Company Registration in Nepal 2026: Types, Process, Fees & Documents

Nepal registered over 42,000 new companies in fiscal year 2082/83 BS (2025/26) — a record driven by simplified online processes and growing entrepreneurial confidence. Whether you are a Nepali entrepreneur launching a startup or a foreign investor entering the South Asian market, company registration in Nepal follows a structured legal process governed by the Companies Act 2063 (2006) and administered by the Office of Company Registrar (OCR).

As of April 2026, the entire registration process runs through the CAMIS (Company Administration and Management Information System) online portal. From name reservation to digital certificate issuance, you no longer need to visit a government office. This guide covers every step — company types, required documents, government fees, timelines, foreign investment rules, and post-registration compliance.

Types of Companies You Can Register in Nepal

The Companies Act 2063 recognizes several company structures. Choosing the right type depends on your shareholding structure, capital requirements, and whether the business involves foreign investment. Here is a breakdown of each type available for registration at the OCR.

Private Limited Company

This is the most common structure chosen by Nepali entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses. A private limited company requires a minimum of 1 shareholder and can have up to 101. The minimum paid-up capital is NPR 1,00,000 (1 lakh). Shares cannot be publicly traded, and the transfer of shares requires board approval.

From a practical standpoint, most startups in Kathmandu register as private limited companies because the capital requirement is low, the compliance burden is manageable, and the structure offers limited liability protection to shareholders.

Public Limited Company

A public limited company requires at least 7 promoters and a minimum paid-up capital of NPR 1 crore (10 million). Public companies can issue shares to the general public through the Nepal Stock Exchange after receiving approval from the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). This structure suits larger enterprises planning to raise capital from public investors.

Profit-Not-Distributing Company

This structure is for organizations that operate commercially but reinvest all profits into their stated objectives rather than distributing dividends. Educational institutions, research organizations, and social enterprises commonly use this structure. Registration follows the same CAMIS process but requires a clear statement of objectives in the MOA.

Branch Office and Liaison Office (Foreign Companies)

Foreign companies seeking to establish a commercial presence in Nepal register a branch office, which can conduct business activities, enter contracts, and generate revenue. A liaison office, by contrast, is limited to non-commercial activities such as market research, quality control, and coordination with the parent company. Both require approval from the Department of Industry (DOI) before OCR registration.

Company Registration Fees in Nepal (2026 Schedule)

The OCR charges registration fees based on authorized capital for Nepali companies and fixed fees for foreign offices. As of 2083 BS (2026 AD), the fee schedule under the Companies Act 2063 is as follows:

Fees for Foreign Branch and Liaison Offices

Step-by-Step CAMIS Online Registration Process

The OCR has fully digitized company registration through the CAMIS portal. Here is the exact process you will follow in 2026. Based on our experience assisting clients, completing each step carefully the first time avoids the most common cause of delays — document rejection due to formatting errors.

Step 1: Create an OCR Account

Visit camis.ocr.gov.np and register a user account. You need a valid email address and Nepali mobile number for OTP verification. One account can manage multiple company applications.

Step 2: Reserve the Company Name

Submit up to 3 preferred company names through CAMIS. The OCR checks each name against existing registrations for conflicts. An approved name reservation is valid for 35 days — you must complete the full registration within this window or the name expires. Name approval typically takes 1-3 working days.

Common reasons for name rejection include similarity to existing companies, use of restricted words (like "Nepal" or "National" without government approval), and names that imply government affiliation.

Step 3: Draft Memorandum and Articles of Association

Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) using the OCR's standard templates available on CAMIS. The MOA defines the company's objectives, authorized capital, and registered office address. The AOA sets internal governance rules — share transfer procedures, director appointment, meeting requirements, and dividend policies.

Both documents require signatures from all promoters and must be notarized. Two copies of each are required for submission.

Step 4: Upload Documents

CAMIS provides a 90-day document upload window from the date of name reservation approval. Upload all required documents as scanned PDF files. The system validates file sizes and formats automatically.

Step 5: Pay Registration Fees

Payment is processed online through CAMIS via eSewa, Khalti, or direct bank transfer. The system calculates the exact fee based on your authorized capital. Digital payment receipts are generated instantly and linked to your application.

Step 6: Receive Company Registration Certificate

After the OCR reviews and approves your application, the digital Company Registration Certificate is issued with a QR code for verification. You can download it directly from CAMIS. The certificate includes your company registration number, date of incorporation, and authorized capital.

Documents Required for Company Registration

Missing or incorrect documents are the number one reason for registration delays. In our experience handling business registrations, getting this list right from day one saves at least a week. Here is the complete checklist as of April 2026.

For Private and Public Limited Companies

• Application form — with NPR 5 stamp affixed
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) — 2 notarized copies
• Articles of Association (AOA) — 2 notarized copies
• Citizenship certificates of all promoters/shareholders (both sides)
• National Identity (NID) numbers — mandatory for all promoters since 2082 BS
• Witness citizenship copies — at least 2 witnesses required
• Location map of registered office
• Rent agreement or ownership proof for office premises
• Passport-sized photographs of all promoters
• Board resolution appointing directors (for public companies)

Additional Documents for Foreign Investment

• Department of Industry (DOI) approval letter
• Foreign investor's passport copy (notarized)
• Parent company's Certificate of Incorporation
• Board resolution authorizing Nepal investment
• Audited financial statements of parent company (last 2 years)
• Power of attorney for local representative

Need help with PAN registration after incorporating your company? Our guide covers the full process.

Company Registration Timeline in Nepal

The total timeline depends on company type and whether foreign investment is involved. Here is what to realistically expect based on current OCR processing speeds.

Foreign Investment and Company Registration

Foreign investors can register companies in Nepal under the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2075. The Department of Industry (DOI) must approve the investment before the OCR processes the company registration.

Minimum Investment Requirements

• General sectors: Minimum NPR 2,00,00,000 (2 crore, approximately USD 150,000)
• IT and tech startups: No minimum investment required up to NPR 50 crore — a significant incentive introduced to attract technology companies
• Restricted sectors: Some industries (cottage industries, personal services, and certain retail activities) are not open to foreign investment

FDI Registration Process

1. Apply to the DOI with project proposal and investment details
2. Obtain DOI approval letter (typically 2-4 weeks)
3. Register company through CAMIS with DOI approval attached
4. Open a foreign currency bank account for capital repatriation
5. Register with the Nepal Rastra Bank for investment tracking

Foreign investors married to Nepali citizens sometimes ask whether marriage simplifies business registration. While court marriage in Nepal does not automatically grant business rights, a Nepali spouse can serve as a local promoter, simplifying joint venture structures.

Post-Registration Compliance (Within 90 Days)

Registering the company is only the beginning. The Companies Act 2063 requires several compliance steps within 90 days of incorporation. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties or operating restrictions.

• Ward office registration — register the business at your local ward office for business operating permit
• PAN registration — mandatory for all companies. Apply at ird.gov.np. See our detailed PAN registration guide
• VAT registration — required if annual turnover exceeds NPR 50 lakh (goods) or NPR 30 lakh (services)
• Bank account opening — corporate bank account with PAN and company registration certificate
• Auditor appointment — appoint a registered auditor within 30 days of incorporation
• Annual compliance — file annual returns with the OCR, submit audited financial statements, and renew the business operating permit yearly

Understanding income tax obligations in Nepal is essential from day one. Corporate tax rates, TDS obligations, and advance tax requirements apply immediately upon incorporation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Company Registration

After helping clients through hundreds of registrations, these are the most frequent errors we see that cause delays or rejections at the OCR:

• Mismatched names — the company name on the MOA must exactly match the reserved name on CAMIS, including Nepali unicode spelling
• Missing NID numbers — since 2082 BS, NID is mandatory for all promoters. Applications without NID are automatically rejected
• Expired name reservation — the 35-day window is strict. If your documents are not ready, reserve the name again
• Incorrect capital declaration — the authorized capital in the MOA must match the amount declared during online application
• Unsigned witness copies — witness citizenship copies must be signed by the witnesses themselves
• Using residential address without rent agreement — even home offices need a declaration or rent agreement

Conclusion: Start Your Company Registration Today

Company registration in Nepal has never been more accessible. The CAMIS portal handles everything online — from name reservation to digital certificate issuance with QR verification. A standard private limited company costs as little as NPR 1,000 in government fees and can be registered within 7-21 days if your documents are in order.

Whether you are launching a tech startup, establishing a foreign branch office, or incorporating a family business, getting the legal structure right from the start protects your investment and ensures compliance with the Companies Act 2063.

Our team of Nepal Bar Council-registered advocates assists with company registration, MOA/AOA drafting, PAN and VAT registration, and ongoing corporate compliance. Contact us today for professional legal assistance with your company registration in Nepal.

Last reviewed: April 2026