Online company registration Nepal has transformed how foreign companies enter the Nepali market. What once took weeks of paperwork and in-person follow-ups can now be completed digitally through government portals.
For international founders, investors, and expansion teams, this shift reduces entry friction, improves transparency, and speeds up market access. Nepal’s regulators have steadily digitised incorporation, tax, and compliance systems to attract foreign investment and formalise business activity.
This guide is written for foreign companies that want a clear, practical, and authoritative explanation of how to register a business online in Nepal. It covers the legal framework, step-by-step process, costs, timelines, and common mistakes, all in one place.
Online company registration in Nepal refers to the digital incorporation process managed primarily by the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies.
The system allows promoters to submit applications, upload documents, reserve company names, and receive incorporation certificates without physical visits in most cases.
Office of the Company Registrar (OCR)
Registers companies under the Companies Act, 2006.
Department of Industry (DOI)
Approves foreign direct investment under FITTA 2019.
Inland Revenue Department (IRD)
Issues PAN and VAT registrations.
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
Regulates foreign capital inflows and repatriation.
Together, these agencies enable a mostly digital pathway for foreign companies establishing a presence in Nepal.
Online company registration in Nepal is open to:
Foreign companies setting up a wholly owned subsidiary
Joint ventures with Nepali partners
Foreign investors incorporating FDI-approved private limited companies
International founders appointing local authorised representatives
However, certain post-incorporation steps may still require physical verification, especially for banking and foreign exchange approvals.
Foreign companies commonly register the following structures:
Minimum one director and one shareholder
Suitable for trading, IT, services, outsourcing, and subsidiaries
Eligible for 100% foreign ownership in most sectors
Used for large investments or capital markets
Higher compliance burden
Rare for first-time foreign entrants
Not separate legal entities
Restricted activities
Requires sector-specific approvals
For most foreign businesses, online company registration Nepal is best used to form a private limited company under FDI.
Understanding the legal base strengthens compliance and investor confidence.
Companies Act, 2006
Governs incorporation, directors, shareholders, and filings.
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA), 2019
Defines foreign investment rules, approvals, and guarantees.
Industrial Enterprises Act, 2020
Regulates industry classification and licensing.
Income Tax Act, 2002
Covers PAN, VAT, and corporate taxation.
Labour Act, 2017 and SSF Act, 2018
Apply after hiring employees.
These laws collectively enable and regulate online company registration in Nepal for foreign companiesStep-by-Step Process: Online Company Registration in Nepal
Below is a practical breakdown foreign companies can follow.
Propose up to three company names
Names must not conflict with existing entities
Approval usually takes one to three working days
You will need:
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA)
Passport copies of foreign shareholders and directors
Board resolution approving Nepal incorporation
Power of attorney for local representative
Upload documents through the OCR system
Fill in capital structure, directors, and registered office details
Pay government registration fees digitally
Once approved, the OCR issues:
Company registration certificate
Company registration number
This completes the core online company registration Nepal process.
Online company registration alone is not sufficient for foreign ownership.
Foreign investors must:
Submit FDI proposal online to DOI
Declare investment amount, sector, and source of funds
Receive formal approval letter
This step activates investor protections under FITTA 2019.
After incorporation, foreign companies must complete:
PAN registration with IRD
VAT registration if applicable
Company seal and statutory books
Opening a local bank account
Capital injection through NRB-approved channels
Many of these steps are partially online but require local coordination.
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 1–3 days |
| OCR incorporation | 3–5 days |
| DOI FDI approval | 7–15 days |
| PAN and bank setup | 5–7 days |
Total realistic timeline: 2–4 weeks for foreign companies.
Costs vary based on capital and structure.
Government registration fees
DOI FDI approval fees
Legal drafting and notarisation
Translation and attestation
Advisory and compliance support
Most foreign companies budget between USD 1,500 to USD 3,500 excluding paid-up capital.
| Aspect | Online Registration | Traditional Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Submission | Digital portals | Physical files |
| Transparency | High | Medium |
| Processing time | Faster | Slower |
| Foreign accessibility | Strong | Limited |
| Error tracking | System-logged | Manual |
Online company registration Nepal significantly reduces friction for foreign founders.
A few preventable errors cause most delays:
Selecting restricted or sensitive sectors
Submitting unsigned or inconsistent documents
Under-declaring capital requirements
Ignoring post-registration labour compliance
Not planning repatriation structure early
Professional guidance avoids costly rejections.
Foreign-owned companies must comply with:
Corporate income tax filings
Monthly TDS and VAT returns
Annual audit and financial statements
SSF contributions for employees
Annual company renewals with OCR
Non-compliance risks fines and investor visa issues.
Nepal offers strategic advantages:
Competitive operating costs
English-speaking workforce
Growing IT and services ecosystem
Government incentives under FITTA
Improved digital governance
Online company registration Nepal is part of a broader reform agenda.
Some foreign companies start with:
Employer-of-Record (EOR) hiring
Market testing without incorporation
Gradual transition to FDI subsidiary
This staged approach reduces early risk and accelerates hiring.
A local advisor helps with:
Sector eligibility checks
Document localisation
DOI and NRB coordination
Ongoing tax and HR compliance
Investor reporting and governance
This is especially valuable for foreign companies without a Nepal presence.
Yes. Most steps are digital. However, banking and some verifications may require a local representative.
Yes. FITTA 2019 permits full foreign ownership in most sectors, subject to approval.
There is no fixed minimum. Capital depends on sector and investment proposal.
Yes. Certificates issued by OCR are fully recognised under the Companies Act, 2006.
Yes. FITTA guarantees repatriation of profits, dividends, and capital through NRB-approved channels.
Online company registration Nepal has made foreign market entry faster, clearer, and more predictable. With the right structure, approvals, and compliance planning, Nepal can be an efficient base for South Asian operations, outsourcing, or digital services.
Foreign companies that approach registration strategically, not just procedurally, see the best results.
Thinking about registering your company in Nepal?
Book a free consultation with our foreign investment and incorporation specialists to assess eligibility, costs, and timelines before you commit.