Company Registration in Nepal: Complete Online OCR Registration Guide

Registering a company in Nepal is now a fully digital process, handled end-to-end through the Office of the Company Registrar's (OCR) CAMIS portal. In broad terms, it involves reserving your company name, preparing your Memorandum and Articles of Association, submitting your application and documents online, paying the government fee based on your authorised capital, and receiving your Certificate of Incorporation once OCR verification is complete.

Whether you're pursuing Nepal company registration for a new startup company registration or firm registration online for an established business, this guide walks through every stage of that process, along with the laws behind it, current fees, and what happens after your company is registered.

Key Takeaways

1. Company registration in Nepal is largely digital through the OCR’s CAMIS portal, from name reservation to receiving the Certificate of Incorporation. 
2. The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) is the government authority responsible for incorporating and regulating companies under the Companies Act, 2063 (2006). 
3. Private Limited Companies are the most common structure for entrepreneurs and SMEs, generally accommodating 1–50 shareholders and providing limited liability protection. 
4. The process starts with company name reservation, followed by preparing the MOA and AOA, submitting documents online, paying applicable fees, and completing OCR verification. 
5. Key registration documents include citizenship/passport copies, MOA, AOA, photographs, signatures, office lease/address proof, board resolutions, and name reservation approval. 
6. Registration fees depend mainly on authorised capital for Nepali private and public companies, with different fee slabs applying to different capital levels. 
7. Foreign investors face additional requirements, including compliance with FITTA and, depending on the structure and investment, approvals from the Department of Industry or Investment Board Nepal. 
8. Registration is only the beginning of compliance. After incorporation, companies generally need to obtain PAN, address VAT requirements where applicable, open a corporate bank account, appoint an auditor, and maintain company records. 
9. Companies have ongoing annual compliance obligations, including filing annual returns and financial statements, meeting tax and VAT requirements where applicable, maintaining statutory records, and reporting relevant corporate changes to OCR. 
10. Common registration delays come from documentation errors, such as incorrect or expired documents, similar company names, inconsistent information, incorrect file formats, missing signatures, or errors in the MOA/AOA.

What Is Company Registration in Nepal?

Company registration in Nepal is the legal process of formally incorporating a business as a distinct legal entity, recognised and recorded by the government. It's administered by the Company Registration Office Nepal, more formally the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR), the government body under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, responsible for incorporating, regulating, and maintaining records of companies across Nepal, under the authority of the Companies Act, 2063 (2006).

Company registration online through the company registration office in Nepal is distinct from simple sole proprietorship or proprietorship company registration at the local ward level, which suits very small operators who don't need a separate legal entity.

It's worth distinguishing company registration from business licensing: registering a company with OCR gives your business a separate legal identity, limited liability (for most structures), and the ability to enter contracts and hold assets in its own name. A business licence, by contrast, is a separate approval, often issued by a local ward office or a sector-specific regulator, permitting you to actually operate a particular activity. Most businesses need both.

What Laws Govern Company Registration in Nepal?

• Companies Act, 2063 (2006): the principal legislation governing company formation, governance, and dissolution in Nepal, and the legal basis for OCR's authority.
• Industrial Enterprises Act, 2076 (2020): governs industrial classification, registration, and incentives for industrial enterprises, relevant alongside company registration for manufacturing and industrial businesses.
• Income Tax Act, 2058 (2002): governs corporate taxation, relevant once your company applies for PAN after incorporation.
• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075 (2019) (FITTA): governs foreign direct investment and technology transfer and applies whenever a foreign individual or entity registers or invests in a Nepali company.

What Types of Companies Can Be Registered in Nepal?

Private Limited Company Registration

The most common structure for entrepreneurs and SMEs, allowing between 1 and 50 shareholders and offers limited liability protection. It suits most trading, service, and consulting businesses that don't intend to raise capital from the public. There's no fixed statutory minimum paid-up capital under the Companies Act itself, though NPR 100,000 in authorised capital is the practical baseline most private companies register with, since it sits within OCR's lowest registration fee bracket.

Public Limited Company Registration

Required for companies intending to issue shares publicly, such as those planning to list on the Nepal Stock Exchange. A public company requires a minimum of 7 shareholders. There's no single statutory minimum capital requirement under the Companies Act for public companies generally, though sector-specific regulators, such as Nepal Rastra Bank for banks and finance companies, or the insurance regulator for insurers, set their own, typically much higher, minimum capital requirements.

Profit-Not-Distributing Company

Registered under Section 166 of the Companies Act, this structure suits organisations formed for charitable, educational, religious, or other social objectives, in which profits are reinvested in the organisation's purpose rather than distributed to members.

Foreign Company Registration

Foreign companies can establish a presence in Nepal as either a branch office, which can conduct commercial activities, sign contracts, and generate revenue, or a liaison (contact) office, which is limited to non-commercial activities such as market research and coordination with the parent company. Branch offices require Department of Industry approval before OCR registration, and both routes must comply with FITTA requirements. Foreign investment in a Nepali company generally needs to meet FITTA's standard minimum investment threshold of NPR 2 crore, though IT and certain service-sector businesses qualify for sectoral exemptions from this threshold.

How Do You Complete the Company Registration Process in Nepal Step by Step?

Step 1: Reserve the company name:

Following the name availability process outlined above.

Step 2: Prepare your MOA and AOA:

Clearly set out your business objectives, capital structure, and internal governance rules.

Step 3: Submit the online application:

Through your CAMIS dashboard, enter shareholder, director, and company details.

Step 4: Upload supporting documents:

Including citizenship certificates, MOA, AOA, and other required files in the correct formats.

Step 5: Pay government registration fees:

Calculated based on your company's authorised capital, through the CAMIS payment gateway.

Step 6: OCR verification:

An OCR officer reviews your application and supporting documents and may issue a query via the CAMIS dashboard if anything requires correction or clarification.

Step 7: Receive the Certificate of Incorporation:

Issued digitally with QR code verification once your application is approved.

Step 8: Apply for PAN registration:

Submit your Certificate of Incorporation to the Inland Revenue Department to obtain your company's Permanent Account Number.

What Documents Are Required for Company Registration in Nepal?

Documentation requirements are broadly similar across company types, with some additional foreign-specific requirements for foreign companies.

Documents for Private and Public Companies

• Citizenship certificates of shareholders and directors
• Passport copies, where applicable
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Articles of Association (AOA)
• Photographs of shareholders and directors
• Signature specimens
• Lease agreement for the registered office
• Board resolution authorising the registration
• Power of Attorney, where an agent is filing on the applicant's behalf
• Name reservation approval certificate
• Address proof for the registered office

Documents for Foreign Companies

The same core document set applies, alongside additional requirements under FITTA, including Department of Industry approval, parent company incorporation documents, and board resolutions from the parent company authorising the Nepal branch or liaison office.

Documents for Profit-Not-Distributing Companies

The same core document set applies, with the MOA specifically outlining the organisation's charitable, educational, religious, or social objectives in place of a standard commercial objective clause.

How Long Does Company Registration Take in Nepal?

• Local shareholder company: Typically 7 to 14 working days, assuming complete documentation and no OCR queries.
• Foreign-owned company (FDI) / subsidiaries: Typically 3 to 6 weeks, given the additional approvals required from the Department of Industry or the Investment Board of Nepal.
• Branch or liaison offices: Typically 4 to 8 weeks, reflecting the additional foreign company approval steps involved.

These are general estimates; incomplete documentation or OCR queries can extend any of these timelines.

What Government Fees Apply for Company Registration in Nepal?

OCR calculates registration fees for Nepali companies based on authorised capital.

Private Limited Company Registration Fees

Public Limited Company Registration Fees

Public limited companies follow the same authorised capital fee structure as private companies, but with a higher base fee, generally starting at around NPR 15,000, reflecting the additional regulatory requirements that public companies carry.

Foreign Company Registration Fees

Branch and liaison offices are charged under a separate, largely fixed-fee structure set by OCR rather than the standard capital-based slabs, in addition to the Department of Industry approval fees that apply before OCR registration. Because these fees are assessed on a case-by-case basis, it's best to confirm the current schedule directly with OCR or a registered legal advisor at the time of application.

Profit-Not-Distributing Company Fees

Profit-not-distributing companies registered under Section 166 are typically subject to a reduced, nominal OCR fee compared with standard commercial companies, reflecting their non-commercial purpose; exact current fees should be confirmed with OCR at the time of registration.

Government fees are set by OCR and can change; always confirm the current fee schedule on the official CAMIS portal before budgeting for registration.

What Are the Benefits of Online Company Registration in Nepal?

Online company registration through CAMIS offers real, practical advantages over the older paper-based process:

• Faster approvals: Since applications no longer wait in physical queues at OCR counters
• Lower administrative costs: Less need for repeated in-person visits
• Digital document storage: Keeping your MOA, AOA, and certificates accessible online
• Transparency: Clear fee schedules and processing steps are published on the portal
• Status tracking: So you can check your application's progress directly through your CAMIS dashboard
• Nationwide accessibility: Allowing applicants anywhere in Nepal, or overseas, to register without travelling to Kathmandu

Who Can Register a Company in Nepal?

• Nepalese citizens: any natural person aged 18 or older can register a company, individually or jointly with others.
• Foreign individuals: foreigners can register or own companies in Nepal, subject to approval from the Department of Industry or the Investment Board Nepal, depending on the investment size and sector.
• Corporate entities: existing domestic or international companies can register subsidiaries or joint ventures in Nepal.

How Does Online Company Registration in Nepal Work?

Registering and logging into the OCR e-Services (CAMIS) portal follows a straightforward sequence:

Creating your account:

• Navigate to the official OCR e-Services portal
• select Create User Account
• enter your full name exactly as it appears on your citizenship certificate or passport, your address and nationality, and a valid email and Nepali mobile number.
• Enter your citizenship certificate number and issue district (or passport details for foreigners)
• complete OTP verification sent to your mobile and email, and set your login credentials.

Logging in:

• Return to the CAMIS portal login page
• enter your username and password
• complete any CAPTCHA or secondary verification, and access your personalised dashboard, where you can reserve company names, upload documents like your MOA and AOA, and track your registration.

How Do You Check Company Name Availability in Nepal?

1. Visit the official OCR website and navigate to Company Online Services / CAMIS.
2. Create an account with your basic details and citizenship or passport information to receive login credentials.
3. Log in and select the Name Check / Reservation menu.
4. Enter your proposed company name in English and/or Nepali and select your company type. Search using key root words rather than the full proposed name (including "Pvt. Ltd.") to catch broader potential overlaps.
5. Review the list of existing similar names the system displays; if your name is unique, submit your application along with your proposed business objectives.
6. Pay the applicable name check and reservation fees online, typically around NPR 100 for the check and NPR 500 to reserve the name, though it's worth confirming current fees on the portal at the time of application.
7. Await approval. An OCR officer typically reviews the application within 1 to 3 working days, and once approved, you'll receive a reservation certificate generally valid for 35 to 90 days.

What are the Common Reasons for Name Rejection?

The common reasons for a company’s name rejection are:

• Names too similar to an existing registered company
• Names implying government affiliation without approval
• Names using restricted or offensive words
• Names that don't match the stated business objectives

Tips to Improve First-Time Name Approval

Below are a few tips to improve your name approval

• Search thoroughly using root words before submitting
• Avoid overly generic names likely to clash with existing registrations
• Ensure the name reasonably reflects your business objectives
• Have a few backup names ready in case your first choice is rejected.

How Can You Track Your Company Registration Number in Nepal?

• Access the portal: Visit the official OCR website.
• Search by number or name: Use the Company Search section to look up your company using its exact name or registration number.
• Use the CAMIS dashboard: If you're tracking an application still in progress, log in to your account to check whether it's approved, pending, or requires document edits.
• Nagarik App: For mobile tracking, the government's Nagarik App integrates with official databases and can be used to verify company and taxpayer details.

SSF Registration of Companies in Nepal

• The Social Security Fund (SSF) is a mandatory social protection scheme for formal sector employees in Nepal. Companies must register with SSF and contribute on behalf of their employees. The process involves:
• Register on the SSF online portal (ssf.gov.np)
• Submit required documents:
• Company registration certificate
• PAN certificate
• List of employees
• Obtain SSF registration number
• Enroll employees in the scheme
• Make monthly contributions (11% from employer, 31% from employee’s salary)
• SSF provides various benefits including medical, accident, and retirement coverage for employees. Compliance with SSF regulations is mandatory for all eligible companies in Nepal.

Specific business approval

There are some specific sectors of business which need additional approval from the concerned department prescribed by the law even after incorporation of company before their operation. 

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What Additional Costs Should You Expect During Company Registration?

Beyond the OCR government fee itself, most applicants should budget for a few additional costs.

Lawyer's Professional Fees

Legal professional fees for drafting your MOA and AOA, managing the CAMIS application, and handling OCR queries, which vary depending on the complexity of your structure and whether foreign investment is involved.

Digital Service Costs

Costs associated with digital signatures, document notarisation, or courier and printing services, where physical copies are still required by banks or other third parties.

Government Dastur

Standard government stamp duty and administrative charges are applied at various points in the registration and post-registration process, separate from the core OCR registration fee.

Optional Compliance Costs

Costs for services such as auditor appointments, company seal production, and initial bookkeeping setup, which aren't mandatory at the point of registration but are typically needed shortly afterward.

Except the registration fee at OCR there are few additional fees that need to be paid for registration of company in Nepal is as mentioned:

What Happens After Company Registration Is Completed?

Company PAN Registration Nepal

Every registered company must obtain a Permanent Account Number from the Inland Revenue Department, submitting the Certificate of Incorporation and supporting documents.

VAT Registration

Companies meeting the applicable turnover threshold, or operating in certain business categories, must register for Value Added Tax with the Inland Revenue Department.

Company Bank Account

Opening a corporate bank account requires a Certificate of Incorporation, PAN certificate, and company documents before most companies can begin trading formally.

Company Seal

Producing an official company seal is still commonly required for signing certain documents and contracts in Nepal.

Auditor Appointment

Appointing a licensed auditor, a statutory requirement for most companies under the Companies Act, ahead of annual financial reporting obligations.

Share Certificates

Issuing share certificates to shareholders formally records their ownership stake in the company.

Board Meeting Requirements

Holding an initial board meeting to formally adopt governance procedures, appoint officers, and record key early decisions in board minutes.

What Ongoing Compliance Requirements Must Companies Follow in Nepal?

• Annual filing: Submitting annual returns and financial statements to OCR each fiscal year
• Company records: Maintaining statutory registers, minute books, and shareholder records
• Income tax: Filing annual tax returns and meeting payment obligations under the Income Tax Act
• VAT obligations: Filing periodic VAT returns where registered
• Corporate governance: Holding required board and shareholder meetings and keeping governance practices current
• Companies Act compliance: Meeting broader statutory obligations, including notifying OCR of changes to directors, shareholding, or registered address

What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid During Company Registration?

• Submitting incorrect or expired documents
• Choosing a company name too similar to an existing registration
• Providing inconsistent information across different documents
• Uploading files in the wrong format for the CAMIS portal
• Missing required signatures on the MOA, AOA, or board resolutions
• Getting MOA or AOA details wrong, particularly around business objectives or capital structure

How Can Legal Professionals Help With Company Registration in Nepal?

Company Structure Advice

Helping you choose the right structure for your business goals, whether that's a private company, public company, or foreign branch.

Document Drafting

Preparing a properly drafted MOA and AOA that reflects your actual business objectives and avoids the kind of errors that trigger OCR queries.

OCR Representation

Managing the CAMIS application and responding to OCR queries on your behalf, reducing back-and-forth delays.

Foreign Investment Assistance

Navigating FITTA requirements, Department of Industry approvals, and Investment Board Nepal processes for foreign investors.

Regulatory Compliance

Supporting your company's ongoing compliance obligations well beyond the point of registration.

Why Choose Sherpa Law Associates for Company Registration in Nepal?

• 5+ years average experience among our corporate lawyers in Nepal
• 100% client success rate on registration matters handled to date
• End-to-end registration support, from name reservation through to your Certificate of Incorporation
• Online OCR filing assistance, managing your CAMIS application directly
• Transparent professional fees, with no hidden costs

• Assistance for foreign investors, covering FITTA and Department of Industry approvals

• Ongoing corporate compliance services, supporting your company well beyond registration day

FAQs

Can I register a company online in Nepal?

Yes, the entire process, from name reservation through to receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, is handled online via OCR's CAMIS portal, allowing you to register your company without visiting a government office in person.

How do I access the OCR portal to check my company registration login in Nepal status?

You can log into your existing CAMIS account through the official OCR portal using your registered username and password to check your business registration status at any time.

What is OCR Nepal?

OCR stands for the Office of the Company Registrar, the government body under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies responsible for incorporating and regulating companies in Nepal.

What is the company registration number?

It's the unique identification number OCR assigns to your company upon incorporation, used to identify your company in official records and searches.

What is business name registration?

It refers to reserving your proposed company name with OCR before formal incorporation to confirm it's unique and available for use.

Does an online business need to be registered in Nepal?

Yes, businesses operating online for profit generally still need to register, either as a company with OCR or, for smaller operations, with the relevant local ward office.

Can foreigners register a company?

Yes, subject to approval from the Department of Industry or the Investment Board Nepal and compliance with FITTA's foreign investment requirements.

How do I renew company registration?

Companies remain registered indefinitely once incorporated, provided annual filings and compliance obligations are kept up to date; renewal in the sense of re-registering isn't required, but lapsed compliance can create complications.

Is lawyer assistance mandatory?

No, it isn't legally mandatory, though professional assistance significantly reduces the risk of document errors, OCR queries, and delays, particularly for foreign investment or more complex structures.

How do I apply for company PAN registration in Nepal?

Submit a PAN registration application to the Inland Revenue Department along with your Certificate of Incorporation and other required documents.

What happens if a company is not registered?

An unregistered business operating for profit has no separate legal identity or limited liability protection and may face penalties, be unable to enter into formal contracts, and have difficulty accessing banking and government services.

What is the best company structure for my business?

It depends on your shareholder count, funding plans, and objectives; most small and medium businesses are best structured as a private limited company, while businesses planning to raise public capital need a public limited company structure.

What services are available through the OCR Nepal portal?

Name reservation, company registration applications, document uploads, fee payment, application status tracking, and company search functions are all available through the CAMIS portal.

Disclaimer: This article is published for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, legal opinion, or professional consultation. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for obtaining legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Reading this article or using this website does not create a lawyer-client relationship. The firm and its members disclaim all liability for any loss or consequences arising from reliance on the information contained herein. If you require legal advice regarding your particular matter, please consult a qualified legal professional.