How to Register a Company in Nepal: A Complete Guide (2025)

Starting a business in Nepal is an exciting step. The country’s economy is growing fast, especially in tourism, IT, manufacturing, and services. If you want to register a company in Nepal, this guide will help you understand the full process — from requirements to final approval.

Why Register a Company in Nepal?

Registering your company gives you:

• Legal protection for your business
• Access to bank accounts and finance
• Credibility with clients and investors
• Eligibility for tax benefits and incentives

All company registrations in Nepal are handled under the Companies Act, 2063 (2006) and regulated by the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR).

Thanks to recent digital upgrades, much of the registration process can now be completed online through the OCR portals: ocr.gov.np and camis.ocr.gov.np.

Types of Companies You Can Register in Nepal

Type of Company	Description
Private Limited Company	Best for startups and small to medium businesses. Requires 1–101 shareholders. Minimum capital: NPR 100,000. Shares are not publicly traded.
Public Limited Company	Suitable for large companies that want to raise funds from the public. Requires at least 7 shareholders. Minimum capital: NPR 10 million. Shares can be traded on the stock exchange.
Non-Profit Company	For social, religious, or charitable purposes. No minimum capital required. Must have at least five members. Cannot distribute profits.

💡 Tip: For most entrepreneurs, a Private Limited Company is the most practical and flexible option.
Foreign investors can also register a company, but if the investment is above NPR 20 million, prior approval from the Department of Industry (DOI) is required.

Eligibility Criteria for Company Registration in Nepal

Before applying, make sure you meet these basic conditions:

• Promoters/Shareholders: At least one (Nepali or foreign national with valid ID/passport)
• Directors: Minimum one director (can be the same as a shareholder)
• Registered Office: Must have a valid address in Nepal
• Age and Capacity: Must be at least 18 years old and legally capable
• No Disqualification: Cannot be bankrupt or convicted of a business-related crime

Foreign investors must also follow the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA). For guidance, you can consult professionals such as Company Sewa.

How to Register a Company in Nepal: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Company registrations are now done online through the OCR portal. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

1. Step 1. Reserve a Company Name
2. Step 2. Prepare the Required Documents
3. Step 3. Submit the Application Online
4. Step 4. Pay Registration Fees
5. Step 5. Get Approval from OCR
6. Step 6. Post-Registration Compliance

Step 1. Reserve a Company Name

• Visit https://ocr.gov.np or https://camis.ocr.gov.np/login
• Create an account using your email, phone number, and ID details
• Search for your desired company name (in both English and Nepali)
• Ensure it’s unique and not misleading
• Submit for approval — you’ll get confirmation in 1–3 business days

Step 2. Prepare the Required Documents

Prepare these documents:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Articles of Association (AOA)
• Promoter Agreement (if multiple founders)
• Copies of citizenship or passports
• Proof of office address (rental or ownership document)
• Foreign investment approval (if applicable)

Step 3. Submit the Application Online

• Log in to your OCR account
• Fill out the company registration form
• Upload all documents
• Submit for review

Step 4. Pay Registration Fees

• Fees depend on your company’s authorized capital.
• You can pay online or deposit the amount at Nepal Rastra Bank.
• Upload the payment voucher to the portal.

Step 5. Get Approval from OCR

• The OCR will review your application
• If corrections are needed, they’ll notify you
• Once approved, you’ll receive your Company Registration Certificate digitally.

Step 6. Post-Registration Compliance

After successfully registering your company, it’s crucial to complete the following post-registration and compliance steps to ensure your business operates legally in Nepal:

1. PAN Registration

Apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) at the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

• Required documents: Company registration certificate, directors’ IDs, and office address proof.
• PAN is mandatory for all financial transactions and tax filings in Nepal.

2. VAT Registration

Register for Value Added Tax (VAT) if your company’s annual turnover exceeds NPR 20 lakh or if you deal in taxable goods and services.

• Submit the application via the IRD online portal.
• You’ll receive a VAT certificate used for issuing tax invoices and claiming input tax credit.

3. Ward Office Registration

Register your company with your local municipal ward office.

• This registration is required for local business operation licenses and for renewal of business permits.

4. Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Every registered company must hold an Annual General Meeting within six months of the fiscal year’s end.

• Discuss financial reports, auditor appointments, and shareholder updates.

5. Annual Return Submission

Submit annual returns to the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) within six months after the AGM.

• Include audited financial statements, tax clearances, and director/shareholder details.

6. Social Security Fund (SSF) Registration

If your company employs 10 or more workers, enrollment in the Social Security Fund (SSF) is mandatory.

• Both employer and employee must contribute 10% of the employee’s basic salary.
• Register via ssf.gov.np.

7. Mandatory Auditing

Companies with a turnover above NPR 30 million must undergo annual financial audits by a licensed auditor.

• Audited reports are required for tax filing and OCR submission.

8. 2025 Tax Updates in Nepal

Stay updated with the latest tax reforms introduced by the Government of Nepal and IRD:

• Luxury Tax: Applicable to luxury imports and services.
• Digital Service Tax: Mandatory for online and digital businesses.
• Transfer Pricing Directives: Applicable for companies engaged in international transactions.
• Refer to official IRD circulars and PDF notices for detailed updates.

Sample of Company Registration Certificate

Required Documents Checklist

Before submitting, make sure you have:

Before submitting, make sure you have:

• OCR Application Form
• MOA and AOA (2 copies each)
• Citizenship or passport copies
• Promoter/shareholder agreement (if applicable)
• Office address proof
• Foreign investment approval (if needed)
• Payment receipts

Company Registration Fees in Nepal (2025)

Registration fees are based on your company’s authorized capital. Here’s the latest breakdown:

Private Limited Company

Amount of Authorized Capital (NPR)	Registration Fee (NPR)
Up to 1,00,000	1,000
1,00,001 to 5,00,000	4,500
5,00,001 to 25,00,000	9,500
25,00,001 to 1,00,00,000	16,000
1,00,00,001 to 2,00,00,000	19,000
2,00,00,001 to 3,00,00,000	22,000
3,00,00,001 to 4,00,00,000	25,000
4,00,00,001 to 5,00,00,000	28,000
5,00,00,001 to 6,00,00,000	31,000
6,00,00,001 to 7,00,00,000	34,000

Public Limited Company

Amount of Authorized Capital (NPR)	Registration fee (NPR)
Up to 1,00,00,000	15,000
1,00,00,001 to 10,00,00,000	40,000
10,00,00,001 to 20,00,00,000	70,000
20,00,00,001 to 30,00,00,000	1,00,000
30,00,00,001 to 40,00,00,000	1,30,000
40,00,00,001 to 50,00,00,000	1,60,000
Above 50,00,00,000	3000 for each 1,00,000

Timeline for Company Registration in Nepal

Process	Estimated Time
Name Reservation	1–3 days
Document Preparation	3–5 days
OCR Submission & Review	3–7 days
Total	7–15 business days
Foreign/Complex Applications	Up to 4–6 weeks

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Challenge	Tip
Name Rejection	Check name availability early and keep backups.
Document Errors	Use a professional to draft your MOA/AOA.
Foreign Investment Delay	Obtain DOI approval before applying.

✅ Extra Tips:

• Regularly check updates on ocr.gov.np
• Keep digital backups of all files
• Set aside extra time and budget for compliance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to register a company in Nepal?

Registering a company in Nepal typically takes 7 to 15 working days. However, once your company name is approved, the remaining registration process can often be completed within 2 to 5 business days.

⏳ Keep in mind: Timelines may vary depending on how quickly documents are submitted and how busy the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) is.

Where is the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) located in Nepal?

The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) is located in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Are there any criteria for choosing a name for a private limited company?

Yes. Your company name must meet the following criteria:

• It must be unique and not identical to existing registered names
• It should not be misleading or violate public norms
• It must comply with the Companies Act, 2063 of Nepal

✅ Tip: Always check name availability before applying.

How long does it take to get the company name approved in Nepal?

Getting approval for a company name usually takes around 1 to 3 days, depending on the OCR’s workload.

Can foreign nationals register a company in Nepal?

Yes, foreign nationals can register a company in Nepal. However, it depends on:

• The type of business
• The investment amount (minimum foreign direct investment required is USD 50,000)
• Approval from the Department of Industry (DOI) and other authorities

Do foreigners need a local partner to register a company in Nepal?

Yes. While foreigners can own shares, at least one Nepali citizen must be appointed as a director in the company for legal and compliance purposes.

What are the ongoing compliance requirements for registered companies in Nepal?

Registered companies must:

• Hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM)
• Submit annual returns to the OCR
• Maintain proper financial records and audit reports
• File taxes with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD)

Can I change the name or address of my company after registration?

Yes, both the company name and address can be changed after registration by following OCR procedures and submitting the required documents.

📘 For detailed step-by-step guides:

• How to change a company name in Nepal
• How to change your company address in Nepal