Foreign Nationals Court Marriage in Nepal: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting married is one of the most special moments in anyone's life. It is a union of two individuals who promise to spend their lives together. For many foreign nationals, Nepal is an attractive destination to tie the knot due to its scenic beauty and cultural diversity. However, the process of getting married in Nepal can be confusing, especially for those who are not familiar with the local laws and regulations. This article will guide foreign nationals on how to get married in Nepal through court marriage.

What is Court Marriage in Nepal?

Court marriage is a legal way of getting married in Nepal, recognized by the government of Nepal. In court marriage, a couple gets married in the presence of a judge or an authorized officer of the court. It is a straightforward and hassle-free process, making it a popular option for foreign nationals looking to get married in Nepal.

Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage in Nepal

To get married through court marriage in Nepal, both the bride and the groom must fulfill the following criteria:

• You and your partner must be at least 20 years old, which is the minimum age for marriage in Nepal
• You and your partner must be citizens of Nepal or foreigners who are legally residing in Nepal with a valid passport and visa.
• You and your partner must not be related by blood or marriage, as defined by the law.
• You and your partner must not be already married to someone else, which means you must be unmarried, divorced, or widowed at the time of registration.
• You and your partner must agree to accept each other as husband and wife, which means you must have a mutual understanding and consent to marry each other

Required Documents for Court Marriage in Nepal

Foreign nationals looking to get married through court marriage in Nepal need to provide the following documents:

1. A duly filled and signed application form.
2. A no-objection letter from your respective embassy or consulate in Nepal, which states that you are free to marry in Nepal. This letter must be translated into Nepali and notarized.
3. A proof of residence in Nepal for at least 15 days, which can be obtained from the local ward office or the hotel where you are staying.
4. A copy of the law relating to marriage in your country, which must be translated into Nepali and notarized.
5. A copy of your passport with a valid visa
6. A copy of your citizenship certificate.
7. Four passport-sized photos of each applicant

All documents need to be translated into Nepali and certified by the respective embassy or consulate in Nepal.

Process for Court Marriage in Nepal

The process for court marriage in Nepal is as follows:

1. Step 1: Submit all required documents to the district court.
2. Step 2: The court will verify the documents and ask the couple to sign an application for court marriage.
3. Step 3: The couple needs to make a payment of NPR 500 as court fees.
4. Step 4: On the day of the marriage, the couple needs to be present at the court with two witnesses.
5. Step 5: The marriage will be solemnized in the presence of the judge or an authorized officer of the court.
6. Step 6: The couple will receive a marriage certificate from the court.

Benefits of Court Marriage in Nepal

Court marriage in Nepal offers several benefits to foreign nationals, including:

• Easy and hassle-free process
• No religious or cultural restrictions
• It is quick, easy and inexpensive. The process of court marriage in Nepal can be completed within two working days after submitting a joint application to the district court, along with a settlement agreement on property division, alimony, and child custody. The cost of court marriage in Nepal also varies depending on various factors, but it is generally much lower than a traditional or religious ceremony.
• It does not require any parental consent or approval from the community. Court marriage gives the couple the autonomy and independence to choose their partner without any interference or pressure from their parents or society. They do not have to worry about pleasing anyone or conforming to any norms or expectations. They can also avoid any potential conflicts or disputes that may arise due to differences in caste, religion, culture, or status.
• It protects the rights of both parties in case of divorce, inheritance, property division, etc. Court marriage ensures that both parties have equal rights and responsibilities in their marital relationship. They can also claim their share of property and inheritance as a spouse, as well as their right to maintenance and alimony in case of separation or divorce. They can also claim their right to custody and guardianship of their children, as well as their right to succession and inheritance as a spouse.
• It can be done between people of different nationalities, religions, castes or cultures. Court marriage allows people to marry across borders and boundaries, without any legal or social barriers. They can also enjoy the benefits of immigration and citizenship as a spouse, as well as access various schemes and programs for married couples.

Conclusion

Getting married through court marriage in Nepal is a simple and straightforward process for foreign nationals. However, it is essential to fulfill all the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documents to avoid any legal issues. With the help of this guide, foreign nationals can plan their court marriage in Nepal with ease and create memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.