Online Company Registration in Nepal Complete Digital Process

Company registration in Nepal has moved decisively into the digital era.
Foreign companies can now complete most incorporation steps online, without repeated physical visits or paper-heavy procedures.

If you are planning market entry, outsourcing, or foreign direct investment, Nepal’s online registration system offers speed, transparency, and predictability.
This guide explains the complete digital process, legal requirements, timelines, and compliance obligations, all in one place.

Written for international founders, CFOs, and expansion teams, this article reflects current practice under Nepalese law and aligns with regulator workflows.

Why Online Company Registration in Nepal Matters for Foreign Companies

Nepal has prioritised digitisation to improve its ease of doing business.
The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) now enables end-to-end online filings for most incorporation stages.

Key advantages for foreign investors include:

• Reduced processing time

• Centralised documentation

• Transparent government fees

• Predictable compliance steps

• Remote coordination through authorised representatives

This shift has made company registration in Nepal more accessible for overseas founders.

Legal Framework Governing Company Registration in Nepal

Understanding the legal foundation strengthens decision-making and investor confidence.

Key Laws and Regulations

Online company registration in Nepal is governed by:

• Companies Act, 2063 (2006)

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2075 (2019)

• Industrial Enterprises Act, 2076 (2020)

• Income Tax Act, 2058 (2002)

• Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 (2006)

Together, these laws authorise digital filings, electronic records, and remote approvals.

Types of Companies Foreigners Can Register in Nepal

Foreign companies cannot register every structure available to locals.
The choice depends on investment intent and commercial activity.

Common Options for Foreign Investors

1. Private Limited Company (FDI route)

2. Branch Office

3. Liaison or Representative Office

4. Joint Venture Company with Nepali partners

For most operational businesses, a Private Limited Company with FDI approval is preferred.

Online Company Registration in Nepal: Step-by-Step Digital Process

The online process follows a defined sequence.
Skipping steps can delay approvals.

Step 1: Name Reservation Through OCR Portal

The incorporation journey begins online at the Office of the Company Registrar portal.

You must:

• Propose up to three company names

• Ensure uniqueness and legal compliance

• Select industry classification

Approval usually takes 1–3 working days.

Step 2: Prepare Digital Incorporation Documents

Foreign companies must upload scanned, notarised, and apostilled documents.

These typically include:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Articles of Association (AOA)

• Shareholder and director details

• Passport copies

• Board resolutions

All documents are submitted digitally through the OCR system.

Step 3: Online Filing with the Office of the Company Registrar

Once documents are ready, the application is filed online.

OCR officers review:

• Corporate structure

• Share capital

• Compliance with Companies Act

• Foreign ownership disclosures

If compliant, digital incorporation approval is issued.

Step 4: Foreign Investment Approval (For FDI Companies)

Foreign investors must secure approval from the Department of Industry (DOI) or Investment Board Nepal (IBN).

The application is submitted electronically and includes:

• Business plan

• Investment amount

• Technology transfer details

• Source of funds

Approval timelines range from 15–30 working days.

Step 5: Digital Tax Registration (PAN and VAT)

Once incorporated, companies register online with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

Registrations include:

• Permanent Account Number (PAN)

• VAT (if applicable)

This step is mandatory before opening bank accounts or issuing invoices.

Step 6: Bank Account Opening and Capital Injection

While banks require physical verification, documentation is pre-filed digitally.

Foreign investors remit capital through approved banking channels, complying with Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) guidelines.

Step 7: Post-Registration Compliance Setup

After registration, companies must configure:

• Accounting systems

• Payroll and Social Security Fund registration

• Digital statutory registers

Most filings remain online after setup.

Timeline for Online Company Registration in Nepal

Below is a realistic timeline foreign companies should plan for.

Total estimated timeline: 3–6 weeks

Cost of Online Company Registration in Nepal

Costs depend on share capital and business structure.

Typical Cost Components

• Government registration fees

• Notarisation and apostille

• Legal drafting

• FDI approval processing

• Tax and compliance setup

Unlike many jurisdictions, Nepal’s government fees remain modest, even for foreign companies.

Online vs Traditional Company Registration in Nepal

Digital registration has largely replaced legacy manual processes.

For foreign companies, online company registration in Nepal is the clear choice.

Compliance Obligations After Company Registration in Nepal

Registration is only the beginning.

Foreign-owned companies must maintain:

• Annual financial statements

• Tax filings and advance tax payments

• Social Security Fund contributions

• Annual returns to OCR

• FDI compliance reporting

Most compliance submissions are digital, but deadlines are strict.

Common Mistakes Foreign Companies Should Avoid

Many delays stem from avoidable errors.

These include:

• Incorrect shareholding disclosures

• Incomplete apostille documentation

• Underestimating FDI approval timelines

• Missing post-registration compliance

Working with experienced local advisors prevents these risks.

Why Nepal Is Attractive for Foreign Company Registration

Beyond digitisation, Nepal offers strategic advantages.

Key Investment Benefits

• Competitive labour costs

• English-speaking workforce

• Growing IT and service sectors

• Preferential market access

• Liberal profit repatriation under FITTA

These factors strengthen the case for company registration in Nepal.

When to Seek Professional Support

While the system is digital, interpretation remains legal.

Professional support is recommended when:

• Structuring FDI

• Drafting compliant MOA and AOA

• Managing tax efficiency

• Ensuring NRB compliance

• Handling ongoing filings

Expert guidance reduces risk and speeds up approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

Can foreigners register a company fully online in Nepal?

Yes. Most steps in company registration in Nepal are online. Physical presence is limited to banking and verification stages.

How long does online company registration in Nepal take?

For foreign companies, the full process typically takes 3–6 weeks, including FDI approval.

What is the minimum capital for foreign company registration?

There is no fixed minimum under company law. FDI approvals often start from NPR 20 million, depending on sector.

Is 100 percent foreign ownership allowed in Nepal?

Yes. Most sectors allow full foreign ownership under FITTA, except restricted industries.

Can profits be repatriated after company registration in Nepal?

Yes. FITTA guarantees repatriation of profits, dividends, and capital, subject to tax compliance.

Conclusion

Company registration in Nepal has become faster, clearer, and more foreign-friendly through digital transformation.

With online filing systems, transparent approvals, and investor-friendly laws, Nepal offers a credible entry point into South Asia.

The key to success lies in correct structuring, compliant documentation, and timely filings.

Call to Action

Planning online company registration in Nepal?
Speak with our incorporation and FDI specialists to get a clear roadmap, cost estimate, and compliance checklist tailored to your business.