Online company registration Nepal has transformed how foreign IT and tech companies enter the Nepali market. What once required weeks of in-person filings can now be completed digitally through the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR).
For software firms, SaaS providers, fintech startups, AI labs, and IT outsourcing companies, Nepal offers a rare mix of skilled talent, cost efficiency, and a fully online incorporation system.
This guide gives you the most authoritative, practical explanation available. It is written specifically for foreign companies planning to register an IT or tech company online in Nepal.
Nepal has quietly become a strategic technology destination in South Asia. Several structural advantages explain why.
Large English-speaking IT talent pool
Competitive salary and operating costs
Strong outsourcing and remote-work culture
Growing startup ecosystem and IT exports
Fully digitised online company registration Nepal system
According to government data, Nepal’s ICT and IT-enabled services exports have grown steadily over the last decade, driven by software development, data services, and remote support functions.
Before starting the process, foreign founders must understand the legal foundation.
Online company registration Nepal is governed by:
Companies Act, 2006
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019
Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020
Labour Act, 2017
Income Tax Act, 2002
For IT companies with foreign shareholding, FITTA approval is mandatory in addition to OCR registration.
Foreign companies usually choose one of the following structures.
Best for:
Software development firms
SaaS startups
IT outsourcing and BPO companies
This structure allows foreign ownership, profit repatriation, and long-term operations.
Best for:
Cost centres
Internal development teams
Non-revenue-generating operations
Revenue generation in Nepal is restricted for branch offices.
Best for:
Market research
Client coordination
Business development
Not suitable for tech delivery teams.
This is the exact sequence followed by foreign IT and tech companies.
You begin by reserving your company name online.
Requirements:
Unique name
No similarity with existing companies
Alignment with IT or tech activities
Approval typically takes 1–3 working days.
Your objectives must clearly state IT activities.
Common examples:
Software development and testing
SaaS product development
IT outsourcing services
Data analytics and AI solutions
Poorly drafted objectives are a common cause of rejection.
Documents are uploaded digitally to the OCR system.
Required documents:
Memorandum of Association (MoA)
Articles of Association (AoA)
Passport copies of shareholders and directors
Registered office address in Nepal
All documents must be consistent and legally precise.
The full application is submitted through the OCR portal.
Key details include:
Shareholding structure
Director information
Capital structure
Business classification
OCR reviews the submission digitally.
Once approved, OCR issues:
Company Registration Certificate
Permanent Account Number (PAN)
Your IT company now legally exists in Nepal.
If your company has foreign ownership, you must also complete foreign investment approval.
Submit investment proposal
Declare technology transfer or capital inflow
Obtain approval from Department of Industry
Only after FITTA approval can you:
Inject foreign capital
Open foreign currency accounts
Repatriate profits later
Below is a realistic timeline based on actual registrations.
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 1–3 days |
| OCR registration | 5–7 days |
| FITTA approval (if applicable) | 15–30 days |
| Bank account & capital injection | 7–10 days |
Total time:
Local IT company: ~7–10 working days
Foreign-owned IT company: ~30–45 days
Costs vary depending on structure and foreign ownership.
Government registration fees
FITTA approval fees
Legal drafting and advisory
Translation and notarisation
Most foreign IT companies budget between USD 2,000 to USD 5,000 for compliant registration.
Avoiding these mistakes saves weeks.
Vague IT objectives
Incorrect shareholding disclosures
Underestimating FITTA requirements
Missing post-registration compliance
Professional guidance reduces these risks significantly.
Registration is only the beginning.
Monthly tax filings
Annual audit
Labour law compliance
Social Security Fund registration
Data protection and confidentiality policies
Non-compliance can block profit repatriation.
Nepal has a strong IT workforce.
Software engineers
QA testers
UI/UX designers
Data analysts
DevOps engineers
Foreign companies may hire directly or use an Employer-of-Record model initially.
Many tech firms compare both options.
| Factor | Online Registration | EOR Model |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 30–45 days | 7–10 days |
| Legal entity | Required | Not required |
| Long-term scale | Excellent | Limited |
| Compliance burden | High | Managed |
Many companies start with EOR, then transition to registration.
Understanding tax exposure is critical.
Corporate tax generally applies
Withholding tax on services
VAT may apply for certain services
Profit repatriation allowed under FITTA
Proper structuring can reduce tax leakage.
Nepal allows profit repatriation.
Conditions include:
FITTA approval
Tax clearance
Audited financials
This is a major advantage compared to many emerging markets.
Online company registration Nepal is digital, but not simple.
OCR filings and follow-ups
FITTA approvals
Compliance structuring
Banking and capital injection
Long-term tax planning
This ensures speed, accuracy, and compliance.
If you are planning online company registration Nepal for an IT or tech business, expert guidance makes all the difference.
👉 Book a free strategy call to understand timelines, costs, and the best structure for your tech expansion.
Yes. The OCR process is fully online, including name reservation and document submission.
Yes. FITTA allows full foreign ownership in most IT and tech activities.
There is no fixed minimum, but practical capital depends on your business plan.
Yes, after tax clearance and FITTA compliance.
Yes. Many Nepali IT companies serve global clients remotely.
Online company registration Nepal has created a clear, digital, and scalable path for foreign IT and tech companies. With the right structure and compliance, Nepal offers one of South Asia’s most efficient entry points for technology businesses.