Table of Contents
Introduction
Getting married in court is the fastest and most legally secure way to formalize your marriage in Nepal. If you’re wondering how long it takes, the answer depends on whether both partners are Nepalese citizens or if one is a foreign national. The process is straightforward, but certain legal requirements, such as obtaining a single status certificate and fulfilling residency conditions (for foreigners), can affect the timeline.
In this guide, we’ll break down the court marriage process in Nepal, the required documents, and how long it typically takes to complete your marriage registration in Nepal.
How Long Does Court Marriage Take in Nepal?
The time required for court marriage in Nepal varies based on the nationality of the couple:
- For two Nepalese citizens: 2 to 3 working days
- For a Nepali citizen and a foreigner: 16 to 19 days
The major factors that influence this timeline include document verification, residency requirements (for foreigners), and the workload of the Marriage Registration Bureau in Nepal.
Step-by-Step Court Marriage Process in Nepal
To give you a clear understanding, let’s break down the court marriage process and the time required at each stage.
1. Collecting Required Documents (1-3 Days)
The first step is gathering all necessary documents. For Nepalese citizens, the key documents include:
- Citizenship certificate of both individuals
- Single status certificate from the local ward office
- Temporary residence certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photos
- Witness
For foreign nationals, additional documents include:
- Single status certificate from the embassy or home country
- Valid visa with at least 15 days of stay in Nepal
- Notarized copy of passport
- Temporary residence certificate from a local ward office after 15 days in Nepal
- Translated Notarized Copy of the Marriage Law of the Foreign Country in Nepali Language
2. Filing the Application at the District Court (1 Day)
Once you have the required documents, you must submit a court marriage application at the District Court of Nepal. Both partners and two witnesses must be present during this stage.
3. Court Verification and Document Examination (1-2 Days)
The court will verify all submitted documents to ensure they meet Nepal’s marriage law. If all requirements are fulfilled, the application moves to the final approval stage.
4. Issuance of Court Marriage Certificate (Same Day or Next Day)
Once approved, the court will issue the official marriage registration certificate. This legal document confirms that your marriage is officially recognized under Nepali Marriage Law.
Additional Time Required for Foreign Nationals
For foreign citizens who wish to have a foreign court marriage in Nepal, additional time is required due to:
- 15-day mandatory stay in Nepal before applying
- Verification and translation of foreign documents
- Embassy procedures (if applicable)
This extends the total time to approximately 16 to 19 days.
Government Fees for Court Marriage in Nepal
The court marriage fee in Nepal is quite affordable. Below is a breakdown of the approximate government charges:
Document/Service | Fee (NPR) |
---|---|
Single status certificate | Varies by municipality |
Temporary residence certificate for Nepali citizens (If the person is concluding marriage from another district) | 2,000/- |
Temporary residence certificate for foreign citizens | 10,000/- |
Court marriage application fee | 500/- |
Final Thoughts
If both partners are Nepalese citizens, court marriage in Nepal can be completed within 2-3 days. However, if one partner is a foreigner, the process takes 16-19 days, primarily due to the 15-day stay requirement and additional document verification.
For a smooth and hassle-free marriage registration, it’s advisable to seek professional legal assistance. Our expert team at Court Marriage in Nepal is here to guide you through every step!
Helpful Links
- Learn more about court marriage registration: Marriage Registration in Nepal
- Foreign nationals? Here’s what you need to know: Foreign Marriage Registration in Nepal
- About Us: Court Marriage in Nepal - Who We Are