Company Registration in Nepal: Complete Guide (2026)

Last updated: November 5, 2026

Company registration in Nepal is the process of incorporating a company with the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) under the Companies Act, 2063, and it is now completed online through CAMIS, the Company Administration Management Information System. The main steps are to choose the company type and capital, reserve the name, prepare and upload the MOA, AOA and identification documents, pay the government fee, and receive the digital registration certificate. After the name is reserved and the documents are uploaded, registration usually takes about one week. This step-by-step guide is by Niti Partners, a law firm in Nepal.

Company registration process in Nepal at a glance

• Authority: Office of the Company Registrar (OCR)
• Platform: CAMIS (camis.ocr.gov.np)
• Governing law: Companies Act, 2063
• Name approval: usually within a day or two
• Registration time: about one week after name reservation and document upload
• Government fee: from NPR 1,000 for a private company with authorized capital up to NPR 1,00,000
• PAN: generated automatically after registration

If you only want the quick digital route, see our guide to online company registration in Nepal.

What Is the Company Registration Process in Nepal

Online company registration in Nepal refers to the electronic incorporation system managed by the Office of the Company Registrar through its official digital portal. The process allows promoters to submit company registration applications, upload documents, reserve company names, and obtain incorporation approval electronically. The legal basis for company incorporation is provided mainly by the Companies Act 2063.

The online incorporation process generally applies to private limited companies, public companies, nonprofit companies, and foreign companies establishing operations in Nepal. Once incorporation is approved, the company obtains separate legal personality under Section 5 of the Companies Act 2063. This allows the company to own assets, incur liabilities, and continue operations independently from its shareholders.

The online registration process usually includes:

• Company name reservation
• Preparation of MOA and AOA
• Submission of shareholder information
• Upload of supporting documents
• Payment of registration fees
• OCR verification process
• Issuance of incorporation certificate

The digital system also permits application tracking and communication with OCR officers regarding document corrections or clarification requests during the registration process.

Why Register a Company in Nepal

A registered company is a separate legal entity. It can enter contracts, own assets, open bank accounts and employ workers in its own name, and the liability of its shareholders is limited. Registration is also the first step towards tax registration, licences and foreign investment approvals, which many businesses need before they can operate.

Types of Company Registration in Nepal

The route, documents and approvals for company registration in Nepal depend on the type of company and who the promoters are. Our detailed guides cover each route:

• Private limited (Pvt. Ltd.) company registration in Nepal: the structure most commonly used by startups, consultancies and trading businesses.
• Public company registration in Nepal: for businesses that want to incorporate as a public company.
• IT company registration in Nepal: for software, SaaS and other technology businesses.
• Construction company registration in Nepal: for contractors and construction firms.
• Hire purchase company registration in Nepal: with the 2026 amendment explained.
• Company registration in Nepal for foreigners: for foreign promoters and investors.
• Investment company registration in Nepal: a legal guide for investment companies.

Private Limited Company vs Public Company in Nepal

The main difference is whether the company can raise money from the public. A public company can offer its securities to the public after meeting the legal requirements. A private company cannot.

Who Can Register a Company in Nepal

Nepalese citizens, foreign investors and corporate shareholders can all be shareholders of a Nepalese company. Foreign investors need foreign investment approval before incorporation, and certain sectors are restricted or closed to foreign investment. Every promoter must have the legal capacity to enter into contracts.

Step-by-Step Company Registration Process in Nepal

The online company registration system in Nepal functions through the electronic portal maintained by the Office of the Company Registrar. Applicants create an online account and begin the incorporation process by checking company name availability. The system enables digital filing of company incorporation applications and supporting documents.

The online registration system generally operates through the following procedure:

Step 1: Create a CAMIS Account

Open CAMIS (camis.ocr.gov.np) and create an account. The account is used to apply for the company name, enter the company details, upload documents and track the application.

Step 2: Apply for and Reserve the Company Name

Submit the proposed company name through your account. The OCR usually responds within a day or two. The name must not be identical or similar to an existing company or be misleading, so it is best to propose more than one.

Step 3: Enter the Company Details

After the name is approved, enter the company type, business objectives, registered office address, authorized capital, shareholding structure and director details. The capital entered must match the MOA and AOA.

Step 4: Prepare the MOA and AOA

The Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) are the constitutional documents of the company. They must be consistent with each other and with the details entered in CAMIS.

Step 5: Upload the Required Documents

Upload the MOA, AOA, citizenship or passport copies of the shareholders and directors, director consent letters and any other required documents. Scans must be clear and legible.

Step 6: Submit the Application and Respond to OCR Comments

Submit the application electronically. If the OCR finds an error or missing information, it returns comments. Correct the issue and resubmit through CAMIS.

Step 7: Pay the Government Fee

Pay the prescribed registration fee when the application reaches the payment stage. The fee depends on the authorized capital, as shown in the fee tables below.

Step 8: Receive the Registration Certificate

After approval and payment, the OCR issues the digital certificate of incorporation. The company’s PAN is then generated automatically.

The Office of the Company Registrar examines the application under the Companies Act 2063 and related company directives. If discrepancies appear in uploaded documents or constitutional provisions, OCR officers may request clarification or correction before approval.

The system has simplified incorporation procedures for businesses operating in information technology, consulting, trading, tourism, education, manufacturing, and service sectors. Companies may later use the same digital system for annual filings, director changes, capital amendments, and shareholder updates.

Documents Required for Company Registration in Nepal

Company registration in Nepal requires submission of several legal, identification, and corporate documents through the OCR online portal. The required documents vary depending on whether the company involves domestic promoters, foreign investment, institutional shareholders, or regulated business sectors.

The commonly required documents include:

• Proposed company name
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Articles of Association (AOA)
• Citizenship certificates of shareholders
• Passport copies for foreign investors
• Passport-sized photographs
• Registered office address details
• Director consent letters
• Shareholder details and signatures
• Board resolutions for corporate shareholders
• Power of attorney documents
• Foreign investment approval documents

The MOA and AOA are mandatory constitutional documents required under the Companies Act 2063. These documents define company objectives, share structures, governance rules, director powers, and shareholder rights.

The Office of the Company Registrar may reject incomplete or inconsistent documentation. Unclear scans, incorrect shareholder information, and drafting inconsistencies between MOA and AOA frequently delay incorporation approval. Proper document preparation reduces the risk of application rejection and additional compliance review procedures.

Company Name Check and Reservation in Nepal

Company name reservation is the first formal step in online company registration in Nepal. Promoters must submit proposed company names through the OCR online portal before incorporation filing. The Office of the Company Registrar examines whether the proposed name conflicts with existing companies or violates statutory naming restrictions.

The name reservation procedure generally includes:

• Access OCR online portal
• Create online user account
• Enter proposed company names
• Mention business objectives
• Submit reservation request
• Await OCR review decision

The Companies Act 2063 restricts registration of names that are identical, misleading, offensive, or closely similar to already registered companies. Certain words associated with government entities, regulated financial activities, or international organizations may require additional approval before use.

Applicants commonly provide multiple alternative names to reduce rejection risk. Once approved, the reserved name remains valid for a limited period during which the incorporation application must be completed.

If the incorporation process is not completed within the prescribed timeframe, the applicant may need to submit a fresh reservation request through the OCR online system.

How to Check Company Registration Status in Nepal

To check whether a proposed company name is available, the applicant creates an account on the OCR online portal (CAMIS) and applies for the name. The OCR usually responds within a day or two. After an application is submitted, its progress can be followed through the same account. The OCR website also has a company search page for looking up registered companies.

Where to Submit a Company Registration Application in Nepal

Online company registration applications in Nepal are submitted through the official digital portal operated by the Office of the Company Registrar under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. The OCR serves as the primary authority responsible for company incorporation, record maintenance, annual filings, and corporate compliance administration in Nepal.

Applicants use the OCR online system to:

• Reserve company names
• Upload incorporation documents
• Submit shareholder details
• File constitutional documents
• Track application status
• Receive approval notifications

The application form generally requires information relating to:

• Company objectives
• Authorized capital
• Registered office address
• Director particulars
• Shareholding structure
• Business nature

Once the application is submitted electronically, OCR officers examine compliance with the Companies Act 2063. Clarification notices may be issued if inconsistencies or missing information are identified.

After approval, the OCR issues a digital certificate of incorporation. The company’s PAN is then generated automatically, as explained below. Businesses must subsequently complete local registration and sector-specific licensing procedures depending on their business activities and industry classification.

How To Prepare MOA And AOA Documents

The Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association are the principal constitutional documents required for company incorporation in Nepal. These documents define the company’s legal structure, business objectives, governance rules, and shareholder rights under the Companies Act 2063.

The MOA generally contains:

• Company name
• Registered office address
• Business objectives
• Authorized capital details
• Share structure
• Shareholder liability clauses
• Subscriber information

The AOA generally contains:

• Director powers and duties
• Share transfer procedures
• Voting rights
• Meeting procedures
• Dividend distribution rules
• Governance procedures
• Company administration provisions

The MOA defines the external scope of company operations while the AOA regulates internal management and operational procedures. Inconsistency between MOA clauses and AOA provisions may result in OCR objections during incorporation review.

Companies involving foreign investment, technology transfer, joint ventures, or nonprofit objectives frequently require customized drafting to satisfy sector-specific laws and regulatory requirements in Nepal.

Share Capital for Company Registration in Nepal

Promoters decide the authorized capital, issued capital and paid-up capital, the number of shares, the face value and the shareholding ratio. The capital entered in CAMIS must match the figures in the MOA and AOA. The authorized capital also decides the government registration fee. Nepal does not generally prescribe a fixed minimum capital for ordinary private companies, but banking, finance, insurance and some other sectors have minimum capital rules of their own.

Shareholders and Directors

A private company needs at least one shareholder and can have up to 101. A public company needs at least seven promoters. At least one director must be appointed during incorporation, and each director gives identification documents and a written consent letter. Corporate shareholders submit a board resolution and their own registration documents.

Registered Office Requirement

Every company must have a registered office in Nepal. The address is stated in the incorporation documents and recorded by the OCR, and any change of address must be notified to the OCR.

Company Registration Fee and Cost in Nepal

Government fees for company registration in Nepal depend mainly on the authorized capital structure of the proposed company. The Office of the Company Registrar determines incorporation fees according to prescribed schedules issued under company regulations and administrative directives.

The common incorporation-related expenses include:

• Company registration government fee
• Company name reservation fee
• Notarization expenses
• Documentation costs
• Professional legal fees
• Administrative service charges

Private limited companies with lower authorized capital generally pay lower government registration fees. Larger companies with higher capital structures pay increased incorporation charges.

Additional costs may arise from:

• Foreign investment approval
• Industry-specific licensing
• Local government registration
• Trademark registration
• Sectoral permit applications

Government fee structures may change periodically through updated directives issued by OCR authorities. Companies should verify applicable fees before submitting online incorporation applications. Foreign investment companies and regulated businesses may incur additional approval-related costs depending on the applicable legal and regulatory framework.

The Office of the Company Registrar publishes the prescribed registration fees by authorized capital (Nepal Gazette notice, Vol. 57, No. 7, dated 2064/02/14). The current schedule is shown below.

Registration fee for a private limited company

Registration fee for a public limited company

Other OCR fees

• Company not distributing profits: lump sum NPR 15,000.
• Foreign company branch office: based on the proposed investment, using the same bands as the public company table; NPR 1,00,000 lump sum if the investment is not stated.
• Foreign company liaison office: lump sum NPR 50,000.
• Capital increase: the fee at the new rate on the new authorized capital, less the fee already paid.
• Name change: 25% of the current registration fee, or up to NPR 5,000.
• Conversion between private and public company: 50% of the fee for a new registration.

These are government fees only. Professional fees and other regulatory expenses are separate.

How Long Company Registration Takes In Nepal

The time required for online company registration in Nepal depends on document accuracy, business nature, foreign investment involvement, and regulatory approvals required for the proposed company activities. Standard private limited companies generally receive incorporation approval within about one week after the company name is reserved and the documents are uploaded on CAMIS, provided the documents are complete.

The average registration timeline usually includes:

• Name reservation approval: 1–2 days
• Document preparation: 1–5 days
• Registration after name approval and upload on CAMIS: about one week
• PAN: generated automatically after registration

Incomplete applications or inconsistent constitutional documents frequently extend approval timelines. OCR officers may request additional clarification regarding company objectives, shareholder details, or uploaded documentation before incorporation approval.

Foreign investment companies often require prior approval from the Department of Industry or Investment Board Nepal under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2075. Such approvals may increase the overall incorporation timeline.

Regulated sectors such as banking, insurance, aviation, education, and telecommunications may require separate operational licenses before commercial activities can commence legally in Nepal.

What Laws Govern Companies Registration In Nepal

Company registration in Nepal is governed primarily by the Companies Act 2063. The Act regulates company incorporation, management, shareholder rights, director duties, annual filing obligations, and dissolution procedures. It establishes the legal framework for private companies, public companies, nonprofit companies, and foreign companies operating in Nepal.

Additional laws affecting company registration include:

• Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2075
• Industrial Enterprises Act 2076
• Income Tax Act 2058
• Value Added Tax Act 2052
• Labor Act 2074
• Electronic Transactions Act 2063

The Companies Act 2063 requires companies to maintain statutory records, notify OCR regarding changes in corporate structure, and file annual returns regularly. Noncompliance may result in penalties, suspension of services, or administrative restrictions.

Foreign investment companies must additionally comply with foreign exchange regulations and investment approval requirements under FITTA 2075. Sector-specific legislation may also apply depending on whether the business operates in banking, insurance, tourism, hydropower, education, telecommunications, or other regulated industries.

Which Authorities Handle Company Registration In Nepal

Several government authorities participate in company incorporation and post-registration compliance procedures in Nepal. The primary authority responsible for company registration is the Office of the Company Registrar under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.

The major authorities involved include:

• Office of the Company Registrar
• Inland Revenue Department
• Department of Industry
• Investment Board Nepal
• Nepal Rastra Bank
• Local government authorities
• Department of Commerce and Supplies

The Office of the Company Registrar handles incorporation approval, annual filings, shareholder records, and corporate compliance administration. The Inland Revenue Department receives company data from the OCR for PAN generation and manages VAT registration and other tax obligations after company incorporation.

Foreign investment companies commonly require approval from the Department of Industry or Investment Board Nepal before incorporation. Nepal Rastra Bank regulates foreign exchange matters and investment repatriation procedures.

Local governments may require municipal registration, operating permits, or business tax registration. Industry-specific regulators also supervise companies operating in regulated sectors such as finance, insurance, education, healthcare, telecommunications, aviation, and energy development.

PAN and VAT Registration After Company Registration

After successful company registration through CAMIS, the company’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) is generated automatically through coordination and data sharing between the Office of the Company Registrar and the Inland Revenue Department. A newly registered company should check that the PAN details match its registration information.

PAN registration is mandatory for conducting commercial transactions, opening corporate bank accounts, employing workers, and fulfilling taxation obligations under Nepalese law.

The tax details of the company are entered through the OCR online CAMIS system. The information and documents commonly required are:

• Company’s incorporation documents
• Lease agreement with the landlord (where the company has a rented office)
• Landlord’s PAN
• House number and address details of the premises
• Official email address and phone number

If the company does not yet have an office, CAMIS lets the applicant select that option instead of providing lease and landlord details.

VAT registration becomes mandatory once the company exceeds the turnover threshold prescribed under the Value Added Tax Act 2052. Certain industries may require mandatory VAT registration regardless of turnover volume.

The Inland Revenue Department supervises tax registration, tax return filing, VAT compliance, and revenue administration under applicable Nepalese tax laws.

What Are Post Registration Compliance Requirements

Company incorporation alone does not complete all legal obligations required for business operation in Nepal. Companies must continue complying with corporate, tax, labor, and regulatory requirements after registration.

Major post-registration compliance obligations include:

• Annual return filing with OCR
• Financial statement preparation
• Audit compliance where applicable
• PAN and VAT filing obligations
• Shareholder register maintenance
• Director update notifications
• Labor law compliance
• Social Security Fund registration
• Local authority renewals

The Companies Act 2063 requires companies to maintain statutory records and notify OCR regarding changes in directors, shareholders, registered office address, or capital structure.

Businesses employing workers must comply with the Labor Act 2074 and Social Security Fund requirements. Companies operating in regulated sectors may additionally require periodic license renewal and sector-specific reporting.

Failure to comply with post-registration obligations may result in financial penalties, suspension of services, regulatory investigations, or restrictions on company operations in Nepal.

How Foreign Investors Register Company In Nepal

Foreign investors may establish companies in Nepal subject to compliance with the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2075 and sector-specific investment regulations. Foreign investors commonly establish private limited companies for investment and commercial activities.

For a fuller walkthrough, read our guide to company registration in Nepal for foreigners and the legal guide to investment company registration in Nepal.

The foreign company registration process generally includes:

• Obtain foreign investment approval
• Reserve company name through OCR
• Draft constitutional documents
• Open investment bank account
• Inject approved foreign investment
• Submit incorporation application
• Check the PAN generated after registration
• Secure operational licenses

Foreign investors commonly submit:

• Passport copies
• Foreign investment proposal
• Joint venture agreements
• Board resolutions
• Financial credibility documents
• Power of attorney documents

Certain sectors remain restricted or prohibited for foreign investment under Nepalese law. Minimum investment thresholds may also apply depending on the sector and investment structure.

After incorporation, foreign investors may repatriate dividends and investment proceeds subject to approval procedures administered by Nepal Rastra Bank and applicable foreign exchange regulations.

What Common Mistakes Delay Company Registration Approval

Several documentation and procedural errors commonly delay online company registration approval in Nepal. The Office of the Company Registrar examines incorporation applications carefully for compliance with statutory requirements and company registration directives.

Common mistakes include:

• Incomplete application forms
• Improper MOA and AOA drafting
• Incorrect shareholder information
• Unclear business objectives
• Rejected company names
• Missing signatures
• Invalid office address details
• Unreadable uploaded documents
• Inconsistent capital declarations
• Noncompliance with foreign investment rules

Applications frequently face delay where constitutional clauses conflict with the Companies Act 2063 or where uploaded documents contain inconsistent information. OCR officers may issue clarification notices requiring amendment or resubmission.

Foreign investment companies often experience delays because of incomplete approval documentation or failure to satisfy sector-specific investment regulations.

Proper legal drafting, document verification, and accurate compliance review substantially reduce rejection risks during online company registration procedures in Nepal.

How Professional Legal Services Help Company Registration

Professional legal services assist businesses in completing company incorporation procedures efficiently and lawfully in Nepal. Corporate lawyers and legal consultants help prepare constitutional documents, manage government filings, and ensure compliance with Nepalese company laws.

Professional legal services commonly include:

• Company structure consultation
• OCR name reservation assistance
• MOA and AOA drafting
• Foreign investment approval support
• VAT registration and tax compliance assistance
• Corporate compliance advisory
• Licensing and permit assistance
• Shareholder agreement preparation

Legal professionals help companies comply with the Companies Act 2063, FITTA 2075, tax laws, labor laws, and sector-specific regulations. Businesses involving foreign investors, joint ventures, technology transfer arrangements, or regulated industries frequently require detailed legal support during incorporation.

Professional assistance also reduces risks associated with defective constitutional drafting, shareholder disputes, compliance defaults, and regulatory rejection. Many companies engage legal advisors for continuing annual compliance and corporate governance support after incorporation in Nepal.

FAQs

What are the steps to register a company in Nepal?

The steps are: (1) create an account on CAMIS, (2) apply for and reserve the company name, which usually takes a day or two, (3) enter the company details, (4) prepare and upload the MOA, AOA and identification documents, (5) submit the application and respond to any OCR comments, (6) pay the government fee, and (7) receive the digital registration certificate. The PAN is then generated automatically.

How many shareholders needed for private company?

Under the Companies Act 2063, a private limited company in Nepal may be incorporated with a minimum of one shareholder and a maximum of 101 shareholders. The shareholder may be an individual or a corporate entity. The company must also appoint at least one director during the incorporation process before registration approval.

How to register a Pvt Ltd company in Nepal?

A Pvt. Ltd. (private limited) company is registered online through CAMIS. The applicant creates an account, reserves the company name, enters the company details, uploads the MOA, AOA and identification documents, pays the government fee, and receives the digital registration certificate. A private company needs at least one shareholder, and the fee depends on the authorized capital, starting from NPR 1,000 for authorized capital up to NPR 1,00,000.

Can foreigners register company in Nepal online?

Yes, foreign investors may register companies online in Nepal after obtaining foreign investment approval under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2075. Foreign investors must submit passport documents, investment approval certificates, and incorporation records through the OCR online system together with additional sector-specific approvals where legally required.

How long online company registration takes?

Online company registration in Nepal generally takes about one week after the company name is reserved and the documents are uploaded on CAMIS. Name reservation usually takes one to two days, while incorporation approval may require additional review time depending on business nature, document accuracy, and foreign investment involvement. Regulated industries may require separate licensing approvals after incorporation.

Is PAN generated automatically after company registration in Nepal?

Yes. After successful company registration through CAMIS, the company’s PAN is generated automatically through coordination and data sharing between the Office of the Company Registrar and the Inland Revenue Department. The company should check that the PAN details match its registration information. Businesses exceeding prescribed turnover thresholds must additionally obtain VAT registration under applicable tax laws.

What is minimum capital for company registration?

Nepal generally does not prescribe a fixed universal minimum capital requirement for ordinary private limited companies under the Companies Act 2063. However, specific sectors such as banking, finance, insurance, and foreign investment industries may require minimum capital thresholds under sectoral laws and regulatory directives applicable to those industries.

Can one person register private limited company?

Yes, one individual may register a private limited company in Nepal under the Companies Act 2063. The sole shareholder may also act as director subject to fulfillment of incorporation procedures and submission of required constitutional documents, shareholder information, and compliance records through the Office of the Company Registrar online system.

Where company registration application is submitted online?

Online company registration applications in Nepal are submitted through the official electronic portal maintained by the Office of the Company Registrar. Applicants create online accounts, upload incorporation documents, reserve company names, and track approval status digitally through the government-operated OCR online registration system.

Are digital signatures compulsory for online registration?

Digital signatures are not mandatory for all company registration procedures in Nepal. However, electronic authentication requirements may differ depending on administrative practices, foreign investment involvement, or sector-specific filing obligations. Certain applications may still require physical signatures, notarized documents, or additional verification procedures before incorporation approval.

Can company registration completed without office visit?

Many company registration procedures in Nepal can now be completed online without visiting government offices physically. However, foreign investment approvals, banking formalities, notarization procedures, and sector-specific licensing requirements may still require physical verification or document authentication before final approval and commencement of business operations.

Which law governs company registration in Nepal?

Company registration in Nepal is governed mainly by the Companies Act 2063. Additional laws affecting incorporation and business operations include the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2075, Industrial Enterprises Act 2076, Income Tax Act 2058, Value Added Tax Act 2052, and sector-specific regulatory legislation.

Conclusion

Company registration in Nepal is now handled online through CAMIS, and a well-prepared application is usually completed in about one week after the name is reserved and the documents are uploaded. Most delays come from name rejections and inconsistencies between the CAMIS entries, the MOA and the AOA. After registration, the company still has to complete VAT where applicable, local registration, any sector licence and its annual filings.

Need help registering a company in Nepal? Contact Niti Partners & Associates at [email protected] for a free consultation.

Official References

• Companies Act, 2063: the governing law for companies in Nepal (Nepal Law Commission)
• CAMIS: the official online platform for company name checks, registration and administration
• Office of the Company Registrar: registration fee schedule and current notices