How to Reserve a Company Name via Company Registrar Office Nepal

If you are planning market entry, the Company registrar office Nepal is your first formal checkpoint.
Before you can invest, incorporate, or hire, your company name must be approved and reserved by Nepal’s registrar.

For foreign companies, this step is more than administrative. It determines whether your brand, investment structure, and compliance roadmap can move forward smoothly.

This guide explains exactly how to reserve a company name via the Company Registrar Office Nepal, what rules apply to foreign investors, and how to avoid rejection or delays.

What Is the Company Registrar Office Nepal?

The Office of Company Registrar (OCR) is the government authority that regulates company incorporation under Nepal’s Companies Act, 2006.

Its core responsibilities include:

• Approving and reserving company names

• Registering private, public, and foreign-invested companies

• Maintaining the national company registry

• Enforcing naming and disclosure standards

No company—local or foreign—can legally operate in Nepal without OCR approval.

Why Name Reservation Matters for Foreign Companies

Foreign founders often underestimate this stage. In Nepal, name reservation is a legal gate, not a formality.

A reserved name:

• Confirms legal uniqueness across Nepal

• Locks your brand for incorporation

• Enables FDI approval, bank accounts, and tax registration

• Prevents conflicts with regulated or restricted terms

Without name reservation, you cannot proceed to:

• Foreign investment approval

• Company registration

• Capital injection

• Employment or contracts

Types of Companies Eligible for Name Reservation

Foreign investors may reserve names for:

1. Private Limited Company (FDI-approved)

2. Public Limited Company

3. Branch Office of a Foreign Company

4. Liaison Office

Each structure has naming nuances discussed later in this guide.

Legal Framework Governing Company Names in Nepal

Name approval at the Company Registrar Office Nepal is guided by:

• Companies Act, 2006

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019

• Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020

• OCR Naming Directives and Circulars

These laws empower the registrar to approve, reject, or revoke a name if it violates public interest or statutory rules.

Step-by-Step: How to Reserve a Company Name via Company Registrar Office Nepal

Step 1: Prepare Your Proposed Company Names

You must submit one primary name and one alternative.

Good practice:

• Keep names descriptive but distinctive

• Include activity indicators like “Solutions,” “Services,” or “Technologies”

• Avoid sensitive or regulated words

Step 2: Access the Online Name Reservation System

The Company Registrar Office Nepal operates an online portal for name reservation.

You will need:

• Applicant details

• Proposed company name(s)

• Company type (private, public, branch)

• Brief business objective

Step 3: Submit the Name Reservation Application

Once submitted:

• The application enters OCR review

• A registrar checks compliance with naming rules

• Similar or misleading names are screened out

Step 4: Registrar Review and Decision

The OCR typically:

• Approves the name

• Requests clarification

• Or rejects with reasons

Average processing time: 1–3 working days, depending on complexity.

Step 5: Name Reservation Certificate Issued

Once approved:

• The name is reserved for 35 days

• You can proceed with incorporation and FDI approvals

Failure to register within the validity period causes automatic expiration.

Key Naming Rules at the Company Registrar Office Nepal

Foreign companies must comply with strict naming standards.

Prohibited Name Characteristics

• Identical or deceptively similar to existing companies

• Offensive or misleading terms

• Suggesting illegal or restricted activities

Restricted Words (Require Special Approval)

• Bank

• Finance

• Insurance

• Trust

• University

• Cooperative

Common Reasons for Name Rejection (And How to Avoid Them)

Most rejections are avoidable.

Top causes include:

• Overly generic names

• Similarity to existing companies

• Use of restricted words without approval

• Misalignment with stated business objectives

How to reduce risk:

• Conduct informal name searches first

• Prepare compliant alternatives

• Align the name with permitted activities

Foreign Brand Names: Can You Use Your Global Company Name?

Yes, but with conditions.

Foreign companies may:

• Use their global brand name

• Add “Nepal” or “Private Limited” where required

• Register trademarks separately if needed

OCR may request proof of:

• Parent company registration

• Brand ownership

Comparison Table: Name Reservation Scenarios for Foreign Companies

This table reflects common OCR outcomes observed in practice.

How Long Is a Company Name Reserved in Nepal?

A company name approved by the Company Registrar Office Nepal is valid for:

• 35 calendar days

If incorporation is delayed:

• The reservation expires automatically

• A fresh application is required

Can Foreigners Reserve a Company Name Without Visiting Nepal?

Yes. The entire process can be handled:

• Online

• Through an authorized local representative

Physical presence is not mandatory for name reservation.

Costs Involved in Name Reservation

Official government fees for name reservation are minimal.
However, professional advisory fees may apply if:

• FDI structuring is required

• Restricted terms are involved

• Complex ownership structures exist

Strategic Tips for Faster Name Approval

• Use two clearly distinct name options

• Avoid regulated keywords

• Match your name with your business scope

• Align with Nepal’s industry classifications

These steps significantly improve approval speed.

What Happens After Name Reservation?

Once approved, you can proceed to:

• Company registration

• Foreign investment approval

• Capital injection

• Tax and VAT registration

Name reservation is the foundation of your Nepal entry strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

1. How long does name reservation take at the Company Registrar Office Nepal?

Usually 1–3 working days if the name complies with OCR rules.

2. Can a foreign company reserve a name before FDI approval?

Yes. Name reservation typically precedes FDI approval.

3. Is name reservation mandatory for company registration in Nepal?

Yes. Registration cannot proceed without an approved name.

4. Can the reserved name be changed later?

Yes, but it requires a fresh application and approval.

5. Does name reservation guarantee company registration?

No. It only reserves the name. Registration depends on full legal compliance.

Why Foreign Companies Choose Expert Support

While name reservation appears simple, mistakes cause delays downstream.
Experienced advisors help:

• Pre-validate names

• Align branding with law

• Coordinate OCR, FDI, and tax approvals

This saves weeks of time and cost.

Call to Action: Reserve Your Company Name the Right Way

If you are a foreign company planning to enter Nepal, start with the Company registrar office Nepal—correctly.

👉 Speak with our Nepal company-registration specialists to:

• Secure name approval faster

• Avoid rejection

• Move seamlessly to FDI and incorporation

Conclusion: Company Registrar Office Nepal as Your Entry Gate

The Company registrar office Nepal controls the first legal milestone of your market entry.
Name reservation is not just a step—it is the foundation of compliance, branding, and investment success.