Timeline for Document Preparation During Company Registration

Understanding the documents required for company registration Nepal is the single biggest factor that determines how fast a foreign company can legally start operations.
Most delays do not happen at the approval stage. They happen during document preparation.

Foreign founders often underestimate timelines for notarisation, apostille, board approvals, and regulatory sequencing. This guide fixes that.

You will learn exactly when each document is prepared, who prepares it, and how long it realistically takes, based on real filings with Nepal’s regulators.

Why Timeline Planning Matters for Foreign Companies

Company registration in Nepal is document-driven.
Authorities rarely reject applications outright. They simply stop processing until documents are corrected.

For foreign companies, timelines stretch because documents must often be:

• Issued overseas

• Notarised or apostilled

• Translated

• Re-aligned with Nepal law

A clear timeline keeps:

• Immigration schedules intact

• Bank account opening on track

• FDI approvals predictable

Authorities Involved in the Registration Timeline

Foreign companies interact with multiple regulators. Each one depends on documents prepared earlier.

• Office of Company Registrar (OCR) – company incorporation

• Department of Industry (DOI) – foreign investment approval

• Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) – foreign currency inflow

• Inland Revenue Department (IRD) – PAN and tax registration

Each stage unlocks the next. Missing one document delays everything.

High-Level Timeline Overview (Foreign-Owned Company)

Total realistic timeline: 25–45 days
With poor planning: 60–90 days

Phase 1: Pre-Incorporation Documents (Day 0–21)

This phase causes most delays.
All critical foreign-origin documents are prepared here.

Documents Required for Company Registration Nepal (Foreign Shareholders)

1. Passport copies of shareholders and directors

2. Board resolution approving Nepal incorporation

3. Power of Attorney (POA)

4. Company incorporation certificate of parent entity

5. Memorandum & Articles of parent company

6. Proposed Nepal company name

7. Shareholding structure

8. Registered office address in Nepal

These documents must match Nepal’s Companies Act format expectations.

Timeline Breakdown: Foreign-Origin Documents

Days 0–5: Internal Approvals

• Board resolution drafted

• Director and shareholder details finalised

• Capital structure confirmed

Days 6–14: Notarisation & Apostille

• Corporate documents notarised

• Apostille/legalisation completed

• Country-specific timing applies

Days 15–21: Nepal-Side Finalisation

• Power of Attorney issued

• Documents reviewed for OCR compliance

• Name reservation prepared

Common Mistakes at This Stage

• Using generic board resolutions

• Apostilling the wrong documents

• Mismatch between passport and resolution names

These cause silent rejections.

Phase 2: OCR Filing (Day 22–28)

Once documents are ready, filing with the Office of Company Registrar is fast.

Documents Submitted to OCR

• Application form

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Articles of Association (AOA)

• Shareholder documents

• Director appointment forms

• Registered office agreement

Under the Companies Act 2006, OCR verifies:

• Lawful objectives

• Capital structure

• Director eligibility

Approval timeline: 3–7 working days

Phase 3: FDI Approval Timeline (Day 29–40)

Foreign ownership requires approval under Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA 2019).

Documents Prepared for DOI

• OCR incorporation certificate

• Project profile

• Investment commitment letter

• Passport and company documents

• Capital injection plan

FDI approval depends on:

• Sector classification

• Capital threshold

• Business model clarity

Table: OCR vs DOI Document Focus

Phase 4: Bank Account & Capital Injection (Day 41–50)

After DOI approval, the company opens:

• FDI account

• Local operating account

Required Documents

• DOI approval letter

• OCR certificate

• PAN application copy

• Director KYC

• Board resolution for bank mandate

Capital must be remitted via official banking channels to satisfy NRB compliance.

Phase 5: PAN & Post-Registration Filings (Day 51–55)

Final compliance steps complete legal readiness.

Documents Required

• PAN registration form

• Lease agreement

• Utility bills

• Director details

• Incorporation certificate

Once PAN is issued, the company can:

• Invoice

• Hire employees

• Register for SSF and VAT (if applicable)

Numbered Summary: Ideal Document Preparation Timeline

1. Finalise shareholder and director structure

2. Prepare and notarise foreign documents

3. Issue Power of Attorney

4. File incorporation at OCR

5. Secure FDI approval

6. Open bank accounts

7. Inject capital

8. Obtain PAN and registrations

Bullet List: Documents That Must Be Perfect the First Time

• Board resolution wording

• Passport name consistency

• Capital amount alignment

• MOA business objectives

• POA scope and authority

Fixing these later causes weeks of delay.

EEAT: Legal Basis & Regulatory References

This guide aligns with:

• Companies Act 2006

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019

• Nepal Rastra Bank FDI Directives

• Inland Revenue Act 2002

These laws govern every document submitted.

FAQ: Documents Required for Company Registration Nepal

How long does document preparation take for foreign companies?

Usually 2–3 weeks. Apostille timelines vary by country. Poor planning can double this.

Can documents be prepared while name approval is pending?

Yes. Parallel preparation is recommended to save time.

Do all foreign documents need apostille?

Yes, unless exempt by treaty. Most corporate documents must be apostilled.

Can directors sign documents digitally?

Some documents allow e-signatures. OCR filings still prefer wet-signed originals.

What is the biggest cause of registration delay?

Incorrect board resolutions and unclear MOA objectives.

Conclusion

The documents required for company registration Nepal are not difficult.
The timeline discipline is what separates a 30-day setup from a 90-day delay.

Foreign companies that plan documents in sequence:

• Avoid regulator back-and-forth

• Control costs

• Start operations faster

If Nepal is part of your expansion strategy, document timing is your first competitive advantage.

Call to Action

Planning to register a company in Nepal?
👉 Speak with our Nepal incorporation specialists for a personalised document timeline, compliance checklist, and end-to-end execution.