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    RegistrarPriceRenew PriceWHOIS PrivacyPayment Methods
    $195.00Cheapest
    $335.98Cheapest renewal
    Free
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank TransferCryptocurrency
    Type
    Country-code top-level domain
    Territory
    Nepal
    Registry
    Mercantile Communications Pvt.
    Operator
    Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd.
    Launched
    DNSSEC
    Not supported
    IDN
    Not supported

    About .np domain

    .np is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Nepal, first introduced on 25 January 1995. It is administered and sponsored by Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd., which operates the official registry at register.com.np. Unlike most ccTLDs, .np domains are available free of charge, making it a notably cost-free registration product. Registrations are not made directly under .np itself — all domains are issued at the third level, beneath a set of defined second-level categories such as .com.np, .org.np, and .edu.np. The .gov.np second-level domain is separately managed by the Integrated Data Management Center (IDMC), also known as the National Information Technology Center.

    Who can register .np domain

    .np registrations are restricted and are not open to the general global public. Eligibility requirements include:

    • Nepali citizens must provide a photocopy of their Citizenship Certificate for personal domain registrations.
    • Organizations and companies registered in Nepal must supply a copy of their Company Registration Certificate.
    • Foreign nationals may qualify if they hold a Non-Resident Nepalese ID Card or a valid Nepalese resident visa.
    • Foreign companies must demonstrate an official presence in Nepal — such as a joint venture, partnership, agency, or licensee arrangement — to be eligible.
    • In all cases, the domain name itself must be an exact match, abbreviation, or acronym of the registrant's name or trademark, or otherwise be closely and substantially connected to the registrant.

    How to register .np domain

    Because .np domains are not sold through commercial registrars in the conventional sense, but are instead issued directly through the official registry, the registration process differs from a standard commercial checkout flow.

    To register a .np domain, applicants must visit the official registry website at register.com.np and create an account. You will need to prepare and upload supporting documents — such as a scanned Citizenship Certificate (for individuals) or a Company Registration Certificate (for organizations) — along with a formal cover letter on official letterhead that states the purpose of the domain. After submitting the completed registration form with all required documents in PDF or image format, the application enters a review period that typically takes at least one working day, during which eligibility and documentation are verified. Once approved, the registrant receives an email confirmation and the domain is activated shortly after.

    Typical uses of .np domain

    The .np domain extension is most commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals based in Nepal who want a web address that clearly signals a local identity and connection to the country. Commercial enterprises tend to register under .com.np, while non-profits gravitate toward .org.np and educational institutions use .edu.np. Because the extension is available at no registration cost, it is particularly attractive to startups, community groups, and personal websites in Nepal that want an established online presence without the expense of a paid TLD. The free-of-charge model and document-based eligibility system mean that .np domains carry a degree of verified authenticity that open, paid alternatives may lack.

    Tips for registering .np domain

    • Registration is free of charge. Unlike most ccTLDs, .np domains carry no registration fee through the official registry, though some third-party registrar services may charge a handling fee.
    • Document preparation is essential before applying. Incomplete or mismatched documentation is a common cause of delays — ensure your citizenship certificate, company registration certificate, or authorization letter exactly matches the name you intend to register.
    • Domain names must meet naming rules. The chosen name must be at least three characters long, must match or closely relate to the registrant's name or trademark, and cannot contain offensive, generic, or inflammatory words.
    • Third-level structure only. There are no registrations directly under .np — you must choose an appropriate second-level category (e.g., .com.np, .org.np, .net.np) before selecting your domain name.
    • A Letter of Authorization is required when a third party registers on your behalf. If an agent, hosting provider, or IT firm is handling the application for you, this document must be included in the submission.

    Frequently asked questions about .np domain

    How much does it cost to register and renew a .np domain?As of today, .np domains start from $195.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $195.00/yr across 1 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.
    Which registrars support .np domains?NameBeta tracks 1 registrars that support .np domain registration, with the cheapest option at $195.00/yr. Full list on this page.
    Who operates .np domain?The registry for .np domains is Mercantile Communications Pvt., administered by Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd..
    Who can register a .np domain?

    Eligibility for .np is tied to a verifiable connection to Nepal, whether through citizenship, residency, or a registered business presence in the country. Foreign nationals are not automatically excluded, but they must hold a Non-Resident Nepalese ID Card or a valid Nepalese resident visa to qualify. Foreign companies must have an established operational presence in Nepal — such as through a joint venture, agency, or licensed partnership — rather than simply having a business interest in the country.

    Can I transfer a .np domain between registrars?

    Because .np domains are managed directly by the official registry rather than through a competitive commercial registrar ecosystem, standard inter-registrar transfer procedures do not apply in the same way they do for gTLDs. Domain management, modifications, and any changes to registrant details are handled through the registry itself at register.com.np. If you need to update DNS settings, registrant information, or other domain parameters, these changes are submitted directly to the registry, and modifications typically take at least one working day to be reviewed and processed.

    What second-level domains are available under .np, and which should I choose?

    The .np namespace offers several second-level categories, each with a defined intended use. .com.np and .info.np are open to any person or entity, making them the most flexible choices. .org.np is intended for non-profit organizations, .net.np for network or portal sites, .edu.np for educational institutions, and .coop.np for cooperatives. Choosing the correct second-level domain matters because the registry may verify that your registration aligns with the intended use of the category you select.

    What naming rules apply when choosing a .np domain?

    The domain name you register must be an exact match, abbreviation, or acronym of your registered name or trademark, or must otherwise be closely and substantially connected to you as the registrant. Names must be at least three characters long and may only use alphanumeric characters and hyphens, with hyphens not permitted as the first or last character. The registry will not approve names that contain offensive, generic, or inflammatory words, and applications where the chosen name does not clearly relate to the registrant are likely to be rejected during the review process.

    Can a .np domain registered under .name.np be challenged after approval?

    Yes — registrations under .name.np are open to any person or entity at the time of application, but they can be challenged after the fact if the registrant is not an individual or the recognized owner of a fictional character associated with the name. This means that businesses or organizations that register under .name.np may face a dispute if their registration does not align with the charter for that second-level domain. Registrants who are not individuals should consider using .com.np or .org.np to avoid potential eligibility challenges.

    How is the .gov.np domain managed differently from other .np domains?

    While Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd. administers the general .np namespace, the .gov.np second-level domain is separately overseen by the Integrated Data Management Center (IDMC), also known as the National Information Technology Center (NITC). Registrations for .gov.np must be submitted to IDMC rather than through the standard registry portal, and eligibility is limited to Nepalese government entities and agencies. This separation means that government bodies follow a distinct process and point of contact from all other .np registrants.