If you are a foreign investor or overseas founder, understanding the company registration process in Nepal timeline is critical before committing capital or signing contracts. Nepal offers strategic access to South Asia, a young workforce, and growing digital infrastructure. However, timelines depend on approvals from multiple regulators.
This guide explains what to expect, how long each stage takes, and where delays usually occur, so you can plan realistically and avoid costly mistakes.
For foreign companies, time is not just administrative. It affects:
Market entry schedules
Hiring plans and payroll
Lease agreements and vendor contracts
Bank account opening and fund remittance
Nepal’s registration framework is transparent, but sequential. Missing one step can pause the entire process.
Before diving into timelines, it helps to understand the structure.
Foreign companies usually register under one of these models:
Private Limited Company with foreign investment
Branch Office
Liaison (Representative) Office
This article focuses on the foreign-owned private limited company, the most common structure.
Typical duration:
30 to 60 working days, depending on sector, document readiness, and regulator responsiveness.
This stage is often underestimated. It sets the pace for everything else.
Key activities include:
Deciding the shareholding structure
Defining business objectives under Nepal’s Industrial Classification
Preparing constitutional documents
Aligning investment amount with sector rules
Tip: Poorly drafted objectives are a leading cause of approval delays.
The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) checks name availability.
Timeline factors:
Similar existing company names
Restricted or regulated words
Inconsistent objectives
Approval is usually quick if alternatives are pre-selected.
This is the most time-sensitive step.
Applications are submitted to:
Department of Industry (DOI) for investments below NPR 6 billion
Investment Board Nepal (IBN) for large or strategic investments
Documents reviewed include:
Parent company incorporation proof
Board resolution approving Nepal investment
Passport copies of foreign shareholders
Detailed business plan
Legal basis:
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019 (FITTA 2019).
Once foreign investment approval is granted, incorporation becomes procedural.
OCR reviews:
Memorandum of Association
Articles of Association
Shareholder details
Registered office address
Upon approval, you receive:
Certificate of Incorporation
Company registration number
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) issues:
Permanent Account Number (PAN)
VAT registration, if applicable
This step enables:
Invoicing
Payroll processing
Statutory tax compliance
Foreign capital must enter Nepal through a local commercial bank.
Banks perform:
KYC and AML checks
Source of funds verification
Compliance with Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) directives
Only after capital inflow can operations fully commence.
Registration is not the end.
Mandatory registrations include:
Social Security Fund (SSF)
Labour Office enrollment
Local municipality registration
| Stage | Authority | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-incorporation planning | Investor / Advisor | 5–10 days |
| Name reservation | OCR | 1–3 days |
| Foreign investment approval | DOI / IBN | 10–20 days |
| Company incorporation | OCR | 3–5 days |
| Tax registration | IRD | 1–3 days |
| Bank account & capital inflow | Commercial Bank | 5–10 days |
| Total estimated timeline | 30–60 working days |
Common causes of delay include:
Incomplete foreign documents
Unclear business objectives
Restricted sectors under FITTA
Banking compliance queries
Poor coordination between advisors
Most delays are avoidable with proper preparation.
A few strategic steps make a significant difference.
Prepare notarized and apostilled documents early
Align business objectives with DOI classifications
Choose banks experienced in foreign investment
Use a single advisor for legal, tax, and banking coordination
Avoid regulated words in company names
Foreign-owned companies must comply with:
Labour Act, 2017
Social Security Fund Act, 2018
Income Tax Act, 2002
Bonus Act, 1974
Non-compliance can trigger penalties or profit repatriation issues.
| Country | Average Registration Time | Foreign Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 30–60 days | Up to 100% allowed |
| India | 15–30 days | Sector-specific caps |
| Bangladesh | 45–75 days | Heavily regulated |
| Sri Lanka | 20–35 days | Moderate approvals |
Nepal remains competitive for long-term, compliance-driven investors.
Most foreign companies complete registration within 30 to 60 working days. Timelines depend on investment approval, document readiness, and banking compliance.
Yes. FITTA 2019 allows 100% foreign ownership in most permitted sectors, subject to approval from DOI or IBN.
The Department of Industry approves most investments. Large or strategic projects are reviewed by Investment Board Nepal.
No. Foreign investors can complete the company registration process in Nepal remotely using a local legal representative.
Profits can be repatriated after tax clearance and NRB approval, usually after the first financial year.
The company registration process in Nepal follows a clear but sequential timeline. With proper planning, most foreign companies can register within two months. The key is aligning legal, regulatory, and banking steps from day one.
Nepal rewards investors who respect process, compliance, and documentation.
If you are planning market entry and want a clear, risk-free registration timeline, speak with a Nepal-based specialist before you start.
Book a consultation to receive a personalized company registration roadmap for Nepal.