Nepal is one of the few countries where the national business domain is free. A .com.np address tells customers you're a Nepali business, and it costs nothing to register. The catch is paperwork, and a few rules that trip people up.
Is a .com.np domain really free?
Yes. .com.np domains are registered free of charge through Mercantile Communications at register.com.np, for Nepali citizens and businesses registered in Nepal. You still pay for hosting, and you need hosting or DNS ready, because the application asks for name servers.
Who can register and which name can you get?
| Applicant | Name rules | Typical documents |
|---|---|---|
| Registered business | Should match or clearly relate to the registered business name | Company registration certificate, PAN/VAT certificate, cover letter on letterhead |
| Individual | Usually your own name | Citizenship certificate (scanned), cover letter |
| Trademark / brand | Brand names may need proof of ownership | Trademark registration or supporting documents |
Requirements change from time to time, so check the current list on register.com.np before applying.
Steps to register
- Check the name is available on register.com.np
- Set up hosting or DNS and note the two name servers
- Create an account and fill in the domain request
- Upload your documents and cover letter
- Wait for approval; it's usually quick, but can take a few working days
- Point the domain to your website and set up email
Why .com.np applications get rejected
- The domain doesn't match the business or person's name
- Blurry or incomplete document scans
- Missing cover letter or signature
- Name servers not set up or not responding
- Generic words (like 'hotel' or 'shop') without a clear link to your business
.com.np or .com?
For businesses that only serve Nepal, .com.np is free and builds local trust. If you sell abroad, a .com is more familiar to foreign customers. Many companies register both and redirect one to the other, which also protects the brand.
