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.
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.
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.
Multiple rejections by OCR
Delays in FDI approval and banking
Branding conflicts later
Regulatory red flags for foreign ownership
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.
Visit the official OCR system and choose Company Name Reservation.
You will need:
Valid email address
Contact details of the applicant or authorized representative
Foreign investors typically select:
Private Limited Company
Branch Office (foreign company)
Liaison Office (representative office)
Tip: Company type affects name structure and approval logic.
You can submit up to three name options in priority order.
Use clear, descriptive names
Avoid restricted or sensitive terms
Ensure alignment with intended business activities
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.
Foreign-linked applications may trigger additional review.
Be ready with:
Parent company profile
Passport or incorporation documents
Authorization letter (if filed via consultant)
The OCR portal supports online payment methods approved in Nepal.
Payment confirmation is required for the application to move forward.
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.
Foreign investors face higher rejection rates due to avoidable issues.
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
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.
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Online submission | Same day |
| OCR review | 1–3 working days |
| Foreign-linked review | 3–7 working days |
| Name validity | 35 days from approval |
If incorporation is not completed within validity, the name expires.
| Aspect | Local Company | Foreign-Owned Company |
|---|---|---|
| Review intensity | Standard | Enhanced |
| Supporting documents | Minimal | Additional scrutiny |
| Name sensitivity | Moderate | High |
| Approval time | Faster | Slightly longer |
This is why foreign companies often use professional advisory support.
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.
While the OCR portal is digital, the process is not self-explanatory for foreign investors.
Pre-screening company names
Regulatory risk assessment
Faster approvals
Coordinated incorporation and compliance
One-point accountability
This reduces uncertainty and protects your investment timeline.
Yes. All companies must reserve a name through the OCR online portal before incorporation.
A reserved name is valid for 35 days from the date of approval.
Yes. The entire name reservation process is completed online.
No. A new application is required if you want a different name.
Yes. Foreign-linked names undergo stricter review for compliance and misrepresentation.
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.
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.