What is a .com.np domain?
A .com.np domain is Nepal's own web address ending, in the same way that .in belongs to India. Registration is free of charge and is handled through the official registry website, register.com.np, which is operated by Mercantile Communications. A .com.np address tells customers and search engines that your business is based in Nepal.
Who can register one?
- Businesses and organisations can register a name that matches their registered name.
- Individuals can register a name that matches their own name.
The requested domain has to relate to the name on your documents. A company registered as "Himal Traders" can apply for himaltraders.com.np, but not for an unrelated word.
Documents you need
- For a business: a scan of the company registration certificate or PAN/VAT certificate.
- For an individual: a scan of your citizenship certificate, passport or other accepted identity document.
- A short cover letter requesting the domain, on the company letterhead for a business.
- Two nameserver addresses from your hosting provider.
What nameservers are, and where to get them
Nameservers tell the internet where your website lives. They look like ns1.yourhost.com and ns2.yourhost.com, and your hosting company gives them to you when you buy hosting. The registry asks for two of them, so arrange hosting before you apply. If you have not chosen hosting yet, read about web hosting in Nepal first.
Steps to register
- Create an account on register.com.np and confirm your email address.
- Search for the name you want and check that it is available.
- Enter the nameservers given to you by your hosting company.
- Fill in the contact details for the owner of the domain.
- Upload the scanned document and the cover letter, then submit the request.
- Wait for the registry to review it. Approval usually takes a few working days. If the request is rejected, the reason is shown in your account so that you can correct it and submit again.
Checklist before you press submit
- The domain name matches the name on the document, letter for letter where possible.
- The scan shows the whole document and every word can be read.
- The cover letter is signed, and stamped if it is from a company.
- Both nameservers are typed exactly as your hosting company wrote them.
- The account uses an email address that the business owner controls.
Common reasons a request is rejected
- The domain name does not match the name on the document.
- The scan is unclear or cut off.
- The cover letter is missing or is not signed.
- The nameservers are not valid.
What it costs
The registry does not charge for a .com.np domain. The costs come from what you connect to it:
- Hosting, which is renewed every year and priced by plan.
- The website itself. A professional business website costs NPR 30,000–1,50,000.
- Business email on your own domain, usually set up together with hosting.
.com.np or .com — which should you choose?
A .com.np domain is free and clearly local, which suits schools, cooperatives, hospitals and shops that serve customers in Nepal. A .com domain costs a yearly fee and suits a business that also sells abroad. Many businesses register both and point them to the same website.
The registry also offers other endings such as .org.np, .edu.np and .net.np. The request works the same way, with a document that fits the type of organisation.
After the domain is approved
A domain is only the address. You still need hosting, a website and a business email. Keep the registry login in the company's own name and email, not in the name of an employee or an outside developer, so that you never lose control of it.
Common questions
Can I apply from outside Kathmandu?
Yes. The whole request is made online, so it works the same from Surkhet, Nepalgunj, Pokhara or any other place in Nepal.
Can someone else apply for me?
Yes. A web developer or IT company can prepare and submit the request, but the documents and the domain should still be in your name. Ask for the login details when the work is finished.
What if my request is rejected?
Read the reason shown in your account, correct that one thing and submit again. Most rejections come from a name that does not match the document or from an unclear scan.
Registry rules can change, so check register.com.np for the current requirements before you apply. If you would like the domain, hosting and website handled together, see our domain registration service, web hosting and web development service, check pricing in NPR, or contact us.
