If you are living in the United States, Australia, or any other country and planning to start a business in Nepal, the first legal step is company name reservation. The good news is that online company name registration from abroad in Nepal is fully possible through the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR).
This guide explains who can apply, how the process works online, required steps, timelines, and what happens after name approval—all from the perspective of foreign-based founders and NRNs.
Key Takeaways
Company name reservation in Nepal can be done 100% online
You can apply from the USA, Australia, or any country
OCR is the official authority
No physical presence required for name reservation
Ideal for NRNs, IT founders, and service exporters
Name approval is the foundation for full company registration
Can You Reserve a Company Name in Nepal from Abroad?
Yes. Nepal allows online company name reservation from outside Nepal through the official OCR portal. You do not need to be physically present in Nepal to reserve a company name.
This option is commonly used by:
NRNs living in the USA, Australia, UK, Canada
Nepalese professionals planning to return later
Foreign founders planning FDI-based companies
Service exporters (IT, software, consulting, digital services)
Authority for Online Company Name Registration in Nepal
All company name reservations in Nepal are handled by the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies.
The OCR provides an online company registration system that allows:
Name availability checks
Name reservation requests
Company incorporation submissions
This system can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Step-by-Step Process: Online Company Name Registration from Abroad in Nepal
Step 1: Choose a Unique Company Name
The proposed company name must:
Not match or closely resemble existing registered companies in Nepal
Not violate restricted or sensitive terms
Reflect the nature of the business (especially important for IT and service companies)
Checking name availability before applying reduces rejection risk.
Step 2: Create an OCR Online Account
From abroad, you can create an account on the OCR portal using:
Email address
Mobile number (international numbers are accepted)
This account will be used for:
Name reservation
Company incorporation
Future amendments
Step 3: Apply for Company Name Reservation Online
After logging in:
Submit the proposed company name
Select company type (Private Limited, etc.)
Mention business objectives briefly
Once submitted, the application is reviewed by OCR officials.
Step 4: Name Review and Approval Timeline
The name approval timeline varies, depending on:
Name uniqueness
OCR workload
Compliance with naming rules
In practice, approval may take several weeks, especially if the name requires clarification or revision.
Once approved, the company name is officially reserved in your name.
What Happens After Company Name Approval?
After successful online company name registration from abroad in Nepal, the next steps include:
Preparation of Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Preparation of Articles of Association (AOA)
Submission of incorporation documents online
Payment of government registration fees
All of these steps can also be completed without being physically present in Nepal, through authorized representatives.
Registering an IT or Service Company from Abroad
Many founders register IT and service-based companies in Nepal to:
Export services to the USA or Australia
Benefit from Zero VAT on export of services
Operate cost-efficient development teams in Nepal
This makes Nepal an attractive base for:
Software development
Cybersecurity services
Web and app development
Data analytics
AI and machine learning services
Do You Need to Visit Nepal After Registration?
Physical presence is not required for name reservation or incorporation, but you may need to visit Nepal later for:
Opening a physical office
Completing tax registrations
Opening local bank accounts
Managing FDI inflows (if applicable)
Many founders plan their visit after incorporation is complete.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) After Company Name Registration
If you plan to bring investment from abroad:
Company name reservation and incorporation must be completed first
FDI approval is processed separately under Nepal Rastra Bank and DOI
Shareholding and capital structure must align with FDI rules
This is common for founders bringing funds from Australia, the USA, or other countries.
Registering an IT Company in Nepal from Australia: A Real Story
Have you ever dreamed of registering a company in Nepal from abroad? One of our recent clients from Australia did exactly that. He is a graduate of Information Technology with a specialization in Cyber Security and is aware that skills such as software development, web development, data analysis, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are in high demand.
He decided to register an IT company in Nepal to export services to the United States and benefit from the Zero VAT facility for service exports. While living in Australia, he applied for a company name through the Office of the Company Registrar’s online portal. After creating his login credentials and submitting his desired name, the approval was granted after seven weeks.
Following the name approval, the required incorporation documents were submitted online on his behalf, and he successfully registered his first private limited company in Nepal. He plans to visit Nepal in June 2025 to open his office in Kathmandu and later bring investment from Australia as Foreign Direct Investment for business expansion.
If you are also planning to start a business from abroad, our startup company registration service in Nepal can guide you from company name reservation to full incorporation, even if you are not physically present. Get clear, compliant support to register your company in Nepal with confidence and move forward with your business plans.