Online Marriage Registration in Kathmandu

Currently, Nepal does not provide complete online marriage registration, indicating that both traditional and court marriages necessitate the physical attendance of the couple and their witnesses at the relevant government office or court like in Kathmandu for identity verification, signing legal documents, and finalizing the registration process in front of a judge or registration officer. Although a complete digital system is not yet in place, there are certain online services accessible, including obtaining information about procedures, downloading registration forms, tracking application statuses, and, in some regions, paying fees online.

The Supreme Court of Nepal is in the process of developing a digital system for online applications for court marriages, which will include document uploads and form submissions, however, it is still being developed. Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) are required to adhere to the same in-person processes, as there are no exceptions for online registration from overseas.

Consequently, although Nepal is progressing towards digitization, the marriage registration process continues to fundamentally depend on in-person attendance, and couples need to verify with local authorities for the most recent information.

Online Form Submission

Availability of Online Pre-Registration Form

Municipalities such as Gokarneshwor, Harisiddhi and some other municipalities have launched an online pre-registration form for events including marriage, birth, death, migration, and divorce. To enhance efficiency, some municipalities in Nepal, have provided an online pre-registration form on their official websites. This form enables couples to start the marriage registration process from home by inputting necessary personal and legal information online.

Completing and Sending the Form

Candidates may submit their information through the internet, encompassing names, addresses, citizenship numbers, and witness information. The form generally asks for information like the complete names of the bride and groom, their birth dates, permanent addresses, citizenship certificate numbers, and details about two witnesses. By filling out this form online, applicants eliminate the trouble of waiting in line merely to start the procedure.

Obtaining a Token Number

Upon submission, a token number is dispatched to the applicant's registered phone number. After the form is successfully submitted, the system creates a unique token number and sends it to the applicant's mobile device. This token acts as evidence of online submission and is utilized to monitor and validate the application during the physical visit to the municipal office.

Required In-Person Visit

Candidates are required to go to the municipal office personally to finish the registration. Even with the submission of the online form, the process remains not entirely digital. The couple is required to be present in person at the municipal office to finalize the legal marriage registration. This is important as officials need to confirm original documents, the applicants' identities, and their approval before completing the marriage.

Deadline for Visit – Within 30 Days

The in-person visit needs to occur within 30 days of the online submission. The token number is only valid for 30 days, which means the couple needs to go to the office within this timeframe. If they do not succeed in doing this, the token will expire, and they might have to submit the form again online. This deadline aids the office in efficiently handling applications and guarantees prompt processing.

Items to Bring

Applicants should bring essential documents such as citizenship certificates, photos, and the token number. When going to the municipal office, both parties should present all essential original documents. This typically consists of their citizenship certificates, passport-sized photos, and a letter of recommendation from the local ward office, if relevant. The token number should also be shown as evidence of online pre-registration.

Final Confirmation and Conclusion

The procedure ends with the verification and signature of documents in the presence of the registration officer. In the office, authorities will examine the provided documents and confirm the couple's identity and legal qualifications. After verification, the couple along with their witnesses must sign before the registration officer or judge. It is only at that point that the marriage is officially documented and a marriage certificate is provided.

Required Documents for Marriage Registration in Kathmandu, Nepal

Marriage Registration Application Form

This is the formal document issued by the ward office or municipality where you are officially registering your marriage. Both parties planning to marry are required to fill out and sign this document. It holds crucial information including personal data, addresses, citizenship IDs, and witness information. The marriage registration process cannot commence without this completed and signed form being submitted.

Photos in Passport Size of Both Individuals

Every participant is required to submit recent passport-sized photos (typically 2–4 copies). These are affixed to the application and utilized for identification purposes. The pictures also form a part of the official marriage documentation kept by the registering authority.

Certificates of Citizenship for Both Parties

Both individuals must provide the original citizenship certificates and their photocopies. These papers act as legal evidence of age, identity, and citizenship. In Nepal, the legal minimum age for marriage is 20 years, making this certificate a confirmation of age eligibility as well.

Certificates of Citizenship for Parents (Optional but Occasionally Required)

While not universally required, certain registration offices might request the citizenship certificates of the parents of the couple. This might be necessary to clarify family history, particularly if there is any uncertainty or lack of information regarding the applicant’s permanent address or ward registration.

Proof of the Wedding Ceremony (for Traditional Weddings)

If you are registering a traditional marriage that is held in a religious or cultural context, you must provide evidence that the marriage ceremony genuinely occurred. This may consist of pictures or footage of the wedding ceremonies, a letter from the officiant or community leader who performed the ceremony, or an endorsement letter from the local ward office verifying the occasion.

Certificate of Single Status

Commonly referred to as an "Unmarried Certificate" or "Single Certificate," this document is provided by the ward office of each individual's permanent address. It states that the individual is legally single, has never been married, or is officially divorced. This document is crucial for stopping bigamy and ensuring that both individuals are legally qualified to wed.

Citizenship Documents of Two Witnesses

The registration process must have two adult witnesses present as required by law. Each individual is required to present their original citizenship certificate, which acts as a means to authenticate their identity and validate their capacity to serve as witnesses in accordance with Nepali law.

Certificate of Migration

A migration certificate is required if the marriage is registered in a municipality or ward that does not serve as the permanent residence for one or both parties. This paper, provided by the initial ward office, formally changes your residential status to the new location for legal reasons, such as marriage registration.

Divorce Judgment (If Previously Married)

If either individual was previously married and is now divorced, they are required to present an official copy of the divorce decree issued by the court. This legal paper verifies the termination of the previous marriage, confirming that the individual is now legally permitted to marry again.

In conclusion, these documents guarantee that the marriage is legally recognized, that both individuals are qualified and consenting, and that the authorities maintain a definitive record of identity, residence, and previous marital status. Requirements might differ somewhat among municipalities, so it's prudent to consult with the local ward office in advance.

Court Marriage Specifics Requirements

Minimum Residency Obligation

Couples planning to register their court marriage with a temporary address in Kathmandu must have both partners living in the district for a minimum of 15 continuous days prior to applying. This residency requirement is established to avoid exploitation of the legal system and to guarantee that individuals possess a verifiable link to their place of registration.

Verification of residence like a temporary residence certificate from the local ward office or a recommendation from the landlord generally must be provided to back up this assertion.

Compulsory Attendance for Submission and Validation

The bride, groom, and both witnesses must be there in person at the district court to file the application and complete the verification process. At this stage, the court personnel confirm the identity, eligibility, and consent to marry for each individual. The individuals involved must sign a legal statement before a judge, confirming that they are entering into marriage voluntarily, are of legal age, are not married to anyone else, and satisfy other legal requirements. Witnesses also endorse the document to verify the couple's claims.

Issuance of the Matrimonial Certificate

Upon successful verification and completion of legal procedures, the court typically provides the marriage certificate in a few days. After all documents are organized and the judge is content with the verification, the court finalizes the registration and provides an official marriage certificate, which is legally acknowledged in Nepal and internationally. The schedule may differ slightly based on the court's workload, but generally, the certificate is prepared within 2 business days.

Assistance and Legal Consultation

While Nepal has not fully implemented online marriage registration, people can still obtain legal aid and consultation services via the internet to simplify the process. Numerous law firms and solo legal practitioners in Kathmandu and various districts provide virtual consultations, where lawyer assist couples with the legal prerequisites, essential paperwork, and procedural steps for both court marriages and traditional unions.

These services are particularly useful for individuals who are not well-versed in legal procedures or who reside overseas but intend to get married in Nepal. We help you with document preparation, which encompasses drafting affidavits, confirming application forms, and aiding in obtaining certificates like the single status certificate or temporary residency certificate. Moreover, we can assist with arranging appointments with district courts, clarifying the timeline, and making sure that the couple and witnesses are thoroughly prepared for their court visit. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to recognize that although these services minimize confusion and delays, the actual presence of the couple and witnesses is still legally required for the verification process and to sign the marriage declaration in front of a judge.

Although full registration can't be finished online, legal consultation services can facilitate the preparation process, making it smoother, more efficient, and compliant with the law.