Learn about the Office of Company Registrar in Nepal, its functions, location, operations, and the services it provides for company registration.
What the OCR Does in Company Registration
The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) in Nepal is the primary authority responsible for registering companies under the prevailing legal framework. It functions under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies and operates as per the Companies Act, 2063 (2006). The OCR processes applications for company incorporation, ensures compliance with legal provisions, and maintains an official registry of all companies.
OCR's core responsibilities include:
Receiving and evaluating company registration applicationsIssuing registration certificates to companiesMaintaining company records and public access to themEnsuring that company documents meet legal standardsMonitoring compliance with the Companies Act and other applicable lawsOCR also plays a regulatory role, ensuring companies fulfill statutory obligations like annual returns, financial reporting, and company renewals.
Where the OCR Office Is Located in Nepal
The central Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) is located in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal. The physical address is:
Office of the Company Registrar
Tripureshwor, Kathmandu
Phone: +977 97004949414
Website: www.ocr.gov.np
Besides the main office, regional and local registration functions are handled online through the OCR's online portal, which has significantly reduced the need for in-person visits.
How the OCR Operates for Companies
OCR operates through a combination of digital and physical processes. Most company registration activities are conducted online via the OCR portal. The portal allows:
Online name reservationSubmission of incorporation documentsPayment of registration feesTracking application statusOnce a company submits an application with all required documents and fees, OCR officers review the materials for legal compliance. After verification, a Certificate of Incorporation is issued.
OCR also offers:
Public search for registered companiesDownload of model formats and samplesPeriodic legal updates on complianceAll operations are guided by the Companies Act, 2063, and relevant regulations such as the Company Regulations, 2065.
What Documents OCR Requires for Registration
OCR mandates submission of the following key documents when registering a company:
Required Documents:
Application for Registration (Form 1)Memorandum of Association (MoA)Articles of Association (AoA)Copy of citizenship certificates of promotersCopy of the name approval letterConsent letters from directorsPhotographs of promoters and directorsShareholder agreement (if any)Lease agreement or ownership proof for office addressFor foreign companies:
Passport copy of foreign promotersPower of attorney (if applicable)Approval from relevant authorities (if required by sector)All documents must be submitted digitally via the OCR portal.
How to Submit Applications to the OCR
The OCR has streamlined the application submission process through its dedicated online portal.
Step-by-Step Submission Process:
Create an account at ocr.gov.np
2. Reserve a company name online
3. Prepare required documents in digital format (PDF)
4. Fill out online registration forms
5. Upload the required documents
6. Pay the registration fee online or via bank voucher
7. Submit the complete application
8. Track the status using the reference number
Upon successful verification, the OCR issues the Certificate of Incorporation.
What Are the OCR Submission Requirements
The OCR requires that all submitted materials:
Be in prescribed formatsBe signed and scanned clearlyMatch the name reservation exactlyInclude all mandatory documentsBe submitted through the OCR portalMissing, incorrect, or outdated documents may cause rejection. Documents must comply with the Companies Act and be in Nepali or officially translated.
For online submissions, ensure:
File size does not exceed limitsFile names are clear and descriptiveThere are no password-protected filesHow Long OCR Takes to Register Company
The company registration timeline depends on document completeness and verification speed. Generally:
Name reservation: 1–2 working daysDocument verification and approval: 3–5 working daysCertificate of Incorporation issuance: Same day after approvalIn total, a company can be registered in 5–7 working days if all requirements are met. Delays may occur during peak filing seasons or if OCR seeks clarification.
What Are the OCR Fees and Charges
OCR charges fees based on the company's authorized capital, as per Schedule 6 of the Companies Act.
Fee Structure (as of FY 2080/81):
Up to Rs. 100,000: Rs. 1,000Rs. 100,001 – Rs. 500,000: Rs. 4,500Rs. 500,001 – Rs. 2,500,000: Rs. 9,500Rs. 2,500,001 – Rs. 10,000,000: Rs. 16,000Above Rs. 10,000,000: Rs. 19,000Additional fees apply for:
Name reservation: Rs. 100Certified document copiesLate filings or amendmentsBank payment vouchers are uploaded online during submission.
How OCR Checks the Company Name Proposed
OCR verifies the uniqueness, legality, and acceptability of the proposed company name based on these criteria:
Must not resemble existing company namesShould not be offensive or prohibitedShould not violate trademark rightsMust reflect the nature of businessIf approved, the name is reserved for 35 days. Applications must match the reserved name exactly.
Name approval is the first step and must be secured before preparing MoA and AoA. It is done entirely online.
What Services OCR Provides After Registration
Post-registration, OCR provides multiple services including:
Issuance of updated company registration certificatesApproval of capital increase or change in directorsSubmission of annual financial statementsCompany status checks and data accessAmendment to MoA or AoADissolution or liquidation proceduresThese services are accessible through the same OCR portal. Companies must comply with periodic filings as per the Companies Act.
What Are the Laws Behind OCR Authority
The OCR functions under various legal instruments, primarily:
Companies Act, 2063 (2006)Company Rules, 2065 (2008)Industrial Enterprises Act, 2076 (2019) (in some cases)Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075 (2019) (for foreign companies)These laws outline:
Legal definitions of companiesRegistration proceduresPromoters' dutiesStatutory compliance obligationsOCR is legally bound to process, regulate, and manage company data under these laws.
Where OCR Sends Documents After Verification
After successful verification, the OCR:
Issues a digital Certificate of IncorporationUpdates the official company registrySends confirmation email to the applicantPrepares physical records for internal archiveNo hard copy certificate is issued unless specifically requested. All official communications post-verification are conducted electronically.
How to Track Your OCR Application Status
Application status can be checked online:
Tracking Steps:
Visit ocr.gov.np
2. Click "Track Application"
3. Enter tracking/reference number
4. View current processing stage
Stages include:
SubmittedUnder ReviewDocument ClarificationApprovedCertificate IssuedUpdates are real-time. For further details, applicants may contact OCR by phone or email.
What OCR Needs for Foreign Company Entry
Foreign companies seeking entry in Nepal must:
Submit an application via OCR portalProvide notarized company documents from home countryAppoint a local representativeShow sectoral approval (if required)Present bank certificate of capital depositTranslate documents into Nepali (if required)Approval is governed by the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, 2075. A separate registration process applies for branch or liaison offices.
How to Contact the OCR for Assistance
OCR offers multiple contact points:
Phone: +977 97004949414Email: info@ocr.gov.npWebsite: www.ocr.gov.npOffice Address: Tripureshwor, KathmanduInquiries related to status updates, submission queries, or general assistance can be directed via these channels. Online support is also available on the OCR portal.
FAQs
Where is the OCR located in Nepal?
The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) is located in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. It is easily accessible and functions during regular government office hours. The physical address and contact numbers are available on its official website. For most services, you can use the online portal which reduces the need to visit the office in person.
Does OCR offer online registration now?
Yes, the OCR offers complete online company registration. You can reserve your company name, upload required documents, pay the fees, and track your application all through the official OCR portal. This process has significantly streamlined company registration in Nepal and reduced time.
How much is the OCR fee total?
The OCR registration fee depends on your company's authorized capital. It ranges from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 19,000. Additional charges may apply for name reservation or certified copies. All payments can be made via bank voucher and uploaded online.
Is OCR open on public holidays?
No, the OCR is closed on public holidays and weekends as per the Government of Nepal calendar. However, the online portal remains accessible 24/7, allowing users to submit or check applications at any time.
What documents are submitted to OCR?
Documents required include the application form, Memorandum and Articles of Association, promoters' citizenship copies, director consent letters, and office address proof. For foreign companies, notarized documents, sectoral approvals, and passport copies are required.
Can I call OCR for updates?
Yes, you can call OCR at +977 9700499414 during office hours to get updates or clarify issues. However, it is encouraged to use the online portal for tracking application status and accessing updates.
How long does OCR approval take?
On average, OCR approval takes between 5 to 7 working days from the date of submission. The timeline depends on document completeness, accuracy, and OCR's internal review schedule.
Does OCR register foreign businesses too?
Yes, OCR registers foreign businesses including branch offices, liaison offices, and joint ventures. Registration requires submission of home-country documents, local representative details, and approval from relevant authorities.
Are OCR services fully digital yet?
Most OCR services are digital including registration, document upload, fee payment, and application tracking. However, some amendments or physical verifications might still require in-person visits depending on the case.
What is OCR's official website URL?
OCR's official website is www.ocr.gov.np. All online registration services, forms, guidelines, and updates can be accessed through this platform. It is the central digital hub for company registration in Nepal.
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