Documents Required for Foreign Marriage Registration in Nepal

Foreign Marriage Registration in Nepal is a process through which a marriage between a foreigner and a Nepali citizen or between two foreigners is legally recognized in Nepal. This procedure ensures that the marriage is in accordance with the laws of both the home country of the foreigner and the laws of Nepal.

For example, if you are a Nepali citizen living in Australia and you want to marry an Australian citizen, then you have to register your marriage in the courts of Nepal. Also, two foreigners living in the UK can also register their marriage in Nepal if they intend to do so.

Requirements For Foreign Marriage Registration:

1. Valid Passport and Visa:

   Both parties must possess valid passports and appropriate visas for their stay in Nepal.

2. Proof of Marital Status:

   If previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse is required. The requirement in Nepalese is that you cannot enter into another marriage during the continuance of the existing marriage.

3. No Objection Certificate (NOC):

   If one of the parties is a foreigner, an NOC from their respective embassy or consulate in Nepal may be required. You will need to provide proof that you are legally eligible for marriage. Your embassy will provide you with the necessary documents confirming your Single Status. Please be aware that each embassy has its own specific guidelines and requirements.

4. Age Verification:

   Both parties must be of legal marriageable age as per the laws of their respective countries.

5. Photographs

   Four Passport-sized photographs of both parties.

6. Witnesses

   Two witnesses with valid identification documents are usually required to be present during the registration process.

7. Application Form

   A duly filled application form provided by the local authorities (ward/municipality)

Procedure for Foreign Marriage Registration

1. Visit the Local Authority

   Both parties must visit the local municipality or ward office where one of them holds residency.

2. Submit Documents

   You should submit all the required documents submit all required documents including passport copies, visa copies, and other relevant certificates required by the laws of Nepal.
   NOTE: All these documents must be certified by the notary public. Uncertified copies of documents are not valid for the foreign marriage registration process.

3. Declaration and Affidavit

   Both parties need to provide a declaration of their intent to marry and sign an affidavit confirming their eligibility. The couple is eligible if they have completed twenty years of age, they are single or divorced if married.

4. Waiting Period

   As per Nepalese law, you must have been here in Nepal for at least fifteen (15) days. For that, you need a letter from your ward office stating that you have been residing in the area for at least 15 days

5. Issuance of Marriage Certificate:

   Once the marriage is registered, a marriage certificate will be issued. The marriage certificate shall be issued on the same day and handed over to the parties on the next day, in the form specified by the Government of Nepal by notification in the Nepal Gazette, to the marriage registration.

Conclusion

Foreign marriage registration in Nepal is a legal process that allows foreigners to get married in Nepal. It involves submitting various documents, such as passports, visas, proof of marital status, no objection certificates, and photographs, to the local authorities. The couple also needs to declare their intent to marry and sign an affidavit. The marriage registration process may take up to 15 days, depending on the waiting period and the availability of the officials. Once the marriage is registered, a marriage certificate will be issued to the couple.