If you are planning to expand into South Asia, understanding the documents required for company registration Nepal is your first and most critical step. Nepal offers cost-effective talent, strategic regional access, and an improving digital registration system. However, foreign companies often face delays because of incomplete or incorrectly prepared documents.
This guide gives you the most authoritative, up-to-date checklist of documents needed to register a company in Nepal. It is written specifically for foreign investors, overseas founders, and international companies. You will find entity-wise document lists, legal references, practical tips, and expert insights to help you register smoothly.
Nepal’s company registration framework is document-driven. The Office of Company Registrar (OCR) verifies ownership, compliance, and foreign investment eligibility primarily through paperwork.
Incomplete documentation can result in:
Name rejection
OCR application suspension
Delays in FDI approval
Bank account opening issues
Visa and work permit delays
For foreign companies, accuracy is not optional. It is essential.
Foreign investors can register companies in Nepal under several structures:
Private Limited Company (FDI-approved)
Branch Office
Liaison (Representative) Office
Joint Venture with Nepali Partner
Each structure has different documentation requirements, which we break down clearly below.
This is the core checklist most foreign companies must prepare before starting registration.
Passport copy of all foreign shareholders and directors
Passport-size photographs
Proposed company name (3 alternatives)
Memorandum of Association (MoA)
Articles of Association (AoA)
Registered office address in Nepal
Board resolution approving Nepal incorporation
Power of Attorney (POA) for local representative
Foreign investment approval documents (if applicable)
This list expands depending on your structure and nationality.
This is the most common structure for foreign companies.
Notarized passport copies
Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
Personal profile or CV (recommended for FDI cases)
Certificate of Incorporation of parent company
MoA and AoA of parent company
Board resolution approving Nepal investment
Shareholding structure of parent company
All foreign corporate documents must be notarized and apostilled or legalized.
Foreign investment is governed by Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) and monitored by the Department of Industry.
FDI application form
Project report or business plan
Investment amount declaration
Technology transfer details (if any)
Source of funds declaration
A branch office is suitable for foreign companies executing projects or contracts.
Parent company incorporation certificate
Parent company MoA/AoA
Board resolution to open Nepal branch
Parent company financial statements (last 2–3 years)
Project agreement or contract in Nepal
Appointment letter for branch manager
Branch offices cannot engage in unrestricted commercial activities.
A liaison office is for market research and coordination only.
Parent company registration certificate
Board resolution approving liaison office
Letter of intent explaining non-commercial activities
Funding commitment letter
Appointment letter of local representative
| Document Category | Private Company | Branch Office | Liaison Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport copies | Required | Required | Required |
| MoA & AoA | Required | Parent company | Parent company |
| FDI approval | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Business plan | Required | Project-based | Activity-based |
| Commercial activity | Allowed | Restricted | Not allowed |
| Capital investment | Required | Not required | Not required |
Once documents are ready, filings are made through the OCR portal.
Approved company name certificate
Signed MoA and AoA
Director consent letters
Share subscription agreements
Citizenship/passport declarations
Foreign companies often overlook this step.
Documents from Hague Convention countries require apostille
Non-Hague countries require embassy legalization
Nepal requires English translations for non-English documents
Incorrect legalization is a top cause of rejection.
Avoid these frequent errors:
Submitting unsigned board resolutions
Using outdated parent company documents
Incorrect shareholding percentages
Missing power of attorney
Inconsistent director names across documents
These mistakes can delay registration by weeks.
Document preparation: 7–14 days
FDI approval: 10–30 days
OCR registration: 3–5 working days
PAN & bank setup: 5–7 days
Well-prepared documentation shortens timelines significantly.
Company registration in Nepal is governed by:
Companies Act 2006
Industrial Enterprises Act
**Department of Industry guidelines
Nepal has seen steady growth in foreign-registered companies, driven by IT, BPO, and professional services sectors (Department of Industry data).
Start notarization early
Align board resolutions with Nepal law
Use professional MoA/AoA drafting
Keep digital and physical copies
Appoint a local compliance partner
If you want zero rejections and faster approval, our experts can review, prepare, and file all documents required for company registration Nepal on your behalf.
👉 Book a free document checklist review or request a customized registration roadmap today.
Understanding the documents required for company registration Nepal is the foundation of a successful market entry. With the right paperwork, legal alignment, and expert support, Nepal can be one of the most efficient and cost-effective jurisdictions for foreign expansion.
Done right, documentation is not a hurdle. It is your competitive advantage.
Foreigners need passport copies, MoA, AoA, board resolutions, FDI approval documents, and notarized parent company records.
Yes. Foreign companies require additional FDI approvals, legalized documents, and source of funds declarations.
Yes. Most foreign documents must be notarized and apostilled or legalized.
If documents are complete, approvals typically take 3–6 weeks.
Yes. A Power of Attorney allows a local representative to file documents.