treated like foreign investors under FITTA, subject to the same rules (and a minimum NRN investment of NPR 50 million for larger projects)

Documents and Requirements Checklist

Before you file online, make sure you have these documents prepared (as PDFs):

• Name Reservation Certificate: Issued by OCR after step 1.

• Memorandum & Articles of Association: Signed by proposed directors/shareholders (in English or Nepali).

• Passport Copies: Notarized copies of passports and visa pages for all foreign directors/shareholders. For NRNs with Nepalese passports, include NRN ID if available.

• Board Resolution / Power of Attorney: If a foreign parent company is forming the entity, a notarized board resolution and POA appointing a Nepali representative may be needed.

• Shareholder and Director Details: List names, addresses, and share capital commitments.

• Sector-specific Documents: If you operate in a regulated industry (banking, telecom, etc.), include any required licenses or permit certificates.

Checklist: All files should meet OCR specifications (PDF format, legible scans, correct file names). Double-check that names and spellings match across documents, and that the authorized capital is entered correctly in the portal. Incorrect or incomplete submissions are the top cause of delays.

Processing Times and Fees

Most online companies can be set up in 5–10 working days if there are no complications. A typical schedule on the portal is: name approval (1–2 days), document review (3–5 days), final certificate issuance (1–2 days). In practice, faster responses from you (for any OCR queries) mean quicker approval.

Here is a quick overview:

Fees depend on your company’s authorized capital. For example, registration charges range roughly from NPR1,000 for very small companies up to NPR16,000–19,000 for higher capital companies. Additional costs may include PAN/VAT registration (admin fees), a mandatory company stamp, and any professional service fees (for drafting or notarization). Our service packages include full guidance on fee payment and avoid any surprise charges.

Common Pitfalls and Tips to Avoid Delays

To ensure a smooth online registration, avoid these mistakes:

• Name Issues: Don’t pick a name that’s too similar to an existing company or contains restricted terms (like “bank” without approval). Prepare 2–3 backup names.

• Document Mismatch: Make sure the company name and details in your MoA/AoA exactly match the name reservation. Consistency is crucial.

• Poor Scans: Submit clear, legible PDFs. Blurry or low-resolution scans can trigger a rejection.

• Incomplete Forms: Fill in all portal fields (paid-up capital, nationality, addresses). OCR will not accept an incomplete application.

• Late Responses: If OCR requests corrections, reply promptly. Delays in communication often stall the process.

Our team pre-reviews every submission and flags any issues before filing. We also liaise with OCR officials when needed. This proactive handling greatly reduces the chance of a rejection or follow-up query that could slow down your incorporation.

Why Choose Our End-to-End Registration Service

Navigating Nepal’s company registration system can be tricky for foreigners. We make it effortless. Our services include:

• Personalized Advisory: Guidance on the best company structure and investment route (subsidiary vs. branch vs. liaison) for your needs.

• Document Preparation: Drafting and translating the MoA, AoA, and other legal documents in compliance with Nepali law.

• Portal Filing: We register your OCR account, reserve the name, and upload all documents on your behalf.

• Regulatory Compliance: We ensure that your capital structure, foreign investment filings, and any sectoral approvals (e.g. Department of Industry clearance) are handled correctly.

• Post-Incorporation Support: After registration, we assist with PAN/VAT applications, opening bank accounts, and annual compliance (as required under the Companies Act, 2063).

Foreign law firms and consultants typically provide exactly these services because a single mistake can cost weeks of delay. By leveraging our expertise, you gain local legal know-how and a faster route to launching your Nepal business.

Ready to get started? Contact our corporate services team today to schedule a consultation. We can complete your Nepal company incorporation entirely online from abroad, ensuring that you meet every legal requirement.

In summary, the OCR e-portal has made company registration in Nepal more efficient than ever. From name reservation to e-certification, every step can be done remotely. By following the steps above (and with expert help if needed), foreign investors – including companies from India, China, the USA, and NRN entrepreneurs – can establish a Nepali company quickly and compliantly. Use the OCR portal and our end-to-end registration services to secure your business foothold in Nepal today.

People Also Ask

Q: How do I register a company in Nepal online?
A: You must use the Office of Company Registrar’s (OCR) online portal. First reserve your company name on the portal, prepare the MoA/AoA and required documents, and upload them via OCR’s e-services. Pay the registration fees online or via bank. Once OCR reviews and approves, they will issue a digital Certificate of Incorporation.

Q: What documents are needed for company registration in Nepal?
A: Required documents include the Name Reservation Certificate, signed Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA/AoA), notarized passport copies of foreign directors/shareholders, and (if applicable) a board resolution or power of attorney. You’ll also provide proof of address, passport photos, and any sector-specific permits.

Q: How long does it take to register a company in Nepal?
A: Typically 5–10 working days if all documents are correct. Name reservation takes 1–2 days, then OCR usually reviews filings in about 3–5 days, and finally issues the certificate in another 1–2 days. Delays occur mainly if applicants don’t respond promptly to OCR’s queries.

Q: Can non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) register a company in Nepal?
A: Yes. Foreigners of Nepali origin (NRNs) can register companies in Nepal on par with other foreign investors, subject to the Foreign Investment Act’s rules. NRNs often have the same procedures as other foreigners, including using the OCR portal and meeting any minimum investment thresholds.

Q: What is the fee for online company registration in Nepal?
A: Government fees depend on your authorized capital. For example, up to NPR100,000 of capital costs around NPR1,000, NPR100,001–500,000 costs about NPR4,500, and fees rise for higher capital (up to ~NPR19,000+). Additionally, expect minimal notary and service charges (PAN/VAT registration is free).