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.
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.
Before discussing cost, it is essential to understand which structure you are registering.
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)
Extension of foreign parent
No separate legal personality
Limited to approved scope of work
Requires annual renewals
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.
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 are statutory and non-negotiable.
NPR 100
Paid online to OCR
| Authorized Capital | Government Fee (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Up to 100,000 | 1,000 |
| 100,001 – 500,000 | 4,500 |
| 500,001 – 2,500,000 | 9,500 |
| 2,500,001 – 10,000,000 | 16,000 |
| Above 10,000,000 | Scales progressively |
🔎 Foreign companies often underestimate this cost by declaring capital far above operational needs.
Included in the above fee
Issued digitally via OCR
Government fees are only a fraction of the true cost of company registration in Nepal.
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
Foreign investment in Nepal is governed by the Department of Industry (DOI) and the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
NPR 1,000 – 10,000 depending on sector
Bank charges
Compliance documentation cost
Governed by the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act.
There is no fixed government “FDI fee,” but professional compliance cost is unavoidable.
Hidden costs can inflate budgets by 20–40%.
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.
| Factor | Online Registration | Offline / Manual |
|---|---|---|
| OCR fees | Same | Same |
| Processing speed | Faster | Slower |
| Transparency | High | Medium |
| Error correction | Easier | Costly |
| Professional dependency | Lower | Higher |
| Overall cost | Lower | Higher |
👉 Online registration is more cost-efficient, provided documentation is accurate.
| Timeline | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Standard (4–6 weeks) | Base cost |
| Fast-track (2–3 weeks) | +15–30% |
| Urgent (under 14 days) | +40% or more |
Rushed registrations increase:
Legal fees
Government liaison cost
Risk of rejections
Registration is only the beginning.
PAN/VAT registration
Accounting setup
Annual audit
Tax filings
Social Security Fund registration
Expect USD 1,000 – USD 3,000 annually depending on size.
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
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
Name reservation: NPR 100
Authorized capital determination
OCR registration fee
Legal drafting and filing
FDI approval (DOI + NRB)
Bank account and capital inflow
Tax and compliance registration
Each step carries direct or indirect cost.
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.
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
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.
The minimum cost starts around USD 1,200 for basic incorporation, excluding FDI and compliance costs.
Partially. OCR registration is online, but FDI and banking approvals still require physical processing.
Yes, subject to sector approval under FITTA and DOI guidelines.
Typically 4–6 weeks including FDI approval. OCR registration alone can complete within days.
Yes. Accounting, tax filing, audit, and compliance typically cost USD 1,000–3,000 annually/