Marriage in Nepal for Foreigners: Complete Guide for Nepali-Foreign Couples
Direct Answer:
Quick Answer: Foreign nationals can legally marry in Nepal through court marriage at District Court.The process requires embassy No Objection Certificate(NOC), document legalization / translation, two Nepali witnesses, and takes 7 - 10 days < /strong> at a cost of $300-600.Post - marriage, foreign spouses can obtain Non - Tourist(Marriage) Visa < /strong> renewable annually. Nepali court marriages are internationally valid with proper attestation.
Legal Framework for Foreign Marriages
Foreign marriages in Nepal are governed by:
- National Civil Code 2074 < /strong> - Marriage provisions (applies to all)
- Immigration Act 2049 < /strong> - Visa regulations
- Foreign Marriage Registration Rules < /strong> - Procedural guidelines
- Bilateral treaties < /strong> (with some countries for reciprocal recognition)
Key Legal Principle:
"Foreign nationals may contract marriage in Nepal provided they meet the legal requirements of their home country and Nepal, and possess valid documentation of marital status."
Who Can Marry in Nepal ?
✅ Eligible:
- Foreign nationals of any country(except where prohibited by Nepali law)
- Must meet Nepal's 20-year age requirement (regardless of home country's lower age)
- Must be single, divorced, or widowed(no polygamy)
- Must not be within prohibited degrees of relation
- Must have valid passport and Nepali visa
❌ Not Eligible:
- Those under 20 years(no exceptions)
- Those already married(bigamy is criminal offense)
- Those unable to prove single status
- Citizens of countries with travel bans to Nepal(rare)
- Those on tourist visa waiver if specific restrictions apply
Required Documents: The Complete Checklist
From Foreign National:
1. Valid Passport
- Original + photocopy
- Valid for at least 6 months
- Must have Nepali visa(tourist visa acceptable for marriage process)
- Previous passports(if name / photo changed)
The most critical document.< /strong> Requirements vary by country:
| Country | NOC Processing Time | Fee | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 3 - 5 days | $50 | Affidavit of eligibility to marry |
| UK | 7 - 10 days | £50 | Notice of marriage, Certificate of No Impediment |
| India | 1 - 2 days | Free - Rs.500 | Single status affidavit, residence proof |
| Canada | 5 - 7 days | CAD 60 | Statutory declaration |
| Australia | 5 - 10 days | AUD 80 | Notice of Intended Marriage |
| Germany / France / EU | 7 - 14 days | €40 - 60 | Certificate of No Impediment(CNI) |
| China | 3 - 5 days | ¥300 | Single status certificate from China first |
General NOC Requirements:
- Application form(embassy - specific)
- Passport copy
- Proof of current marital status(single / divorced / widowed)
- If divorced: Divorce decree absolute
- If widowed: Death certificate of spouse
- Affidavit of single status(sometimes required from home country)
- Original or certified copy
- Must show date of birth(to verify age 20 +)
- Apostilled or authenticated by:
- Home country Foreign Ministry, AND
- Nepali embassy in home country, OR
- Apostille(if Hague Convention country)
If previously married:
- Divorce decree(absolute / final) or
- Annulment certificate or
- Death certificate of previous spouse
- All must be apostilled / authenticated
- 4 recent photos(4x3.5 cm)
- White / blue background
- Without glasses / hat
All foreign documents must be:
- Translated to Nepali language < /strong>
- By certified translator(court - approved)
- Notarized in Nepal
- Translation cost: Rs. 1,000 - 3,000 per document($8 - 25)
From Nepali Citizen:
- Citizenship certificate(original + copy)
- Unmarried certificate from ward office
- Ward recommendation letter
- 4 passport photos
- Proof of residence
Witnesses:
- Two Nepali citizens < /strong> with citizenship certificates
- Must be adults(18 +)
- Cannot be blood relatives of either party(preferred)
- Must appear in person at court
Step - by - Step Process for Foreigners
Phase 1: Pre - Arrival Preparation(2 - 4 weeks before Nepal)
< h4> Step 1: Gather Home Country DocumentsBefore traveling to Nepal, obtain in your home country:
- Birth certificate(apostilled if Hague member, or authenticated by Foreign Ministry + Nepali embassy)
- If previously married: Divorce decree / death certificate(similarly authenticated)
- Police clearance(sometimes requested, not always mandatory)
Email / call embassy in Kathmandu to:
- Confirm current NOC requirements and processing time
- Book appointment if required
- Understand fees and payment methods
Phase 2: In Nepal(Days 1 - 10)
< h4> Day 1: Arrival & Initial Steps- Arrive Kathmandu(Tribhuvan International Airport)
- Obtain Nepali tourist visa on arrival($30 - 100 depending on duration)
- Check into hotel / guesthouse
- Contact local lawyer(highly recommended for foreigners)
Visit your embassy with:
- Passport
- Passport photos
- Completed application form
- Fee payment
- Any required supporting documents
Processing time varies: 1 day (India) to 14 days (some European countries). Plan accordingly.
Days 4 - 6: Document Translation & Notarization
While waiting for NOC:
- Find certified translator(lawyer can recommend)
- Translate: Birth certificate, divorce / death certificates(if applicable), passport bio page
- Get translations notarized at notary public(Rs. 500 - 1,000 per document)
- Make multiple copies of everything
- Accompany partner to ward office
- Apply for unmarried certificate(Avibahit Pramanpatra)
- Get ward recommendation letter
- Get partner's citizenship copy
Organize complete file:
- Foreign documents: Originals + translations + notarizations
- NOC from embassy(received by now)
- Nepali partner's documents
- Photos(both parties)
- Witness citizenships
Location: Kathmandu District Court (Babarmahal) or District Court where Nepali partner resides
Process:
- Arrive 9:00 AM with lawyer
- Submit joint application
- Pay court fee: Rs. 500($4)
- Document verification by court clerk
- Case number assigned
- Judge interview scheduled(usually same day or next)
Judicial Interview:
- Both parties appear before judge
- Judge verifies:
- Identity(passport check)
- Age(birth certificate)
- Marital status(NOC)
- Free consent(no coercion)
- Understanding of marriage implications
- Witnesses present their citizenship and testify
Registration:
- If satisfied, judge registers marriage immediately
- Issues Court Marriage Certificate < /strong> (विवाह दर्ता प्रमाणपत्र)
- Provides certified copies
Total Timeline: 7-10 days (depending on embassy NOC speed)
Costs Breakdown for Foreigners
| Item | Cost(USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal Tourist Visa | $30 - 100 | Depends on duration(15 - 90 days) |
| Embassy NOC | $20 - 100 | Varies by nationality |
| Document Apostille(home country) | $50 - 200 | If required before travel |
| Translation(per document) | $8 - 25 | 3 - 5 documents typical |
| Notarization | $5 - 15 | Per document |
| Court Filing Fee | $4 | Rs. 500 |
| Lawyer Fees | $100 - 300 | Highly recommended for foreigners |
| Photocopies / Photos | $10 - 20 | Miscellaneous |
| Accommodation(10 days) | $150 - 500 | Budget to mid - range hotel |
| Food / Transport | $100 - 200 | Local expenses |
| Total(Excl.Travel) < /strong> | $600 - 1, 500 < /strong> | Depending on choices |
Post - Marriage: Visa and Residency
Non - Tourist(Marriage) Visa Application
After marriage, foreign spouse can apply for residency:
< h4> Requirements:- Court marriage certificate
- Nepali spouse's citizenship
- Joint residence proof(rental agreement or property)
- Financial support evidence(bank statement, income proof)
- Application form(available at Immigration Department)
- Photos
- Fee: Rs. 10,000 - 20,000($80 - 160) per year
- Apply at Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu
- Submit documents
- Interview(sometimes)
- Receive visa(initially 1 year)
- Renew annually at Immigration Department
- Requires proof of continuing marriage
- After 5 years: Can apply for long - term residence
Path to Citizenship:
Foreign spouses can apply for Nepali citizenship after:
- 15 + years of continuous marriage AND residence in Nepal, OR
- Residing in Nepal for 15 + years and having renounced original citizenship
- Must speak Nepali language
- Knowledge of Nepali culture and customs
- Note: Dual citizenship not permitted
International Validity of Nepali Marriage
Making Marriage Valid Abroad:
To use Nepali marriage certificate in your home country:
< h4> Step 1: MOFA Attestation(Kathmandu)- Take original marriage certificate to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Fee: Rs. 500 - 1,000 per document
- Processing: Same day or 1 - 2 days
- MOFA confirms document is genuine
- Take MOFA - attested certificate to your embassy
- Embassy attests for use in your country
- Fee varies($20 - 100)
Some countries require marriage registration at home:
- USA: Marriage abroad generally recognized; no separate registration needed but can register at vital records
- UK: Register with General Register Office if desired
- India: Register under Special Marriage Act if both parties Indian origin; otherwise foreign marriage recognized
- Canada / Australia: Foreign marriages recognized if valid in Nepal
Special Considerations by Nationality
For Indian Citizens:
- Easiest process due to close Nepal - India ties
- No visa required(treaty allows free movement)
- Embassy NOC processed quickly(1 - 2 days)
- Marriage widely recognized in India under Special Marriage Act
- No apostille needed(not Hague member but bilateral agreement)
For US / UK / Canadian Citizens:
- Require apostille on birth certificates before travel
- Embassy NOC takes 3 - 10 days
- May need to register marriage upon return home
- Spouse visa for partner to visit your country requires Nepali marriage certificate + photos, evidence of genuine relationship
For Chinese Citizens:
- Must obtain Single Status Certificate in China first(translated)
- Chinese embassy in Kathmandu issues NOC
- Additional documentation sometimes required
- Process takes 5 - 7 days typically
For Middle Eastern Citizens:
- Some countries require religious conversion documents
- Check if your country recognizes civil marriages abroad
- Some require marriage approval from home country first
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Age Discrepancy
Problem: Documents show different birth years.
Solution: Use oldest document or get court affidavit explaining discrepancy.
Challenge 2: Previous Marriage Not Dissolved Properly
Problem: Divorce not finalized or not recognized.
Solution: Must obtain final divorce decree; religious divorce (talaq) may need civil confirmation.
Challenge 3: Embassy Delays
Problem: Embassy takes weeks to issue NOC.
Solution: Contact embassy before traveling; some allow application by email/mail.
Challenge 4: Language Barrier
Problem: Court proceedings in Nepali.
Solution: Lawyer provides translation; some courts allow interpreter.
Challenge 5: Cultural Opposition
Problem: Family opposes inter-racial/caste marriage.< br> Solution: Court marriage provides legal protection; police can provide security if threats.
Tips for Smooth Process
- Hire local lawyer: Essential for navigating bureaucracy ($100-300 well spent)
- Triple - check documents: One missing paper can delay by days
- Start embassy process early: Some embassies are slow
- Bring extra passport photos: Always needed for government work
- Maintain patience: Nepali bureaucracy moves slowly; frustration doesn't help
- Keep originals safe: Never give away original passport; use copies where possible
- Document everything: Keep receipts, application copies, reference numbers
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly for court appearances
Conclusion
Marrying in Nepal as a foreigner is legally straightforward but requires careful document preparation and patience with bureaucratic processes.The 7 - 10 day timeline is reasonable, costs are moderate($600 - 1, 500), and the resulting marriage is internationally valid.
Success depends on advance preparation(apostille documents before travel), working with competent local legal counsel, and maintaining realistic expectations about government processing times < /strong>. The reward is a legally recognized marriage to your Nepali partner with clear path to residency and future citizenship if desired.
For couples genuinely in love, Nepal's court marriage system provides a accessible route to legal union despite the paperwork. The key is thorough preparation and professional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Can a foreigner get married in Nepal?
Yes, foreigners can legally marry in Nepal through the court marriage process at District Court. Requirements include: (1) No Objection Letter from their embassy, (2) Valid passport with Nepali visa, (3) Birth certificate translated to Nepali, (4) Proof of single status from home country, (5) Two Nepali citizen witnesses, and (6) Meeting 20-year age requirement. The process takes 7-10 days and costs $300-600 including all fees.
Q.What documents do foreigners need to marry in Nepal?
Foreigners need: (1) Valid passport with Nepali visa, (2) No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their embassy confirming single status and age, (3) Birth certificate (apostilled/authenticated and translated to Nepali), (4) Proof of marital status (single status certificate or divorce decree if previously married), (5) 4 passport photos, and (6) All documents must be translated to Nepali by certified translator and notarized. Some nationalities may need additional documents based on embassy requirements.
Q.How long does it take for a foreigner to marry in Nepal?
Foreigners can complete marriage in Nepal in 7-10 days: Day 1-3: Gather documents and apply for embassy NOC, Day 4-7: Wait for NOC processing (varies by embassy), Day 8: Document translation and notarization, Day 9: File at District Court with two Nepali witnesses, Day 10: Judge interview and marriage registration. Delays occur if documents need apostille from home country first or if embassy processing is slow (some take 15+ days).
Q.How much does it cost for a foreigner to marry in Nepal?
Total cost for foreigner marriage in Nepal ranges $300-600 USD: Embassy NOC ($20-100), Document translation ($10-30 per page), Notarization ($5-15), Court filing fee ($4), Lawyer fees ($100-300 recommended), Miscellaneous ($50-100). Additional costs may include: Apostille/authentication in home country ($50-200), Travel to Nepal, and Spouse visa application post-marriage ($100-250). Using a lawyer is highly recommended for foreigners due to complexity.
Q.Can I get a spouse visa after marrying a Nepali citizen?
Yes, after court marriage, foreign spouses can apply for Non-Tourist Visa (spouse category) at Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Requirements: (1) Marriage certificate from District Court, (2) Nepali spouse's citizenship, (3) Joint rental agreement or property proof, (4) Financial support evidence, (5) Application form with photos. Initial visa usually granted for 1 year, renewable annually. After 5+ years of continuous marriage and residence, can apply for long-term residence.
Q.Is marriage in Nepal valid in my home country?
Generally yes, Nepali court marriage certificates are internationally recognized, but verification may be needed. For use abroad: (1) Get certificate attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Kathmandu, (2) Attested by your country's embassy in Nepal, (3) Some countries require additional apostille (if Hague Convention member) or legalization. USA, UK, EU, Australia, and India generally recognize Nepali marriages if properly registered. Always verify specific requirements with your home country authorities.