For an NGO, credibility is currency. International donors, government partners and volunteers all judge an organization partly by its web presence, and a .org.np domain immediately identifies you as a registered Nepali non-profit. The NIC.np registry at register.com.np issues these domains free of charge to qualifying organizations.

Who Can Register .org.np

  • NGOs registered at a District Administration Office
  • Organizations affiliated with the Social Welfare Council
  • Professional associations, clubs and societies
  • INGOs with registered operations in Nepal
  • Cooperatives and community organizations with registration papers

As with every .np extension, the domain must reflect the registered organization name. Himalayan Children Welfare Society can apply for hcws.org.np or himalayanchildren.org.np, but not for a generic name unrelated to its papers.

Required Documents

  1. Organization registration certificate from the DAO, SWC or other issuing authority.
  2. Renewal proof if your certificate shows an expired validity period.
  3. Cover letter on organization letterhead, stamped and signed by the chairperson or an authorized officer, stating the requested domain and its purpose.
  4. Nameservers from your hosting provider.

Step-by-Step Application

  1. Confirm availability using a domain search tool or register.com.np directly.
  2. Create an account and choose the .org.np extension.
  3. Enter organization details matching the certificate exactly, including spelling.
  4. Add nameservers, upload documents and submit.
  5. Approval usually arrives within 1 to 3 business days.

Practical Tips From Reviewed Applications

  • If the certificate is in Nepali, mention the official English name in the cover letter so reviewers can match it to the requested domain.
  • Use an organizational email address for the registry account, not a personal one, so future officers can retain access.
  • Keep the login credentials in official records. Many NGOs lose domain access when the founding webmaster leaves.
  • Register before printing brochures or applying for grants; the domain on your proposal header carries weight.

What About .com.np or .org Instead?

A global .org costs money every year and says nothing about Nepal. A .com.np works but reads as commercial. For a non-profit audience, .org.np is both the cheapest option at zero rupees and the most accurate signal. Larger NGOs often register the global .org as well, at roughly the price of a .com, and redirect it to the .org.np site.

Why the Chairperson's Signature Specifically Matters

A recurring reason .org.np applications stall is a cover letter signed by a program coordinator, communications officer, or other staff member rather than the chairperson or another officer explicitly authorized to represent the organization in its registration papers. Reviewers cross-reference the signatory's authority against the registration certificate's listed officers, and a signature from someone not named there, even a senior and genuinely authorized staff member, often triggers a request for additional proof of authorization. Routing the letter through whoever is formally listed as chairperson or board authority on the registration certificate avoids this entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our registration certificate lists a very long name. Can we shorten it?

Yes, recognizable abbreviations and initials of the registered name are generally accepted when the cover letter explains the connection.

Can an unregistered community group apply?

No. The registry requires official registration documents. Register the organization first, then apply for the domain.

How long does the domain remain valid?

Indefinitely, at no cost, as long as the registry records stay accurate and the domain remains in use per registry policy.

Setting up an NGO website? Check your name with our domain search, see affordable hosting plans, or read the complete Nepal domain registration guide.