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.
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.
Understanding the legal foundation strengthens decision-making and investor confidence.
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.
Foreign companies cannot register every structure available to locals.
The choice depends on investment intent and commercial activity.
Private Limited Company (FDI route)
Branch Office
Liaison or Representative Office
Joint Venture Company with Nepali partners
For most operational businesses, a Private Limited Company with FDI approval is preferred.
The online process follows a defined sequence.
Skipping steps can delay approvals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After registration, companies must configure:
Accounting systems
Payroll and Social Security Fund registration
Digital statutory registers
Most filings remain online after setup.
Below is a realistic timeline foreign companies should plan for.
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 1–3 days |
| OCR incorporation | 3–7 days |
| FDI approval | 15–30 days |
| Tax registration | 1–2 days |
| Bank account setup | 5–10 days |
Total estimated timeline: 3–6 weeks
Costs depend on share capital and business structure.
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.
Digital registration has largely replaced legacy manual processes.
| Criteria | Online Registration | Traditional Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Filing method | Fully digital | Paper-based |
| Processing speed | Faster | Slower |
| Transparency | High | Limited |
| Remote access | Yes | No |
| Compliance tracking | Centralised | Fragmented |
For foreign companies, online company registration in Nepal is the clear choice.
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.
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.
Beyond digitisation, Nepal offers strategic advantages.
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.
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.
Yes. Most steps in company registration in Nepal are online. Physical presence is limited to banking and verification stages.
For foreign companies, the full process typically takes 3–6 weeks, including FDI approval.
There is no fixed minimum under company law. FDI approvals often start from NPR 20 million, depending on sector.
Yes. Most sectors allow full foreign ownership under FITTA, except restricted industries.
Yes. FITTA guarantees repatriation of profits, dividends, and capital, subject to tax compliance.
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.
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.