Media registration in Nepal involves a multi-step process regulated by the Department of Information and Broadcasting. Companies must first incorporate with the Office of Company Registrar, obtain tax registration, and then apply for media registration.
Prime Law Associates has 15 Years of Experience in assisting Media Companies to obtaining license for broadcasting, publishing and engaging in Nepal. The Firm acts as Legal Advisors to Media companies & provides all licenses & approvals at the Department of Information & Broadcasting.
What is Media Registration?
Media registration is mandatory for all media outlets operating in Nepal, including print, broadcast, and digital media. The registration process is overseen by the Department of Information and Broadcasting under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. It allows them to operate officially in Nepal.
Requirements for Media Registration in Nepal
To register a media company in Nepal, applicants must meet several key requirements:
- Company incorporation with the Office of Company Registrar
- Minimum paid-up capital as specified for the type of media
- PAN/VAT registration with the Inland Revenue Department
- Registration with the local ward office
- Nepali citizenship of promoters/directors (for certain media types)
- Bank guarantee or deposit as specified
Media Company Registration Service in Nepal
Prime Law Associates has a leading team of 10+ Lawyers providing legal, compliance & licensing services for Companies in Nepal. The Firm assists companies in changing objectives, location & name of the companies along with Company Registration Service in Nepal.
Amit Karna
Amit Karna is a Company Registration Lawyer in Nepal with extensive experience in registering multiple companies in Nepal.
Sukra Subba
Sukra Subba has 10 Years of experience in the Corporate Sector of Nepal & facilitating company registration at the Firm.
Process of Media Registration in Nepal
The media registration process in Nepal involve the following:
Step 1: Reservation of Company Name
Step 2: Preparation & Submission of required Documents
Step 3: Company Registration at OCR
Step 4: PAN & Ward Registration
Step 5: Submit application to Department of Information and Broadcasting
Step 6: Receive registration certificate
Step 1: Reservation of Company Name
The first step in registering a media company is reserving a unique company name. Applicants must:
- Check name availability on the Office of Company Registrar website
- Select a name that is not already in use or too similar to existing companies
- Ensure the name complies with company naming guidelines
- Submit a name reservation application to the Office of Company Registrar
- Pay the required name reservation fee
- Receive name reservation approval, valid for 30 days
- Use the reserved name for company registration within the validity period
Step 2: Preparation & Submission of required Documents
After reserving the company name, applicants must prepare and submit the following documents for company registration:
- Application form for company registration
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- Citizenship certificates of directors/promoters
- Passport-sized photographs of directors/promoters
- Proof of office address (rental agreement or ownership document)
- Power of attorney (if applicable)
All documents must be properly filled, signed, and notarized as required.
Step 3: Company Registration at OCR
With the required documents prepared, applicants proceed to register the company with the Office of Company Registrar (OCR):
- Submit the complete set of documents to OCR
- Pay the registration fee based on authorized capital
- OCR reviews the submitted documents
- OCR approves the registration and issues a company registration certificate
- Obtain certified copies of MOA, AOA, and registration certificate
- Receive the Company Identification Number (CIN)
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Step 4: PAN & Ward Registration
After company registration, the next steps involve tax and local registrations:
- Apply for Permanent Account Number (PAN) at Inland Revenue Department
- Submit company registration documents and PAN application form
- Obtain PAN certificate and register for VAT if applicable
- Receive ward registration certificate
Step 5: Submit application to Department of Information and Broadcasting
With company and tax registrations complete, applicants submit their media registration application:
- Obtain application form from Department of Information and Broadcasting
- Attach all required documents (company registration, PAN, ward registration, etc.)
- Submit bank guarantee or deposit slip as required
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the complete application package to the Department
Step 6: Receive registration certificate
The final step involves review and issuance of the media registration certificate:
- Department reviews the submitted application and documents
- Verification of information and site visits may be conducted
- Department may request additional information or clarifications
- Application is approved if all requirements are met
- Applicant pays the registration fee
- Department issues the media registration certificate
- Validity period of the registration is indicated on the certificate
The registration certificate serves as official authorization for the media outlet to operate in Nepal.
Also Read: Company Registration Process in Nepal
Documents required for Media Registration in Nepal
The media registration process in Nepal requires submission of various documents at different stages:
- Company registration certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- PAN/VAT registration certificate
- Ward registration certificate
- Citizenship certificates of promoters/directors
- Bank guarantee or deposit slip
Cost for Media Registration in Nepal
The costs associated with media registration in Nepal include:
- Company name reservation fee
- Company registration fee
- PAN registration fee
- Ward registration fee
- Media registration application fee
- Media registration fee
- Bank guarantee or deposit: NPR 100,000-500,000 depending on media type
- Document preparation and notarization costs
- Professional fees for lawyers or consultants, if used
Timeline for Media Registration in Nepal
The total process for Media Registration in Nepalusually takes 6-12 weeks, but may extend longer.
Post-Registration Compliance for Medias in Nepal
After obtaining media registration, companies must comply with ongoing requirements:
- Annual renewal of media registration
- Regular submission of content samples or reports
- Timely payment of taxes and royalties
- Maintenance of proper financial records and audits
- Regular filing of company returns with OCR
- Updating of ownership or management changes
Media Registration in Nepal: FAQs
How to register Media & News Portal in Nepal?
To register a media or news portal in Nepal, incorporate a company, obtain tax registrations, then apply to the Department of Information and Broadcasting with required documents, business plan, and infrastructure details. The Department reviews the application and issues a registration certificate upon approval.
What types of media can be registered?
Various types of media can be registered in Nepal, including:
a. Newspapers and magazines
b. Television channels
c. Radio stations
d. Online news portals
e. Digital media platforms
f. News agencies
Each type has specific registration requirements and processes.
What are the requirements for Media Registration?
Key requirements for media registration in Nepal include:
Company incorporation
Minimum paid-up capital
PAN/VAT registration
Nepali citizenship of promoters (for certain media)
Professional qualifications of key staff
Detailed business plan
Necessary infrastructure and equipment
Bank guarantee or deposit
Requirements vary by media type.
What is the process of media registration?
The media registration process involves:
a. Company incorporation
b. Tax and local registrations
c. Application to Department of Information and Broadcasting
d. Document submission and verification
e. Payment of fees and guarantees
f. Department review and approval
g. Issuance of registration certificate
Careful adherence to each step ensures successful registration.
How long is the registration valid?
Media registration in Nepal is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The exact validity period is specified on the registration certificate. Timely renewal is crucial to maintain legal operation status. Some media types may have longer validity periods, subject to regulatory changes.
Can foreigners register a media company in Nepal?
Foreign investment in Nepali media is restricted. Most media types require 100% Nepali ownership. Limited foreign investment may be allowed in certain technical or specialized media sectors, subject to government approval. Foreigners cannot be majority shareholders or hold key positions in Nepali media companies without specific permissions.
Conclusion
Registering a media company in Nepal involves a comprehensive process that ensures proper regulation and oversight of media entities. From company incorporation to obtaining specific media registration, each step requires careful attention to legal requirements and documentation.
Disclaimer: This Article is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation, or inducement of any sort from the firm or any of its members. The firm shall not be liable for consequences arising out of any action undertaken by any person relying on the information provided herein.
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