Online Media Registration in Nepal: Process & Requirements

Overview of Online Media Registration in Nepal

Online media is simply the content we consume and share on the internet, from news articles and social media posts to videos and blogs. It’s how we stay informed entertained and connected through digital platforms like websites, apps and streaming services.

The Constitution of Nepal 2072 (2015) guarantees freedom of opinion and expression, ensuring that all ethical news, articles, editorials and other content whether in print, online, audio or video remain free from censorship which forms the foundation for the registration and operation of online media in Nepal.

The Press Council Act 2048 (1991) , Journalist Code of Conduct 2073 (2016) and Code of Journalist Ethics, 2003 serve as fundamental legal instruments for regulating ethical standards and professional integrity in journalism.

In Nepal, online media must be registered under the Online Media Operation Directive 2073 (2016), which governs their operation and management. To ensure a structured approach to the registration, renewal, operation, and monitoring of online media, the Government of Nepal introduced the Online Media Operation Directive 2073 (2016). This directive upholds ethical journalism, digital rights and transparency while addressing legal, technical, and ethical challenges in Nepal’s evolving digital media sphere.

Process to Register Online Media in Nepal

1. Choose a unique name for your company so that it will not be identical with the name of the existing incorporated company.
2. Draft the Memorandum of Association and Article of Association of the company disclosing the entire legal scenario.
3. Register the online media in the Office of Company Registrar and get the Certificate of Incorporation.
4. Obtain the necessary approval and permission from the Press Council Nepal.
5. Register the online media in the Inland Revenue Department for tax purpose either in Permanent Account Number (PAN) or Value Added Tax (VAT)
6. Apply for necessary license and permits from the government agencies like Department of Information and Broadcasting.
7. Comply with the additional requirement as require.
8. Pay the required registration fee as required.
9. Follow the post-incorporation compliance

Necessary documents and procedures for online media registration

1. An application for online publication registration that clearly specifies the domain name.
2. A copy of the company registration certificate. For companies more than one year, the latest company renewal certificate, audit report, and if there have been changes in share ownership, the updated share register
3. The Memorandum and Articles of Association must state the objective of operating an online publication and if registered at the Cottage or Small industries the same matter shall be included. Print publications require a permanent registration certificate and a District Administration Office recommendation for online operation.
4. A copy of the citizenship certificate of all company directors.
5. A copy of the Board Meeting Resolution (Minutes), including:
   • a. Decision to operate an online media platform specifying the domain name.
   • b. If there are two or more directors, appointment of one as the online media operator.
   • c. Appointment of an editor.
   • d. Decision to register the online platform under the Information and Broadcasting category
6. In case of editor a copy of the Citizenship Certificate of the editor, along with educational certificates from SLC/SEE to Bachelor’s level (including Character Certificate if applicable) and a copy of the editor appointment certificate issued by the relevant authority. If the editor has studied abroad, a valid equivalency certificate recognized by the Government of Nepal must also be provided.
7. A copy of the Permanent Account Number and Tax Clearance Certificate, mentioning the business's activities related to printing, electronic forms, and internet publishing.
8. A copy of the Public Domain Details from whois.com or godaddy.com, including:
   • The domain is updated.
   • The Registrant & Administrative Contact fields must list the operator's name, the company name, and the address, phone number, and email.
9. A copy of the online platform’s staffing plan, labor contract, and progress certificate. (Note: The platform must employ at least 3 workers, with a minimum salary of Rs. 17,625).
10. A copy of the certificate verifying the number of workers employed, showing the addition of up to five workers. If more than five workers are employed, a certificate issued by the banking system confirming the payment of wages is required.

Registration Authority and Governing Bodies for Online Media

1. Office of Company Registrar
2. Press Council Nepal
3. Department of Information and Broadcasting
4. National Information Commission
5. Federation of Nepali Journalist

Professional Requirement for Online News Portal Staff

• Editor-in-Chief: Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field, along with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• News Editor: Requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism and at least 3 years of experience in the field.
• Reporters: Should have a diploma or degree in journalism or a related area of study.
• Technical Staff: Must have the appropriate qualifications in IT or web development.
• Editorial Staff Education Requirement: A minimum of 25% of the editorial staff must possess formal education in journalism.
• Registration: All staff members are required to be registered with the Federation of Nepali Journalists.

Financial Criteria for Online Media Registration Process

• National-Level News Portals: Required to maintain a minimum paid-up capital of Rs. 500,000.
• Provincial-Level News Portals: Required to maintain a minimum paid-up capital of Rs. 300,000.
• Bank Guarantee: A bank guarantee of Rs. 100,000 must be deposited with the relevant registration authority.

Renewal Process for Online Media

1. Submit the application to the Department of Information and Broadcasting at the end of Asar (mid-June)
2. Submit a copy of the tax clearance certificate for the previous fiscal year and the audit report.
3. Need to pay the annual renewal fee of Rs. 2,500
4. Address any issue required during renewal process.

Conclusion

Registering an online media platform in Nepal requires adherence to legal, financial, and professional standards. By following the Online Media Operation Directive 2073 (2016), media operators can ensure transparency, ethical journalism, and regulatory compliance. Completing the necessary registrations, obtaining approvals, and maintaining compliance with tax and employment regulations will help sustain a legally recognized and professionally managed online media platform in Nepal.