The Constitution of Nepal 2015 establishes the fundamental right to marry under Article 18 (Right to Equality) and Article 38 (Right to Women). Article 74 specifically addresses marriage registration as a fundamental right, mandating that every person has the right to marry and establish a family according to their custom, tradition, and law.
Muluki Civil Code 2074 (2017) serves as the principal legislation governing marriage registration in Nepal. Section 67 through Section 84 specifically address marriage provisions, including:
Muluki Civil Procedure Code 2074 provides the procedural framework for court-registered marriages and dispute resolution mechanisms.
National Civil Code (Muluki Ain) 2020 Amendments introduced streamlined processes for NRI marriages and digital documentation requirements.
Nepal is a signatory to several international conventions affecting foreign marriages:
Nepal maintains bilateral agreements with India regarding marriage recognition under the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which facilitates easier registration processes for Indian nationals and NRIs.
For a foreign marriage to be recognized and registered in Nepal, the following conditions must be satisfied:
| Legal Requirement | Specific Provision | Compliance Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | Section 70, Muluki Civil Code 2074 | 20 years for both parties |
| Consent | Section 67(2) | Free consent without coercion |
| Monogamy | Section 67(3) | Neither party married at time of registration |
| Prohibited Relationships | Section 69 | Blood relations within prescribed degrees prohibited |
| Mental Capacity | Section 67(4) | Sound mental condition required |
Section 76 of the Muluki Civil Code 2074 explicitly recognizes marriages solemnized outside Nepal if:
Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) are afforded special consideration under:
1. Kathmandu District Court
For marriages involving foreign nationals or NRIs, the Kathmandu District Court serves as the primary registration authority when:
Contact: Kathmandu District Court, Babarmahal, Kathmandu
Jurisdiction: All foreign marriages where Nepali law applies
2. Local Ward Offices (Gaunpalika/Nagarpalika)
Under Section 74 of the Muluki Civil Code, local ward offices maintain marriage registration for:
3. Ministry of Home Affairs
The Ministry oversees:
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Responsible for:
5. Embassy/Consulate Offices
Foreign embassies in Nepal, particularly the Indian Embassy, process:
| Authority | Function | Relevant Law |
|---|---|---|
| Department of National ID and Civil Registration | Centralized marriage database | Civil Registration Act 2073 |
| Nepal Police | Background verification | Police Act 2012 |
| Department of Immigration | Spouse visa processing | Immigration Act 1992 |
| Inland Revenue Department | Tax clearance verification | Income Tax Act 2058 |
Foreign marriage registration is the legal process by which marriages involving foreign nationals, NRIs, or marriages solemnized abroad are officially recorded and recognized under Nepali law. This process creates a legal record that is valid for immigration, property transactions, inheritance, and legal proceedings within Nepal.
Eligible Registrants:
Special Categories:
Mandatory Registration Timeline:
Recommended Timing:
Jurisdiction Determination:
| Scenario | Registration Authority | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Both parties present in Nepal | Kathmandu District Court | Babarmahal, Kathmandu |
| One party residing abroad | Local Ward Office + Court verification | Respective ward or Kathmandu |
| Marriage performed at embassy | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Singha Durbar, Kathmandu |
| Urgent registration | High Court (special petition) | Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur |
Regional Considerations:
Legal Necessities:
Practical Implications:
The registration process involves document preparation, authority verification, application submission, judicial or administrative review, and certificate issuance. Detailed step-by-step procedures are outlined in Section 8 below.
For the Nepali Citizen:
For the NRI/Foreign National:
Indian Nationals (NRI/PIO):
Other Foreign Nationals:
Marriages are prohibited and cannot be registered when:
| Prohibition | Legal Basis | Exception |
|---|---|---|
| Underage marriage | Section 70, Muluki Civil Code | None (strict liability) |
| Bigamy | Section 67(3) | Previous marriage legally dissolved |
| Consanguinity | Section 69 | Customary law exceptions for some communities |
| Mental incapacity | Section 67(4) | Court-appointed guardian consent |
| Coercion | Section 67(2) | Free consent established post-facto |
From Nepali Citizen:
From NRI/Foreign National:
For Indian Nationals:
For Previously Married Applicants:
Document Authentication Requirements:
| Document Type | Authentication Level | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Apostille (Hague Convention) or Embassy Legalization | 5-15 days |
| Single Status Certificate | Notarization + Apostille/Legalization | 3-10 days |
| Divorce Decree | Court-certified copy + Apostille | 7-14 days |
| Passport Copy | Notarized copy acceptable | Same day |
All documents not in English or Nepali must be:
Step 1: Document Collection
Step 2: Legal Consultation
Step 3: Embassy Coordination (For NRIs)
Step 4: Ward Office Application
Step 5: Court Registration (For Foreign Nationals)
Step 6: Notice Publication
Step 7: Document Verification
Step 8: Judicial Interview
Step 9: Marriage Registration
Step 10: Certificate Collection
Step 11: Embassy Notification
Detailed Process Flowchart:
February 25, 2026 - BY Admin
Document Preparation → Embassy Attestation → Ward Office/Court Filing →
Notice Period → Verification → Judicial Interview →
Registration → Certificate Issuance → Embassy UpdateWard Office Registration:
Court Registration (Foreign Nationals):
Legal Consultation:
Attorney Representation:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Document Apostille/Legalization | 5,000 - 15,000 | Per document, varies by country |
| Translation Services | 2,000 - 5,000 | Per document |
| Notarization | 500 - 2,000 | Per document |
| Embassy Fees (NOC) | 2,000 - 10,000 | Varies by embassy |
| Travel/Accommodation | 10,000 - 50,000 | For out-of-district applicants |
| Photography | 1,000 - 2,000 | Passport specifications |
Simple Ward Office Registration (Indian NRI): NPR 25,000 - 40,000
Court Registration with Attorney: NPR 75,000 - 150,000
Complex International Cases: NPR 200,000+
Note: Costs vary based on document complexity, urgency, and specific circumstances. Attorney Nepal PVT LTD offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
| Phase | Duration | Critical Path Items |
|---|---|---|
| Document Preparation | 1-2 weeks | Apostille processing, translations |
| Embassy Attestation | 3-10 days | Varies by embassy workload |
| Application Filing | 1-3 days | Document verification |
| Notice Period | 7 days | Mandatory waiting period |
| Judicial Processing | 1-2 weeks | Court schedule dependent |
| Certificate Issuance | 1-3 days | Administrative processing |
| Total Standard Timeline | 4-8 weeks |
Urgent Registration (Court Petition):
Emergency Provisions:
Delays Common:
Timeline Optimization Tips:
Visa Requirements:
Registration with Immigration:
Income Tax Considerations:
Property Tax:
Nepali Social Security:
| Compliance | Frequency | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate Renewal | 10 years | Issuing authority |
| Address Update | Upon change | Ward office/Immigration |
| Visa Extension | As per visa type | Department of Immigration |
| Tax Filing | Annual | Inland Revenue Department |
Recognition in Foreign Jurisdictions:
Property Rights:
Q1: Can an NRI register marriage in Nepal without being physically present?
Physical presence of both parties is generally required for marriage registration in Nepal. However, in exceptional circumstances, Power of Attorney may be accepted by Kathmandu District Court with proper authentication. The Power of Attorney must be apostilled and specifically authorize marriage registration. Attorney Nepal PVT LTD has successfully processed such cases with appropriate legal documentation.
Q2: Is a marriage performed in India automatically recognized in Nepal?
Marriages performed in India are recognized in Nepal under Section 76 of the Muluki Civil Code 2074, provided they comply with Indian law. However, registration at the appropriate Nepali authority is required for legal documentation within Nepal. The Indian marriage certificate must be apostilled and registered at the local ward office or Kathmandu District Court within 90 days.
Q3: What is the difference between court marriage and ward office registration for NRIs?
Court marriage (Kathmandu District Court) is mandatory when one party is a foreign national or NRI, as it provides judicial oversight and international recognition. Ward office registration is primarily for Nepali citizens and offers administrative registration. NRIs must use the court process for valid legal recognition in Nepal.
Q4: How long is the foreign marriage registration valid in Nepal?
Marriage registration in Nepal is permanent and does not expire. However, the marriage certificate may require renewal or updated authentication for certain administrative purposes after 10 years. The legal validity of the marriage itself remains indefinite unless dissolved through legal divorce proceedings.
Q5: What if my home country does not issue Single Status Certificates?
In jurisdictions where Single Status Certificates are not issued, an affidavit sworn before a Notary Public or competent authority may be accepted. The affidavit must declare current marital status, history of previous marriages, and legal capacity to marry. Kathmandu District Court evaluates such affidavits on a case-by-case basis. Legal counsel from Attorney Nepal PVT LTD can prepare acceptable alternative documentation.
Q6: Can same-sex marriages be registered in Nepal for foreign nationals?
Nepali law currently recognizes only heterosexual marriages under the Muluki Civil Code 2074. While Nepal has made progress in LGBTQ+ rights, including recognition of third gender, same-sex marriage registration is not yet legally established for either Nepali citizens or foreign nationals. Legal alternatives such as partnership agreements may be explored with qualified attorneys.
Q7: What documents need apostille for NRI marriage registration?
Documents requiring apostille include: birth certificate, single status certificate, divorce decree (if applicable), and any court orders related to previous marriages. The apostille must be obtained from the issuing country under the Hague Convention. Indian documents require apostille from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
Q8: How do I register my marriage if I married abroad and now live in Nepal?
Foreign marriages must be registered at the local ward office or Kathmandu District Court within 90 days of establishing residence in Nepal. Submit the foreign marriage certificate (apostilled), passports, visa documentation, and proof of residence. The registration process validates the foreign marriage under Nepali law for local legal purposes.
Q9: Can I get married in Nepal on a tourist visa?
Yes, foreign nationals and NRIs can marry in Nepal on a tourist visa. However, the visa must remain valid throughout the registration process. Post-registration, the spouse may apply for visa conversion or extension based on the marital relationship. It is advisable to consult with immigration attorneys regarding long-term visa options.
Q10: What happens if my NRI spouse refuses to register the marriage in Nepal?
If one party refuses to cooperate with registration, the other party may file a petition at Kathmandu District Court for marriage validation under Section 76 of the Muluki Civil Code. The court may summon the non-cooperating party and issue directions for registration. Legal representation is essential in such contested matters.
Q11: Are live-in relationships recognized for NRI couples in Nepal?
Nepali law does not provide legal recognition to live-in relationships or common-law marriages. For legal rights including property, inheritance, and immigration benefits, formal marriage registration is required. Cohabitation alone does not create marital rights under current Nepali legislation.
Q12: How does foreign marriage registration affect my property rights in Nepal?
Registered foreign marriage establishes joint property rights under Section 99 of the Muluki Civil Code 2074. Both spouses acquire equal rights to property acquired during the marriage. For NRIs, this includes repatriation rights for investments and inheritance rights in case of spouse's demise. Unregistered marriages may face challenges in property claims.
Q13: Can I get a Nepali citizenship through marriage to an NRI?
Marriage to an NRI (Indian national) does not automatically confer Nepali citizenship. Foreign spouses may apply for naturalization after residing in Nepal for 15 continuous years under the Nepal Citizenship Act 2063. However, marriage registration is a prerequisite for such applications and facilitates the long-term visa process.
Q14: What if my marriage certificate has errors? How can I correct them?
Errors in marriage certificates can be corrected through the issuing authority (court or ward office) by filing a correction application with supporting evidence. For substantive errors, court intervention may be required. Attorney Nepal PVT LTD provides certificate correction services with expedited processing.
Q15: How do I register my marriage in India after registering in Nepal?
Nepali marriage certificates must be apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal, and then registered at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's office in India under the Foreign Marriage Act 1969. The process requires both parties' presence, original certificates, and compliance with Indian registration requirements.
Foreign marriage registration involves complex documentation, authentication requirements, and legal procedures that vary based on nationality and circumstances. Attorney Nepal PVT LTD maintains the best lawyers specializing in family law and NRI legal matters, with extensive experience at Kathmandu District Court and administrative bodies across Nepal.
Our legal team has successfully processed hundreds of foreign marriage registrations for clients from India, USA, UK, Australia, and Gulf countries. We provide comprehensive services including document preparation, embassy coordination, court representation, and post-registration compliance.
For expert legal assistance with your foreign marriage registration in Nepal, contact Attorney Nepal PVT LTD. Our attorneys ensure compliance with all legal requirements while minimizing processing time and complications.
This blog post is prepared for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is based on the Muluki Civil Code 2074, Constitution of Nepal 2015, and current administrative practices as of the publication date. Laws and procedures are subject to amendment, and specific circumstances may require different approaches.
Foreign marriage registration involves complex legal requirements that vary by nationality, previous marital status, and individual circumstances. Readers are strongly advised to consult with qualified legal professionals before initiating any legal process. Attorney Nepal PVT LTD and the authors disclaim any liability for actions taken based on this information without proper legal consultation.
Government fees and processing times are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with the relevant authorities or legal counsel before proceeding with applications.