Court Marriage in Nepal for Foreigners

Court marriage in Nepal is increasingly popular among foreign nationals, expatriates, and international couples seeking a legally recognized marriage under Nepali law. Whether you are a foreigner marrying another foreigner or marrying a Nepali citizen, Nepal allows court marriage—but only if strict legal requirements are met.

This guide explains whether foreigners can do court marriage in Nepal, the governing legal framework, required documents, procedures, costs, timelines, and common challenges. If you are researching how to register marriage in Nepal as a foreign national, this article gives you everything you need.

Can Foreigners Do Court Marriage in Nepal?

Yes, foreigners can do court marriage in Nepal, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set out under Nepali law.

Court marriage in Nepal is governed mainly by:

• Muluki Civil Code, 2074 (2017)

• Marriage Registration Rules

• Relevant immigration and residency regulations

Nepal legally permits:

• Marriage between two foreign nationals

• Marriage between a Nepali citizen and a foreign national

However, foreigners must fulfill additional residency and documentation requirements compared to Nepali citizens.

Legal Basis: Nepal Marriage Law for Foreigners

Under Chapter on Marriage, Muluki Civil Code, marriage can be registered through the District Court if:

• Both parties consent freely

• Both parties meet legal age and marital status requirements

• Required documents are submitted and verified

For foreigners, the court marriage process is handled by the District Court of Kathmandu (or the district of residence), making it a judicial marriage, not a religious or traditional one.

Eligibility Criteria for Foreigners Court Marriage in Nepal

1. Legal Age Requirement

• Male: 21 years

• Female: 20 years

2. Marital Status

Both parties must be:

• Unmarried, or

• Legally divorced, or

• Widowed (with proof)

3. Minimum Stay Requirement in Nepal

Foreign nationals must have resided in Nepal for at least 15 consecutive days prior to filing the marriage application.

This is a mandatory legal condition and is strictly enforced.

4. Legal Capacity to Marry

Marriage must not be prohibited under:

• Nepali law, or

• The foreigner’s national law (where applicable)

Required Documents for Foreign National Marriage Registration in Nepal

Documentation is the most critical part of court marriage in Nepal for foreigners. Missing or incorrect documents often cause delays.

Documents Required from Foreign Nationals

1. Valid Passport (original + notarized copy)

2. Valid Nepal Visa

3. Residence Certificate

   • Issued by local ward office or immigration authority

   • Confirms minimum 15-day stay

4. No Objection Certificate (NOC)

   • Issued by respective embassy in Nepal

   • Confirms single status and legal capacity to marry

5. Birth Certificate (notarized and translated if required)

6. Marital Status Certificate

   • Single / Divorce Decree / Death Certificate of spouse

7. Passport-sized photographs

Documents Required from Nepali Citizen (if applicable)

• Citizenship Certificate

• Birth Registration (if available)

• Marital status confirmation

• Local ward recommendation

All foreign documents must be notarized and, if not in English or Nepali, officially translated.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Register Marriage in Nepal as a Foreigner

Step 1: Arrival and Residency Completion

Foreign nationals must complete 15 days of stay in Nepal.

Step 2: Obtain Embassy No Objection Certificate

Visit your country’s embassy in Kathmandu to obtain a NOC confirming:

• Identity

• Single status

• Legal eligibility to marry

Step 3: Prepare and Verify Documents

Documents are:

• Notarized

• Translated (if required)

• Legally verified

Step 4: File Application at District Court

Submit a joint marriage application at the District Court with all documents.

Step 5: Court Review and Statements

The court:

• Verifies documents

• Records statements of both parties

• Confirms free consent

Step 6: Marriage Registration and Certificate Issuance

Once approved:

• Marriage is officially registered

• Court Marriage Certificate is issued

This certificate is legally valid in Nepal and internationally (subject to apostille or legalization).

Cost and Government Fees for Court Marriage in Nepal

Official Court Fees

• NPR 500 – 1,000 (nominal government fee)

Additional Costs (Approximate)

• Notary and translation: NPR 5,000 – 15,000

• Embassy NOC fees: Varies by country

• Legal service fees: Depends on complexity

Foreigners often hire legal assistance to avoid document rejection and procedural delays.

Timeline: How Long Does Court Marriage Take?

Total average time: 18–25 days

Common Challenges for Expatriate Marriage in Nepal

Embassy Delays

Some embassies take longer to issue No Objection Certificates.

Document Rejection

Incorrect translations or incomplete notarization often lead to rejection.

Visa Issues

Expired or incorrect visa types can delay proceedings.

Legal Interpretation Differences

Foreign marital laws sometimes conflict with Nepali requirements.

Professional legal guidance significantly reduces these risks.

FAQs: Foreigners Court Marriage Nepal

Is court marriage in Nepal valid internationally?

Yes. However, you may need apostille or embassy legalization for use abroad.

Can two foreigners marry in Nepal?

Yes, if both meet eligibility and residency requirements.

Is religious marriage required?

No. Court marriage is purely a civil judicial process.

Can same-sex couples do court marriage in Nepal?

Nepal recognizes same-sex relationships constitutionally, but formal court marriage registration is still legally evolving and handled case-by-case.

Can marriage be registered without a lawyer?

Yes, but foreigners commonly face documentation challenges without legal support.

Why Choose Court Marriage in Nepal?

• Legally secure and transparent

• Recognized by courts and embassies

• Ideal for international couples

• Avoids religious or cultural complications