Online Company Registration Nepal: What’s the Total Cost in 2026

The cost of company registration in Nepal is one of the first questions foreign investors ask when planning South Asia expansion. In 2026, Nepal’s online company registration system has made entry faster, more transparent, and more predictable. But “online” does not always mean “cheap.”

This guide explains the total cost of online company registration in Nepal in 2026, including government fees, legal charges, compliance costs, and post-registration obligations. It is written specifically for foreign companies, founders, CFOs, and legal teams seeking clarity before committing capital.

By the end, you will know exactly what you must pay, why you must pay it, and how to reduce unnecessary cost and risk.

What Online Company Registration in Nepal Means in 2026

Online company registration in Nepal refers to incorporating a legal entity through the Office of Company Registrar (OCR) portal.

The system allows:

• Online name reservation

• Digital submission of incorporation documents

• Online payment of government fees

• Electronic issuance of registration certificates

However, foreign-owned companies still require offline approvals from investment and regulatory authorities.

Online registration simplifies execution.
It does not eliminate compliance or legal cost.

Types of Companies Foreigners Can Register in Nepal

Before discussing cost, it is essential to understand which structure you are registering.

1. Private Limited Company (FDI Company)

This is the most common structure for foreign investors.

Key features:

• Minimum 1 shareholder

• Up to 101 shareholders

• Separate legal entity

• Eligible for 100% foreign ownership (sector-dependent)

2. Branch Office

• Extension of foreign parent

• No separate legal personality

• Limited to approved scope of work

• Requires annual renewals

3. Liaison Office

• Non-commercial

• No revenue generation

• Used for market research and coordination

💡 Cost comparison differs significantly across these structures.
This article focuses primarily on Private Limited Company via online registration, as it is the dominant FDI route.

Cost of Company Registration in Nepal (2026 Overview)

High-Level Cost Range

For foreign companies, the total cost of company registration in Nepal typically falls within:

• USD 1,200 – USD 3,500 for incorporation only

• USD 3,000 – USD 8,000 including FDI approval and first-year compliance

Actual cost depends on:

• Authorized capital

• Industry sector

• Approval complexity

• Advisory support

Government Fees for Online Company Registration in Nepal

Government fees are statutory and non-negotiable.

1. Name Reservation Fee

• NPR 100

• Paid online to OCR

2. Company Registration Fee (Based on Authorized Capital)

🔎 Foreign companies often underestimate this cost by declaring capital far above operational needs.

3. Registration Certificate Issuance

• Included in the above fee

• Issued digitally via OCR

Legal and Professional Fees (Where Real Cost Emerges)

Government fees are only a fraction of the true cost of company registration in Nepal.

Typical Professional Costs Include:

• Legal drafting of constitutional documents

• FDI structuring advisory

• Regulatory liaison

• Notarization and translations

• Power of attorney handling

Estimated range in 2026:

• USD 800 – USD 2,500

Factors affecting professional fees:

• Foreign parent jurisdiction

• Shareholding complexity

• Sector-specific approvals

• Timeline urgency

FDI Approval Costs for Foreign Companies

Foreign investment in Nepal is governed by the Department of Industry (DOI) and the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).

Key FDI Cost Components

1. Industry Registration

• NPR 1,000 – 10,000 depending on sector

2. NRB Approval & Capital Inflow Certification

• Bank charges

• Compliance documentation cost

3. FITTA Compliance

Governed by the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act.

There is no fixed government “FDI fee,” but professional compliance cost is unavoidable.

Hidden Costs Foreign Companies Often Miss

Hidden costs can inflate budgets by 20–40%.

Commonly Missed Expenses

• Document notarization abroad

• Embassy legalization

• Nepali translation of foreign documents

• Local address and nominee services

• Sectoral licenses (IT, finance, education, energy)

These costs vary but must be budgeted upfront.

Online vs Offline Registration: Cost Comparison

👉 Online registration is more cost-efficient, provided documentation is accurate.

Timeline vs Cost Trade-Off

Rushed registrations increase:

• Legal fees

• Government liaison cost

• Risk of rejections

Post-Registration Mandatory Costs (Year 1)

Registration is only the beginning.

Mandatory First-Year Costs

• PAN/VAT registration

• Accounting setup

• Annual audit

• Tax filings

• Social Security Fund registration

Expect USD 1,000 – USD 3,000 annually depending on size.

Why the Cost of Company Registration in Nepal Is Still Competitive

Despite layered compliance, Nepal remains cost-effective compared to:

• India

• Bangladesh

• Sri Lanka

Advantages include:

• Low labor cost

• English-speaking workforce

• Growing tech and outsourcing ecosystem

• Full profit repatriation under law

Legal Basis You Should Know (EEAT Reinforcement)

Foreign company registration in Nepal is governed by:

• Companies Act

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act

• Industrial Enterprises Act

• NRB Unified Directives

These laws guarantee:

• Ownership rights

• Profit repatriation

• Non-nationalization

Step-by-Step Cost Breakdown (Numbered)

1. Name reservation: NPR 100

2. Authorized capital determination

3. OCR registration fee

4. Legal drafting and filing

5. FDI approval (DOI + NRB)

6. Bank account and capital inflow

7. Tax and compliance registration

Each step carries direct or indirect cost.

Who Should Handle Registration for Foreign Companies?

You can register yourself, but most foreign companies choose advisors because:

• Errors cause rejection

• Delays increase cost

• Compliance mistakes risk penalties

A regulated advisory ensures predictable cost and timeline.

Call to Action

If you are planning to enter Nepal in 2026, clarity before commitment saves money.

👉 Book a free cost and structure assessment to receive:

• Customized cost estimate

• Entity structure recommendation

• Timeline roadmap

• Compliance checklist

Conclusion

The cost of company registration in Nepal in 2026 is transparent, structured, and competitive. Online registration reduces friction, but foreign companies must still budget for legal, FDI, and compliance costs.

When planned correctly, Nepal offers one of the lowest-risk and highest-value entry points in South Asia.

FAQs: Cost of Company Registration in Nepal

1. What is the minimum cost of company registration in Nepal for foreigners?

The minimum cost starts around USD 1,200 for basic incorporation, excluding FDI and compliance costs.

2. Is online company registration in Nepal fully digital for foreigners?

Partially. OCR registration is online, but FDI and banking approvals still require physical processing.

3. Can 100% foreign ownership be registered online?

Yes, subject to sector approval under FITTA and DOI guidelines.

4. How long does online registration take in Nepal?

Typically 4–6 weeks including FDI approval. OCR registration alone can complete within days.

5. Are there annual costs after registration?

Yes. Accounting, tax filing, audit, and compliance typically cost USD 1,000–3,000 annually/