Understand the OCR approval process in Nepal, including document review procedures, timelines, and requirements for successful company registration.
What the OCR Approval Process Means in Nepal
The approval process of the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) in Nepal refers to the official verification and acceptance of documents submitted for company registration. This step confirms that a proposed company complies with the Company Act, 2063 (2006) and related legal provisions. The process ensures accuracy, legal structure, proper documentation, and valid business intentions before the issuance of a company registration certificate.
OCR examines whether the submitted application meets the statutory requirements for registration. This includes scrutiny of the company name, proposed objectives, and required statutory documents. Only after successful review and approval by OCR does a company become a legal entity authorized to operate in Nepal.
Approval by OCR is required for the registration of private limited companies, public limited companies, not-for-profit companies, and foreign company branches. OCR approval is a legal prerequisite for obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN), opening a business bank account, and conducting any commercial activity.
The OCR approval mechanism ensures legal consistency and regulatory compliance within Nepal's business environment. It acts under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies and enforces relevant laws to maintain corporate governance and accountability.
Where OCR Reviews Company Registration Applications
All company registration applications submitted to OCR are reviewed at the OCR head office in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. This central office is responsible for examining and approving applications filed through both physical submission and the official online company registration portal of OCR (www.ocr.gov.np).
Applications filed digitally are reviewed through the OCR's Electronic Company Registration System. This platform is designed to reduce paperwork and improve transparency. Applications may also be reviewed by designated officers at branch offices in case of regional coordination, but final decisions rest with the central authority in Kathmandu.
Applications undergo a tiered review process where name reservation, document validation, and internal procedural checks occur. The office verifies that the documents are valid, in proper format, and legally compliant before registering the company.
All records and decisions related to company registration are maintained in OCR's internal database and are subject to periodic legal audits to ensure integrity and consistency with Nepalese corporate law.
How OCR Starts the Review Procedure Initially
The OCR review process begins after the submission of a complete set of company registration documents, including a name reservation request. The system logs the date and time of submission, and OCR officers are assigned to assess each case.
Initial steps include:
After initial verification, OCR issues a notice or approval confirmation. If deficiencies are found, OCR communicates through the applicant's user dashboard or via email for rectification.
OCR will not proceed to full registration unless the documents comply fully with Section 5 of the Company Act, 2063.
What Are Required Documents for OCR Approval
The Office of the Company Registrar requires specific documents depending on the type of company. For a private limited company, the following documents must be submitted:
For a public company or not-for-profit company, additional documents such as audit reports, capital statements, and organizational charts may be required. All documents must be in Nepali or accompanied by certified translations.
In case of foreign investment, documents such as a foreign investment approval letter from the Department of Industry and additional identification of the foreign shareholders are required. OCR approval depends strictly on submission of all necessary supporting documentation.
How to Submit Files for Approval at OCR
Files for OCR approval can be submitted via the OCR's official portal at www.ocr.gov.np using the Online Registration System. Manual submission is also available at the OCR head office for applicants who prefer in-person services.
Steps to submit files online:
The OCR may return applications if documents are missing or incorrect. In that case, corrections must be made and resubmitted promptly. Hard copies may also be requested in certain scenarios.
What OCR Checks During Application Examination
During examination, OCR reviews all documents for compliance with the Company Act, 2063 and checks for:
If inconsistencies are found, OCR flags the application for corrections. The applicant is informed through the system and must re-submit the required modifications.
OCR officials verify each application using legal checklists and internal protocols. No approval is granted unless all elements meet legal standards. The review is strict but transparent.
How Long OCR Approval Usually Takes to Complete
The OCR approval timeline varies by the quality of submitted documents and current processing volume. Generally, the time taken is:
If the documents are complete and there are no errors, registration may be completed within 5 working days. However, complex applications, such as those involving foreign investors or public companies, may take longer.
Delays can occur due to public holidays, incomplete submissions, or heavy workload at OCR. It is recommended to follow up on the application status via the OCR dashboard regularly.
What Fees Are Charged During Approval Process
OCR charges fees based on the company's authorized capital. The registration fee structure is as follows:
These fees are governed under the Company Registration Fee Schedule by OCR. Digital service charges may apply for online payments.
For public companies or companies with foreign shareholders, fees may differ and additional taxes may be applicable. Payment must be made before OCR will begin full document review.
What Laws Govern OCR Registration Approvals
The OCR operates under the legal framework established by the following statutes:
These laws outline the procedures, requirements, penalties, and regulatory powers of OCR. All approvals are granted strictly based on compliance with the provisions of these legal instruments.
OCR functions as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. The office must follow due process in every step of the registration and approval procedure.
What Government Bodies Oversee OCR's Authority
The Office of the Company Registrar is overseen by the following government bodies:
These bodies ensure OCR functions in alignment with national policy. OCR is also subject to audit and regulatory inspection by authorized government agencies.
How to Track the Status of Approval Process
Applicants can track the status of their company registration through the OCR's official portal. The dashboard provides real-time updates on the application's progress.
Steps to track approval status:
OCR also sends status updates to registered email addresses. For in-person queries, the application number must be presented at the OCR helpdesk.
Where OCR Sends Files After Final Approval
Once approval is granted, OCR issues a digital copy of the company registration certificate and official records to the applicant's dashboard. These documents can be downloaded and printed.
The OCR also:
Applicants must collect any physical certificates, if requested, from the OCR counter. All data is stored digitally for future reference and legal use.
How OCR Confirms Company Name During Approval
OCR uses an internal verification system to confirm whether the proposed company name is:
The name confirmation is governed by Rule 4 of the Company Rules, 2064. Applicants must choose unique and appropriate names. If the name is already taken, OCR will reject the request and suggest modifications.
Name confirmation is the first step before moving to full document approval.
What Happens After OCR Gives Final Approval
After the OCR grants approval:
The company must also comply with other post-registration steps such as tax registration, local business permits, and employment registration if required.
How to Avoid Rejection in OCR Approval
To avoid OCR application rejection:
If rejected, the OCR system will specify the reasons. Applicants can re-submit after corrections are made.
