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Updated on: March 28, 2026
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Are you looking for information about company registration in Nepal? Nepal's business environment has been transformed by digital innovation, making company incorporation faster, more transparent, and accessible than ever before. This comprehensive guide explains the complete registration process using the modernized CAMIS (Company Administration Management Information System) online portal.
The company registration in Nepal is governed by the Companies Act 2063 (2006) and overseen by the Office of Company Registrar (OCR). With the full implementation of CAMIS, entrepreneurs can now complete most registration procedures online, reducing processing time from weeks to days .
What is Company Registration in Nepal?
Company registration in Nepal is the legal process of establishing a business entity as a separate legal person under the Companies Act 2063 (2006). Once registered, a company can own property, enter contracts, sue or be sued, and conduct business in its own name—distinct from its shareholders and directors .
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Identity | Separate legal personality from owners |
| Limited Liability | Shareholders' liability limited to investment |
| Perpetual Succession | Company continues despite ownership changes |
| Property Ownership | Can own assets in company name |
| Contractual Capacity | Enter binding agreements |
| Credibility | Enhanced trust with customers and investors |
The company registration in Nepal is mandatory for any entity intending to operate as a private limited company, public limited company, or other corporate structure recognized under Nepalese law .
Types of Companies in Nepal
The company registration in Nepal encompasses several business structures :
| Company Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | 1-101 shareholders, restricts share transfer | Small to medium enterprises, family businesses |
| Public Limited Company | 7+ shareholders, can offer shares to public | Large businesses, IPO-bound companies |
| Profit Not Distributing Company | Non-profit objectives, no dividend distribution | NGOs, professional associations |
| Single Shareholder Company | One-person ownership | Solo entrepreneurs |
| Foreign Company Branch | Extension of foreign parent company | International businesses entering Nepal |
| Foreign Company Liaison | Representative office, no commercial activity | Market research, coordination |
Key Differences: Private vs. Public Company
| Aspect | Private Limited | Public Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Shareholders | 1 | 7 |
| Maximum Shareholders | 101 | Unlimited |
| Minimum Capital | NPR 100,000 | NPR 1 crore (NPR 10 million) |
| Share Transfer | Restricted | Freely transferable |
| Public Offering | Prohibited | Permitted |
| Stock Exchange Listing | Cannot be listed | Can be listed |
Legal Framework for Company Registration in Nepal
The company registration in Nepal operates under comprehensive legislation :
| Legal Instrument | Key Provisions |
|---|---|
| Companies Act 2063 (2006) | Primary legislation governing company formation, governance, and dissolution |
| Companies Regulations 2064 (2007) | Detailed procedural rules and fee structures |
| Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019 | Foreign investment procedures and approvals |
| Industrial Enterprises Act 2076 (2020) | Industry-specific incentives and regulations |
| Public Private Partnership and Investment Act 2019 | Infrastructure investment framework |
CAMIS: The Digital Registration Platform
The Company Administration Management Information System (CAMIS) has revolutionized company registration in Nepal :
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Online Access | Register anytime, from anywhere |
| End-to-End Digital Service | Complete process online without physical visits |
| Real-Time Tracking | Monitor application status instantly |
| Faster Processing | Reduced from weeks to days |
| Automated Workflows | Minimized human error |
| Secure Document Storage | Digital record maintenance |
Portal Access: camis.ocr.gov.np
Step-by-Step Company Registration Process in Nepal
Phase 1: Pre-Registration Preparation (1-3 days)
| Step | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose Company Type | Determine private, public, or non-profit structure |
| 2 | Decide Company Name | Prepare 3 name options (English and Nepali) |
| 3 | Determine Capital | Set authorized and paid-up capital |
| 4 | Identify Shareholders | Minimum 1 for private, 7 for public |
| 5 | Prepare Documents | Gather citizenship/passport, address proof |
Phase 2: Name Reservation via CAMIS (1-2 days)
| Step | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Create CAMIS Account | Register at camis.ocr.gov.np with email and mobile |
| 2 | Verify Account | Complete OTP verification |
| 3 | Search Name Availability | Check proposed names against OCR database |
| 4 | Submit Reservation | Apply with business activity details |
| 5 | Pay Fee | NPR 100-500 for name reservation |
| 6 | Receive Certificate | Name Reservation Certificate valid for 90 days |
Name Rules:
- Must not be identical or similar to existing companies
- Must comply with OCR naming guidelines
- Submit 2-3 alternatives to improve approval chances
Phase 3: Document Preparation (2-5 days)
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
| Content | Description |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Proposed company name |
| Registered Office | Physical address in Nepal |
| Objectives | Business activities and purposes |
| Capital Structure | Authorized and issued capital |
| Liability Clause | Limited liability statement |
| Shareholder Details | Names, addresses, shareholdings |
Articles of Association (AOA)
| Content | Description |
|---|---|
| Governance Rules | Director appointment and removal |
| Meeting Procedures | Board and general meeting conduct |
| Voting Rights | Shareholder voting procedures |
| Dividend Policy | Profit distribution rules |
| Share Transfer | Transfer restrictions (for private companies) |
| Winding Up | Dissolution procedures |
Phase 4: Online Application via CAMIS (3-7 days)
| Step | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Login to CAMIS | Access company registration module |
| 2 | Fill Application | Enter company, capital, promoter, director details |
| 3 | Upload Documents | Scan and upload MOA, AOA, ID proofs, photos |
| 4 | Director Consent | Upload signed consent letters |
| 5 | Pay Registration Fee | Online payment via bank, mobile app, or digital wallet |
| 6 | Submit Application | Final submission to OCR |
Required Documents for Upload :
- Name Reservation Certificate
- Memorandum of Association (signed by all shareholders)
- Articles of Association (signed by all shareholders)
- Citizenship certificates or passports of shareholders/directors
- Passport-sized photographs of directors
- Proof of registered office address (utility bill, rental agreement)
- Power of Attorney (if using representative)
- Prior approval from DOI (for foreign investors)
Phase 5: Document Verification and Processing (3-7 days)
| Step | Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCR Review | Examine document completeness and compliance |
| 2 | Query Response | Address any OCR queries promptly |
| 3 | Physical Verification | Submit original documents if required |
| 4 | Preliminary Approval | OCR issues preliminary confirmation |
Phase 6: Certificate Issuance (1-2 days)
| Step | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Approval | OCR grants final registration approval |
| 2 | Digital Certificate | Download Company Registration Certificate |
| 3 | Physical Certificate | Collect physical copy if needed |
| 4 | Nepal Gazette Publication | Mandatory publication (NPR 600) |
Post-Registration Requirements
Tax Registration (1-3 days)
| Registration | Authority | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| PAN Registration | Inland Revenue Department | 1 day |
| VAT Registration | Inland Revenue Department | 1 day (if applicable) |
PAN Requirements :
- Company Registration Certificate
- MOA and AOA
- Office address proof
- Director identification
- One director must visit IRD for biometric verification
VAT Threshold :
- Mandatory if annual turnover exceeds NPR 5 million
- Voluntary registration permitted
Local Registration (1-2 days)
| Registration | Authority | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ward Office Registration | Local Ward Office | NPR 5,000 - 15,000/year |
Bank Account Opening (2-3 days)
| Requirement | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Company Registration Certificate | Original or certified copy |
| MOA and AOA | Company constitutional documents |
| PAN Certificate | Tax identification |
| Board Resolution | Authorization for account opening |
| Director Identification | Citizenship/passport of signatories |
Company Registration Fees in Nepal
Government Fee Structure
Private Limited Company
| Authorized Capital | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to NPR 1,000,000 | 0.1% of capital (min NPR 1,000) |
| NPR 1,000,001 - 10,000,000 | 0.1% of capital (max NPR 10,000) |
| NPR 10,000,001 - 100,000,000 | 0.1% of capital (max NPR 100,000) |
| Above NPR 100,000,000 | Fixed NPR 100,000 |
Public Limited Company
| Authorized Capital | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to NPR 10,000,000 | 0.05% of capital (min NPR 5,000) |
| NPR 10,000,001 - 100,000,000 | 0.05% of capital (max NPR 50,000) |
| Above NPR 100,000,000 | Fixed NPR 50,000 |
Foreign Company
| Company Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Branch Office | NPR 25,000 |
| Liaison Office | NPR 15,000 |
| With Investment | Based on investment amount (NPR 15,000 - 100,000+) |
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Fee Category | Amount (NPR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation | 100 - 500 | Valid for 35-90 days |
| Registration Fee | 1,000 - 100,000 | Based on capital |
| Nepal Gazette Publication | 600 | Mandatory |
| Newspaper Publication | 2,000 - 5,000 | National daily |
| Certificate Issuance | 1,000 | One-time |
| Company Seal | 500 - 1,500 | Quality dependent |
| Document Verification | 500 | Per application |
| Notarization | 500/document | Multiple documents |
| Translation | 100/page | If English documents |
| Professional Services | 15,000 - 50,000 | Legal/consultancy |
| Total Estimated | 20,000 - 150,000+ | Depends on complexity |
Timeline for Company Registration in Nepal
| Phase | Duration | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
| Document Preparation | 2-5 days | 3-7 days |
| Online Application & Submission | 1 day | 4-8 days |
| OCR Processing & Verification | 3-7 days | 7-15 days |
| Certificate Issuance | 1-2 days | 8-17 days |
| Post-Registration (PAN, VAT, Ward) | 3-5 days | 11-22 days |
| Total Typical Timeline | 2-4 weeks | Under normal circumstances |
Expedited Processing: Available for additional fee, reducing timeline to 5-7 working days .
Foreign Company Registration in Nepal
Foreign Investment Framework
| Law | Purpose |
|---|---|
| FITTA 2019 | Foreign investment approval and regulation |
| FITTR 2021 | Implementation rules for FITTA |
| Companies Act 2063 | Company formation requirements |
| Industrial Enterprises Act 2076 | Industry incentives |
Foreign Investment Approval Process
| Step | Activity | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preliminary Approval | Department of Industry (DOI) or Investment Board Nepal (IBN) |
| 2 | Company Registration | Office of Company Registrar |
| 3 | Local Registration | Ward Office |
| 4 | Tax Registration | Inland Revenue Office |
| 5 | Industry Registration | Department of Industry (if applicable) |
| 6 | CIB Clearance | Credit Information Bureau |
| 7 | Bank Approval | For foreign fund injection |
| 8 | NRB Notification | Nepal Rastra Bank |
Capital Injection Schedule
| Stage | Timeline | Investment Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Within 1 year of approval | 25% (NPR 20M+), 15% (NPR 20-250M), 10% (NPR 250M-1B) |
| Stage 2 | When operations begin | Up to 70% of total investment |
| Stage 3 | After 2 years of production | Remaining 30% |
Foreign Ownership Limits
| Sector | Foreign Ownership |
|---|---|
| Most Industries | Up to 100% permitted |
| Banking, Telecom, Media | Restricted/capped |
| Retail Trading | Prohibited |
Annual Compliance Requirements
| Requirement | Frequency | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Return Filing | Annual | Within 6 months of fiscal year-end |
| Audited Financial Statements | Annual | With annual return |
| AGM Conduct | Annual | Within 6 months of fiscal year-end |
| Income Tax Return | Annual | As per tax calendar |
| Quarterly Compliance | Quarterly | To OCR |
Frequently Asked Questions About Company Registration in Nepal
What is company registration in Nepal?
Company registration in Nepal is the legal process of incorporating a business entity under the Companies Act 2063 (2006), granting it separate legal personality, limited liability protection, and authorization to conduct business operations .
How long does company registration take in Nepal?
With CAMIS implementation, company registration in Nepal typically takes 7-15 working days for document verification and certificate issuance. The complete process including post-registration (PAN, VAT, ward) takes 2-4 weeks .
What is the minimum capital required for company registration in Nepal?
Private limited companies require minimum NPR 100,000 paid-up capital. Public limited companies require minimum NPR 1 crore (NPR 10 million) authorized capital. There is no minimum for non-profit companies .
Can a single person register a company in Nepal?
Yes, the Companies Act 2063 allows single-shareholder private limited companies. One person can be the sole shareholder and director .
What documents are needed for company registration in Nepal?
Required documents include: application form, Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, citizenship/passport copies of shareholders/directors, passport photos, office address proof, and name reservation certificate .
Can foreigners register a company in Nepal?
Yes, foreigners can register companies in Nepal with up to 100% ownership in most sectors. They must obtain FDI approval from DOI/IBN, register at OCR, and complete post-registration formalities .
What is CAMIS in Nepal company registration?
CAMIS (Company Administration Management Information System) is the OCR's digital portal that enables online company registration, document submission, fee payment, and certificate issuance without physical visits to Kathmandu .
How much does company registration cost in Nepal?
Government fees range from NPR 1,000 (small private company) to NPR 100,000+ (large public company). Total costs including professional services range from NPR 20,000 to NPR 150,000+ depending on complexity .
Is VAT registration mandatory for all companies?
No, VAT registration is mandatory only if annual turnover exceeds NPR 5 million. Voluntary registration is permitted for smaller companies .
What is the difference between MOA and AOA?
The Memorandum of Association (MOA) defines the company's external relationship—name, address, objectives, and capital. The Articles of Association (AOA) governs internal management—director appointments, meetings, voting, and share transfers .
Conclusion
The company registration in Nepal has been transformed by digital innovation through CAMIS, making it faster, more transparent, and accessible to entrepreneurs nationwide and globally. Whether you are a local entrepreneur starting a small business or a foreign investor establishing a subsidiary, understanding the registration process is essential for legal compliance and business success.
Key success factors include:
- Choosing the appropriate company type for your business needs
- Preparing complete and accurate documentation
- Utilizing the CAMIS online portal for efficient processing
- Completing post-registration requirements promptly
- Maintaining ongoing compliance with annual obligations
For professional assistance with company registration in Nepal, CAMIS navigation, documentation preparation, or compliance management, Corporate Np provides comprehensive legal and consulting services. Our team specializes in corporate law and can guide you through every stage of the registration process.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The Companies Act 2063 and related regulations are subject to amendment. Readers should consult qualified legal professionals and check official government sources (OCR, DOI, IRD) for the most current information. The author and publisher disclaim liability for any actions taken based on this information.
References
- Office of Company Registrar Nepal (OCR)
- CAMIS Portal - camis.ocr.gov.np
- Companies Act 2063 (2006) - Nepal Law Commission
- Inland Revenue Department Nepal
- Department of Industry Nepal
- Investment Board Nepal
- Nepal Rastra Bank
Need expert assistance with your company registration? Contact Corporate Np today for professional guidance through the company registration process in Nepal.