The Company Registrar Office (CRO) is a government agency operating under Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies. It plays a crucial role in registering, regulating, and monitoring companies across Nepal. CRO manages an official database of all registered entities, including private and public limited companies, non-profits, and foreign company branches. Medha Law and Partners Is a leading law firm in Nepal.
How CRO Maintains Company Records
CRO maintains a centralized electronic database that stores comprehensive company information. This includes company names, registration status, directors, capital structure, and compliance records. The database updates in real-time as companies file new applications or update their information.
By following the Companies Act, 2063 (2006) and the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063, the CRO ensures data security and public accessibility. The online portal helps users quickly verify company status, check name availability, and view official filings.
Accessing Company Name Records
You can access company name records through multiple sources:
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Official Website: www.ocr.gov.np
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Department of Industry: For additional records related to industrial or foreign companies
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Public Notice Boards: At the CRO office in Kathmandu for recent announcements
The online system provides real-time search capabilities, allowing users to check company names freely without creating accounts.
How to Search for a Company Name Online
To check if a company name is available or already registered, follow these steps:
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Visit ocr.gov.np
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Click on “Search Registered Companies”
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Enter the proposed or full company name
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Click the search icon
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Review the displayed results
The system will show the company name, registration number, date, and current status (active, dissolved, etc.). You can perform multiple searches without restrictions.
Who Can Search Company Names?
Anyone can perform a company name search. This service promotes transparency and serves:
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Entrepreneurs checking name availability
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Legal consultants conducting due diligence
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Researchers and students
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General public interested in business data
No affiliation with the company is required to access this information.
Documents Required for Name Search
For basic online searches, no documents are necessary. However, if you want to officially reserve or verify a name, you need:
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Citizenship certificate or passport (for individuals)
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Board resolution (for companies)
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Completed application form (available online)
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Proposed business objectives (optional but recommended)
How Long Does Name Search Take?
The online search is almost instantaneous, usually taking less than five minutes. If you request a certified name verification letter offline, it can take 1 to 2 working days depending on processing times.
Cost for Name Search
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Online search: Free of charge
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Certified confirmation letter: NPR 100 to NPR 500 depending on urgency
Government fees follow the official CRO fee schedule, payable through authorized banks.
Legal Basis for Company Name Search
The right to access company information comes under:
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Electronic Transactions Act, 2063
These laws guarantee public access and transparency in business registration.
Authority Responsible for Company Names
The Office of the Company Registrar (CRO) manages the name database and provides name availability, verification certificates, and updates. It ensures compliance with all relevant laws.
Confirming a Company’s Legal Status
To verify if a company is legally registered and operational:
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Search the company name on the CRO website
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Check its status (Active, Closed, Dissolved)
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Note registration number and date
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Verify directors and objectives from public records
For official use, you can request certified documents from CRO.
Checklist for Name Verification
Before applying for name reservation, check:
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Full or partial company name
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Spelling accuracy
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Language consistency (Nepali or English)
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Legal suffix (e.g., Pvt. Ltd.)
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Similar or conflicting names online
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Screenshot of search results
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Completed application form
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Required identification documents
Requesting Official Name Confirmation
To get an official confirmation letter:
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Fill out the Name Verification Application Form
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Attach ID or business authorization
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Submit it in person or via the online portal
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Pay the applicable government fee
You will receive a formal letter confirming the name status, which is useful for banks, legal processes, and cross-border verification.
FAQs
Q: How do I search for a company name?
A: Visit ocr.gov.np, click “Search Registered Companies,” enter the name, and review the results.
Q: Is the online search system free?
A: Yes, online name searches are free for everyone.
Q: Can anyone check my company name?
A: Yes, the system is public to ensure transparency.
Q: What if the name is already taken?
A: You cannot register a duplicate name. Try variations or add suffixes.
Q: How long does it take to get certified confirmation?
A: Usually 1–2 working days after submitting the application and fees.