What is an NP Domain?
An NP domain is Nepal's official country code top-level domain (ccTLD), administered by Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd. under the authority of CAAN and IANA.
.com.np
Commercial Entities
For businesses, companies, and commercial websites in Nepal.
.org.np
Organizations
For NGOs, non-profits, associations, and civil society groups.
.net.np
Network / ISP
For internet service providers, network infrastructure, and technology companies.
.edu.np
Education
For schools, colleges, universities, and educational institutions in Nepal.
.gov.np
Government
Reserved exclusively for Nepal government bodies and ministries.
.mil.np
Military
Reserved for Nepal Army and armed forces divisions.
Unlike generic TLDs such as .com or .net, NP domains are free to register – Mercantile does not charge a domain registration fee. However, they require proper documentation and a formal cover letter.
Why Do You Need a Cover Letter for NP Domain Registration?
Mercantile Communications, as Nepal's official .np domain registry, requires all domain registration applications to include a formal cover letter along with supporting documents.
- Verify identity – to confirm the domain is being registered by a legitimate Nepali citizen or registered organization
- Establish domain ownership – to ensure the domain name is relevant to the applicant
- Prevent cybersquatting – to prevent individuals from registering domains that do not belong to them
- Maintain registry integrity – to keep the .np namespace clean and trustworthy
- Official record keeping – to maintain a formal paper trail for all registrations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an NP domain cover letter?
An NP domain cover letter is a formal application letter submitted to Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd. when registering a .com.np, .org.np, .net.np, or other NP domain. The letter must be addressed to the Hostmaster and should clearly state your domain name, personal/business details, and nameserver information.
Who manages NP domains in Nepal?
NP domains are managed by Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd., located at Durbar Marg, Kathmandu. They act as the official registry operator for all second-level .np domain extensions including .com.np, .org.np, .net.np, .edu.np, .gov.np, and .mil.np.
Is NP domain registration really free?
Yes! Mercantile does not charge a fee for the domain name itself. NP second-level domains are free. However, if you use a hosting provider or registrar as an intermediary, they may charge a small management or facilitation fee.
How long does it take to get an NP domain approved?
NP domain registration typically takes 2–5 business days after submitting all required documents to Mercantile. The timeline can vary based on document completeness and Mercantile's workload.
Can I use NepalCloud nameservers for my NP domain?
Absolutely. If you host your website with NepalCloud, you can use ns1.nepalcloudhost.com as your primary nameserver and ns2.nepalcloudhost.com as your secondary nameserver.
What email do I send my NP domain application to?
You should send your NP domain registration application to hostmaster@mos.com.np. You can also visit Mercantile Communications in person at their office in Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Can a foreign national register an NP domain?
No. NP domains are reserved for Nepali citizens and organizations legally registered in Nepal. A valid Nepali citizenship certificate (for individuals) or a Nepal-registered company certificate (for organizations) is required.
What happens after my NP domain is approved?
Once Mercantile approves your application, they will activate the domain and update the DNS records to point to the nameservers you specified. Your hosting provider will then be able to resolve your domain.