Here are details answer to the most commonly asked question about the marriage registration process in Nepal.
In Nepal, marriage registration is not legally mandatory for a marriage to be considered valid. Traditional or religious ceremonies are recognized under the law if they meet the legal criteria for marriage. However, registering your marriage with the local ward office is compulsory.
Marriage in Nepal is registered under the National Civil Code Act, 2074 at Court. Registration at the ward office is compulsory after the completion of court marriage or social custom.
Both the bride and groom must be at least 20 years old to register a marriage in Nepal.
Yes, marriage can be registered in Nepal even if one partner is not a Nepali citizen. According to the National Civil Code Act,2074 a marriage between a Nepali citizen and a foreign national is legally recognized, provided both individuals meet the legal requirements for marriage in Nepal, such as minimum age and mutual consent. The couple must submit necessary documents, including valid identification, proof of marital status, and citizenship details.
To register a marriage in Nepal, the following documents are required:
Application Form: Completed marriage registration form obtained from the district court.
Citizenship Certificates: Original and copies of citizenship certificates for both parties.
Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of both individuals (usually two copies each).
Proof of Residence: Documents verifying the permanent address of both individuals.
Witnesses: Presence of witnesses during registration required; they should carry their identification documents.
Additional Documents for Foreign Nationals:
Valid passport and visa.
No Objection Letter from the respective embassy or consulate.
Proof of unmarried status or divorce decree, if previously married.
Online marriage registration is not yet available in Nepal. However, individuals can access application forms and relevant information through official websites before visiting the local ward office or district court . This helps streamline the process, but physical presence is still required for document verification, witness signatures, and the issuance of the marriage certificate.
Marriage registration in Nepal typically takes around 2 days to complete, provided all required documents are submitted correctly and there are no complications. On the first day, the couple submits the application and necessary documents at the district court. If everything is in order, the registration is usually processed within a day, and the official marriage certificate is issued the next day. However, the duration may vary slightly depending on the specific office and workload.
For marriage registration in Nepal, two witnesses are required. Both witnesses must be present during the registration process at the local ward office or district court and must carry valid identification documents. Their role is to confirm the identity of the couple and verify that the marriage was conducted with mutual consent. Witnesses can be family members, relatives, or friends who have crossed 18 years of age.
Government Fees for Court Marriage in Nepal
Application Fee (Court Registry): NPR 500/-
Single Status Certificate (Ward Office): Varies by municipality
Temporary Residence Certificate (Nepali Citizen): NPR 2,000/-
Temporary Residence Certificate (Foreign Citizen): NPR 10,000/-
Note: Government Fee depends upon the Municipality.
These fees are required for processing the necessary documents for court marriage registration in Nepal. The costs may vary depending on the municipality and specific circumstances.
In Nepal, there are no penalties for not registering a marriage. The marriage remains legally valid even without registration. However, failing to register the marriage can create problems when you need an official marriage certificate for purposes like applying for a visa, property rights, or inheritance. It is strongly recommended to register your marriage to avoid complications and ensure that you have the necessary legal documentation for various administrative or legal matters.
A marriage certificate takes two days to obtain. You can submit your application for the marriage certificate on the first day, and the certificate will be issued on the second day. But in the local ward office, you can get the certificate within a day.
In case of errors in the marriage certificate, couple should:
Need to file an application at Cour, if court marriage is done
Contact the issuing office ( Local Register’s Office) as soon as you notice the error.
Yes, the presence of both partners is mandatory at the time of marriage registration in Nepal. Both individuals must be physically present at the local ward office or district court for the registration process. This is required to verify their identities, ensure mutual consent, and complete the necessary formalities for obtaining the marriage certificate. Without the presence of both partners, the registration cannot be processed.
Registering a marriage in Nepal provides several important benefits:
Legal Recognition: A registered marriage is legally recognized, providing official proof of the marital relationship, which is important for various legal matters.
Access to Legal Rights: Registered marriages ensure both partners have access to legal rights, including property rights, inheritance, and the ability to make medical or financial decisions for each other.
Documentation for Administrative Purposes: A marriage certificate is often required for various administrative procedures such as applying for a passport, visas, or other legal documents.
Proof for Immigration and Travel: If one partner is a foreign national, registering the marriage is often necessary for visa and immigration processes, ensuring both spouses can live and travel together internationally.
Social Security and Benefits: Registered marriages help ensure eligibility for social security, insurance benefits, and other government schemes.
Protection in Case of Disputes: A registered marriage provides clarity and legal protection in case of separation, divorce, or disputes, including division of assets or child custody.
No, marriage between minors cannot be registered in Nepal. According to the National Civil Code Act, 2017, the legal minimum age for marriage is 20 years for both men and women without parental consent. Marriages involving individuals under this age, particularly minors, are not legally recognized or permitted. If one or both individuals are underage, the marriage cannot be registered, as it would violate the legal provisions regarding the minimum age for marriage in Nepal.
Yes, a registered marriage can be annulled in Nepal under certain legal conditions. According to the National Civil Code Act, 2017, a marriage may be annulled if it was conducted without the free consent of either party, if one party was underage at the time of marriage, or if the marriage violates other legal requirements, such as being between close blood relatives. To annul a marriage, either party must file a case in the appropriate district court, and the court will review the circumstances to determine if the marriage should be legally declared void. Once annulled, the marriage is considered legally invalid from the beginning.
conclusion
In conclusion, marriage registration is a crucial step that not only formalizes the relationship in the eyes of the law but also offers long-term security, clarity, and convenience. Every couple whether married traditionally, religiously, or through court procedures is strongly encouraged to complete the registration process to ensure their union is legally protected and fully recognized.