Company Registration Lawyer in Nepal

1. Introduction: Establishing Legal Foundations for Business Growth in Nepal

Company Registration Lawyer in Nepal. In today’s competitive commercial landscape, starting a business is more than just an entrepreneurial ambition — it’s a legal journey that demands precision, compliance, and strategic foresight. In Nepal, registering a company is governed by the Companies Act 2006 (2063), which lays down a clear but often complex regulatory framework.

Medha Law and Partners stands at the forefront of corporate legal advisory in Nepal, offering strategic company registration services tailored for domestic entrepreneurs, foreign investors, startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations.

Our team of experienced company registration lawyers in Nepal provides full-spectrum legal support, ensuring your business entity is structured, registered, and operationally compliant with Nepali law.

🏢 “We don’t just register companies — we build compliant legal entities designed to scale.” — Medha Law and Partners

2. Why Company Registration Matters in Nepal

Registering your company legally creates a separate legal identity, enabling your business to:

• Own assets and enter into contracts

• Open corporate bank accounts

• Protect brand identity through legal structure

• Secure investment and foreign funding

• Comply with tax, labor, and regulatory standards

Moreover, a registered business in Nepal gains credibility in both the domestic and international market — a critical asset for growth and competitiveness. Medha Law and Partners Is a leading law firm in Nepal.

3. Legal Framework Governing Company Registration in Nepal

The company registration process is structured under multiple statutes and regulations, including:

• 🏛️ Companies Act 2006 (2063) — governing incorporation, structure, and operational compliance.

• 🏦 Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019 — applicable for foreign investors.

• 🧾 Industrial Enterprises Act 2016 — applicable for industrial undertakings.

• 🏢 Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) — the primary registration authority.

• 🏦 Nepal Rastra Bank — for foreign exchange approvals.

• 🧮 Inland Revenue Department (Nepal) — for PAN/VAT registration.

These legal frameworks ensure that every business entity functions within a structured compliance environment, reducing regulatory risks.

4. Types of Business Entities You Can Register in Nepal

Nepal offers multiple legal structures depending on business size, purpose, and ownership. Choosing the right structure is essential for tax strategy, investment flexibility, and liability protection.

4.1 Private Limited Company

• Most common legal structure

• Ideal for startups, SMEs, and joint ventures

• Minimum of 1 shareholder and 1 director

4.2 Public Limited Company

• Designed for large corporations and IPOs

• Minimum of 7 shareholders and 3 directors

• Subject to stricter compliance and reporting obligations

4.3 Non-Profit Organization (NGO/INGO)

• Registered under special provisions

• Designed for social, charitable, or development purposes

4.4 Branch Office / Liaison Office

• For foreign companies expanding into Nepal

• Must comply with foreign investment regulations

4.5 Partnership Firm / Sole Proprietorship

• Simple and fast registration

• Suitable for small businesses or individual traders

5. Step-by-Step Company Registration Procedure in Nepal

The incorporation process requires precision and sequential compliance. Below is the standard registration roadmap our legal team executes for clients:

1: Name Reservation

• Submit proposed company name to OCR

• Ensure availability and legal compliance

• Secure name approval

2: Drafting Foundational Documents

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Articles of Association (AOA)

• Board resolution (for foreign investment)

3: Document Submission

• Submit notarized documents to OCR

• Pay applicable government fees

• Register electronically via OCR portal

4: Obtain Company Registration Certificate

• Once approved, OCR issues the incorporation certificate

• Entity now has a separate legal personality

5: PAN/VAT Registration

• Apply at Inland Revenue Department

• Acquire Permanent Account Number (PAN) or VAT registration

6: Post-Incorporation Compliance

• Draft shareholder agreements

• Register employees under labor regulations

• Acquire local business licenses (if applicable)

✅ Medha Law and Partners streamlines this entire process with end-to-end legal assistance, ensuring zero procedural errors and fast turnaround.

6. Why Hire a Company Registration Lawyer in Nepal?

While entrepreneurs can attempt self-registration, the legal process involves complex documentation, regulatory filings, and strict statutory compliance.

A specialized company registration lawyer ensures:

• Error-free documentation and compliance

• Proper legal structure selection

• Protection of shareholder rights

• Minimization of regulatory risks

• Faster processing timelines

💼 Your company structure determines your legal future — not just your present incorporation.

7. Company Registration for Foreign Investors in Nepal

Foreign investment in Nepal is governed primarily by the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019, requiring additional approvals.

Key Foreign Investment Steps:

1. Name reservation and legal due diligence

2. FDI approval from the Department of Industry (Nepal)

3. Investment approval from Nepal Rastra Bank

4. Company registration at OCR

5. PAN/VAT and operational compliance

Medha Law and Partners provides tailored legal solutions for foreign investors, ensuring full alignment with FDI guidelines, equity structure, and tax strategy.

8. Required Documents for Company Registration in Nepal

For Domestic Companies:

• Copy of citizenship of shareholders

• MOA and AOA

• Name reservation certificate

• Passport-sized photos

• Tax registration application

For Foreign Companies:

• Parent company incorporation certificate

• Board resolution authorizing investment

• Passport and visa of foreign directors/shareholders

• Investment approval documents

• Authorized capital details

Our lawyers prepare and notarize all necessary documents, ensuring smooth OCR approval.

9. Tax and Regulatory Compliance After Registration

Once the company is incorporated, ongoing compliance becomes crucial:

• Annual General Meetings (AGM) and filing of minutes

• Submission of annual financial statements

• Payment of taxes and VAT

• Renewal of licenses (if applicable)

• Maintaining statutory registers and records

Failure to comply can result in penalties or suspension. That’s why corporate legal counsel is essential not only at the registration stage but throughout the company lifecycle.

10. Common Challenges Entrepreneurs Face — and How We Solve Them

11. Timeline and Cost of Company Registration in Nepal

While timelines vary, a standard domestic company can typically be registered within 7–10 working days, while foreign-invested entities may take 3–6 weeks depending on FDI approvals.

(Note: Professional legal fees are calculated based on structure complexity.)

12. Digital Company Registration in Nepal

The Office of the Company Registrar has enabled digital submission of documents through its online portal, streamlining registration.

Our team provides:

• Digital document preparation

• E-signature setup

• Portal submission and follow-up

• Real-time compliance updates

🌐 Legal registration doesn’t need to be complicated — our digital-first approach simplifies every step.

13. Why Choose Medha Law and Partners

• 🏆 Specialized Expertise: Deep legal knowledge of company and investment law

• 🧾 End-to-End Service: From name reservation to post-incorporation compliance

• ⚖️ Regulatory Experience: Strong coordination with OCR, NRB, and tax authorities

• 🌍 Local + International: Expertise in both domestic and foreign investments

• 🕒 Fast Turnaround: Minimized delays, maximized legal accuracy

“We don’t just register companies; we help build legal infrastructure for sustainable growth.”

14. Post-Incorporation Legal Advisory

Registration is only the first step. Medha Law and Partners offers continued corporate legal services to ensure your business remains compliant, agile, and investment-ready.

Our post-incorporation services include:

• Corporate governance structuring

• Legal contract drafting and review

• Labor law and tax compliance

• Intellectual property protection

• Mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring support

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ How long does it take to register a company in Nepal?

Most domestic registrations take 7–10 working days if documentation is complete.

❓ Can foreigners fully own a company in Nepal?

Yes, subject to FDI approval and compliance with investment regulations.

❓ Is legal assistance mandatory for company registration?

Not legally required, but strongly recommended to avoid procedural and legal errors.

❓ Can one person register a company in Nepal?

Yes, a private limited company can be registered with a single shareholder and director.

❓ What are the annual compliance requirements?

AGM, financial filing, tax submission, and statutory record maintenance.

17. Strong Call-to-Action

🏢 Medha Law and Partners — Nepal’s trusted legal ally for company registration and corporate compliance.

📞 Call us today: +977 9700499414
✉️ Email: info@medhacorplaw.com
🌐 Website: www.medhacorplaw.com
📍 Offices in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar

✅ Incorporate your business legally, strategically, and confidently.

18. Closing Statement

Company registration is not just an administrative formality — it’s the legal foundation upon which your enterprise is built. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, partnering with a trusted company registration lawyer in Nepal ensures that your business is not only established legally but also positioned for sustainable growth.

Medha Law and Partners continues to empower businesses with legal precision, regulatory expertise, and strategic foresight.