How to Reserve a Company Name in Nepal

Reserve your company name through the Office of Company Registrar (OCR) online portal (CAMIS/OCR) by creating an account, performing a name-check, submitting a name reservation request with required details (English/Nepali names, company type, proposer info, IDs), paying any portal fee, and then waiting for OCR’s approval — after name approval you have a fixed window to submit incorporation documents.

Why name reservation matters (and common legal traps)

Picking a name is not just branding — it’s a legal gate. If you choose a name that (a) is identical or confusingly similar to an existing company, (b) includes restricted words, or (c) violates public policy, OCR will reject it, and you’ll waste time and possibly momentum. Name rejection causes avoidable delays in incorporation, bank account opening, and investor negotiations. Better to get it right the first time.

Key legal risks to avoid:

• Confusing similarity with existing registrants (OCR compares names).
• Using restricted or misleading terms (e.g., words implying government patronage, or regulated activities without a license).
• Not reserving the name properly online (manual/resubmission delays).

Full step-by-step procedure (practical & legally correct)

Step 1 — Decide the company type and naming conventions

Before you go online, decide whether you’re registering a Private Limited, Public, Branch, Non-profit, Partnership, etc. OCR will ask the type of company in the name-reservation form, and the suffix (e.g., “Pvt. Ltd.”) matters. Many rejections happen because promoters mix up company types or forget the statutory suffix.

Step 2 — Create an OCR portal account (CAMIS / OCR online)

Go to the official OCR online registration portal (CAMIS / OCR application site) and register a user account with a valid email and mobile number. The web portal is OCR’s official channel for name checks and reservations. If you already have an account, log in.

What you’ll need at registration:

• Valid email address and mobile number.
• A functioning email to receive verification.

Step 3 — Perform a thorough name check (search OCR database)

Use the portal’s Name Check / Name Reservation tool to search the OCR database. Do not rely on Google search alone — OCR’s search determines acceptability. If a similar name exists, change or modify the name before applying.

Practical tip: test variations (abbreviations, word order, Nepali vs English spelling). Document your search screenshots — they help if you need to contest or reapply.

Step 4 — Prepare name choices & translations

Prepare 2–3 alternate names in both English and Nepali (OCR commonly requires both). Avoid descriptive words which imply regulated activities unless you’re licensed (e.g., “Bank”, “Insurance”, etc.). Have the proposed company type ready.

Step 5 — Fill and submit the Name Reservation Request

In the portal:

• Choose Name Reservation Request Form (or equivalent).
• Enter primary and alternate names (English & Nepali).
• Specify company type, promoter/proposer details, and identification numbers.

Be precise — OCR staff examine proposed names for duplication and policy compliance.

Step 6 — Wait for OCR’s decision (approval / conditional / rejection)

Typical timeline reported by practitioners and guides: approval often takes several working days (commonly 3–7 working days), though OCR timelines can fluctuate. If approved, OCR will issue a name reservation/approval letter. If rejected, OCR will indicate reasons, and you must reapply with a different name.

Practical note: preserve the approval reference number and PDF copy.

Step 7 — Use the approval timeline to file incorporation documents

Once a name is approved, you usually have a fixed window (commonly reported as 90 days) to prepare and upload incorporation documents (MOA/AOA, ID proofs, registered address, etc.) on the OCR portal; if you miss the period, you may need to reserve the name again.

Correcting your understanding — where practice diverges from the simple checklist

You wrote: create email, open OCR, create ID, find type, enter name, submit and wait, once approved you can go further. That is basically right, but incomplete for two reasons:

1. Name must be provided in both Nepali & English and must conform to naming rules — this is frequently overlooked.
2. Digital signature & portal payments: OCR increasingly requires digital signing for filings and has specific payment/fee workflows — check whether you need a digital signature at reservation or only at document submission. Not preparing a digital signature upfront is a common practical delay.

Common reasons OCR rejects name reservation (avoid these)

• Identical / confusingly similar name to existing registrant.
• Use of restricted words or implying regulated activity without the necessary licences.
• Obscene names, contrary to public policy, or misleading.
• Failure to submit the name in the required script (Nepali) when necessary.

Post-approval checklist (what to do immediately after approval)

1. Download and store the name approval PDF and reference number.
2. Prepare MOA & AOA drafts consistent with the name and stated objectives.
3. Arrange digital signatures for subscribers/directors if OCR requires them for subsequent filings.
4. Collect notarised ID copies, address proof, and registered office documents.
5. Submit incorporation documents within the OCR-specified window (commonly 90 days).

FAQ (short answers you can publish)

Q: How long does name approval take?
A: Typically, a few working days (commonly 3–7), but timelines vary by OCR workload. Keep a copy of the approval reference.

Q: Can I reserve an English name only?
A: No — OCR usually asks for Nepali and English versions depending on company type; submit both if required.

Q: What if someone else already reserved the name?
A: You must pick an alternative. If you believe OCR approved it in error, legal remedies exist but are time-consuming; choose a new name to avoid delays.