Court Marriage Registration With Foreigner in Nepal
For couples where one or both partners are foreigners seeking to marry in Nepal, understanding the legal requirements and procedures is essential. This comprehensive guide will provide you detail guide relating to court marriage registration in Nepal with foreigners.

Can Foreigners Get Married in Nepal?
Yes, foreigners can absolutely get married in Nepal. Nepal’s marriage law permit marriages between foreigners and Nepali citizens and marriages between two foreign nationals on Nepali soil.
Governing Laws Relating Marriage in Nepal
Nepal marriage law for foreigners is governed primarily by the National Civil Code, 2074 (2017), which establishes several key legal provisions that international couples must understand.
Important legal provisions include the following:
- Marriages must be consensual for both parties;
- Both parties must meet the minimum age requirement of 20 years;
- Neither party can be currently married to someone else;
- The parties cannot be within prohibited degrees of relationship, i.e., incestuous relation;
- Both parties must be mentally capable of consenting to marriage;
- Foreign nationals must reside in Nepal for at least 15 days, before submitting an application for court marriage before the relevant court.
Documents Required for Court Marriage in Nepal for Foreigner
The required documents for marriage registration in Nepal with foreigner are as follows:
- Passport of both male and female;
- Single/unmarried status from the respective country;
- No Objection Stamp from the respective Embassy;
- 2 witnesses and their citizenship;
- 4 pp size photos of both applicant;
- Temporary residence letter of at least 15 days;
- Marriage related law of the applicant’s respective country.
Step by step process of how to get married in Nepal as a foreigner
To get court marriage in Nepal as a foreigner involves several distinct pathways, each with its own procedures and requirements. The two most common approaches are:
- Entry requirements: Ensure you have a valid visa to enter and remain in Nepal during the marriage process. Tourist visas are acceptable for this purpose.
- Documentation preparation: Gather all required documents, including passport, single status certificate from your home country.
- Local registration: Both parties must appear at the local ward office and get a letter of temporary residence in Nepal.
- Witness arrangement: Arrange for at least two witnesses who can attest to the validity of your relationship.
- Application submission: Submit the completed marriage registration form along with all required documents.
- Verification process: Your documents will be reviewed, and you may be interviewed briefly about your relationship by the Judge.
- Certificate issuance: Upon approval, you will receive your official marriage certificate.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Nepal for Foreigners?
These estimate prices can vary significantly depending on location within Nepal, season, and requirements. Planning ahead and working with local contacts can help manage costs effectively.
Current Age Requirements:
Minimum age for marriage without consent is 20 years for both male and female.
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Can foreigners get married in Nepal without visiting in person?
No, physical presence is required for both parties for court marriage in Nepal.
How long does a foreigner need to stay in Nepal to get married legally?
There is no minimum residency requirement for foreigners to marry in Nepal. However, the practical process typically takes 2-4 weeks from arrival to certificate issuance, depending on document readiness and processing times. Planning for at least a 30-day stay is advisable to account for potential delays.
Can a Nepali marry a foreigner if the foreigner is divorced?
Yes, divorced foreigners can marry Nepali citizens, but they must provide official divorce documentation from their home country. This documentation must be authenticated, translated if not in English or Nepali, and verified by Nepali authorities. Previous marriage dissolution must be complete and legal in both the foreigner's home country and Nepal.
Is it possible to have both a legal registration and a traditional Nepali wedding ceremony?
Absolutely. Many international couples choose to complete the legal registration first and then celebrate with traditional ceremonies. Alternatively, some perform the traditional ceremony first and use photographs and witness statements from the ceremony as supporting evidence during the subsequent legal registration process.
What happens if our marriage in Nepal is not registered with the foreign partner's home country?
Failure to register your Nepali marriage with the foreign partner's home country can lead to complications regarding immigration, taxation, property rights, and legal status. While the marriage remains valid in Nepal, recognition in the foreign country may be limited without proper registration or authentication. This could affect spouse visa applications, inheritance rights, and other legal matters in the foreign country.