Online Portal for Company Registration in Nepal: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Foreign companies can now use Nepal’s online portal for company registration to incorporate remotely with ease. The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) portal lets entrepreneurs reserve a name, upload documents, pay government fees and track applications entirely online. This official e‑registry (ocr.gov.np) centralizes all steps—from name clearance to certificate issuance—so you avoid multiple office visits. In this 2026 guide, we’ll walk through every step of the OCR portal process, cover fees and timelines, and highlight how foreign (including NRN) investors can succeed.

Nepal’s Office of Company Registrar (OCR) online portal offers a user-friendly interface for company registration. Instead of paperwork, applicants click through the OCR e‑Services website to complete incorporation. First, create an OCR portal account by registering your details and verifying your email. Next, reserve a unique company name online (typically approved in 2–3 working days). The portal provides clear forms and status updates, and you will receive a digital name-approval certificate once done.

Step 1: Create an OCR Portal Account

To begin, visit the OCR portal (camis.ocr.gov.np) and select “Create User Account.” Provide your full name, address, nationality and ID (citizenship for Nepalis or passport for foreigners). After activation, you can log in anytime to manage your application. Each step — name reservation, document uploads, fee payments, and certificate download — is completed through this single account. No physical visit is needed at this stage.

Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name Online

Use the portal’s Name Reservation feature to propose three name options. The Registrar checks for duplicates or prohibited terms under the Companies Act 2063 (2006). Approval usually comes in 2–3 business days, and the reserved name is valid for 90 days. Tips for success: choose specific, relevant names and provide both English and Nepali versions if needed. Once approved, download the Name Approval certificate – you’ll need this in the next step.

Step 3: Prepare & Upload Required Documents

After name approval, prepare your incorporation documents in soft copy (PDF or clear scans). Required documents typically include:

• Memorandum of Association (MoA) – outlining objectives, capital and ownership structure.

• Articles of Association (AoA) – detailing management rules and director powers.

• Shareholder and Director IDs – citizenship or passport copies (and photos) of all promoters.

• Registered Office Proof – a lease or ownership document for the company address.

• Bank Deposit Slip – bank certificate showing deposit of the authorized capital.

• Other Forms – completed OCR application form, and (for foreign investors) certificates of home-country incorporation.

For foreign or NRN-owned companies, additional papers are needed. This includes notarized home documents, a Department of Industry (DoI) investment approval (if required by sector), and a passport copy for the foreign nominee. Be sure all documents comply with Nepal’s Companies Act and (if applicable) the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act. Missing or unclear scans can delay approval, so double-check that everything is complete and legible.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form

Log into your OCR account and click “New Company Registration.” You will fill in: company name (as approved), address, business objectives, authorized share capital and share structure, promoter and director details, etc. Essentially, you re-enter all information from the MoA/AoA and registration form into the portal. The online form guides you through each section. Before submission, review all entries carefully: even small errors (typos, mismatches) can cause delays.

After populating the form, upload all required documents (MoA, AoA, IDs, name approval certificate, etc.) to the portal. The system automatically extracts key data from your uploads using OCR technology and populates the form fields. Ensure each file is attached correctly and readable.

Step 5: Pay Government Fees & Submit

Once the application form is complete, the portal calculates the government registration fee based on your authorized capital. You can pay online or via a bank voucher. For reference, fees range roughly as follows:

• Up to NPR 100,000 capital: ~NPR 1,000 fee

• NPR 100,001–500,000: ~NPR 4,500

• NPR 500,001–2,500,000: ~NPR 9,500

• NPR 2,500,001–10,000,000: ~NPR 16,000

• Above NPR 50,000,000: up to NPR 30,000

(These fees update each fiscal year, so check OCR announcements.) After payment, upload the voucher or transaction receipt to the portal as proof. Then hit Submit.

Step 6: OCR Review and Certificate Issuance

The OCR officers will review your online submission for completeness and compliance. They verify the information, check MOA/AOA alignment with law, and ensure sectoral rules are met. If there are minor issues, the portal will prompt you to correct or clarify. Otherwise, on average, OCR issues the digital Certificate of Incorporation within 5–7 working days. At this point your company is legally registered. You will receive a notification and can download the certificate directly from the portal.

In practice, most local companies complete this step in about one week. For foreign investors, remember that DoI or NRB clearance (if needed) can extend the timeline to roughly 2–3 weeks. Once approved, the OCR updates its official registry, and your company’s details are publicly accessible on the OCR search tool.

Fees, Timelines & Government Charges

Company registration in Nepal is inexpensive compared to many countries, but costs vary with capital. As above, expect government fees from ~NPR 1,000 up to NPR 30,000 based on authorized capital. In addition, minor charges (name reservation fee NPR 100, document copies, etc.) may apply. The entire online process is fast: name clearance (2–3 days), document review (~1 week) and certificate issuance (another 5–7 days). Foreign company setups often require extra steps (DoI approval, bank transactions), so plan roughly 10–20 business days from start to finish.

Officially, the OCR portal works 24/7, though officials process applications on business days. You can always check your status on the portal and will receive email alerts at each stage.

Foreign & NRN Companies: Special Requirements

Foreign investors (including NRNs) follow the same online steps, with a few add-ons. The OCR portal does register foreign businesses (branch offices, liaison offices, joint ventures). Key points:

• Branch Office: Treated as part of a foreign company. Must obtain DoI approval (FITTA) and submit a local bank deposit certificate. No fixed capital minimum by law, but a substantial bank deposit (often USD 100k or more) is customary.

• Liaison Office: A non-profit, intro-only office for a foreign firm. Requires DoI permission; cannot earn revenue. No capital requirement, but documentation is similar to a branch.

• Joint Venture (JV): A Nepal-foreign partnership (usually as a PLC). Requires at least one Nepali partner or NRN (Nepalese citizenship) and DoI clearance. Registered capital typically starts around NPR 1,000,000 or more.

• NRN-owned company: A company fully owned by Non-Resident Nepalis is treated like a local entity, so standard PLC rules apply. (NRN investors enjoy full repatriation rights under law.)

In all foreign cases, you still use the OCR portal for final registration. Provide the extra approvals and notarized home-country docs when uploading. (The portal’s FAQ and e-Services guide have specific checklists for each type.) After incorporation, branch offices must fulfill annual FDI reporting to the DoI/NRB.

Post-Registration Compliance

After getting the certificate, complete Nepal’s regulatory registrations:

• Tax (PAN/VAT): Apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) at the Inland Revenue Department and register for VAT if turnover exceeds NPR 5 million. This is done online via the IRD portal.

• Social Security (SSF): If you employ staff, register both the company and employees with the Social Security Fund under the Labor Act.

• Local Permits: Obtain a local government (ward office) operating license and verify your office lease.

• Ongoing Filing: Maintain annual audits and financial statements under Nepalese laws, and file annual returns with OCR.

Meeting these post-incorporation requirements is mandatory. Delays or omissions can incur fines.

Why Professional Assistance Matters

While Nepal’s OCR portal simplifies registration, the process still involves legal nuances. Missteps (e.g. incomplete MOA, missing DOI clearance) can stall your application. By leveraging an experienced advisor, foreign investors save time and avoid pitfalls. For example, we ensure your business objectives match FITTA rules, help draft error-free documents, and handle all filings.

If you want a smooth, compliant registration, contact our team to schedule a consultation. We guide you through the OCR portal and all regulatory steps, from name reservation to final compliance. Start your Nepalese company with confidence – reach out for expert support today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can a foreign company register a business online in Nepal?
A: Yes. Nepal’s OCR portal allows full online registration for foreign entities. You can create an account, reserve a name, upload all documents, and pay fees digitally. Approval still requires meeting FITTA and DoI requirements, but the entire process is managed through the OCR website.

Q: What types of companies can foreigners establish in Nepal?
A: Foreign investors can set up several structures. Most common is a Private Limited Company (with foreign share up to 100%). Other forms include a branch office or liaison office of a foreign firm, or a joint venture with Nepali partners. Each type has specific requirements like DoI approval and capital deposit.

Q: How long does online company registration take in Nepal?
A: Typically 5–7 business days after submission if all documents are in order. Name approval takes ~2–3 days. In total, local companies often finish in about 1–2 weeks; cases requiring foreign investment clearances may take 2–4 weeks.

Q: What documents are needed for registration via the portal?
A: You need the company’s Memorandum & Articles of Association, proof of office address, and IDs (citizenship or passport) of all shareholders/directors. Also include the Name Approval certificate. Foreign promoters must attach notarized foreign registration papers and DoI/FITTA approval as applicable. All documents should be clear PDF scans.

Q: How much does it cost to register a company online in Nepal?
A: Government fees depend on authorized capital. For example, fees range from about NPR 1,000 (for small capital) up to NPR 30,000 (for very large capital). An extra NPR 100 is charged for name reservation. Professional service fees vary by firm, so budget for both government and legal support charges.