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If you are starting a business, building a personal portfolio, or launching a website in Nepal, choosing a domain name is one of the first steps. The good news is that eligible individuals and organizations can register a .com.np domain without a registration fee through Nepal’s official domain registration service.
A .com.np domain is part of Nepal’s country-code domain system. It can help establish a local online identity for your business, professional portfolio, organization, or personal website.
However, getting a free domain requires more than finding an available name. You must follow the registry’s naming rules, prepare the required documents, and submit an application for review.
In this guide, Foxnett explains how to register a free .com.np domain in Nepal, who can apply, which documents are required, how to complete the application, and what to do after your domain is approved.
Quick answer: Visit the official .np domain registration portal, check your preferred domain name’s availability, create an account, complete the application, upload the required documents, and wait for the registry’s decision. Registration is free under the registry’s published policy, but approval depends on meeting its requirements.
What Is a .com.np Domain?
A .com.np domain is a second-level domain under Nepal’s country-code top-level domain, .np. It is commonly used by businesses, individuals, organizations, and other entities seeking an online identity connected to Nepal.
For example:
- yourname.com.np
- yourbusiness.com.np
- yourbrand.com.np
Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd. manages Nepal’s .np domain registration service. Through its official portal, applicants can check domain availability, submit registration requests, and manage their registered domains.
Unlike many commercial domain extensions, .np domain registration is currently offered free of charge under the registry’s published policy. However, applicants must still meet the applicable naming, documentation, and registration requirements.
You can review the rules in the official .np registry policy.
Why Register a Free .com.np Domain?
A .com.np domain can be a practical starting point for individuals and businesses that want to establish an online presence in Nepal.
1. No Registration Fee
The official registry lists .np domain registration as free of charge. This makes it an option for students, freelancers, startups, small businesses, and individuals who want a domain without an initial registration fee.
Although registration is free, you may still need to pay for web hosting, website development, business email, or other services.
2. Supports Local Branding
A .com.np domain can help communicate your connection to Nepal. It may be suitable for local businesses, professional services, online stores, and personal portfolios.
For example, a Nepal-based digital marketing consultant could use a domain based on their name to build a professional website.
3. Suitable for Business and Personal Websites
The .com.np extension is an open registration category under the registry’s published domain-extension information. However, applicants must still comply with naming rules and provide a legitimate basis for the requested name.
You can use a suitable domain to establish your business identity, showcase professional work, publish articles, or introduce your services online.
4. Can Communicate Local Relevance
A Nepal-related domain extension can help visitors understand the geographic connection of a website. However, registering a .com.np domain does not automatically improve Google rankings.
Search visibility still depends on factors such as useful content, technical SEO, website performance, search intent, and overall relevance.
Who Can Register a .com.np Domain in Nepal?
According to the official registry’s published guidance, eligible applicants can include Nepalese citizens, local companies and organizations, and qualifying foreign entities with an official presence in Nepal.
The exact requirements depend on the applicant and the reason for registering the domain.
Individuals
Individuals can apply for a personal domain based on their name as shown on an accepted identification document.
For example, if your name is Hari Narayan Sah, a domain based on your name may be suitable, provided it meets the registry’s naming requirements and is available.
Companies and Organizations
A company or organization should select a domain connected to its registered name, brand, product, or service, as permitted by the registry’s rules.
Foreign Companies and Eligible Business Entities
Foreign companies may qualify if they meet the registry’s requirements for an official presence in Nepal and submit the relevant supporting documents. Certain other entities may also qualify based on their legal status or documented business interests.
Important: Domain availability does not guarantee approval. The registry may reject a request if the proposed name does not meet its policies or the supporting documents are insufficient.
Before applying, review the official .np registration policy.
Documents Required for .com.np Domain Registration
The documents you need depend on whether you are registering as an individual or an organization.
Documents for Individuals
The registry’s published instructions list the following identification documents for personal domain applications:
- Nepalese citizenship certificate
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Voter’s card
- Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) ID card
- Nepalese resident visa for eligible foreign nationals
A formal request letter may also be required. Check the current application instructions for the required letter format and any additional documentation.
For a personal domain, the requested name should be based on the applicant’s name as shown on an accepted identification document.
Documents for Companies and Organizations
The registry lists different supporting documents depending on the organization’s legal status.
| Applicant type | Supporting documents listed by the registry |
| Local company, firm, partnership, or organization | Relevant registration certificate |
| Foreign entity registered in Nepal | Branch or liaison office registration certificate, or applicable Social Welfare Council affiliation document |
| Eligible non-incorporated business entity | PAN registration certificate |
| Entity applying based on a trademark or business interest | Trademark registration certificate or an eligible trademark application filing receipt, subject to additional requirements |
Organizational applications may also require an official request letter on company letterhead, an authorized signature, and an official stamp.
Check the official registration instructions to confirm the requirements for your particular application.
File Format and Size
The registry’s published application instructions list JPG, PNG, JPEG, GIF, and SVG as accepted file formats, with a maximum file size of 800 KB per uploaded file.
Prepare clear, readable copies of your documents and ensure that all relevant information is visible. Confirm the current upload requirements on the official portal before submitting your application.
How to Register a Free .com.np Domain in Nepal
Follow these steps to submit your application through the official registry.
Step 1: Check Domain Availability
First, visit the official .np domain registration portal.
The homepage includes a domain availability checker. Enter your preferred name without www, http://, or the domain extension, then select the appropriate extension and search.
For example, if you want yourname.com.np, enter yourname and select .com.np as instructed by the portal.
If the domain is available, proceed to the registration process. If it is unavailable, try another name that has a legitimate connection to your identity, business, brand, product, or service.
Before choosing a name, make sure it is easy to recognize, relevant to your website, and consistent with the registry’s naming rules.
Step 2: Create an Account
Once you find an available domain, select the registration option and create an account.
The registration form asks for details such as:
- Your full name as shown on your identification document
- A valid email address
- A password that meets the portal’s requirements
Verify your email address if prompted, then log in to your account.
Use an email address you regularly access because the registry may use it for application updates, verification requests, and important domain notifications.
Step 3: Complete Your Profile and Prepare Your Documents
After logging in, provide the requested personal or organizational details.
For a personal application, prepare your accepted identification document and any required request letter.
For an organizational application, prepare the applicable registration certificate and any additional supporting documents required for your entity type.
Before uploading the files, check that:
- Your name and other details match your documents.
- The requested domain has a legitimate connection to you or your organization.
- All document pages and relevant details are readable.
- The files meet the portal’s current format and size requirements.
Incomplete or inconsistent applications may be delayed or rejected.
Step 4: Complete and Submit the Application
Fill in the domain registration form and review the information before submitting it.
The application may request nameserver information. A nameserver identifies the server responsible for handling DNS information for your domain.
If you already have web hosting, ask your hosting provider for the correct nameserver hostnames.
Examples of nameserver formats include:
- ns1.example.com
- ns2.example.com
These are examples only. Enter the actual nameservers supplied by your hosting or DNS provider.
The registry’s policy specifies that nameserver entries must use a fully qualified domain name (FQDN), not an IP address. Follow the current application form to determine which technical details are required for your request.
Upload your supporting documents and submit the application through the official portal.
Step 5: Track Your Application Status
After submitting your application, monitor your account dashboard for status updates.
The registry reviews the submitted information and documents. It may request additional verification if something is incomplete, unclear, or inconsistent.
How long does registration take?
The registry’s published policy says registration may take at least 24 hours, while its FAQ states that processing usually takes three to four business days or longer, depending on the application backlog. These are estimates rather than guaranteed approval times.
Your application may take longer if the registry needs to verify documents or request additional information.
Check the official registry policy and FAQ for the latest published guidance.
Once your domain is approved, you can configure it for your website or email service.
Common Reasons for .com.np Domain Application Rejection
An available domain name is not automatically approved. The registry checks whether the request complies with its policies and whether the supporting documents are sufficient.
The following table summarizes common application problems and how to avoid them.
| Common issue | How to avoid it |
| Domain name does not match the applicant’s identity | Choose a personal domain consistent with your identification document and the registry’s naming rules. |
| Domain does not correspond to the organization | Use an eligible company, brand, product, or service name. |
| Missing supporting documents | Review the current requirements for your applicant type before submitting. |
| Blurry or incomplete uploads | Upload clear, complete, readable documents. |
| Missing or incomplete request letter | Follow the registry’s current instructions for the required letter. |
| Invalid nameserver information | Enter valid nameserver hostnames where required, not IP addresses. |
| Incorrect applicant details | Review your name, contact information, and application form carefully. |
| Trademark or naming conflict | Choose a name you have a legitimate right or interest to use. |
The registry also publishes examples of rejection causes on its official rejection guidance page.
If your application is rejected, read the reason provided by the registry, correct the problem, and follow its instructions for resubmission. Do not assume that an available name will automatically be approved.
Available .np Domain Extensions
Nepal’s domain system offers several extensions for different purposes. Each extension may have its own eligibility requirements or naming restrictions.
| Extension | General purpose or eligibility |
| .com.np | Commercial and other eligible registrations |
| .org.np | Primarily nonprofit organizations |
| .edu.np | Eligible educational institutions |
| .gov.np | Nepal government entities and agencies |
| .net.np | Network-related use |
| .name.np | Personal names, subject to applicable rules |
| .info.np | Information-related websites; an open registration category |
| .coop.np | Eligible cooperatives |
| .mil.np | Authorized Nepal military use |
The registry’s published extension list includes additional categories and restrictions. For example, government and military extensions are not general-purpose alternatives for ordinary commercial websites.
Review the official list of .np domain extensions before selecting an extension.
Can You Sell or Transfer a .np Domain?
Registering a domain does not automatically grant unrestricted rights to trade or resell the name.
The registry’s terms describe domain registration as a listing service and require applicants to have a legitimate basis for the requested name. Its policies also address conflicts involving trademarks and other naming rights.
However, the registry provides a formal account-transfer process for eligible circumstances.
If you need to transfer a domain, review the official account-transfer instructions. The process may require a formal request letter, supporting identification or organizational documents, and details of the current and receiving accounts.
Do not assume that a private sale or informal handover automatically changes the registered domain holder.
.np Domain Reverification and Renewal: What Owners Should Know
Domain owners should keep their registration details accurate and pay attention to notices from the registry.
Mercantile Communications has published guidance about reverification for existing .com.np domains. According to its reverification page, domain holders need to complete this process when their domain is marked as “Reverification State.”
How to Check Your Domain Status
- Visit the official .np registration portal.
- Log in to the account associated with your domain.
- Check your domain list and review any status messages.
- If the domain is marked for reverification, follow the instructions displayed in your account.
- Submit the required documents and monitor your account for updates.
If your domain is not marked for reverification, the registry’s current guidance says no reverification action is required at that time.
What Documents May Be Required?
Depending on the registration type, the registry may require a formal request letter, an accepted identification document, an organizational registration certificate, or other supporting documents.
Check the official reverification guide for the current requirements applicable to your domain.
What Happens If You Do Not Complete Reverification?
The registry warns that domains may be subject to administrative action, including being stopped or released, if the required reverification is not completed.
To reduce the risk of losing access to your domain, respond promptly to official requests, follow the stated deadlines, and keep your registered contact details up to date.
Does a Free .com.np Domain Expire?
The registry’s reverification page states that .com.np domains do not expire in the same way as many paid commercial domains. However, the registry’s homepage also says it has started recording domain renewal dates and plans to send notifications to registered administrators 15 days before expiry.
Because this guidance concerns both reverification and renewal, domain owners should not assume that free registration guarantees indefinite active status without further action.
Check your account and the registry’s latest notices to confirm any requirements that apply to your particular domain.
What to Do After Your Domain Is Approved
Registering a domain gives you the address for your website. It does not automatically provide hosting, create your website, or set up business email.
After approval, follow these steps to get your website online.
1. Choose Web Hosting
Select a hosting service that matches your website’s storage, performance, security, and support requirements.
For example, a personal portfolio may need fewer resources than a growing online store or a website with substantial traffic.
2. Configure Nameservers or DNS
If you use web hosting, obtain the correct nameservers from your hosting provider and update them through the registry’s supported process.
Alternatively, you may configure DNS records through an appropriate DNS provider. Follow the relevant provider’s instructions to ensure your domain points to the correct service.
3. Connect Your Website
Upload your website to your hosting account or connect the domain to your website platform.
Check that the domain resolves correctly and that visitors can reach the intended website.
4. Enable HTTPS
Configure a valid SSL/TLS certificate so that your website can use HTTPS. This helps protect data exchanged between the website and its visitors.
5. Test Your Website
Check the website on desktop and mobile devices. Test important pages, forms, navigation, and contact information.
Also review loading speed, mobile usability, and basic technical SEO.
6. Maintain Your Domain Information
Keep your registration details and contact email accurate. Check your account for registry notifications and respond to any applicable renewal, reverification, or compliance requests.
You can register your domain before choosing hosting, but follow the registry’s current instructions for any technical information required during the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a .com.np domain really free?
Yes. The official registry lists .np domain registration as free of charge under its published policy. Applicants must still meet the applicable eligibility, naming, and documentation requirements.
How long does it take to register a .com.np domain?
The registry says processing may take at least 24 hours, while its FAQ indicates that registration usually takes three to four business days or longer. These are estimates, and the actual time depends on the application backlog and verification requirements.
Can anyone register a .com.np domain?
The .com.np category is open under the registry’s published extension information, but applicants must follow its naming policies and provide the required information and documents. Availability does not guarantee approval.
What documents do I need for a personal domain?
The registry lists documents such as a Nepalese citizenship certificate, passport, driving licence, voter’s card, NRN ID card, or a Nepalese resident visa for eligible foreign nationals. A request letter or additional information may also be required. Check the current application instructions before applying.
Can I register more than one .np domain?
The registry’s policies and naming requirements apply to each registration. Check the current rules and ensure that each requested name has a legitimate basis before submitting multiple applications.
Do I need web hosting before registering a .com.np domain?
Not necessarily. You can prepare your hosting separately, but the registration form may request nameserver information. Check the current form and obtain the correct details from your hosting or DNS provider if needed.
Can I use a .com.np domain for a professional email address?
Yes. Once the domain is configured with a suitable email service, you can use an address such as info@yourdomain.com.np.
Can foreigners register a .np domain?
Some foreign individuals and organizations may qualify under specific requirements, such as an eligible Nepalese resident visa or an official business presence in Nepal. Review the registry’s current policy for your circumstances.
Can I change my nameservers after registration?
Yes. The registry provides an online DNS modification process. Log in to your account, select the relevant domain, and follow the official DNS modification instructions.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
Review the rejection reason, correct the information or documents, and follow the registry’s instructions for resubmission. The registry publishes examples of common rejection causes on its official guidance page.
Where can I get help with registration?
For registration rules, application status, and domain-related issues, consult the official .np registration portal. The registry publishes its contact details there, including the domain administration email address.
Final Thoughts
Registering a free .com.np domain can be a useful first step toward establishing an online presence in Nepal. By choosing an appropriate domain name, preparing the correct documents, and following the official application process, you can reduce common mistakes and make your registration process smoother.
Once your domain is approved, connect it to suitable hosting, configure DNS correctly, and keep your registration information up to date. Monitor official notices so you can respond to any applicable reverification or renewal requirements.
Whether you’re launching a personal website, building a professional portfolio, or starting an online store, Foxnett offers web hosting plans to help you get your website online. Compare the available plans and choose the one that fits your website’s needs and budget.
Ready to build your website? Visit Foxnett’s website to explore its hosting solutions and plan your next steps.
