If you are researching how to register a company in Nepal, the very first legal step is reserving your company name. Before incorporation documents, capital injection, or foreign investment approvals, Nepalese law requires your proposed business name to be approved by the authorities.
For foreign companies, this step is often underestimated. A rejected name can delay registration by weeks. A poorly chosen name can restrict future licensing or branding. Getting name reservation right saves time, cost, and compliance risk.
This guide explains how to reserve a company name before registration in Nepal, with a foreign investor focus. You will learn the legal rules, online process, timelines, common mistakes, and strategic tips used by professional advisors.
Company name reservation is the formal approval of your proposed business name by Nepal’s company regulator. Once approved, the name is temporarily blocked for your use during incorporation.
In Nepal, company names are regulated by the Office of Company Registrar under the Companies Act, 2006.
Without name approval, company registration cannot proceed.
Foreign companies face additional scrutiny. Regulators assess names for:
National interest and public policy
Restricted or regulated business sectors
Misleading use of words like “international,” “bank,” or “government”
Similarity with existing Nepalese or foreign brands
A compliant name reduces the risk of rejection during later FDI or licensing stages.
Company name approval is governed primarily by:
Companies Act, 2006 (Nepal)
Company Registration Rules
Sectoral laws for regulated industries like banking, insurance, and telecom
Key legal principles include:
The name must be distinctive
The name must not be deceptive or misleading
The name must not infringe trademarks
The name must align with the declared business objectives
Below is the standard process used by both local and foreign investors.
Name reservation is done online through the OCR portal. An account is required using basic identification details.
Before applying, conduct a manual search of existing names to avoid similarity issues.
You will submit:
Proposed company name
Alternative names (recommended)
Nature of business
Company type (Private Limited, Public Limited, etc.)
A nominal government fee applies. Fees vary slightly depending on company type.
The registrar reviews your application for legal and policy compliance.
Approved names are reserved for a limited period. Rejected names must be revised and resubmitted.
Most name reservations are processed quickly, but foreign-linked names may take longer.
Typical timeline:
1 to 3 working days for standard cases
3 to 7 working days for foreign or sensitive names
Delays usually occur due to similarity conflicts or restricted words.
Once approved, a company name is typically reserved for:
35 days from approval date
If incorporation documents are not filed within this window, the name expires and becomes available to others.
Extensions are discretionary and not guaranteed.
Foreign companies often face rejections for avoidable reasons.
Name is too similar to an existing company
Use of restricted words without approval
Mismatch between name and business objectives
Use of geographic or government terms
Trademark conflicts
Certain words require special approvals or are prohibited altogether.
Bank
Finance
Insurance
Trust
Government
Authority
University
International (in some cases)
Using these words without sectoral approval almost guarantees rejection.
A strategic name balances branding with legal compliance.
Keep the name unique and descriptive
Avoid regulated terms unless licensed
Align the name with future expansion plans
Include “Private Limited” or “Pvt. Ltd.” where applicable
Prepare 2 to 3 alternative names
Many foreign companies assume name reservation equals trademark protection. It does not.
| Aspect | Company Name Reservation | Trademark Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | OCR | Department of Industry |
| Scope | Company registry | Brand protection |
| Rights | Limited to registration | Exclusive commercial use |
| Duration | Temporary | Long-term |
For serious market entry, both are recommended.
Most common for foreign investors. Requires at least one shareholder and director.
Stricter naming rules. Often requires regulatory clearance.
Names usually mirror the parent company but require additional approvals.
Understanding how to register a company in Nepal requires seeing name reservation in context.
Company name reservation
Preparation of incorporation documents
Capital structure approval
Foreign investment approval (if applicable)
Company registration certificate
PAN and tax registration
Name approval is the gatekeeper step.
Based on real-world cases, here are expert insights:
Avoid copying foreign parent names verbatim if they include restricted words
Localize spelling to improve approval chances
Match business objectives tightly with the name
Submit applications early in the week to reduce backlog delays
A non-compliant name can lead to:
Forced name changes after incorporation
Licensing rejection
Banking delays
Brand confusion in Nepal
Fixing name issues post-registration is costly and time-consuming.
Most name reservations are approved within 1 to 3 working days. Foreign-linked or sensitive names may take up to a week.
Yes. Foreign companies can reserve names directly or through authorized representatives during company registration.
Yes. Company registration cannot proceed without an approved and reserved name.
You can submit alternative names in one application, but only one name will be approved and reserved.
If the validity period lapses, the name becomes available to others. You must reapply if still interested.
If you want to understand how to register a company in Nepal, mastering the name reservation stage is essential. A compliant, strategic name sets the foundation for smooth incorporation, licensing, and long-term operations.
Foreign companies that approach this step casually often face delays and rejections. Those who plan carefully move faster and with fewer compliance risks.
Planning to expand into Nepal? Our legal and corporate specialists assist foreign companies with name reservation, incorporation, FDI approvals, and ongoing compliance.
👉 Book a free consultation to reserve your company name in Nepal correctly the first time.