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.
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.
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.
The registration process is governed by several laws and regulations. Understanding these frameworks ensures compliance and avoids legal complications.
| 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 |
The company registration process in Nepal has been digitized through the CAMIS (Company Administration Management Information System) portal. Below is the complete procedure.
First, the applicant must register on the OCR portal. This involves:
A unique company name must be reserved before proceeding. The name should:
Fee: NPR 100 for name check + NPR 500 for reservation
Validity: 35 days from approval
Two fundamental documents must be drafted:
Memorandum of Association (MOA):
Articles of Association (AOA):
Through the CAMIS portal, the following must be uploaded:
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
OCR officials examine submitted documents for:
If discrepancies are found, queries are raised through the portal. Applicants must respond within the specified timeframe.
In some cases, OCR may request original documents for physical verification. An appointment is scheduled at the OCR office in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu.
Upon approval, the Certificate of Incorporation is issued digitally through CAMIS. This certificate contains:
Complete documentation is essential for smooth processing. Missing or incorrect documents are the primary cause of delays.
| 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 |
Additional documents are required:
After obtaining the registration certificate, several compliance steps must be completed.
PAN Registration:
VAT Registration:
Companies must register at the local ward office where the registered office is located. This involves:
For foreign-owned companies:
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.
Understanding the complete cost structure helps in budget planning.
| 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 |
| 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)
Many applications face delays due to preventable errors. The following mistakes should be avoided:
While company registration in Nepal can be completed independently, professional legal assistance ensures:
The process typically takes 2-4 weeks for domestic companies and 4-6 weeks for foreign-invested companies, assuming complete documentation.
The minimum authorized capital is NPR 100,000 for private limited companies, though no minimum is strictly enforced for local companies.
Yes, a single person can register a private limited company as both shareholder and director under the Companies Act, 2063.
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors, subject to minimum investment thresholds (NPR 20 million) and FDI approval.
CAMIS (Company Administration Management Information System) is the online portal used by OCR for digital company registration and compliance.
Most steps can be completed online through CAMIS. However, physical verification of original documents may be required in some cases.
Primary documents include MOA, AOA, citizenship/passport copies, registered office proof, and director consent letters.
Costs range from NPR 25,000 to 75,000 for a standard private limited company, depending on authorized capital and professional fees.
No, VAT registration is mandatory only if annual turnover exceeds NPR 5 million or for specific business activities.
No, a physical registered office address within Nepal is mandatory for company registration.
Attorney Nepal Pvt. Ltd. is a leading corporate law firm specializing in company registration in Nepal. Our services include:
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.
February 07, 2026 - BY Admin