Nepal’s online portal for company registration simplifies incorporating a private limited company. Through the Office of the Company Registrar’s (OCR) e-service system, foreign investors can reserve a business name, upload documents, and track their application online. This digital gateway replaces older manual paperwork and is backed by the Companies Act 2063 (2006), ensuring fast legal recognition for new businesses. Nepal generally allows up to 100% foreign ownership in private limited companies, so using the OCR portal is a critical step for global entrepreneurs. Because foreign investors must also comply with the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2019 and Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) regulations, expert guidance is crucial to navigate approvals and complete filings correctly.
The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) – under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Supplies – manages Nepal’s company registry. Its online portal (often called CAMIS) is Nepal’s official e-gateway for company incorporation. Through the OCR portal, you can create an account, submit your company registration application, and pay government fees digitally. The portal ensures transparency and speeds up the process: recent law amendments require OCR to decide on a new company within 7 days of submission, halving the old 15-day rule. In practice, a properly prepared application on the OCR portal can be approved in about a week.
Name reservation: Submit 3 proposed names for approval under the Companies Act rules.
Document uploads: Upload scanned MOA/AOA and identity documents securely.
Application tracking: Check status and get alerts on your registration progress.
Online payment: Pay official registration fees based on your company’s authorized capital.
Digital certificate: Download your Certificate of Incorporation when approved.
These features give you control and convenience. For example, instead of mailing papers back and forth, you can complete most steps from abroad. The portal also enforces name rules (no duplicate or offensive names) and required formats, helping avoid rejections. With the 7-day statutory review period and the ability to correct errors quickly online, the OCR portal greatly reduces delays.
Follow these key steps to register your Nepal private limited company:
Reserve your company name. Log into the OCR e-Services portal and apply for a unique company name in English and Nepali. The Registrar will verify against existing businesses and legal restrictions. Approval usually arrives in 1–3 days. This name approval is valid for 90 days, during which you must complete registration. Tip: Have backup names ready in case your first choice is taken.
Prepare the legal documents. Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) defining your company’s objectives, capital structure, and governance. Also fill out the official registration application form. You’ll need signed copies of MOA/AOA, shareholders’ identity documents (citizenship or passport), address proof (lease agreement, utility bill), and any required sector approvals. Foreign investors must obtain an FDI approval from the Department of Industry (DoI) under FITTA before applying. We recommend preparing certified translations for any documents not in Nepali or English.
Submit your application online. In the OCR portal, create a New Company Registration application. Enter your approved company name, address, capital details, and director/shareholder info. Upload scanned documents (MOA/AOA, IDs, DoI approval, etc.) in PDF format. Ensure all online entries match your physical documents. The portal will calculate the registration fee automatically based on authorized capital. Pay this fee electronically if supported, or prepare to deposit it at a designated bank. Keep receipts as proof.
OCR review and fee payment. OCR officials review your submission for completeness and compliance. They will check that your objectives align with the Companies Act and that all signatures are present. If any information is missing or inconsistent, OCR will raise queries. Once everything is in order, make the registration fee payment if not done online. For example, fees start at NPR 1,000 for very small capital and scale up (e.g. NPR 9,500 for capital up to NPR 2.5 million). After payment, OCR issues the Certificate of Incorporation and your Company Registration Number.
Certificate issuance. Upon approval, OCR posts your digital Registration Certificate on the portal. Download and review it for accuracy – check the company name, share capital, and director names. This certificate formally establishes your private limited company under Nepali law. You are now legally incorporated in Nepal.
Post-registration steps. Within 30 days of incorporation, register your new company for tax and social security. Apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and VAT (if turnover is likely above NPR 5 million) with the Inland Revenue Department. Enroll any employees in the Social Security Fund. Open a corporate bank account (note: Nepal Rastra Bank will require proof of FDI and capital repatriation plans for foreign firms). Hold your first board meeting, record minutes, and update the company’s statutory books. File required returns on time. Our team will guide you through these compliance tasks to avoid fines.
To register your private company on the OCR portal, gather these documents (in Nepali or English):
Application form (OCR online company registration form).
Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA & AoA) – two signed copies of each.
National ID (citizenship) copies for Nepali promoters. For foreign promoters, submit notarized passport copies and visa pages.
Proof of company address (lease agreement or property title).
Bank statement or deposit slip confirming the authorized capital (small companies may have the fee in cash).
No-objection letters if required (e.g. landlord’s consent for office address).
DoI FDI approval letter for foreign investment (mandatory for 100% foreign-owned companies.
Other sectoral permits if your business field needs them (e.g. tourism, telecom).
Once documents are ready, pay the official government fees online or at a designated bank. The fee is based on authorized capital. For example:
| Authorized Capital (NPR) | Registration 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 |
| 10,000,001 – 20,000,000 | 19,000 |
| 20,000,001 – 30,000,000 | 22,000 |
| 30,000,001 – 40,000,000 | 25,000 |
| 40,000,001 – 50,000,000 | 28,000 |
| Above 50,000,000 | 30,000 (plus NPR 30 per additional NPR 100,000) |
Expert help is especially valuable because errors (e.g. wrong fee calculation) can delay approval. We’ll ensure your capital is correctly reported and all fees paid to meet OCR requirements.
While the OCR online portal is user-friendly, foreign investors often face additional complexities. Consider the chart below, which compares a solo effort versus using our end-to-end consulting service:
| Aspect | DIY via OCR Portal | With Our Consultancy Support |
|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation | You must pick and reserve a valid name; any mistake (similar names, prohibited terms) causes delays. | We propose compliant names and handle the reservation, ensuring quick approval without rejections. |
| Document Preparation | You must draft MOA/AOA and forms to exact legal standards. Errors (format or content) can lead to rejection. | Our legal team drafts and reviews all documents (MoA/AoA, board resolutions, etc.) to match Nepal law perfectly. |
| FDI Approvals | Navigating DoI and NRB approvals on your own can be confusing and slow. | We liaise with DoI/NRB directly, speeding up foreign investment approvals and ensuring compliance. |
| Portal Submission | Inputting data and uploading docs online is tedious; missed fields cause queries. | We fill and submit the portal application for you, checking every detail to avoid OCR queries. |
| Timeline | You must track the process yourself and respond to queries, possibly taking longer. | We expedite communication; OCR’s 7-day review is guaranteed and we follow up to minimize any delays. |
| Post-Registration Compliance | You might miss registration deadlines (PAN, VAT, SSF) and face fines. | We guide you through all post-incorporation steps (tax registrations, audits, returns) to keep you fully compliant. |
We combine technical know-how with personalized support. By handling each step accurately, we save you time and reduce risk of costly errors or penalties. The goal is a smooth, one-stop experience – from portal login to getting the final certificate.
Q: How do I register a private limited company online in Nepal?
A: Use the OCR’s official online portal (CAMIS e-Services). First reserve a unique company name, then prepare the MOA/AOA and fill the registration form online. Upload scanned documents (identity, address proof, investment approval if foreign, etc.) and pay the fee. OCR reviews and, once approved, issues the Certificate of Incorporation digitally.
Q: Can foreigners open a private limited company in Nepal?
A: Yes. Nepal allows foreign investors to own up to 100% of a private limited company except in a few restricted sectors. Foreigners must first obtain approval under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) from the Department of Industry. After approval, they register a Nepali private company via the OCR portal with the required paperwork.
Q: What documents are needed for company registration in Nepal?
A: Key documents include two copies of the signed Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA/AoA), a completed application form, and ID proofs of all shareholders (citizenship or passport). You also need proof of company address and capital. Foreign investors must additionally submit passport copies, visa information, and DoI investment approval.
Q: How long does the company registration process take?
A: Under Nepal’s law, the OCR now must register a company within 7 days of application. In practice, after name approval, a complete online submission typically takes about 5–10 working days to finalize (assuming no errors). Having documents prepped in advance and using expert help can make the process even faster.
Q: What are the costs to register a company in Nepal?
A: The government fee depends on authorized capital. For example, NPR 1,000 for capital up to NPR 100,000, NPR 9,500 for up to NPR 2.5 million, and NPR 19,000 for up to NPR 20 million. You also pay a small name reservation fee. Additional costs include notary and translation fees if needed, and any consultancy fees.
By following these steps and leveraging our expertise, foreign investors can launch their Nepal business confidently. Contact our team today to book a consultation or for full-service support through the entire OCR registration process.