Court marriage, also referred to as paper marriage, is an increasingly popular legal route for couples in Nepal, including both Nepali citizens and foreign nationals. The matters relating to court marriage in Nepal is governed by the National Civil (Code) Act, 2074 (2017).
This article outlines the legal basis, procedural steps, required documents, and special considerations for international applicants for court marriage in Nepal.
A. Legal Basis
National Civil (Code) Act, 2074 (2017) law permits individuals to register their marriage either through:
- Court marriage, which involves applying directly to the District Court; or
- Social/religious marriage registration, which involves registering a marriage conducted through cultural or religious rituals at the local level ward office.
Although the law also allows for registration at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate, this practice is not yet widely adopted.
B. Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage (Involving a foreigner)
To be eligible for court marriage, both parties must:
- Be at least 20 years old;
- Be unmarried at the time of registration (or legally divorced); and
- Mutually agree to enter into marriage.
In addition to the above, the foreign citizen must:
- Have stayed in Nepal for at least 15 continuous days;
- Obtain and present a Single Status Certificate from their Embassy or relevant government authority in their home country;
- Provide a notarized English translation of their country’s marriage laws.
C. Step-by-Step Registration Process
The court marriage process is relatively straightforward but requires precise documentation and physical presence of both applicants.
A step-by-step procedure for registration of court marriage involving foreigner in Nepal is provided below:
| S.N. | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Obtain Single Status Certificate; |
| 2 | Apply at the District Court, submitting all required documents; |
| 3 | The court examines the documents and may seek clarification if needed; |
| 4 | Upon satisfaction, the court grants the marriage certificate; |
| 5 | Both parties and two witnesses must be physically present on the day of certificate issuance. |
D. Required Documents and Timeline
The documents required for completion of court marriage procedure involving a foreigner in Nepal are as follows:
| S.N. | Document | Applicable to |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citizenship certificates (notarized) | Nepali citizen |
| 2 | Passport copy with valid visa | Foreigner |
| 3 | Single status letter issued by local level ward office in case of Nepali, and issued by Embassy or home country in case of foreigner | Both Nepali and foreigner |
| 4 | Witness citizenship (notarized): One from each party | Both Nepali and foreigner |
| 5 | Temporary residence (15 days) letter issued by ward office | Both Nepali (if applying from different district) and foreigner |
| 6 | Passport-size photos | Both Nepali and foreigner |
| 7 | Divorce decree, if applicable | Both Nepali and foreigner |
| 8 | Notarized foreign marriage law in English language | Foreigner |
Timeline: Approximately 19 to 22 working days (buffer included for document clarifications).
E. Legal Validity and International Recognition
A marriage certificate issued through a court marriage in Nepal is legally binding and recognised for all civil and administrative purposes within Nepal.
For international recognition, especially if either spouse is a foreign national or intends to use the certificate abroad:
- Notarise the certificate at the Department of National Personal Records (Rastriya Kitabkhana).
- Attest the notarised certificate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal.
These steps enhance the credibility of the document for visa, immigration, and family law procedures internationally.
F. Fees and Charges
| Service | Fee (NPR) |
| Single Status Certificate | Varies by municipality |
| Temporary Residence Certificate (Nepali) | NPR 2,000 |
| Temporary Residence Certificate (Foreigner) | NPR 10,000 |
| Court Registration | NPR 500 |
Final Thoughts
Court marriage in Nepal is a legally efficient and flexible option for couples seeking formal recognition of their union, whether they are both Nepali citizens or involve a foreign partner. However, navigating the legal system and ensuring documentation is accurate requires careful attention.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement. No attorney-client relationship is created through this content. Gandhi & Associates assumes no liability for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on information contained herein.
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