Foreign Marriage Registration in Nepal is the legal procedure to record a marriage between a Nepali citizen and a foreign national at the District Administration Office. This process validates the union under Nepali law, enabling visa applications and international recognition.
In Nepal, this process is governed by the Muluki Civil Code 2074 (2017). The registration is handled by the District Administration Office (DAO) within the jurisdiction where the marriage is solemnized or where the Nepali spouse resides. For NRNs (Non-Resident Nepalis), marriages can also be registered through diplomatic missions abroad.
The framework for Foreign Marriage Registration in Nepal is strictly defined to ensure cross-border legal validity.
Governing Law:Muluki Civil Code 2074 (Civil Code), specifically the Chapter on Marriage.
Regulatory Body: The District Administration Office (DAO) or the Chief District Officer (CDO).
Jurisdiction: Registration must occur at the DAO where the marriage took place or where the Nepali citizen has permanent residence. For marriages occurring outside Nepal between two Nepalis or a Nepali and a foreigner, the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in that respective country holds the authority.
Section 2: Who Can Initiate/Apply? (Eligibility)
To apply for Foreign Marriage Registration in Nepal, the following parties must meet specific criteria:
A Nepali Citizen: Any individual holding Nepali citizenship who wishes to marry a foreign national.
A Foreign National: An individual holding a valid passport from another country, present in Nepal or residing abroad.
Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 20 years old (as per the Muluki Civil Code 2074).
Marital Status: Both parties must be legally single, unmarried, divorced, or widowed. Bigamy is strictly prohibited and punishable under the Muluki Criminal Code 2074.
Consent: Both parties must enter the marriage voluntarily and with sound mind, without undue influence or coercion.
Prohibited Relationship: The parties must not be within the prohibited degrees of relationship (incestuous relationships) as defined by Nepali law.
Section 3: The Step-by-Step Process
The process for Foreign Marriage Registration in Nepal involves distinct phases, from securing permission to final attestation.
Phase 1: Preparation & Pre-Requirements
Secure No Objection Certificate (NOC): The foreign national must visit their Embassy in Nepal to obtain a "No Objection Letter" or "Letter of Eligibility to Marry." This confirms their home country recognizes the marriage.
Translate Documents: All foreign documents (passports, NOCs) must be translated into English or Nepali and notarized by a notary public in Nepal.
Temporary Residence Permit: If the foreigner is on a tourist visa, they may need to visit the Department of Immigration to update their visa purpose or acquire a temporary residence certificate, though a valid visa is often sufficient for the DAO application.
Phase 2: Filing the Application
Visit the DAO: Both parties must visit the relevant District Administration Office together.
Submit the Application: Submit the completed application form (available at the DAO), along with the Deed of Consent (a formal declaration of intent to marry).
Document Verification: The Marriage Registration Officer reviews all documents. If the foreigner’s NOC is not in English, a certified translation is mandatory.
Phase 3: Registration & Approval
Witness Verification: Two witnesses (usually one from each side) must be present with their citizenship/passport copies to sign the marriage deed.
Payment of Fees: Pay the government-prescribed revenue stamp fee at the DAO counter.
** issuance of Certificate:** Upon successful verification, the CDO signs and seals the Marriage Registration Certificate.
Phase 4: Post-Registration (Attestation)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA): To make the marriage valid for use outside Nepal (e.g., for spouse visa), the certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu.
Section 4: Comparison Table
Below is a comparison of the methods for registering a marriage involving a foreign national.
Method/Type
Location
Estimated Time
Complexity
Cost (Approx.)
Direct Registration at DAO
District Admin Office (Kathmandu or elsewhere)
1-3 Days
Moderate (Requires NOC & Translations)
NRs 500 - NRs 5,000 (incl. legal fees)
Registration at Embassy
Nepalese Embassy abroad (e.g., India, USA)
Varies (1-2 weeks)
High (Requires extensive paperwork from both countries)
High (Diplomatic fees vary)
Court Marriage (Special Case)
District Court
1-3 Weeks
High (Required if parents/minors involved or disputes)
NRs 10,000+ (Legal fees)
Section 5: Required Documents Checklist
To ensure a smooth Foreign Marriage Registration in Nepal, bring the following documents to the DAO:
For the Foreign National:
Valid Passport (original and copies).
Valid Visa (original and copies).
Embassy No Objection Certificate (NOC): Stating the foreigner is free to marry.
Proof of Marital Status: Divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse (if applicable).
Passport-sized photographs (typically 4 copies).
For the Nepali Citizen:
Citizenship Certificate (original and copies).
Passport (if available).
Temporary Residence Certificate (optional, if requested by the DAO to prove local residence).
Passport-sized photographs (typically 4 copies).
Joint/Other Documents:
Deed of Consent: The specific application form declaring intent to marry.
Witness Details: Citizenship copies of two witnesses.
Translated Documents: Notarized English/Nepali translations of all foreign-language documents.
Section 6: Key Factors, Costs & Maintenance
Legal Validity: A marriage registered in Nepal is generally valid globally due to international treaties, but attestation by the foreigner's home embassy may still be required for immigration purposes.
Spouse Visa Nepal: After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a Residential Visa (Non-Tourist) at the Department of Immigration, provided the Nepali sponsor can prove financial stability.
Cost Breakdown:
DAO Fee: Nominal (approx. NRs 500).
Legal/Lawyer Fee: NRs 3,000 – NRs 10,000 depending on complexity.
Embassy Fee: Varies by country.
MoFA Attestation: Approx. NRs 1,000 – NRs 2,000.
Property Rights: Under the Muluki Civil Code 2074, foreign spouses do not automatically acquire property rights. However, they can inherit property, and in some cases, acquire citizenship after meeting specific residency requirements (usually 15 years for naturalization, though specific provisions exist for spouses of Nepalis).
Section 7: Timeline & Time Required
The timeline for Foreign Marriage Registration in Nepal depends heavily on the preparation stage.
Total Estimated Time:3 to 7 Working Days (assuming no delays).
Day 1-2: Obtaining the Embassy No Objection Certificate (this is the biggest variable; some embassies issue it same-day, others take weeks).
Day 3: Document translation and notarization.
Day 4: Visit to the DAO, filing, and receiving the certificate (often same-day if submitted early).
Day 5: Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
Conclusion
Navigating Foreign Marriage Registration in Nepal requires strict adherence to the Muluki Civil Code 2074 and diplomatic protocols. While the process is straightforward if you have the correct documents, bureaucratic hurdles—such as obtaining the Embassy No Objection Certificate—can cause delays. Whether you are an NRI, an expat, or a Nepali citizen, ensuring your marriage is legally registered is crucial for visa processing and family law rights.
Need expert assistance with your marriage registration or visa application? Contact our legal team today for a consultation to ensure your paperwork is flawless.
Disclaimer:This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage laws and immigration policies are subject to change. Please consult with a qualified legal professional or the relevant government authorities in Nepal before proceeding.
February 08, 2026 - BY Admin