If you are running a business, blog, or personal project in Nepal, securing a .NP domain name is crucial for local identity and credibility. The great news? Nepal is one of the few countries that allows its citizens and registered companies to get their national domain name absolutely FREE!
However, the registration process is notoriously confusing, often taking weeks if the documentation is wrong.
This 2025 complete guide, prepared by our Domain Experts, will walk you through the precise steps, required documents, and common pitfalls to ensure you register your Free .NP domain name on your first try.
Why Choose a .NP Domain? (The Local SEO Advantage)
Before starting the process, understand the immense value of the .NP domain:
- Local Credibility: It instantly signals trust to Nepali customers and businesses.
- Local SEO Boost: Google algorithms prioritize local domains for local search results. A user searching “Best Host in Nepal” will likely see sites with a .NP domain first.
- Brand Protection: Securing your local domain name prevents competitors from using your brand name locally.
Who is Eligible for a FREE .NP Domain?
The registration is governed by the Nepal Government’s registrar (currently Mercantile Communications). Eligibility is strict:
- For Individuals: You need your Nepali Citizenship Certificate (नागरिकता) or Passport. The domain must be in your name.
- For Local Companies/NGOs: You need a Company Registration Certificate (कम्पनी दर्ता प्रमाणपत्र) or an NGO registration document.
Preparation: Essential Documents Checklist
The most common reason for application rejection is incorrect documentation. You must prepare these documents as scanned images (JPEG or PNG) or PDFs before starting the online application.
📄 For Personal Use (Individual)
| Document | Requirement | Format |
| Citizenship Certificate | High-quality scanned copy (front and back). | JPG/PNG/PDF |
| Cover Letter | A simple letter stating your purpose (e.g., “Request for registration of [Your Domain Name].NP for personal use”). | |
| The Domain Name | Must be related to your name (e.g., HariBashyal.np). | N/A |
🏢 For Business/Organization Use
| Document | Requirement | Format | |
| Company Registration | Scanned copy of the Certificate from the Nepal Government. | ||
| Official Letterhead | The Cover Letter must be printed on your company’s official letterhead and signed by an authorized person. | ||
| Trademark/Brand Name | The domain name must match the name on the company certificate exactly (e.g., AGMHost.np). | N/A |
The 5-Step FREE .NP Domain Registration Process
Follow these steps precisely. Do not skip any detail.
Step 1: Check Domain Availability
- Go to the official NP Domain Registration portal (Check Google for the current official portal URL, as it sometimes changes).
- Enter your desired domain name (e.g.,
mybusinessname.np). - Click “Search.”
- If the result says “The domain name is not registered,” you can proceed.
Step 2: Create a User Account and Start Application
- Click the “Register” link next to the available domain name.
- Fill in the technical information (Name, Email, Phone).
- Crucial Step: Primary and Secondary Name Server: You must enter the Name Server details of a hosting provider. Do not use a free DNS service. We strongly recommend setting up a reliable hosting plan first (see Section 5), and using its Name Servers (e.g.,
ns1.examplehost.com,ns2.examplehost.com).
Step 3: Fill Out the Required Contact Information
- Provide the exact names and addresses that match your official documents (Citizenship or Company Registration). Inconsistencies will lead to rejection.
- The contact email will be used for all future correspondence—use a professional email address.
Step 4: Uploading the Documentation (The Most Important Step)
This is where most applicants fail.
- On the upload page, you will be asked to attach your documents.
- Combine Documents: Upload your scanned Company Registration Certificate (or Citizenship) AND the Cover Letter as a single, clear PDF file, if possible, for simplicity.
- Filenames: Ensure the file names are professional (e.g.,
Company-Reg-AGMHost.pdf). - Click “Submit.” You will receive a confirmation email.
Step 5: Waiting for Approval
- The registration team will typically take 2 to 7 working days to review the documents.
- Check Your Email Daily: They may send a rejection email requiring minor corrections (like re-uploading a clearer document). Respond immediately.
- Success: Once approved, you will receive an email stating your domain is active and pointing to the Name Servers you provided. Congratulations, your .NP domain is FREE!
Common Mistakes that Cause Rejection
Avoid these common errors to prevent delays:
- Mismatched Names: The name on the application form does not exactly match the name on the Citizenship or Company Certificate.
- Domain Name Error: The domain name requested is not clearly derived from the official document name.
- Missing Cover Letter: Failing to include a simple, signed Cover Letter (especially for companies on letterhead).
- Low-Quality Scans: Submitting blurry, crooked, or incomplete scans of the official documents.
The Crucial Role of Hosting Name Servers
To complete the application successfully, you must provide valid Name Servers.
Getting a free .NP domain is great, but a free domain requires a reliable web host to actually put your website online.
- Problem: If you use a free, unreliable DNS service, your website will be slow or insecure.
- Solution: Before applying for the .NP domain, choose a high-quality hosting provider and use their Name Servers. This ensures stability from day one.
Hari’s Final Recommendation: To achieve the best local performance and guarantee stability, pair your Free .NP domain with a fast VPS Hosting solution. This combination provides both local authority and unbeatable speed.
Looking for reliable Name Servers to secure your Free .NP domain? Read our review of the Top VPS Hosting Plans, Highly Recommended by AGM Host that offer local speed and 24/7 support.
Conclusion
Securing a Free .NP domain name is a fantastic opportunity for your local presence in Nepal. By following this detailed guide and ensuring all your documents are perfect, you can avoid the frustration of rejection and get your domain active quickly.
Remember: A domain is just the address. The quality of your website depends on the speed and reliability of the hosting you choose.
Start your online journey with confidence!
Hari Bashyal is a seasoned Digital Marketing Consultant and Domain Analyst. Hari specializes in Nepal-specific SEO, low-cost Domain Registration strategies, and helping local businesses establish a strong online presence. His practical guides focus on maximizing your ROI from digital marketing and securing the perfect domain name.