Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Company in Nepal (OCR Process – 2026)

Starting a business in Nepal begins with one critical step: company registration at the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR). Whether you are a local entrepreneur, startup founder, IT service provider, or planning to formalize an existing business, understanding the OCR company registration process saves time, money, and legal trouble.

This complete, Nepal-specific guide walks you through how to register a company in Nepal step by step, including documents, online filing, government fees, timelines, and what to do after registration.

What Is OCR and Why Company Registration Matters

The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) operates under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and is the sole authority responsible for registering companies in Nepal under the Companies Act, 2063 (2006).

Registering your company:

Gives your business legal identity
Allows you to open a corporate bank account
Enables PAN, VAT, and tax compliance
Builds trust with clients, investors, and partners
Is mandatory for contracts, tenders, and scaling

Types of Companies You Can Register in Nepal

Before starting the OCR process, you must choose the correct company structure.

1. Private Limited Company (Most Common)

Minimum shareholders: 1
Maximum shareholders: 101
Suitable for startups, SMEs, IT firms, agencies

2. Public Limited Company

Minimum shareholders: 7
Suitable for large businesses and IPO-bound companies

3. Non-Profit Company

For NGOs, foundations, social enterprises

This guide primarily focuses on Private Limited Company registration, as it applies to most businesses.

Overview of the OCR Company Registration Process

The company registration process in Nepal involves:

Name reservation
Online application submission
Document verification
Government fee payment
Certificate of Incorporation issuance

Most of the process is now online, but accuracy is crucial to avoid rejection or delays.

Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in Nepal

Step 1: Decide Company Name & Check Availability

You must first reserve your company name through the OCR online system.

Rules for company name:

Must be unique
Must not conflict with existing trademarks
Must end with “Private Limited”
Cannot use restricted words without approval (Bank, Insurance, University, etc.)

Tip:
Prepare 2–3 alternative names in case your first choice is rejected.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

You’ll need digital copies (PDF) of the following:

Mandatory Documents

Citizenship certificates of all shareholders & directors
Passport (for foreign nationals, if applicable)
Passport-size photos
Proposed company name
Company address (rented or owned)
Shareholding details
Objectives of the company (very important)

Legal Documents

Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA)

Well-written objectives help later with PAN, VAT, banking, and licensing.

Step 3: Create Account on OCR Online Portal

Email
Phone number
Citizenship details

All filings, updates, and future changes will be managed through this account.

Step 4: Fill Online Company Registration Application

Company name
Registered office address
Share capital structure
Shareholder & director details
Business objectives
Authorized capital amount

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Mismatch between MOA/AOA and application data
Vague business objectives
Incorrect citizenship details

Step 5: Upload Documents (MOA & AOA)

Upload:

Signed MOA
Signed AOA
Citizenship documents

OCR officers will review and verify these documents.

If errors are found, your application will be returned for correction.

Step 6: Pay Government Registration Fees

Fees depend on authorized capital.

Private Limited Company Fee Structure (Approx.)

Fees are paid online through the OCR system.

Step 7: Verification & Approval by OCR

Once submitted:

OCR reviews your application
May request clarification or corrections
Upon approval, issues the Certificate of Incorporation

Typical Timeline:

2–5 working days (if documents are correct)
Delays occur mainly due to documentation errors

Step 8: Receive Certificate of Incorporation

After approval, you receive:

Company Registration Certificate
Company Registration Number (CRN)

Your company is now legally registered in Nepal.

What to Do After Company Registration (Critical Steps)

Company registration is only the beginning.

1. PAN Registration (Mandatory)

Required for tax filing
Needed to open bank account

2. Open Company Bank Account

Banks require:

OCR certificate
PAN certificate
MOA/AOA
Board resolution

3. VAT Registration (If Applicable)

Mandatory if:

Annual turnover exceeds threshold
Engaged in VAT-applicable business

4. Local Ward Registration

Some municipalities require local business registration.

Common OCR Rejection Reasons (And How to Avoid Them)

Duplicate or misleading company name
Poorly drafted business objectives
Inconsistent shareholder information
Missing signatures on MOA/AOA
Incorrect capital structure

Pro Tip:
Use clear, future-proof objectives even if you start small.

Cost Breakdown to Register a Company in Nepal

Item Estimated Cost (NPR)

FAQ – Company Registration in Nepal

Q: Can one person register a company in Nepal?
Yes. A single-shareholder private limited company is allowed.

Q: Is online registration mandatory?
Yes. OCR company registration is primarily online.

Q: Can foreigners register a company in Nepal?
Yes, but additional approvals and investment rules apply.

Q: How long does company registration take?
Usually 2–5 working days if documents are correct.

Q: Do I need a lawyer or consultant?
Not mandatory, but helpful for complex structures or foreign investment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Company in Nepal (OCR Process)