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Notary services in Nepal are an essential part of the legal and documentation process for individuals, businesses, and government agencies. Whether you need to notarize an affidavit, authenticate a power of attorney, or certify copies of important documents, a licensed notary public in Nepal provides the legal authentication that courts, embassies, and foreign authorities require.
As of April 2026, notary public services in Nepal are governed by the Notary Public Act 2063 (2006) and the Notary Public Rules 2063 (2006). The Nepal Bar Council maintains the register of licensed notary publics, and the District Court oversees their appointment within each jurisdiction. This guide explains everything you need to know about notary services in Nepal, from the legal framework to fees, processes, and where to find a notary.
Notary services in Nepal are regulated under the Notary Public Act 2063 (2006). A licensed notary public can authenticate documents such as affidavits, powers of attorney, contracts, and certified copies. Notary fees range from NPR 500 to NPR 5,000 depending on the document type. Only advocates with at least 5 years of practice who pass the Nepal Bar Council examination can serve as notary publics.
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What Is a Notary Public in Nepal?
A notary public in Nepal is a licensed legal professional authorized to perform certain official acts, primarily the authentication and certification of documents. Under Section 3 of the Notary Public Act 2063, a notary public is appointed by the District Court upon recommendation of the Nepal Bar Council.
The concept of notarization in Nepal serves a critical purpose: it provides independent, legally recognized verification that a document is genuine, that signatures are authentic, and that the person signing understands the contents. Notarized documents carry a presumption of authenticity under Section 12 of the Act, meaning courts and government bodies treat them as valid unless proven otherwise.
Nepal's notary system is distinct from many Western countries. In Nepal, only qualified advocates who meet specific experience and examination requirements can serve as notary publics. This ensures a higher standard of legal oversight compared to jurisdictions where notaries need not be lawyers.
Who Can Become a Notary Public in Nepal?
Under Section 4 of the Notary Public Act 2063, a person must meet the following qualifications to be appointed as a notary public:
- Must be a Nepali citizen
- Must hold a law degree (at least a Bachelor of Laws)
- Must be a licensed advocate registered with the Nepal Bar Council
- Must have at least 5 years of legal practice as an advocate
- Must pass the notary public examination conducted by the Nepal Bar Council
- Must not have been convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude
Once appointed, a notary public is assigned to a specific District Court jurisdiction. The appointment is valid for a period of 5 years and can be renewed upon application under Section 5 of the Act.
What Documents Can Be Notarized in Nepal?
Under Section 7 of the Notary Public Act 2063, a notary public in Nepal is authorized to perform the following functions:
| Service | Description | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Administer oaths and affirmations | Swear in a person making a statement under oath | Affidavits, sworn statements |
| Authenticate signatures | Verify that a signature on a document belongs to the person present | Contracts, agreements, consent letters |
| Certify true copies | Confirm that a copy is an accurate reproduction of the original | Academic certificates, passports, citizenship |
| Attest powers of attorney | Authenticate the execution of a power of attorney | Property transactions, banking, legal representation |
| Certify translations | Authenticate translated documents alongside the original | Embassy submissions, visa applications |
| Authenticate contracts | Verify the execution and contents of agreements | Business contracts, partnership deeds, lease agreements |
| Protest negotiable instruments | Record dishonour of bills of exchange or promissory notes | Bank cheque protests, commercial disputes |
Documents notarized for use abroad typically require an additional step of apostille or attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). For court marriage in Nepal, notarized affidavits and identity verifications are commonly required during the registration process.
Notary Public vs. Advocate Attestation vs. Court Notarization
Many people in Nepal confuse notary public services with other forms of document attestation. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right service for your needs.
| Feature | Notary Public | Advocate Attestation | Court Notarization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal authority | Notary Public Act 2063 | Advocates Act 2051 | Court administration rules |
| Who performs it | Licensed notary public (advocate with 5+ years) | Any licensed advocate | Court registrar or judge |
| Seal used | Official notary seal with registration number | Advocate stamp only | Court seal |
| Accepted internationally | Yes (with apostille/MoFA attestation) | Limited acceptance | Yes (with apostille) |
| Presumption of authenticity | Yes (Section 12, Notary Public Act) | No statutory presumption | Yes |
| Cost | NPR 500 to NPR 5,000 | NPR 200 to NPR 1,000 | Court fees apply |
| Speed | Same day (usually within hours) | Immediate | 1 to 3 days |
Key insight from our practice: For documents intended for use abroad (embassy submissions, visa applications, foreign court proceedings), always opt for notary public authentication rather than simple advocate attestation. Embassies and foreign authorities almost universally require notarization, not just an advocate's stamp.
How to Find a Notary in Kathmandu and Nepal
Finding a licensed notary public in Nepal is straightforward if you know where to look. The Nepal Bar Council maintains the official register of all appointed notary publics, organized by District Court jurisdiction.
Where to Find a Notary Public
- Nepal Bar Council: The official list of registered notary publics is available at the Nepal Bar Council website
- District Court premises: Most District Courts have notary publics operating offices within or near the court premises
- Law firms: Many established law firms in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur have partners or associates who hold notary public licenses
- Online services: For convenience, notary public services in Nepal are now available through online platforms that connect clients with licensed notary publics
In Kathmandu alone, there are over 200 licensed notary publics registered with the Kathmandu District Court. Major cities such as Pokhara, Biratnagar, Birgunj, and Chitwan also have multiple notary publics available.
Tips for Choosing a Notary Public
- Verify the notary's registration number with the Nepal Bar Council
- Ensure the notary is appointed for the correct District Court jurisdiction
- For documents intended for foreign use, choose a notary experienced with international documentation requirements
- Ask about turnaround time, especially for urgent documents
Online Notary Services in Nepal
The demand for online and remote notary services has grown significantly in Nepal, especially after 2020. While Nepal's Notary Public Act 2063 was drafted before the digital era and does not explicitly address online notarization, several service providers now offer convenient digital platforms for document preparation and appointment scheduling.
For reliable and efficient notary public services in Nepal, platforms like NotaryNepal.com provide end-to-end support including document preparation, notary appointment scheduling, and courier delivery of notarized documents across Nepal. This is particularly useful for Nepalis living abroad who need documents notarized in Nepal through authorized representatives.
While the final notarization still requires a licensed notary public to physically verify and stamp the document, the online process simplifies everything else: document drafting, fee payment, and logistics. Clients working with a power of attorney can authorize a representative in Nepal to appear before the notary on their behalf.
Looking for notary services for your court marriage documents or legal matters? Contact our legal team for assistance with notarization, document authentication, and apostille services.
Notary Fees in Nepal (2026)
Notary fees in Nepal are not strictly regulated by a government fee schedule. The Notary Public Act 2063 authorizes the Nepal Bar Council to set guidelines, but in practice, fees vary based on the document type, complexity, and the notary's location.
| Document Type | Typical Fee Range (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit notarization | 500 - 1,500 | Simple sworn statements |
| Power of attorney | 1,000 - 3,000 | Higher for property-related PoA |
| Certified true copies | 200 - 500 per page | Bulk discounts may apply |
| Contract authentication | 1,000 - 5,000 | Depends on contract value and complexity |
| Translation certification | 500 - 2,000 | Per document (translation fee separate) |
| Signature verification | 500 - 1,000 | Per individual signature |
| Protest of negotiable instruments | 1,000 - 3,000 | Commercial documents |
Fees in Kathmandu tend to be at the higher end of these ranges compared to other districts. For urgent or same-day services, some notary publics charge an additional convenience fee. Always confirm the total cost before proceeding.
How Long Does Notarization Take?
The notarization process in Nepal is generally quick once you have all your documents ready. Here is a realistic timeline based on common scenarios:
| Scenario | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Simple affidavit or signature verification | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Power of attorney notarization | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Certified true copies (multiple documents) | 1 to 2 hours |
| Contract authentication | Same day |
| Documents for foreign use (notarization + MoFA attestation) | 2 to 5 working days |
The biggest delays occur not during notarization itself but during the subsequent apostille or MoFA attestation process for documents intended for foreign use. Planning ahead by at least a week is recommended if your documents need multiple levels of authentication.
Notarization for Use Abroad
Documents notarized in Nepal that are intended for use in foreign countries typically require additional authentication. The process depends on whether the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
For Hague Convention Countries
Nepal is not yet a member of the Hague Apostille Convention as of April 2026. However, the government has been considering accession. Currently, the process for authenticating Nepali documents for use abroad follows the traditional legalization route:
- Notarization: Get the document notarized by a licensed notary public in Nepal
- Nepal Bar Council verification: Some embassies require verification of the notary's credentials through the Nepal Bar Council
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) attestation: Submit the notarized document to MoFA for attestation
- Embassy legalization: Get the document legalized by the destination country's embassy in Nepal
Common Documents Notarized for Foreign Use
- Marriage certificates and court marriage in Nepal documents
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Police clearance certificates
- Birth and death certificates
- Powers of attorney for overseas property or legal matters
- Commercial documents for international trade
From our experience handling international documentation, the most common mistake is getting documents notarized without checking what the destination country actually requires. Some countries need the original document notarized, while others accept notarized copies. Always verify with the destination country's embassy or consulate first.
Legal Framework: Notary Public Act 2063 (2006)
The Notary Public Act 2063 (2006) is the primary legislation governing notary services in Nepal. Here are the key provisions every client should understand:
- Section 3 (Appointment): Notary publics are appointed by the Chief Judge of the District Court upon recommendation of the Nepal Bar Council
- Section 4 (Qualifications): Requires Nepali citizenship, law degree, 5 years of advocacy practice, and passing the Bar Council examination
- Section 5 (Term): Appointment is for 5 years, renewable upon application
- Section 7 (Functions): Defines the scope of notarial acts including oath administration, signature authentication, copy certification, and document attestation
- Section 9 (Register): Every notary must maintain a register of all notarial acts performed, with details of the parties and documents
- Section 12 (Presumption): Documents bearing a notary's seal and signature carry a legal presumption of authenticity
- Section 14 (Penalties): Unauthorized persons performing notarial acts face fines up to NPR 10,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months
- Section 15 (Revocation): A notary's appointment can be revoked for misconduct, incompetence, or criminal conviction
The Notary Public Rules 2063 supplement the Act with procedural details regarding the examination process, fee guidelines, register maintenance formats, and the seal specifications that each notary must use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Documents Notarized
Based on years of handling notarized documents for clients, here are the mistakes we see most frequently:
- Using an unregistered notary: Always verify the notary's registration number. Documents notarized by unregistered individuals have no legal standing
- Wrong jurisdiction: A notary appointed in Kathmandu may not have authority to notarize documents in Pokhara. Check jurisdictional authority under Section 3 of the Act
- Missing the notary register entry: Under Section 9, every notarial act must be entered in the notary's register. If your transaction is not recorded, it may be challenged later
- Not bringing original documents: Notaries must verify originals before certifying copies. Photocopies alone are insufficient
- Incomplete identification: Bring your citizenship certificate or passport. Notaries are required to verify your identity before performing any notarial act
- Skipping MoFA attestation for foreign use: A notarized document alone is not sufficient for most foreign countries. The MoFA attestation step is mandatory
Need help with notarization, affidavits, or legal documentation? Reach out to our legal team for reliable and efficient document services across Nepal.
Notary Services and Property Transactions
Notary publics play a significant role in land registration and property transactions in Nepal. When buying, selling, or transferring property, several documents require notarization:
- Sale agreements: Authentication of property sale deeds before submission to the Land Revenue Office
- Power of attorney for property: When one party cannot attend the Land Revenue Office in person, a notarized power of attorney authorizes a representative
- Affidavits for ownership disputes: Sworn statements regarding property boundaries, ownership claims, or inheritance
- Consent letters: Notarized consent from family members for property sales, especially when joint family property is involved
For married couples, property transactions often require notarized consent from both spouses. This is particularly relevant in court marriage in Nepal cases where property rights are established through the marriage registration process.
Last reviewed: April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
A notary public in Nepal is a licensed advocate authorized under the Notary Public Act 2063 to authenticate documents, administer oaths, certify copies, and verify signatures. Only advocates with at least five years of practice who pass the Nepal Bar Council examination can serve as notary publics.
Documents that can be notarized in Nepal include affidavits, powers of attorney, contracts, certified true copies of original documents, translation certifications, signature verifications, and protests of negotiable instruments such as cheques and bills of exchange.
Notarization fees in Nepal typically range from NPR 500 for simple affidavits to NPR 5,000 for complex contracts and commercial documents. Fees depend on the document type, complexity, and the notary's location. Kathmandu notaries generally charge higher fees than those in other districts.
Simple notarizations take 15 to 30 minutes. A power of attorney may take up to one hour. If documents need subsequent MoFA attestation for foreign use, the entire process can take two to five working days.
Under Section 4 of the Notary Public Act 2063, a person must be a Nepali citizen, hold a law degree, be a licensed advocate with at least five years of practice, pass the Nepal Bar Council's notary examination, and have no criminal conviction involving moral turpitude.
Yes, several documents in the court marriage in Nepal process require notarization, including affidavits of marital status, identity verification documents, and consent declarations. Notarized documents carry legal presumption of authenticity under Section 12 of the Notary Public Act 2063.
Notarization is performed by a specially licensed notary public under the Notary Public Act 2063 and carries a legal presumption of authenticity. Advocate attestation is done by any licensed advocate and does not carry the same statutory presumption. Foreign authorities generally require notarization rather than simple attestation.
While the Notary Public Act 2063 does not explicitly authorize fully online notarization, service providers like NotaryNepal.com offer online document preparation and scheduling. The final notarial act still requires a licensed notary to physically verify and stamp the document.
You can find a licensed notary public in Kathmandu through the Nepal Bar Council register, at the Kathmandu District Court premises, through established law firms, or through online platforms. Always verify the notary's registration number before proceeding.
Notarized documents from Nepal are accepted abroad after additional authentication. The standard process is notarization followed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation and then embassy legalization by the destination country. Nepal is not yet a member of the Hague Apostille Convention as of 2026.
The Notary Public Act 2063 (2006) is Nepal's primary legislation governing notary services. It establishes qualifications for notary publics, defines their powers and functions, requires maintenance of notarial registers, and prescribes penalties for unauthorized notarial acts including fines and imprisonment.
No. Under Section 3 of the Notary Public Act 2063, a notary public is appointed for a specific District Court jurisdiction. Documents notarized outside the notary's designated jurisdiction may be challenged as invalid. Always confirm the notary has authority in your district.
Under Section 14 of the Notary Public Act 2063, performing notarial acts without a valid notary public license is punishable by a fine of up to NPR 10,000 and imprisonment of up to six months. Documents notarized by unauthorized persons have no legal validity.
Yes, several documents in the land registration process require notarization, including powers of attorney for property transactions, affidavits of ownership, and consent letters from family members for joint property sales.
A notary public appointment in Nepal is valid for five years from the date of appointment under Section 5 of the Notary Public Act 2063. The appointment can be renewed by applying to the Nepal Bar Council before the expiry date. Failure to renew means the notary cannot perform notarial acts.
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