Step-by-Step OCR Portal Account Setup for Company Registration

The online portal for company registration Nepal has transformed how foreign companies establish a legal presence in the country. Instead of paper-heavy filings and repeated in-person visits, Nepal now allows directors, shareholders, and authorized representatives abroad to initiate and complete company registration digitally through the Office of Company Registrar (OCR).

For international founders, investors, and expansion teams, understanding how the OCR portal works is critical. A single mistake in account setup can delay registration, foreign investment approvals, or bank account opening.

This guide explains exactly how foreign companies should set up and use the OCR portal, step by step, with practical insights from real registrations. It is written for non-residents, NRNs, and overseas directors who want clarity, compliance, and speed.

What Is the OCR and Why the Portal Matters

The Office of Company Registrar is the statutory authority responsible for incorporating and regulating companies in Nepal under the Companies Act.

The OCR’s online system is the only official online portal for company registration Nepal. All applications, name reservations, incorporation documents, and post-registration filings pass through this portal.

Why this portal matters for foreign companies

• It enables remote registration from abroad

• It creates a permanent digital compliance record

• It links company data with tax, FDI, and banking processes

• It reduces processing time when documents are accurate

If you plan to invest, hire, or invoice in Nepal, this portal is unavoidable.

Who Can Use the Online Portal for Company Registration Nepal

Foreign entities often ask whether the OCR system is only for Nepali nationals. The answer is no.

Eligible users include

• Foreign individual shareholders

• Foreign corporate shareholders

• Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs)

• Authorized local representatives

• Law firms and incorporation consultants acting under power of attorney

However, foreign users must select the correct account type during setup. This is where many delays occur.

Account Types in the OCR Portal Explained

Before creating an account, you must understand the user categories.

Main OCR portal user types

• Individual User – For personal filings or single-director companies

• Company User – For existing Nepali companies filing compliance

• Authorized Person – For representatives filing on behalf of foreign entities

For most foreign founders, the Authorized Person account is the correct choice.

Step-by-Step: OCR Portal Account Setup for Foreign Companies

This section walks you through the exact steps to create an OCR account as a foreign company or director.

Step 1: Access the official OCR portal

Visit the official OCR online system and select User Registration.

Always confirm the site uses the official government domain before proceeding.

Step 2: Choose the correct user category

Select Authorized Person if:

• You are a foreign director

• You are a foreign shareholder

• You are appointing a local consultant

Selecting the wrong category often forces you to restart the process.

Step 3: Enter personal or representative details

You will be asked to enter:

• Full legal name (exact passport spelling)

• Nationality

• Passport number

• Email address and phone number

Consistency is critical. The same spelling must appear across all documents.

Step 4: Upload identity documents

Foreign users must upload:

• Passport bio page

• Recent passport-size photograph

• Authorization letter or power of attorney

All files must be clear, legible, and within size limits.

Step 5: Email and OTP verification

The system sends a one-time password to your email.

This email becomes your official OCR communication address, so use a monitored inbox.

Step 6: Account approval by OCR

OCR officers manually review foreign accounts.

Typical approval time ranges from 1 to 3 working days, depending on document quality.

Once approved, you can proceed with name reservation and incorporation.

Using the Portal After Account Approval

Once logged in, the online portal for company registration Nepal allows you to complete all incorporation stages.

Core functions available

• Company name reservation

• Memorandum and Articles submission

• Director and shareholder details

• Capital structure declaration

• Certificate download

Each submission creates a timestamped compliance record.

Company Name Reservation Through the OCR Portal

Name reservation is the first formal step in company registration.

Key name rules for foreign companies

• The name must not conflict with existing entities

• Certain words require prior approval

• Regulated terms may need additional licenses

The portal usually returns feedback within 24 to 72 hours.

Documents You Will Submit Through the Portal

Foreign companies often underestimate documentation requirements.

Mandatory incorporation documents

• Memorandum of Association

• Articles of Association

• Passport copies of directors and shareholders

• Board resolution (foreign corporate shareholder)

• Power of attorney

These must align with the Companies Act, 2006 and OCR formatting rules.

Table: OCR Portal vs Traditional Registration (Original Insight)

For foreign companies, the online portal is significantly more efficient when used correctly.

Common Mistakes Foreign Companies Make

Avoiding these errors saves weeks.

Frequent OCR portal issues

• Passport name mismatch

• Uploading expired passports

• Incorrect user category selection

• Missing authorization documents

• Using inconsistent email addresses

Most rejections stem from data inconsistency, not legal complexity.

Compliance and Legal Framework Governing the Portal

The online portal for company registration Nepal operates under several laws.

Key legislation and guidelines

• Companies Act, 2006

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019

• Office of Company Registrar directives

These laws recognize electronic filings and digital records as legally valid.

EEAT: Why Accuracy Matters for Foreign Investors

Google and regulators value expertise, authority, and trust.

Accurate OCR filings affect:

• Foreign investment approvals

• Bank account opening

• Tax registration

• Future repatriation

A clean OCR record strengthens long-term compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

Is the online portal for company registration Nepal mandatory?

Yes. All new company registrations must be filed through the OCR portal. Manual filings are no longer accepted for incorporation.

Can I register a company in Nepal without visiting in person?

Yes. Foreign directors can complete OCR registration remotely using authorized representatives and digital filings.

How long does OCR portal approval take for foreigners?

Account approval usually takes 1 to 3 working days. Company registration may take 5 to 10 working days if documents are correct.

Can a foreign company own 100 percent of a Nepali company?

Yes, in permitted sectors under FITTA 2019, subject to foreign investment approval and sectoral caps.

Is the OCR portal linked to tax registration?

Yes. OCR data is later used for PAN registration and other statutory compliance processes.

Conclusion: Mastering the Online Portal for Company Registration Nepal

The online portal for company registration Nepal is a powerful system when used correctly. For foreign companies, success depends on choosing the right account type, preparing compliant documents, and ensuring consistency across filings.

Handled well, the OCR portal allows you to establish a legally compliant Nepali entity without unnecessary delays. Handled poorly, it can stall your market entry for months.

Expert guidance often makes the difference.

Call to Action

Planning to register a company in Nepal from abroad?

Book a consultation with our foreign investment and company registration specialists to ensure your OCR portal setup, incorporation, and compliance are done right the first time.