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Company registration in Nepal is the legal process by which a business entity is formally incorporated under the Companies Act, 2063 (2006). This process is administered by the Office of Company Registrar (OCR) through the digital CAMIS portal. A properly registered company is granted separate legal personality, limited liability protection, and operational legitimacy.
Why Company Registration in Nepal Matters
When a business is registered, it is recognized as a distinct legal entity. This means the company can own property, enter contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name. Furthermore, limited liability protection is provided to shareholders, ensuring personal assets remain shielded from business debts.
In 2025, the OCR online portal has been fully implemented, making the registration process faster and more transparent. Consequently, entrepreneurs can now complete most steps digitally without visiting government offices repeatedly.
Types of Companies That Can Be Registered
Different business structures are available under Nepalese law. The choice of structure depends on ownership, capital requirements, and operational goals.
| Company Type | Min Shareholders | Min Directors | Min Capital | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | 1 | 1 | NPR 100,000 | Restricted share transfer |
| Public Limited Company | 7 | 3 | NPR 10,000,000 | Can raise public funds |
| Non-Profit Company | 7 | 3 | None | No profit distribution |
| Foreign Branch Office | Parent company | 1 | As approved | Parent company liable |
| Liaison Office | Parent company | 1 | None | Non-commercial activities |
Note: The private limited company is the most commonly registered entity in Nepal due to its flexibility and simpler compliance requirements.
Legal Framework for Company Registration in Nepal
The registration process is governed by several laws and regulations. Understanding these frameworks ensures compliance and avoids legal complications.
Primary Legislation
- Companies Act, 2063 (2006): Defines company formation, management, and dissolution
- Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2019: Governs foreign ownership and investment
- Income Tax Act, 2058 (2002): Mandates tax registration requirements
Regulatory Authorities
| Authority | Role | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Company Registrar (OCR) | Company incorporation and compliance | ocr.gov.np |
| Department of Industry (DOI) | Foreign investment approval | doi.gov.np |
| Inland Revenue Department (IRD) | Tax registration (PAN/VAT) | ird.gov.np |
| Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) | Foreign currency regulation | nrb.org.np |
Step-by-Step Company Registration Process in Nepal
The company registration process in Nepal has been digitized through the CAMIS (Company Administration Management Information System) portal. Below is the complete procedure.
Step 1: Create CAMIS Account
First, the applicant must register on the OCR portal. This involves:
- Visiting ocr.gov.np
- Providing email, mobile number, and citizenship details
- Verifying through OTP
- Creating login credentials
Step 2: Reserve Company Name
A unique company name must be reserved before proceeding. The name should:
- Not match existing registered companies
- Not violate trademark rights
- Include "Private Limited" or "Public Limited" as suffix
Fee: NPR 100 for name check + NPR 500 for reservation
Validity: 35 days from approval
Step 3: Prepare Constitutional Documents
Two fundamental documents must be drafted:
Memorandum of Association (MOA):
- Company name and registered office
- Business objectives and scope
- Authorized share capital
- Liability clause
Articles of Association (AOA):
- Internal management rules
- Director powers and duties
- Share transfer procedures
- Meeting protocols
Step 4: Submit Online Application
Through the CAMIS portal, the following must be uploaded:
- Scanned MOA and AOA (signed by all promoters)
- Citizenship certificates or passports of shareholders/directors
- Passport-sized photographs
- Registered office proof (lease agreement or ownership document)
- Director consent letters
- Power of attorney (if using representative)
Step 5: Pay Registration Fees
Fees are calculated based on authorized capital:
| Authorized Capital (NPR) | Registration Fee (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Up to 100,000 | 1,000 |
| 100,001 – 500,000 | 4,500 |
| 500,001 – 2,500,000 | 9,500 |
| 2,500,001 – 10,000,000 | 16,000 |
| 10,000,001 – 20,000,000 | 19,000 |
| Above 20,000,000 | Progressive rates apply |
Payment method: Online banking, mobile wallets, or bank deposit to RAJASWA account
Step 6: Document Verification by OCR
OCR officials examine submitted documents for:
- Compliance with Companies Act requirements
- Accuracy of information
- Proper signatures and notarization
- Consistency across all forms
If discrepancies are found, queries are raised through the portal. Applicants must respond within the specified timeframe.
Step 7: Physical Verification (If Required)
In some cases, OCR may request original documents for physical verification. An appointment is scheduled at the OCR office in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu.
Step 8: Certificate Issuance
Upon approval, the Certificate of Incorporation is issued digitally through CAMIS. This certificate contains:
- Company registration number
- Date of incorporation
- Company name and type
- Registered office address
Required Documents for Company Registration in Nepal
Complete documentation is essential for smooth processing. Missing or incorrect documents are the primary cause of delays.
For Nepali Promoters
| Document | Quantity | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship certificate copies | Per promoter | Scanned/color copy |
| Passport-sized photographs | 2 per director | 4×6 cm, color |
| MOA and AOA | 2 sets each | Signed, stamped |
| Registered office proof | 1 copy | Lease/ownership |
| Director consent forms | Per director | Prescribed format |
| Promoter affidavit | 1 | Notarized |
For Foreign Investors
Additional documents are required:
- Passport copies with notarization
- Board resolution from parent company
- Certificate of incorporation of parent company
- Parent company MOA/AOA
- FDI approval from Department of Industry
- Apostilled documents (if applicable)
- Source of funds declaration
Post-Registration Compliance Requirements
After obtaining the registration certificate, several compliance steps must be completed.
Tax Registration
PAN Registration:
- Must be completed at Inland Revenue Office within specified timeframe
- Required documents: Certificate of incorporation, MOA, AOA, director IDs
- Fee: NPR 500
- Timeline: 1-3 working days
VAT Registration:
- Mandatory if annual turnover exceeds NPR 5 million
- Voluntary registration permitted for lower turnover
- Fee: NPR 1,000
Local Registration
Companies must register at the local ward office where the registered office is located. This involves:
- Submitting company registration certificate
- Providing office address proof
- Paying local trade license fees (varies by municipality)
Foreign Investment Compliance
For foreign-owned companies:
- Open FDI collection account at commercial bank
- Register foreign investment with Nepal Rastra Bank
- Obtain approval for capital inflow
- Maintain compliance for future profit repatriation
Timeline for Company Registration in Nepal
The total time required depends on document preparation and application completeness.
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 1-3 working days |
| Document preparation | 3-7 days |
| OCR processing | 5-10 working days |
| PAN registration | 1-3 working days |
| VAT registration (if applicable) | 1-3 working days |
| Total estimated time | 2-4 weeks |
Note: Foreign investment companies may require additional 2-4 weeks for DOI and NRB approvals.
Costs and Fees Breakdown
Understanding the complete cost structure helps in budget planning.
Government Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 600 (100 + 500) |
| Registration fee | 1,000 – 100,000+ (based on capital) |
| Certificate issuance | 1,000 |
| Nepal Gazette publication | 600 |
| Newspaper publication | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| PAN registration | 500 |
| VAT registration | 1,000 |
Professional Fees
| Service | Cost Range (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Legal documentation | 15,000 – 50,000 |
| Company secretary services | 10,000 – 30,000 |
| Notarization | 500 per document |
| Translation services | 100 per page |
Total estimated cost for standard private limited company: NPR 25,000 – 75,000 (excluding capital)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applications face delays due to preventable errors. The following mistakes should be avoided:
- Inconsistent information: Names or capital figures must match across all documents
- Invalid address proof: Utility bills must be recent and in landlord's name
- Missing signatures: All promoters must sign MOA, AOA, and application forms
- Incorrect objectives: Business activities must align with permitted sectors
- Expired name reservation: Registration must be completed within 35 days of name approval
Benefits of Professional Assistance
While company registration in Nepal can be completed independently, professional legal assistance ensures:
- Accurate document preparation
- Compliance with latest regulations
- Faster processing through proper follow-up
- Avoidance of common pitfalls
- Post-registration compliance support
(FAQs)
How long does company registration in Nepal take?
The process typically takes 2-4 weeks for domestic companies and 4-6 weeks for foreign-invested companies, assuming complete documentation.
What is the minimum capital requirement for private limited company?
The minimum authorized capital is NPR 100,000 for private limited companies, though no minimum is strictly enforced for local companies.
Can a single person register a company in Nepal?
Yes, a single person can register a private limited company as both shareholder and director under the Companies Act, 2063.
Is foreign ownership allowed in Nepal?
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors, subject to minimum investment thresholds (NPR 20 million) and FDI approval.
What is CAMIS in Nepal company registration?
CAMIS (Company Administration Management Information System) is the online portal used by OCR for digital company registration and compliance.
Do I need to visit OCR office personally?
Most steps can be completed online through CAMIS. However, physical verification of original documents may be required in some cases.
What documents are needed for company registration?
Primary documents include MOA, AOA, citizenship/passport copies, registered office proof, and director consent letters.
How much does company registration cost in Nepal?
Costs range from NPR 25,000 to 75,000 for a standard private limited company, depending on authorized capital and professional fees.
Is VAT registration mandatory for all companies?
No, VAT registration is mandatory only if annual turnover exceeds NPR 5 million or for specific business activities.
Can I register a company without a physical office?
No, a physical registered office address within Nepal is mandatory for company registration.
About Attorney Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
Attorney Nepal Pvt. Ltd. is a leading corporate law firm specializing in company registration in Nepal. Our services include:
- Complete company incorporation support
- FDI approval coordination
- Document drafting and compliance
- Post-registration tax and legal compliance
- Corporate advisory services
Contact us today for expert assistance with your company registration needs.
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This guide was prepared by legal experts at Attorney Nepal Pvt. Ltd. and is updated regularly to reflect current laws and procedures. Last updated: February 7, 2026.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, please contact Attorney Nepal directly.
