Free .com.np Domain Registration: Step-by-Step Process

Nepal offers free .com.np domain registration for businesses and individuals. Here's the complete process, from document preparation to approval.

Eligibility Requirements

To register a free .com.np domain, you must meet one of these criteria:

• Registered business — Company registration certificate from Office of Company Registrar (OCR)
• Individual with citizenship — Nepali citizenship certificate, valid for personal or freelance use
• NGO or non-profit — Registration certificate from relevant government body

Foreign businesses without Nepal registration cannot apply for .com.np — use .com or another international extension instead.

Required Documents

For businesses:

• Company registration certificate (clear scan, readable)
• PAN certificate
• Cover letter on company letterhead requesting domain registration
• Authorized signatory citizenship copy

For individuals:

• Citizenship certificate (both sides, clear scan)
• Cover letter stating intended use of domain (personal website, portfolio, blog, etc.)

Step 1: Choose Your Domain Name

Before starting the application, decide on a domain name. .com.np domains have some restrictions:

• Must be related to your business name or individual identity
• Generic terms (nepalecommerce.com.np, kathmandushop.com.np) are usually rejected
• Trademark names you don't own will be rejected (coca-cola, apple, nike)
• Minimum 3 characters, maximum 63

Step 2: Check Domain Availability

Visit register.com.np and search for your desired name. If it's available, you can proceed with registration.

Step 3: Create Account and Submit Application

Register an account on the Mercantile portal, then:

1. Fill out the domain registration form 2. Upload all required documents (PDF or image format) 3. Write a cover letter explaining your use case 4. Submit the application

You'll receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.

Step 4: Wait for Verification

Processing typically takes:

• 2-5 business days for standard applications
• 1-2 weeks during high-volume periods (start of fiscal year, after holidays)
• Longer if documents are unclear — Mercantile may request resubmission

Common Rejection Reasons

Applications are rejected for:

• Unclear documents — Blurry scans, partial images, or unreadable text
• Name mismatch — Domain doesn't match business registration or individual name
• Generic terms — "nepalshopping", "onlinestore", "webdesign"
• Missing documents — Incomplete application
• Trademark conflict — Domain matches existing trademark

If rejected, you can reapply after addressing the issues. Most rejections are document quality problems, not eligibility.

Step 5: Domain Activation

Once approved, you'll receive an email with your .com.np domain credentials. You can then:

• Configure DNS settings through the Mercantile portal
• Point the domain to your hosting
• Set up email forwarding

DNS changes take 4-24 hours to propagate. The domain is yours as long as you renew annually (also free) through Mercantile.

Annual Renewal Process

.com.np domains must be renewed every year, but renewal is also free. You'll receive a reminder email 30 days before expiration. Log into the Mercantile portal and confirm renewal — no payment required.

If you miss the renewal window, there's a 30-day grace period. After that, the domain is released and someone else can register it.

When to Choose .com.np vs .com

Choose .com.np if:

• You primarily serve Nepal customers
• Local credibility matters more than international reach
• You want to minimize costs (free vs रू1,499/year)
• Your business name is available as .com.np but not as .com

Choose .com if:

• You plan to expand internationally
• Your business targets global customers (SaaS, export, digital services)
• You want instant activation (no approval wait)
• You need a generic name that wouldn't be approved for .com.np