Court Marriage of Foreigner in Nepal | New Easy Guide 2025

Court Marriage Process

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    Documents Required for Court Marriage of Foreigner in Nepal

    Court marriage between Nepalis and foreigners in Nepal is ruled by the Muluki Civil Code 2074. Two people of any nationality can marry in Nepal. The following legal documents are required to lawfully marry a Nepalese citizen or a foreigner.                Documents required for foreign marriage registration in Nepal

    No Objection Letter:

    • No Objection Letter/ single status/divorce status recommendation from their own home country’s civil registry or concerned Embassy or Consulate General in Nepal.

    Proof of Residency In Nepal for at least 15 Days

    • Must arrived and stay for 15 days prior applying marriage in Nepal (Arrival Stamp evidence)
    • Temporary residence document from the residing local ward office of both the parties.

    Marriage Laws of Own Country

    • Marriage Act of foreigner’s Country along with its English and Nepali translated notarization copy.

    Passport and Visa

    You must provide a valid passport and visa as proof of identity and lawful stay in Nepal. Ensure the following:

    • Both original and photocopies of the passport and visa are submitted.
    • The documents are up-to-date and certified by a notary.

    Witness and Passport-Sized Photographs

    1. Two witness and their identity card photocopy’s notary
    2. Passport size photo of both the parties (4 copies each)..

    Court Marriage of Foreigner in Nepal is difficult and confusing. It takes knowledge of both countries’ marriage laws, as well as legal experts like Onesphere Law Associates, to navigate the entire situation.

    Process of Court Marriage of Foreigner in Nepal

    marriage registration process of foreigner in Nepal

    1. Fill out the application and affidavit of marriage, as well as the other relevant documents, at the district court where the marriage will be registered.
    2. Both parties must sign a declaration deed recognizing their relationship as husband and wife.
    3. The ultimate decision will be decided by the judge, and the couple will be given their marriage certificate.

    Age and Nationality Requirments

    To marry in Nepal, both partners must be of legal marriageable age: 20 years or older. Nationality isn’t a barrier as long as the necessary documentation is provided.

    Foreign Marriage Registration Process in Nepal

    How Onesphere Can Help in Court Marriage of Foreigner in Nepal?

    At Onesphere Law Associates, we provide end-to-end assistance to foreign nationals navigating the legal marriage process in Nepal. Our services include:

    1. Legal Consultation: Guidance on complying with both Nepali and foreign marital laws.
    2. Document Verification: Ensuring all documents are complete, accurate, and legally certified.
    3. Translation Services: Coordinating with licensed notary translators or institutions like Bishwo Bhasa Campus for accurate translations.
    4. Court Representation: Presenting your documents and handling legal formalities on your behalf.
    5. Streamlined Process: Reducing delays and complications, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

    FAQs

    1. Can a foreign citizen legally get married in Nepal?

    Yes, a foreign citizens can legally get married in Nepal. However, the process requires adherence to both Nepali laws and the marital laws of your home country, along with proper documentation and certifications.

    2. What documents are required for the court marriage of foreigner in Nepal?

    The essential documents include:

    • Passport (original and photocopy)
    • Visa (valid and photocopy)
    • Marital laws of your home country (original and translated into Nepali)
    • Notary-certified copies of all documents
    • Four passport-sized photographs

    3. Do I need to translate my documents into Nepali?

    Yes, any document not in Nepali must be translated into Nepali. For English documents, a licensed notary translator can assist. For other languages like Japanese, Chinese, or Korean, translation services from Bishwo Bhasa Campus are required.

    4. Who certifies the documents for marriage registration in Nepal?

    All documents, including photocopies of your passport, visa, and marital laws, must be certified by a notary public before they can be submitted to the court.

    5. How long does the marriage registration process take in Nepal?

    The timeframe depends on the completeness of your documents and the court’s processing speed. With proper preparation and legal assistance, the process can typically be completed within a 2 working days at court.

    6. Is it necessary to visit Nepal to get married, or can it be done remotely?

    You must be physically present in Nepal to complete the marriage registration process, as it involves court appearances and personal documentation.

    7. Are there any specific laws foreign nationals should be aware of before getting married in Nepal?

    Yes, foreign nationals should ensure compliance with:

    1. Nepali marriage laws.
    2. The marital laws of their home country to avoid conflicts or invalidity of the marriage.

    8. What are the requirements for court marriage in Nepal?

    To perform a court marriage in Nepal, the following conditions and documents are required:

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Both parties must be 20 years.

    • Both must be mentally sound and capable of giving consent.

    • Both must be unmarried, or legally divorced/widowed.

    • The couple must not be related by blood (close kin) as restricted by law.

    Required Documents:

    • Citizenship certificates of both bride and groom (for Nepali citizens).

    • Passport and visa for foreigners.

    • Unmarried certificate (bachelorhood/single status affidavit).

    • Recommendation letter from the local ward office (Nepali nationals).

    • Witnesses (at least two, with identification).

    • Passport-size photos (typically 4 each).

    • For previously married individuals: Divorce decree or death certificate of the previous spouse.

    9. How to marry a foreigner in Nepal?

    To marry a foreigner through court marriage in Nepal:

    Steps:

    1. Prepare documents (see list above), including:

      • Foreigner’s passport, valid visa, and unmarried certificate notarized and translated into Nepali.

      • A No Objection Letter from the foreigner’s embassy may also be required.

    2. Submit an application at the District Court (where at least one party has residency).

    3. Attend the court with required documents and two witnesses.

    4. After verification and hearing, the court issues a marriage certificate.

    5. Register the marriage with the Ward Office or local municipality if needed.

    Note: Processing can take a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the district and completeness of documents.

    10. How to apply for a marriage visa in Nepal?

    After marrying a Nepali citizen, a foreigner can apply for a Marriage Visa:

    Requirements:

    • Marriage Certificate from a Nepali court.

    • Valid passport and copy.

    • Application form from the Department of Immigration.

    • Letter from the Nepali spouse requesting the visa.

    • Citizenship certificate of the Nepali spouse.

    • Recent passport-size photos.

    • Proof of relationship (e.g., photos, joint documents).

    Where to Apply:

    • Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

    Validity:

    • Usually granted for 1 year and renewable annually.

    11. What is the minimum time for court marriage in Nepal?

    • Minimum time: If all documents are complete, court marriage can be completed within 1–3 working days.

    • In some cases, especially involving foreigners, it may take up to a week or more due to document verification or translation requirements.

    12. What is the affidavit of eligibility to marry in Nepal?

    An Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry is a legal declaration stating that a foreigner is legally free to marry and has no legal impediments (such as being already married) under the laws of their home country.

    Purpose:

    Nepalese authorities require this affidavit to ensure that the foreigner entering into marriage is single, legally divorced, or widowed, and thus eligible to marry under both Nepali law and the foreigner’s national law.

    Key Details Included in the Affidavit:

    • Full name of the applicant

    • Date of birth

    • Nationality

    • Passport number

    • Marital status (unmarried/divorced/widowed)

    • Statement declaring no legal barriers to marry a Nepali citizen

    • Intent to marry in Nepal

    How to Obtain It:

    1. From your home country:

      • Request it from your civil registry office, embassy, or notary public.

      • It must be notarized and sometimes apostilled depending on Nepal’s requirements.

    2. From your embassy in Nepal:

      • Most embassies in Kathmandu (e.g., US, UK, Australia, Germany) can issue this affidavit.

      • You will need to appear in person with your passport and possibly pay a fee.

      • The embassy may issue it under different names such as:

        • “Single Status Affidavit”

        • “Certificate of No Impediment”

        • “Affidavit of Marital Status”

    Translation & Notarization in Nepal:

    • The affidavit must be translated into Nepali by a certified translator.

    • It should be notarized by a recognized legal authority in Nepal (lawyer or notary public).