Online Business Registration in Nepal: Fastest Way to Get Started

Foreign companies can now complete business registration in Nepal almost entirely online. Nepal’s Office of Company Registrar (OCR) offers a secure web portal where you can reserve a company name, upload documents, pay fees, and receive a digital incorporation certificate. This fully electronic system has drastically reduced delays, with most online applications approved in about 5–7 working days.

Why Register in Nepal? Key Benefits for Foreign Investors

Nepal welcomes foreign investment under its Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA). A foreign-owned company is treated as a local firm, allowed to own private land and repatriate profits in foreign currency. Investors enjoy business visas, and even resident visas for large investments.

Key Advantages

• Flexible entity options: Register a 100% foreign-owned private company, branch, or liaison office.

• Full repatriation: Profits and capital can be sent abroad in foreign currency.

• Visa access: Business and residence visas are available to investors.

• Government support: Equal rights with local firms, including land ownership.

• Low online fees: OCR filing fees are nominal, ranging from NPR 1,000–19,000.

Business Registration in Nepal: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to register your company online:

1. Create an OCR account. Sign up on the OCR’s online system.

2. Reserve a company name. Approved names are valid for 35 days.

3. Prepare documents. Draft and notarize Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA). Translate them into Nepali if required.

4. Complete the online form. Provide details of directors, shareholders, and registered office.

5. Submit and pay fees. Upload all notarized documents, provide identification, and pay registration fees via bank voucher.

6. Receive approval. OCR issues the registration certificate within 30 days by law. In practice, it usually takes one week.

7. Post-registration tasks. Register your office at the local Ward Office, obtain a tax ID (PAN/VAT), and open a corporate bank account.

Required Documents

• Parent company’s MOA/AOA (notarized and translated into Nepali).

• Parent company’s certificate of incorporation (notarized and translated).

• Board resolution to open a Nepal office.

• Power of attorney for local representative.

• Passports of foreign directors.

• Nepali citizenship certificate of local representative.

• Additional approvals if industry-specific licensing is required.

Comparing Foreign Company Structures in Nepal

Post-Registration Compliance

• File audited annual accounts with OCR.

• Hold annual shareholder meetings.

• Pay corporate taxes (general rate: 25%).

• Display Nepal registration number on invoices and official documents.

• Liaison offices must not invoice or advertise.

• Foreign staff can be hired only for specialized roles not available locally.

Tips for Faster Registration

• Prepare documents and translations early.

• Double-check name availability.

• Use online tracking to monitor OCR progress.

• Respond promptly to any clarification requests.

• Engage professional advisors for legal and compliance issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can a foreign company register in Nepal?
A: By applying through the OCR online system, submitting notarized corporate documents, and paying fees. Approval is usually granted within a week.

Q2: What business structures are available to foreigners?
A: Options include a Private Limited Company, a Branch Office, or a Liaison Office. Each has different rights and restrictions.

Q3: How long does registration take?
A: Legally up to 30 days, but most online applications are processed in 5–7 working days.

Q4: What documents are required?
A: MOA/AOA, certificate of incorporation, board resolution, power of attorney, director passports, and Nepali representative ID.

Q5: What is the cost of registration?
A: Fees depend on authorized capital: NPR 1,000 for up to NPR 100,000 capital, and NPR 19,000 for capital above 10 million.