Service
Company registration in Nepal
Registering a company in Nepal is not difficult. Registering it correctly, so the structure still works two years later when you take on a partner or an investor, is where the value is. We handle the process and tell you the timeline before you start.
Who this is for
- Founders starting a business in Nepal
- Businesses converting from a firm to a private limited company
- Foreign investors setting up a Nepali subsidiary
- Anyone who has been quoted a suspiciously fast timeline
What it includes
- 01
Name reservation
Availability checked and the name reserved at the Office of the Company Registrar.
- 02
Incorporation documents
Memorandum and Articles of Association drafted for how the business will actually be run, not a template.
- 03
OCR registration
Filing, follow-up and the incorporation certificate.
- 04
PAN and VAT registration
Tax registration with the Inland Revenue Department, and VAT where the business needs or elects it.
- 05
Local and industry registration
Ward registration and any sector-specific licence your business requires.
- 06
Opening the books
Chart of accounts, opening entries and the compliance calendar, so month one is not a scramble.
How it works
- 01
Structure first
Private limited, partnership or sole proprietorship, the answer depends on liability, tax and who else will hold shares. Fifteen minutes here saves a restructuring later.
- 02
Name and documents
Reservation, then drafting the constitutional documents around the shareholding actually agreed.
- 03
Registration and tax
OCR filing, incorporation certificate, then PAN and VAT.
- 04
Ready to trade
Bank account documentation, opening books and the filing calendar for the year ahead.
What we need from you
Having these ready shortens the first meeting. Share documents only once an engagement is agreed.
- Shareholder details. Names, citizenship, and ID (citizenship or passport) for each shareholder.
- Company objectives. A clear description of what the business will actually do.
- Proposed registered address. A physical address in Nepal, ideally with a lease or ownership document.
- Proposed share capital. The authorised capital amount you intend to register with.
- Number of shareholders. The total count, and how the shares divide between them.
- 2-3 proposed company names. We check availability at OCR before you commit to one.
Choosing the structure
| Structure | Owner liability | Usually suits |
|---|---|---|
| Private limited company | Limited to share capital | Businesses planning to grow, borrow from banks, add partners or raise investment |
| Public limited company | Limited to share capital | Larger businesses raising capital from the public, with heavier compliance |
| Partnership firm | Unlimited, shared between partners | Small partnerships that do not expect outside investors |
| Sole proprietorship | Unlimited, personal | Small owner-run businesses where simplicity matters more than protection |
Foreign investors usually register a private limited company, or a branch or liaison office where the parent company operates directly.
How we price this work
There is no standard price list, because the fee follows the scope and the depth of the work. We agree both in writing before anything starts.
- ScopeWhat is included, and what is not, set out in plain terms.
- Volume and condition of recordsClean, current books cost less to work from than a backlog.
- Depth and complexityA review is different from a full defence, filing or build.
- DeadlineWork against a fixed date, such as a reply to the IRD, is planned around it.
One-off work is quoted as a fixed fee for a defined scope. Ongoing work is a monthly retainer. The first 30-minute call is free, and you leave it with an indication of the cost and the time involved, even if you decide not to hire us. Book a free call.
Questions people ask
What has to be filed after registration?
The annual return and AGM with the Office of the Company Registrar, the annual income tax return, and monthly TDS and VAT returns where they apply. We set these up as a compliance calendar on day one.
How long does company registration take in Nepal?
For a straightforward private limited company with local shareholders, typically two to three weeks from name reservation to PAN. Foreign investment adds the Department of Industry approval and NRB steps, which extend it considerably. Anyone promising a few days is describing the filing, not the whole process.
What does it cost to register a company in Nepal?
The government fee is set by authorised capital, so the cost scales with the capital you register. Professional fees are separate. We quote both before starting, and we will tell you when a higher authorised capital costs more than it is worth.
Private limited or sole proprietorship?
A private limited company limits your personal liability and is what investors, banks and larger customers expect. A sole proprietorship is cheaper and simpler but exposes personal assets. If you intend to raise money or take on partners, start as a company.
Do I need VAT registration immediately?
Not always. VAT registration is mandatory above the turnover threshold, and compulsory from the start for certain businesses. Registering voluntarily can help where your customers are VAT-registered, and hurt where they are not.
Can a foreigner register a company in Nepal?
Yes, through the foreign investment route, Department of Industry approval, NRB clearance and the sector must not sit on the negative list. That is a different process and we handle it separately.