Short answer
To check a company name in Nepal, search the Office of Company Registrar's records on ocr.gov.np for identical and similar names, then submit the name (in English and Nepali) for reservation through CAMIS — reservation is free. To verify an existing company, search the OCR register by name or registration number, scan the QR code on its certificate, or request certified records such as the share lagat.
| Where to search | OCR Nepal website (ocr.gov.np) |
|---|---|
| Search by | Company name or registration number |
| Name reservation | Through CAMIS, in English and Nepali; free |
| After name approval | 90 days to upload registration documents |
| Shareholder records | Share lagat / certified extracts from the OCR |
| Certificate check | QR code on CAMIS-issued certificates |
Why a company name check comes first
The name is the first thing the OCR approves and the first thing it can refuse. A name that is identical or confusingly similar to an existing company, misleading about the business, offensive, or suggestive of a government connection will not be approved, and some words — such as those implying banking, insurance or a national body — need a regulator's approval before the OCR will accept them.
Checking properly before you apply saves days. It also avoids a bigger problem: printing signboards, registering a domain or building a brand around a name you then cannot register. If the brand matters, check the trademark register too — company names and trademarks are separate, as our trademark registration service explains, and our brand search walkthrough shows how to compare similar marks.
How to check company name availability in Nepal
- 1
Shortlist three names
Choose distinctive names that reflect your business. Avoid plain dictionary words on their own and avoid geographic names alone.
- 2
Search the OCR register
Search each name on the OCR website. Look for identical names and for names that differ only by spelling, spacing, plural form or a generic word like “Group”, “Trading” or “Solutions”.
- 3
Check meaning and translation
Prepare the Nepali (Devanagari) version of the name. The OCR considers both scripts, and a translation can clash with an existing name.
- 4
Check trademarks and domains
Search for trademarks in your class at the Department of Industry and check the .com.np or .com domain you want.
- 5
Reserve through CAMIS
Submit the chosen name with your main objectives. Once approved, you have 90 days to upload the registration documents — see the full registration process.
Naming rules that cause most refusals
| Problem | Example (illustrative) | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Identical or near-identical to an existing company | Adding “Pvt. Ltd.” or “Nepal” to an existing name | Add a distinctive word, not just a suffix |
| Purely descriptive | “Kathmandu Trading” | Combine with a coined or distinctive word |
| Implies a regulated activity you are not licensed for | Using “Bank”, “Finance”, “Insurance” | Only use with the regulator's prior approval |
| Implies government or national status | Using “National”, “Government”, “Rastriya” | Avoid unless legally entitled |
| Objectives don't match the name | “… Tech” for a trading company | Align the name with the main objective |
These are general patterns; the Registrar decides each case under the Companies Act 2063.
How to search a registered company and find its registration number
Every company registered with the OCR has a unique company registration number printed on its certificate. To find it, search the OCR register by the company's name; the result shows the registration number, the registration date and the company type. If you already have a number, you can search by number to confirm the company's exact name.
Before signing a contract or paying a deposit, it is sensible to check that the company exists under the name on its letterhead, that its registration date and type match what you were told, and that it is not shown as inactive. For a deeper check — directors, shareholders and capital — request certified records.
How to verify a company registration certificate
Certificates issued through CAMIS are digitally signed and carry a QR code. Scanning it should take you to the OCR's record for that company; the name, number and date must match the paper or PDF you were given. Older certificates issued before CAMIS can be checked by searching the registration number on the OCR site. Our guide to the company registration certificate covers lost certificates and certified copies.
Key takeaways
- Search the OCR register for identical and similar names in both English and Nepali before applying.
- Name reservation is free and gives you 90 days to complete registration.
- The company registration number (OCR) and the PAN (IRD) are different numbers.
- Share lagat is the OCR's shareholder record — keep share transfers updated so it stays accurate.
- Check the trademark register as well if the name is your brand.
Frequently asked questions
Is company name reservation free in Nepal?
Yes. Under the current OCR schedule there is no fee for reserving a name through CAMIS. You pay the registration fee later, based on authorised capital.
How long is a reserved company name valid?
After the name is approved you have 90 days to upload the registration documents. If you miss that window you will need to request the name again.
Can I register a company name in English only?
No. The OCR asks for the name in both English and Nepali (Devanagari), and both versions are checked.
How can I find a company's registration number in Nepal?
Search the company's name on the OCR website, look at its registration certificate, or check its official documents. The number is different from its PAN.
Can I see who owns a company in Nepal?
Shareholder details are held by the OCR. Certified extracts such as the share lagat can be requested through the proper procedure, usually by the company or a person with a legitimate interest.
My preferred name was rejected. What now?
Read the OCR's comment, adjust the name by adding a distinctive element or changing the objective, and resubmit. We can suggest alternatives that are likely to pass.
Sources and official references
- Office of Company Registrar — company search and CAMIS
- Companies Act 2063 — Nepal Law Commission
- Department of Industry — trademark records
Government fees and rules change with each Finance Act and OCR/IRD notice. We re-check the figures on this page regularly; confirm the latest amount with the office concerned or ask our team before you pay.