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If you are starting a business or a personal project in Nepal, one of the first decisions is which domain to use: a national .com.np, or a global .com. This guide explains how each one actually works, what it costs, and how to choose.
What is a .com.np domain?
.np is Nepal's country-code top-level domain (ccTLD). Most organisations use the second-level form .com.np for commercial use, alongside others such as .org.np, .edu.np and .gov.np.
The .np registry is administered by Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd., which has run it on a non-commercial basis for decades. Registration is free of charge — there is no yearly fee as there would be for a .com.
How to register a .com.np domain
The process is an application, not an instant purchase. In outline:
- Go to the official registry at register.com.np and create an account.
- Search for the name you want and confirm it is free.
- Complete the application form with your contact and organisation details.
- Upload the supporting documents the registry asks for. Requirements differ for individuals and registered businesses, so follow the list shown on the registry's own form.
- Submit and wait for review. Approval is manual, so it is not instant.
Because the rules are set by the registry and can change, always treat register.com.np as the authoritative source for current requirements.
The trade-offs
Advantages of .com.np
- No registration fee.
- Clear local identity — it signals immediately that you are a Nepali organisation.
- Well suited to domestic institutions and services aimed at Nepal only.
Limitations to weigh up
- Not instant. Applications are reviewed manually, so you cannot launch the same day.
- Documents required. Real paperwork, which is a barrier for individuals and early-stage projects.
- Weaker international recognition. Customers and partners abroad recognise .com far more readily.
- Fewer management tools. A ccTLD on a bespoke system does not offer the same transfer, DNS and privacy tooling as global extensions.
When a .com is the better choice
Choose a global extension such as .com, .org, .io or .shop if any of these apply:
- You want to be online today, with no approval wait.
- You do not have, or do not want to submit, company documents.
- You may sell outside Nepal, or want an international-looking brand.
- You want built-in DNS management, WHOIS privacy, registrar lock and easy transfers.
These extensions have no residency requirement — anyone in Nepal can register one in minutes with an email address and a payment method.
Can I have both?
Yes, and many organisations do. A common pattern is to run the main website on a .com while also holding the matching .com.np and redirecting one to the other. That protects your brand locally while keeping the reach of a .com.
Registering a .com through Goji
Goji registers global extensions with prices shown in Nepali Rupees, payable by Khalti, Fonepay or international card. Free DNS management, WHOIS privacy and registrar lock are included on supported extensions.
To be clear: we do not register .np or .com.np domains — those come only from the national registry described above. For everything else, you can search and register a domain here.
Frequently asked questions
Is a .com.np domain really free?
Yes — the registry does not charge a registration fee. Your costs are hosting and any other services you choose separately.
How long does .com.np approval take?
It is a manual review, so plan for a wait rather than instant activation. Timelines vary; the registry is the best source for current expectations.
Can a foreigner register .com.np?
The registry sets eligibility, and applications are tied to Nepali presence and documentation. If you do not qualify, a global extension such as .com is the practical route.
Which is better for SEO?
Neither is inherently better. A ccTLD can help target Nepal specifically, while a .com is neutral and travels well internationally. Content quality, speed and links matter far more than the extension.