Company Director Appointment Nepal: Legal Process Guide for Board Composition February 15, 2026 - BY Admin

Company Director Appointment Nepal: Legal Process Guide for Board Composition

Company Director Appointment Nepal procedures are frequently questioned by entrepreneurs, shareholders, and corporate secretaries managing board changes. Are you uncertain about the legal requirements for appointing a new director, what documentation is required, or how to properly notify the Office of Company Registrar? Understanding Company Director Appointment Nepal requirements is essential because the board of directors serves as the primary decision-making body, and proper appointment procedures ensure legal validity and regulatory compliance.

The Company Director Appointment Nepal framework is established under Chapter 6 of the Companies Act, 2063 (2006). This legislation mandates that directors be appointed through specific procedures involving shareholder approval, board resolutions, and regulatory filings. Consequently, any deviation from these requirements may result in invalid appointments, regulatory penalties, and operational disruptions.

Furthermore, the appointment process varies based on company type—private companies require minimum one director while public companies require at least three. The process also differs for initial appointments by promoters versus subsequent appointments by shareholders. This comprehensive tutorial is presented to clarify every aspect of Company Director Appointment Nepal.

What Is Company Director Appointment Nepal Under the Companies Act?

Company Director Appointment Nepal refers to the statutory process by which individuals are formally elected or appointed to serve on a company's board of directors. Governed primarily by Section 87 of the Companies Act, 2063, the process ensures that directors are properly authorized to manage company affairs and make binding decisions on behalf of the entity.

Moreover, Company Director Appointment Nepal creates fiduciary relationships between directors and the company. Once appointed, directors owe duties of good faith, care and skill, and avoidance of conflicts of interest. As a result, the appointment process includes verification of qualifications, consent to serve, and disclosure of potential conflicts.

In addition, the Companies Act recognizes different appointment mechanisms depending on timing and circumstances:

  • Promoter Appointments: Initial directors appointed by promoters pending first AGM
  • Shareholder Elections: Standard appointment through general meeting resolution
  • Board Co-option: Casual vacancy appointments by existing directors
  • Corporate Appointments: Directors nominated by corporate shareholders proportionate to shareholding

Key Legal Provisions Governing Director Appointment

LegislationRelevant SectionsKey Requirements
Companies Act, 2063Section 87 (Appointment), Section 89 (Disqualification), Section 96 (Managing Director)General meeting approval, consent requirement, qualification verification
Companies Rules, 2075Forms and proceduresForm 20 submission, documentation standards
SEBON DirectivesCorporate governance guidelinesIndependent director requirements for listed companies
FITTA, 2019Foreign investment provisionsForeign director work permits and approvals

Director Qualifications and Requirements

Before initiating Company Director Appointment Nepal, verification of eligibility is essential. Therefore, the following requirements apply:

Basic Eligibility Criteria

  • Age: Minimum 18 years old
  • Capacity: Must be of sound mind and not disqualified under Section 89
  • Consent: Must provide written consent to act as director
  • Citizenship: No citizenship restriction—foreign nationals permitted
  • Residency: At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Nepal (for certain company types)

Disqualifications (Section 89)

The following individuals cannot serve as directors:

  • Persons declared of unsound mind by competent court
  • Undischarged insolvents or those declared bankrupt
  • Persons convicted of criminal offenses involving moral turpitude
  • Those disqualified by court order or regulatory authority
  • Persons with substantial interest in competing businesses (conflict of interest)

Special Requirements for Listed Companies

  • Independent Directors: At least one independent director required
  • Qualification Shares: May be required to hold specified shares
  • SEBON Compliance: Additional fit and proper criteria
  • Disclosure: Detailed disclosure of other directorships and interests

Step-by-Step Company Director Appointment Nepal Process

The appointment process is structured sequentially. Therefore, following these steps ensures valid Company Director Appointment Nepal:

Step 1: Verify AOA Provisions

Review the company's Articles of Association to identify:

  • Minimum and maximum number of directors
  • Appointment procedures and authority
  • Qualification share requirements
  • Rotation or retirement provisions
  • Special voting requirements

Step 2: Identify and Vet Candidates

Conduct due diligence on potential directors:

  • Verify eligibility against disqualification criteria
  • Check for conflicts of interest
  • Assess qualifications and experience
  • Obtain preliminary consent to serve
  • Prepare disclosure statements

Step 3: Convene General Meeting (or Board Meeting for Casual Vacancies)

For Initial Appointment by Promoters:

  • Promoters appoint first directors through written resolution
  • Appointment valid until first AGM

For Standard Appointment:

  • Convene Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting
  • Provide notice as per AOA (typically 7-21 days)
  • Include director appointment as agenda item

For Casual Vacancy:

  • Board of Directors may appoint to fill vacancy
  • Appointment valid until next AGM
  • Shareholders may appoint at general meeting if board fails to act

Step 4: Pass Resolution and Obtain Consent

  • Ordinary Resolution: Simple majority typically sufficient (unless AOA requires special resolution)
  • Special Resolution: 75% majority required for certain appointments (if AOA specifies)
  • Consent Letter: New director must submit written consent to act
  • Disclosure: Director must disclose other directorships and interests

Step 5: Prepare Appointment Documentation

Required documents include:

  • Board resolution or shareholder meeting minutes
  • Director's consent letter (Form 20)
  • Disclosure of directorships in other companies
  • Citizenship certificate or passport copy
  • PAN card copy
  • Photographs
  • Qualification certificates (if sector-specific requirements apply)

Step 6: File with Office of Company Registrar

Submit Form 20 and supporting documents to OCR within 30 days of appointment:

  • Online submission through CAMIS portal, or
  • Physical submission at OCR office
  • Payment of prescribed fees (NPR 1,000-5,000 depending on company type)

Step 7: Update Company Records

  • Update statutory registers (Register of Directors)
  • Issue appointment letter to director
  • Notify banks and financial institutions of signatory changes
  • Update tax registrations if director is authorized signatory
  • Amend AOA if necessary to reflect board composition changes

Documentation Requirements for Company Director Appointment Nepal

Proper documentation ensures legal validity. Therefore, the following documents are required:

DocumentPurposePrepared By
Form 20 (Notice of Appointment)Official notification to OCRCompany Secretary
Board/Shareholder ResolutionAuthorization of appointmentCompany
Consent to ActDirector's acceptance of roleAppointee
Disclosure StatementConflict of interest declarationAppointee
Citizenship/PassportIdentity verificationAppointee
PAN CardTax identificationAppointee
PhotographsVisual identificationAppointee
Qualification ProofSector-specific requirements (if applicable)Appointee
Updated Director RegisterInternal record maintenanceCompany

Special Appointment Scenarios

Corporate Shareholder Appointments

When a corporate body holds shares, it may appoint directors proportionate to its shareholding:

  • Calculation: (Corporate shares ÷ Total shares) × Total directors = Eligible appointments
  • Alternate Directors: Corporate appointees may designate alternates to attend meetings when principal is unavailable
  • Voting Rights: Alternate directors vote only when principal is absent

Managing Director Appointment

Section 96 of the Companies Act governs managing director appointments:

  • Selection: Appointed from among existing directors
  • Term: Maximum four years per appointment (renewable)
  • Agreement: Written contract required specifying remuneration, duties, and facilities
  • Restrictions: Cannot serve as managing director of competing listed company with remuneration

Independent Director Appointment (Listed Companies)

SEBON requirements for independent directors:

  • Independence Criteria: No material relationship with company beyond directorship
  • Qualifications: Financial literacy, relevant experience
  • Term Limits: Typically maximum two consecutive terms
  • Disclosure: Enhanced disclosure requirements

Foreign Director Appointment

Additional requirements for foreign nationals:

  • Work Permit: Obtain from Department of Labor
  • Business Visa: Valid visa for company directorship
  • FITTA Compliance: If foreign investor, DOI approval required
  • NRB Registration: Foreign investment tracking
  • Tax Compliance: PAN registration and tax residency determination

Timeline and Costs for Company Director Appointment Nepal

Understanding financial and time obligations is essential:

Government Fees

ServiceFee (NPR)Authority
Form 20 Filing1,000 - 5,000OCR
Late Filing Penalty (up to 3 months)1,000 - 5,000OCR
Extended Delay Penalty (3-6 months)5,000 - 10,000OCR
Beyond 6 MonthsUp to 20,000 annuallyOCR

Processing Timeline

StageDurationNotes
Document Preparation1-3 daysDepends on complexity
Meeting Convening7-21 daysNotice period as per AOA
OCR FilingSame dayOnline or physical submission
OCR Processing3-7 daysFor complete applications
Total Time10-30 daysFrom decision to registration

Director Removal and Resignation Procedures

Understanding exit mechanisms is essential for complete governance:

Director Resignation

  • Process: Submit written resignation to board chair or company secretary
  • Effective Date: As specified in resignation letter or AOA
  • OCR Filing: Form 20 within 30 days of resignation
  • Handover: Transfer of company property and documents

Director Removal by Shareholders

  • Authority: General meeting through ordinary resolution
  • Notice: Special notice required (typically 28 days)
  • Right to Be Heard: Director entitled to present defense
  • OCR Filing: Form 20 within 30 days of removal

Automatic Vacation of Office

Directorship automatically terminates upon:

  • Death or incapacity
  • Bankruptcy declaration
  • Disqualification under Section 89
  • Failure to attend three consecutive board meetings (if AOA specifies)
  • Expiration of term (if rotational appointment)

Compliance and Post-Appointment Obligations

After completing Company Director Appointment Nepal, ongoing duties apply:

Immediate Obligations

  • PAN Registration: If not already registered
  • Bank Signatory Update: If authorized to operate accounts
  • Insurance: Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance consideration
  • Induction: Familiarization with company affairs, MOA, AOA, and financial position

Ongoing Duties

  • Board Meeting Attendance: Minimum attendance requirements
  • Disclosure: Annual disclosure of interests and changes
  • Compliance: Ensuring company adherence to laws and AOA
  • Fiduciary Duties: Acting in good faith for company benefit

Annual Requirements

  • Director Report: Contribution to annual report preparation
  • AGM Attendance: Participation in shareholder meetings
  • Compliance Certificate: Confirmation of regulatory adherence

Frequently Asked Questions About Company Director Appointment Nepal

What is the minimum number of directors required?

Private companies require minimum one director; public companies require minimum three directors. Single director private companies are permitted under the Companies Act.

Can a foreigner be appointed as director?

Yes. Foreign nationals may serve as directors subject to work permit and visa requirements. No citizenship restriction exists, but at least one director should be ordinarily resident in Nepal for practical compliance.

Is shareholder approval always required?

For initial appointments, promoters may appoint pending first AGM. For subsequent appointments, general meeting approval is standard. However, the board may fill casual vacancies until the next AGM.

What is Form 20 and when must it be filed?

Form 20 is the prescribed notice of director appointment, resignation, or removal. It must be filed with OCR within 30 days of the change. Late filing attracts penalties.

Can a company have only one director?

Yes, private companies may operate with a single director who is also the sole shareholder. This structure is common for small businesses and family enterprises.

What qualifications are required to become a director?

No specific educational qualifications are required for general directorships. However, individuals must be 18+ years, of sound mind, not bankrupt, and not disqualified under Section 89. Sector-specific qualifications may apply for regulated industries.

How is a managing director different from regular directors?

A managing director is appointed from among the board to oversee day-to-day management. The role involves executive functions, longer tenure (up to 4 years), and specific contractual terms regarding remuneration and facilities.

Can a director be removed without cause?

Yes. Shareholders may remove a director by ordinary resolution, provided proper notice and opportunity to be heard are given. The director may be removed with or without cause.

What happens if director appointment is not filed with OCR?

The appointment may not be legally valid against third parties. The company may face penalties, and the director may lack authority to bind the company. Late filing rectification is possible with penalties.

Are directors personally liable for company debts?

Generally, no. Limited liability protects directors from company debts unless they have provided personal guarantees or acted fraudulently. However, directors may be personally liable for breaches of fiduciary duty.

Conclusion: Ensuring Valid Company Director Appointment Nepal

Company Director Appointment Nepal requires meticulous attention to legal procedures, documentation, and regulatory timelines. Therefore, adherence to Companies Act requirements ensures valid appointments and proper board governance.

Consequently, engagement of qualified company secretaries or legal professionals is recommended for complex appointments, especially involving foreign directors, listed companies, or corporate shareholder nominations. Proper appointment procedures establish the foundation for effective corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

For professional assistance with Company Director Appointment Nepal, Attorney Nepal provides comprehensive corporate legal services. Their team of company law specialists handles board resolutions, OCR filings, compliance management, and regulatory liaison to ensure seamless director appointments.

Contact Attorney Nepal today to execute director appointments with legal precision and governance expertise.