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.