Starting a business in Nepal has never been easier. Thanks to the fully digital OCR portal (Office of the Company Registrar), you can now complete the online company registration process in Nepal without standing in long queues or making multiple office visits.
In 2024-2025 alone, more than 15,000 companies were registered through the online system. This shows just how much the process has improved. Whether you are a first-time entrepreneur in Kathmandu, a business owner in Pokhara, or a foreign investor exploring Nepal’s growing market, this guide gives you everything you need to know.
At Eurasian Law Associates, we have helped hundreds of clients navigate the online company registration process in Nepal. In this guide, we share the real steps, real costs, and real documents with no confusing legal jargon.
What Is Online Company Registration in Nepal?
Online company registration in Nepal is the process of forming a legal business entity through the OCR e-Services portal at ocr.gov.np. The entire process from name reservation to receiving your certificate is done digitally.
The legal framework for this process comes from the Companies Act, 2063 (2006). Businesses dealing with the OCR often seek guidance on the Company Registrar Nepal process and legal requirements.
As of March 2025, OCR launched CAMIS, the Company Administration Management Information System, which covers every company service online, from incorporation to closure.
Quick Answer: Online Company Registration in Nepal
- Check company name availability on ocr.gov.np
- Reserve your company name (valid for 90 days)
- Prepare MOA, AOA, and other required documents
- Submit documents through the OCR online portal
- Pay the government fee based on authorized capital Receive your Certificate of Incorporation (7–10 working days)Before moving ahead with the new Nepal company registration, it is important to choose a unique company name. Many firms in Nepal first check and reserve their name online through the OCR system to avoid rejection later.
Types of Companies You Can Register Online in Nepal
Choosing the right business structure is one of the most important steps in the online company registration process in Nepal. Before you start the registration process, it is important to pick the right type of company. Nepal’s Companies Act, 2063, allows several types:
Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.)
This is the most popular choice for small and medium businesses in Nepal. A private limited company can have 1 to 101 shareholders. It cannot raise funds from the general public. The minimum paid-up capital is NPR 1,00,000.
Most startups, trading companies, IT firms, and consulting businesses in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bharatpur register as private limited companies.
Public Limited Company
Businesses planning larger capital structures may consider public company registration in Nepal. It requires at least 7 shareholders with no upper limit. The minimum paid-up capital is NPR 1 Crore (NPR 1,00,00,000).
Single Shareholder Company
This type is for solo entrepreneurs who want limited liability protection. Only one person owns and controls the entire company.
Not-for-Profit Company
Registered under Section 166 of the Companies Act, this type is meant for NGOs, INGOs, and social welfare organizations that do not distribute profits to shareholders.
Foreign Company / Branch Office
Depending on the business model, investors may choose branch registration in Nepal or full incorporation. This requires prior approval from the Department of Industry (DOI) or the Investment Board Nepal (IBN), depending on the investment size.
Step-by-Step Online Company Registration Process in Nepal
Understanding the full online company registration process helps businesses avoid delays, document rejection, and unnecessary legal issues. Here is the exact process that Eurasian Law Associates follows when registering a company for our clients through the OCR portal:
Step 1: Create an Account on the OCR Portal
To start the online company registration process, go to ocr.gov.np and register as a new user. You will need to provide your email address, mobile number, and citizenship details. Once your account is active, you can log in to the OCR e-Services dashboard.
Step 2: Check Company Name Availability
Search for your desired company name on the portal. The OCR checks whether the name is unique, does not copy existing businesses, and follows naming guidelines under the Companies Act. It is smart to prepare 3–5 backup names in case your first choice is already taken.
The name must end with “Private Limited” or “Limited”, depending on the company type. Avoid names that are too similar to government bodies or well-known brands.
Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name
Once your name is available, submit it for reservation. The OCR approves the name within 1–2 working days. After approval, you have 90 days to complete the registration. If you miss this window, the name expires, and you must apply again.
Step 4: Prepare Your Legal Documents
This is the most important step. You need to prepare and upload the following:
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) —defines the company’s objectives
- Articles of Association (AOA) — defines internal rules and governance
- Application form (available on the OCR portal): The registration form, online form, and other documents must be filled out carefully before online submission. A proper online application helps businesses get a smoother and more smooth registration experience through the OCR system.
- Citizenship certificates or passports of all shareholders and directors
- National ID Card numbers of all Nepali shareholders
- Registered office address proof (rental agreement or land ownership document)
- PAN cards of directors and shareholders
The MOA and AOA must be signed by all founding shareholders on every page. For companies with foreign investors, these documents must be prepared in both English and Nepali. Proper legal drafting reduces OCR rejection and helps maintain corporate governance through contract drafting services.
Eurasian Law Associates drafts MOA and AOA documents with near-zero rejection rates, saving our clients time and revision fees.
Step 5: Submit Documents and Pay Registration Fee
Upload all scanned documents in PDF format through the OCR portal. Then pay the government registration fee online. The fee is based on the company’s authorized capital (see the fee table below).
Payment can be made through the portal’s e-payment system or via bank deposit as instructed by OCR. Most entrepreneurs now prefer online company registration because the OCR portal allows secure digital submission and payment.
Step 6: OCR Verification and Certificate Issuance
After submission, OCR verifies your documents. If everything is in order, your Certificate of Incorporation is issued digitally. The total time for a standard private limited company is 7 to 10 working days.
For foreign investment companies, additional approvals from the DOI add 7–15 extra days, making the total timeline 3–4 weeks.
Documents Required for Online Company Registration
Preparing accurate documents is one of the most important parts of successful online company registration in Nepal. Here is a complete checklist of documents you need for online company registration:
For Nepali Shareholders and Directors:
- Citizenship certificate (original and photocopy)
- The National ID Card (NID) number is now mandatory for all Nepali shareholders
- Recent passport-size photographs
- PAN card (if already obtained)
For the Company:
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- Name reservation approval letter from OCR
- Registered office address proof — rental agreement or land ownership document
- Board resolution (for existing companies adding a new entity)
For Foreign Nationals / Foreign Investment:
- Passport copies of all foreign shareholders
- Foreign investment approval from the Department of Industry (DOI) or IBN
- Power of Attorney, if you appoint a local agent
- Notarized and Nepali-translated copies of all foreign documents
All documents must be in Nepali or English. Any document in another language must include a certified Nepali translation. Foreign investors are increasingly using Nepal’s online company registration system because it reduces paperwork and speeds up approvals.
Updated Company Registration Cost in Nepal for 2026
The government registration fee (राजस्व) for online company registration in Nepal depends on the company’s authorized capital:
Authorized Capital (NPR) Govt. Registration Fee (NPR)
Up to NPR 1,00,000 NPR 1,000
NPR 1,00,001 – 5,00,000 NPR 4,500
NPR 5,00,001 – 25,00,000 NPR 9,500
NPR 25,00,001 – 1 Crore NPR 15,000
Above NPR 1 Crore NPR 20,000–43,000+
Important: These are government fees only. Additional costs may include notary charges (NPR 500–2,000), document translation fees, and professional service fees if you work with a law firm like Eurasian Law Associates.
The minimum paid-up capital for a private limited company is NPR 1,00,000, and for a public limited company, it is NPR 1,00,00,000.
How to Check Company Name Availability in Nepal
One of the first things any entrepreneur must do is confirm that their chosen company name is free to use. Here is how:
- Go to ocr.gov.np
- Click on ‘Name Search’ or ‘Company Search’
- Type your desired company name in English and Nepali
- If the name shows as available, proceed to reserve it immediately
- If taken, try variations, add a location, an industry word, or a unique phrase
The OCR does not allow duplicate names or names that are too similar to existing registered businesses. Restricted words like ‘Nepal Government,’ ‘National,’ or ‘Royal’ need special approval.
After completing company formation, businesses must follow compliance with the Companies Act because companies in Nepal are governed by the Companies Act. Businesses must maintain annual filings and regulatory obligations through ongoing corporate compliance services, many private companies also complete tax registration online via the IRD portal and apply for a VAT registration certificate using the PAN registration form.
What to Do After Company Registration in Nepal
Getting your Certificate of Incorporation is just the beginning. Here are the important steps to complete within the first 3 months:
PAN and VAT Registration
Every registered company in Nepal must get a Permanent Account Number (PAN) from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). If your annual turnover is expected to exceed NPR 50 lakhs (for goods) or NPR 20 lakhs (for services), you must also register for VAT.
PAN registration is done through the IRD portal at ird.gov.np. After completing online company registration, businesses must also complete PAN and VAT registration for legal compliance in Nepal.
Open a Business Bank Account
Visit any commercial bank in Nepal with your Certificate of Incorporation, PAN certificate, MOA/AOA, and director IDs. Most banks require a minimum deposit of NPR 1,00,000 for a private limited company account.
Make a Company Seal
A company seal (stamp) is required for official documents, contracts, and bank transactions. The OCR has size rules; the stamp must not exceed 38mm x 38mm.
Social Security Fund (SSF) Registration
If your company has 10 or more employees, registration with the Social Security Fund (ssf.gov.np) is mandatory under the Labour Act, 2074. The current minimum wage in Nepal is NPR 17,300 per month (as of 2026).
Sector-Specific Licenses
Some industries in Nepal require additional licenses before you can start operating. These include:
- Banking and Financial Institutions — Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) approval
- Hydropower and Energy — Ministry of Energy license
- Travel and Trekking Agencies — Nepal Tourism Board registration
- Hospitals and Clinics — Department of Health Services permit
- Education Consultancies — Ministry of Education approval
- Construction Companies — Department of Urban Development license
Eurasian Law Associates assists clients in obtaining all post-registration licenses and compliance filings, ensuring your business is fully operational and legally protected.
Can Foreign Nationals Register a Company Online in Nepal?
Yes. Foreign nationals can register a company in Nepal, but the process has additional steps compared to Nepali citizens.
Foreign investors must first obtain Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approval from the Department of Industry (DOI) for investments below NPR 6 Arba, or from the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) for larger investments. After approval, the OCR online portal is used for the actual business registration.
Nepal’s Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) governs foreign company registration. Most sectors are open to foreign investment, with some restricted areas like retail trade below a certain threshold. Many investors combine FDI approval with foreign direct investment and business incorporation in Nepal services.
The team at Eurasian Law Associates has extensive experience handling foreign investment registrations, from FDI approval applications to full company incorporation in Kathmandu and across Nepal.
3 Things Most People Miss About Company Registration in Nepal
Most people think registering a company is just filling out forms and getting approval, but they often miss important steps that come after. Things like tax registration, legal setup, and ongoing compliance are just as important. If you ignore these, you might face problems later, even after your company is registered.
Your Company Name Expires After 90 Days
Once OCR approves your name reservation, you have exactly 90 days to complete the registration. Many first-time entrepreneurs do not realize this. If you miss the 90-day window, your approved name is released, and anyone else can claim it. Always move quickly after name approval.
NID Is Now Mandatory for All Nepali Shareholders
Since the recent update to OCR requirements, all Nepali shareholders must provide their National ID Card (NID) numbers during registration. Previously, only a citizenship certificate was enough. Missing this causes immediate rejection of your application.
OCR Waived 90% of Late Filing Penalties
To encourage digital compliance, the OCR recently waived 90% of late penalties on company filings. If your existing business has overdue annual returns, this is an excellent time to get compliant without heavy fines. Eurasian Law Associates can help you clear any backlog and file properly.
How Eurasian Law Associates Helps with Company Registration in Nepal
At Eurasian Law Associates, we have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs with online company registration in Nepal, startups, and foreign investors register their companies in Nepal. We know the OCR process well, we prepare your documents correctly the first time, and we make sure there are no delays or rejections.
Many people search for a trusted law firm in Nepal or an experienced lawyer in Nepal before starting a business. Professional legal guidance can make the process of company registration much easier and help companies follow all legal requirements without confusion. From name reservation to your final certificate, we handle everything so you do not have to worry.
We do not just stop at registration. Our team also helps you with PAN/VAT registration, business bank account setup, company seal, and all post-registration compliance. Whether you are starting a small business in Kathmandu or setting up a foreign investment company in Nepal, Eurasian Law Associates is with you at every step.
Conclusion
The online company registration system in Nepal is now faster, simpler, and more transparent than ever before, thanks to the OCR’s fully digital CAMIS system. You can now incorporate your business from anywhere, even from abroad. However, small mistakes in document preparation, name selection, or capital structuring can still cause delays or rejections, which is why working with an experienced legal team makes a real difference.
Eurasian Law Associates provides complete company registration services across Nepal, from name reservation and document drafting to post-registration compliance and licensing. Whether you’re a startup, growing business, or foreign investor, we ensure everything is done right the first time. Whether you are a startup, SME, or foreign investor, professional guidance can make online company registration faster, safer, and legally compliant.
Ready to register your company? Contact us today for a free consultation:
Contact Number:+977-9713592500
Mail: eurasianlawassociates@gmail.com / info@laweurasian.com
Location: Kathmandu-32, Koteswor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How do I register a company online in Nepal?
A: You can register a company online in Nepal through the Office of the Company Registrar portal. The process includes checking company name availability, reserving the name, preparing MOA and AOA documents, uploading required documents, paying registration fees, and receiving the Certificate of Incorporation digitally.
Q. How long does online company registration in Nepal take?
A: Online company registration in Nepal generally takes 7 to 10 working days for a private limited company if all required documents are correctly submitted. Foreign investment companies may require additional approvals and can take 3 to 4 weeks.
Q. What documents are required for online company registration in Nepal?
A: To register a company online in Nepal, you generally need citizenship or passport copies of shareholders and directors, Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), registered office address proof, passport-size photographs, and National ID or PAN details where applicable.
Q. How much does company registration cost in Nepal?
A: The government registration fee depends on the company’s authorized capital. Fees usually start from NPR 1,000 and increase based on the capital structure. Additional costs may include notary charges, document drafting, translation, and professional legal services.
Q. Can I register a company in Nepal without visiting the OCR office?
A: Yes. Nepal’s OCR CAMIS system allows the entire company registration process to be completed online, including name reservation, document submission, payment of fees, and certificate issuance.
Q. What is the minimum capital required to register a company in Nepal?
A: A private limited company in Nepal generally requires a minimum paid-up capital of NPR 1 lakh, while a public limited company requires higher capital as prescribed under the Companies Act.
Q. Can a foreigner register a company online in Nepal?
A: Yes. Foreign nationals can register a company in Nepal after obtaining Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approval from the Department of Industry (DOI) or Investment Board Nepal (IBN), depending on the investment amount and business sector.
Q. How can I check company name availability in Nepal?
A: Company name availability can be checked through the OCR online portal using the Name Search feature. Businesses are advised to prepare alternative names because duplicate or similar names may be rejected.
Q. What should I do after company registration in Nepal?
A: After receiving the Certificate of Incorporation, businesses should obtain PAN registration, register for VAT if applicable, open a company bank account, prepare a company seal, and secure any sector-specific licenses required for operation.
Q. Is online company registration in Nepal fully digital?
A: Yes. Online company registration in Nepal is fully digital through the OCR CAMIS portal, allowing entrepreneurs and foreign investors to complete registration and track approval online.