How to Register a Private Limited Company in Nepal in 2026: OCR CAMIS, Documents, PAN and Next Steps
Learn how to register a private limited company in Nepal through OCR CAMIS, prepare documents, check PAN and VAT, and plan business compliance.
Planning to open an IT company, consultancy, trading firm, ecommerce business or manufacturing company in Nepal? Before paying an agent, understand which government office registers a company, what documents the founders need and which registrations may still be required after incorporation.
Quick answer: A private limited company is registered through Nepal's Office of the Company Registrar (OCR). The OCR's current online system is CAMIS. Founders normally create an account, check and reserve a company name, prepare incorporation documents, submit the application, respond to any official corrections and obtain the registration certificate. Company registration is not the same as PAN/VAT registration, municipal business registration or a sector-specific operating licence. Check which of these apply before trading.
Company registration in Nepal: Who does what?
| Office or system | Main purpose | Official starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) | Incorporates companies and maintains corporate records | OCR |
| CAMIS | OCR's online company administration and registration system | CAMIS |
| Inland Revenue Department (IRD) | PAN, VAT and other tax administration | IRD |
| Local government | Local business registration and municipal requirements, as applicable | Your municipality or ward office |
| Sector regulator | Extra approvals for regulated activities | Relevant ministry, department or regulator |
A sole proprietorship, partnership and private limited company are not interchangeable legal structures. This article focuses on incorporation of a Nepali-owned private limited company. Foreign-investment cases require additional approvals and documents.
What is a private limited company?
A private limited company is a separate legal entity formed under Nepal's Companies Act. It can enter contracts and own assets in its own name, subject to the law. The OCR's official company registration information states that a private company may have one to 101 shareholders. The specific governance and disclosure rules differ from those of public companies and non-profit distributing companies.
Limited liability does not mean a director can ignore tax obligations, personal guarantees, fraud rules or statutory duties. Obtain professional advice when entering major contracts or taking loans.
Step 1: Decide the legal structure and business activities
Write down what the company will actually do. For example, software development, wholesale trade, restaurant operation, education services and manufacturing may involve different permissions. Decide whether you need a private company or a different business form. If several people will invest, agree on share ownership, voting, management and exit arrangements before registration.
Avoid a very broad business objective copied from another company's documents. Your objectives should reflect planned activities and any applicable sector restrictions.
Step 2: Check and reserve a company name in CAMIS
Open the OCR CAMIS portal. It offers company-name checking, electronic services and a company-user account creation route. The official CAMIS name reservation guide shows that the process asks for a proposed company name and other details, including English and Nepali names where required.
Before submitting a name:
- Prepare two or three distinctive alternatives.
- Check whether a similar company name already exists in the official system.
- Avoid restricted or misleading terms.
- Make sure the proposed name fits the company type and objectives.
- Keep a record of the name reservation and any official response.
A reserved name is not proof that a company has been incorporated. Do not issue invoices or sign contracts in the company's name until its legal status and any required permissions are in place.
Step 3: Create the company-user account
The CAMIS account registration page requests account details such as username, email, mobile number and office selection. Use a company-controlled email and a mobile number that authorised founders can access. The OCR's FAQ advises companies to keep user IDs and passwords secure because filings submitted from the account remain the company's responsibility.
If a consultant assists, keep the credentials under your control and give only the authority needed. Avoid sharing passwords in public messaging groups. Record who submitted each application and where the official receipts are stored.
Step 4: Prepare the incorporation documents
The OCR registration guidance identifies incorporation documents for Nepali citizen founders. Requirements vary by company type and applicant. Common items include:
- Application in the prescribed format.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) describing the company's objectives and capital structure.
- Articles of Association (AOA) describing governance and internal rules.
- Certified copies of the founders' citizenship documents.
- Founder/shareholder information and share commitments.
- Any founders' agreement where applicable.
- Prior approval from a competent authority where the proposed business requires it.
- Corporate resolutions and registration documents if an existing company is a shareholder.
The OCR guidance describes different prescribed schedules for a single-shareholder private company and a multi-shareholder private company. Use the current templates and instructions available through OCR, not a random downloaded form from an old blog.
Foreign founders: OCR lists additional documentation, including relevant investment approvals, passport or foreign corporate documents and authorised representative information. This article does not replace the foreign direct investment process.
Step 5: Submit through CAMIS and respond to corrections
After name reservation and document preparation, submit the application through the applicable CAMIS workflow. Review every spelling, citizenship number, address, capital amount, share allocation and business objective before final submission. Upload legible documents and follow the portal's current file-format instructions.
An official reviewer may ask for corrections or supporting information. Respond through the designated system and retain the submission number. Do not rely on an unofficial agent's claim that approval is guaranteed within a fixed number of days. Processing depends on the application and current workload.
Step 6: Pay the applicable official fees and collect the certificate
Do not use an old fee chart without checking it. Incorporation fees may depend on authorised capital, company type and current rules. The OCR also publishes notices about administrative changes, concessions and other company-law matters. Check the current OCR website or CAMIS fee instructions for the amount that applies to your application.
When approved, retain the official registration certificate, approved MOA and AOA, company number and payment receipts. Keep secure digital backups. Check the registered company name, address, capital and founder details immediately; request correction through official channels if anything is wrong.
Step 7: Check Business PAN and VAT requirements
The Inland Revenue Department's official FAQ explains that a Business PAN identifies the taxpayer and that PAN registration itself is free. The FAQ also explains that a business PAN is different from being registered for VAT. A business that must register for VAT needs the relevant VAT registration process; a PAN alone does not authorise VAT charging.
Important 2026 update: The OCR website shows a government launch of automatic PAN creation through CAMIS after company registration. This is an integration signal, not proof that every new company automatically receives an active PAN in every case. After incorporation, check whether your certificate or CAMIS record shows an issued PAN and verify the status with the IRD. If it is not available or further steps are required, follow the current IRD registration instructions.
Do not apply for a duplicate PAN simply because an older guide tells you to. Also do not charge VAT until your registration and invoice obligations have been confirmed.
Step 8: Check local and sector-specific permissions
Company incorporation alone may not be enough to operate. Depending on the business, you may need municipal business registration, industry registration, tourism permission, education approval, health-sector approval, food-related licences or other authorisations. Requirements vary by activity and location.
For example, an ordinary software company and a food manufacturer should not assume the same approval checklist. Ask the relevant authority before signing a lease, buying machinery or taking customer payments. If you plan to import or export goods, check the Department of Customs and applicable trade rules.
Step 9: Open the company bank account and organise records
Banks commonly ask for incorporation documents, tax information, authorised signatories and other know-your-customer materials. Confirm the bank's current checklist. Keep personal and company money separate. Establish an invoice system, bookkeeping process, payroll records, contracts and a secure filing system from the beginning.
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What happens after registration?
Registration is the start of compliance, not the end. Depending on the company and activities, ongoing obligations may include statutory registers, board and shareholder decisions, annual filings, audited financial statements, tax returns, payroll withholding, municipal renewals and sector reporting.
The OCR's FAQ and company administration pages are the right starting points for current filing requirements. Do not rely on a single universal deadline: requirements and deadlines depend on the filing and legal context. Ask a qualified accountant or company-law adviser to build a compliance calendar for your company.
Common mistakes that delay company registration
- Reserving a name that is too similar to an existing business.
- Using outdated MOA or AOA templates.
- Entering inconsistent names, addresses or share numbers across forms.
- Choosing business objectives that require a permit without obtaining it.
- Giving a consultant full control of the company account without oversight.
- Confusing company incorporation with VAT registration.
- Assuming registration automatically authorises every planned activity.
- Forgetting to budget for ongoing accounting, compliance and licences.
How much does company registration cost in Nepal?
There is no responsible single all-in figure for every company. Separate official registration fees from professional drafting, notarisation, translation, sector approval, bank and ongoing compliance expenses. The government fee schedule can change and depends on the application. Request an itemised quotation from any adviser and check the official fee independently with OCR.
| Cost category | What to verify |
|---|---|
| OCR incorporation fee | Current capital-based or applicable official schedule |
| Document preparation | Adviser fee and deliverables |
| Translation or certification | Only if required for your case |
| Sector permission | Regulator and activity-specific fees |
| Local registration | Municipality and business type |
| Tax registration | PAN itself is free according to IRD FAQ |
| Ongoing compliance | Accounts, audit, filings and renewals |
Frequently asked questions
Can one person register a private limited company in Nepal?
Yes. The OCR's official guidance recognises a private company with one shareholder. Use the appropriate single-shareholder documents and current CAMIS workflow.
How many shareholders can a private limited company have?
The OCR guidance checked on 12 October 2026 says one to 101 shareholders. Verify current law before relying on that limit for a transaction.
Can I register a company online in Nepal?
OCR operates CAMIS for online company administration and registration. Some applications may still require verification or additional official steps.
Is a company registration certificate the same as PAN?
No. Incorporation and tax identification are separate legal functions, even though OCR's website now references automatic PAN creation through CAMIS. Verify the actual issued PAN with IRD.
Is PAN registration free in Nepal?
The IRD FAQ states that PAN registration does not require a fee. Other business-related costs may still apply.
Do all companies need VAT registration?
Not automatically. VAT registration depends on applicable law and business activity. Check current IRD rules; a PAN number alone is not proof of VAT registration.
Can a foreign citizen register a company in Nepal?
Foreign investment and ownership may be possible subject to sector restrictions and approvals. OCR lists additional requirements for foreign founders. Obtain specialised advice before applying.
How long does company registration take?
No fixed completion time can be promised. Timing depends on document quality, official checks, correction requests and current portal operations.
Can a consultant register the company for me?
The OCR FAQ recognises authorised representatives. However, founders remain responsible for accurate information and should retain control of official accounts and documents.
Final thoughts
A properly registered business begins with a suitable legal structure, accurate founding documents and the right sequence of approvals. Use the official OCR and CAMIS systems, verify tax status with IRD, check local and sector permissions, and keep your records organised from day one.
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Official sources and accuracy notes
- Office of the Company Registrar
- OCR company registration requirements
- CAMIS online company registration
- CAMIS official name reservation guide
- OCR frequently asked questions
- Inland Revenue Department FAQ
- Department of Customs
Information likely to change: CAMIS screens, registration forms, official fees, PAN integration, VAT thresholds, sector permits and filing deadlines. Last checked: 12 October 2026. This guide is general information, not a substitute for advice from a qualified legal or tax professional.