Online Company Name Reservation via OCR Portal Nepal

The online portal for company registration Nepal is the official digital gateway for starting a business in the country.
For foreign companies, NRNs, and overseas investors, company name reservation via the OCR portal is the very first legal step.

If your proposed name is rejected, everything else stops.
Incorporation timelines slip. Bank accounts get delayed. Investment approvals pause.

This guide explains exactly how to reserve a company name online through the OCR portal in Nepal, what foreign companies must prepare, and how to avoid the most common rejection reasons. It also shows when expert advisory support can save weeks of back-and-forth.

What Is the OCR Portal in Nepal?

The OCR portal is operated by the Office of the Company Registrar, the statutory authority responsible for company incorporation and records under the Companies Act, 2063 (2006).

Through this online portal for company registration Nepal, investors can:

• Reserve a company name

• Register a private limited company

• File statutory returns

• Update company details

For foreign investors, name reservation is mandatory before incorporation.

Why Online Company Name Reservation Is Critical for Foreign Investors

Foreign companies face stricter scrutiny than local promoters.
The OCR reviews names for:

• Legal compliance

• Sector restrictions

• Potential misrepresentation

• Conflict with existing Nepali or foreign-linked entities

A rejected name means restarting the process.

Key risks if done incorrectly

• Multiple rejections by OCR

• Delays in FDI approval and banking

• Branding conflicts later

• Regulatory red flags for foreign ownership

Legal Basis for Company Name Reservation in Nepal

Company name approval is governed by:

• Companies Act, 2063 (2006)

• Company Registration Rules issued by OCR

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

The OCR has the final authority to approve or reject names submitted via the online portal for company registration Nepal.

Step-by-Step: Online Company Name Reservation via OCR Portal Nepal

Step 1: Access the Official OCR Online Portal

Visit the official OCR system and choose Company Name Reservation.

You will need:

• Valid email address

• Contact details of the applicant or authorized representative

Step 2: Choose the Correct Company Type

Foreign investors typically select:

• Private Limited Company

• Branch Office (foreign company)

• Liaison Office (representative office)

Tip: Company type affects name structure and approval logic.

Step 3: Propose Company Name(s)

You can submit up to three name options in priority order.

Best practices:

• Use clear, descriptive names

• Avoid restricted or sensitive terms

• Ensure alignment with intended business activities

Step 4: Define the Nature of Business

OCR closely checks whether the proposed name matches the declared business scope.

Examples:

• Software development

• Trading and import/export

• Consulting or professional services

• Manufacturing

Mismatch between name and activity is a top rejection reason.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Details (If Required)

Foreign-linked applications may trigger additional review.

Be ready with:

• Parent company profile

• Passport or incorporation documents

• Authorization letter (if filed via consultant)

Step 6: Pay the Government Fee Online

The OCR portal supports online payment methods approved in Nepal.

Payment confirmation is required for the application to move forward.

Step 7: Track Application Status

Once submitted, you can monitor:

• Under review

• Approved

• Rejected with remarks

Approval typically takes 1–3 working days, but foreign-linked names may take longer.

Common Reasons OCR Rejects Company Names

Foreign investors face higher rejection rates due to avoidable issues.

Frequent rejection triggers

• Name similarity with existing companies

• Use of restricted words (bank, insurance, trust, government, etc.)

• Misleading use of “international,” “global,” or “group”

• Business activity not matching the name

• Non-compliance with Nepali naming conventions

Restricted and Sensitive Words in Nepal Company Names

Some words require prior approval or are outright prohibited.

Examples include:

• Bank, Finance, Insurance

• Trust, Foundation (for commercial entities)

• Government-affiliated terms

• Regulated professions without licenses

Expert review before submission significantly reduces rejection risk.

OCR Name Reservation Timeline for Foreign Companies

If incorporation is not completed within validity, the name expires.

Online Portal for Company Registration Nepal: Foreign vs Local Applications

This is why foreign companies often use professional advisory support.

After Name Reservation: What Comes Next?

Name reservation is only the first milestone.

Next steps include:

• Company incorporation filing

• Share capital declaration

• FDI approval (if applicable)

• PAN/VAT registration

• Bank account opening

• Ongoing compliance setup

A delay at the name stage affects the entire chain.

Why Foreign Companies Use End-to-End Advisory Support

While the OCR portal is digital, the process is not self-explanatory for foreign investors.

Professional support helps with:

• Pre-screening company names

• Regulatory risk assessment

• Faster approvals

• Coordinated incorporation and compliance

• One-point accountability

This reduces uncertainty and protects your investment timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

Is online company name reservation mandatory in Nepal?

Yes. All companies must reserve a name through the OCR online portal before incorporation.

How long is a reserved company name valid in Nepal?

A reserved name is valid for 35 days from the date of approval.

Can foreign companies reserve a name without visiting Nepal?

Yes. The entire name reservation process is completed online.

Can I change the company name after reservation?

No. A new application is required if you want a different name.

Does OCR reject foreign company names more often?

Yes. Foreign-linked names undergo stricter review for compliance and misrepresentation.

Conclusion: Start Right with the OCR Name Reservation

The online portal for company registration Nepal makes company name reservation accessible worldwide.
But for foreign investors, success depends on understanding local rules, sector sensitivities, and OCR review practices.

Getting the name right the first time saves weeks.
It also signals regulatory seriousness to authorities, banks, and partners.

If you want a smooth, rejection-free start, expert guidance at the name reservation stage is the smartest investment.

Ready to Reserve Your Company Name in Nepal?

We provide end-to-end company registration and compliance advisory services for foreign companies and NRNs, from OCR name reservation to full operational setup.

👉 Book a consultation or contact us today to secure your company name and move forward with confidence.