How to do Bihe Darta in Nepal

MIntroduction

Bihe Darta, or marriage registration, in Nepal is a legally recognized process through which a marriage is officially recorded with the District Court or the local Ward Office. This process is governed by the Muluki Civil Code, 2017 and the Marriage Registration Act, 1971, ensuring that all marriages meet legal standards for eligibility, consent, and documentation. Bihe Darta provides couples with a legally valid marriage certificate that is essential for civil, administrative, and international purposes, including citizenship updates, inheritance claims, visa applications, and banking transactions.

Marriage registration in Nepal can be done traditionally at the local Ward Office or legally at the District Court for civil or court marriages. Couples from interfaith, intercaste, or international backgrounds often choose court-based Bihe Darta for legal clarity. The process now includes online pre-registration options, allowing applicants to submit documents digitally while completing final verification in person. Legal guidance from firms like Medha Law and Partners ensures accurate document preparation, affidavit drafting, and compliance with all legal requirements. Medha Law and Partners Is a leading law firm in Nepal.

Legal Basis for Bihe Darta in Nepal

The legal framework for Bihe Darta is primarily established by:

1. Muluki Civil Code, 2017 (Part 4, Sections 67–70)

   • Defines marriage, eligibility, consent, and prohibited relationships.

   • Section 67: Marriage is based on mutual consent between a legally eligible man and woman.

   • Section 68: Minimum age of marriage is 20 years.

   • Sections 69–70: Consent, prohibition of bigamy, and prevention of fraudulent marriages.

2. Marriage Registration Act, 1971

   • Provides procedural authority for registering marriages in the official register.

   • Grants District Courts and Ward Offices the authority to issue legally recognized certificates.

3. Local Government Operation Act, 2017

   • Mandates local governments to maintain accurate civil status records.

   • Ensures that registered marriages are accessible for administrative and legal verification.

4. Judicial Oversight

   • For court marriages, judges verify voluntary consent, identity, and eligibility before registration.

Bihe Darta ensures that marriages are officially recorded, provides legal protection to spouses, and prevents disputes over marital status. Compliance with these laws guarantees enforceable rights for inheritance, property claims, and spousal benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for Bihe Darta

Marriage registration in Nepal is clearly defined by the Muluki Civil Code, 2017:

• Both individuals must be at least 20 years old.

• Must have full mental capacity and provide voluntary consent.

• Both parties must be unmarried at the time of registration.

• Previously married individuals must provide a court-verified divorce decree or death certificate of a deceased spouse.

• At least one partner must provide residency documentation in Nepal.

• Foreign nationals must submit passport, visa, and single status affidavit.

• Couples must not be in prohibited relationships (close blood relations or adoptive restrictions).

Marriage eligibility verification is conducted during both online or in-person registration. Legal professionals, such as Medha Law and Partners, ensure that all documents meet these criteria to avoid delays or rejection.

Required Documents for Bihe Darta in Nepal

Proper documentation is essential for a successful Bihe Darta. Both physical and online registration require verified original or notarized documents. Legal guidance ensures all documents comply with the Muluki Civil Code, 2017 and the Marriage Registration Act, 1971.

Documents Required:

• Citizenship Certificates of both individuals

• Passport and Visa for foreign nationals

• Ward Residence Certificate or proof of permanent residence

• Birth Registration Certificate or other age verification documents

• Unmarried Status Affidavit or Single Status Declaration

• Divorce Decree or Death Certificate if previously married

• Passport-sized Photographs of both applicants

• Parental Consent Letter (if applicant is a minor under specific legal provisions)

• Notarized and Legalized Foreign Documents for international applicants

• Any additional affidavits or documents requested by the District Court or Ward Office

Documents must match all personal details (name, date of birth, parents’ names). Discrepancies may cause delays or require correction affidavits.

Document Verification Process

Verification ensures that all submitted documents are authentic and comply with legal standards:

1. Identity Verification – Matching uploaded or submitted documents with originals.

2. Age Verification – Confirming eligibility through birth registration or affidavit.

3. Marital Status Verification – Ensuring the applicant is unmarried or legally free.

4. Consent Verification – Confirming voluntary agreement via signed declarations.

5. Residency Verification – Validating ward or municipality records.

Both online and in-person verification are mandatory. Courts or Ward Offices cross-check documents against official civil records before approving Bihe Darta.

Special Requirements for Foreign Nationals

Foreign applicants must meet additional verification requirements:

• Passport and Valid Visa – Identity and legal residence confirmation.

• Single Status Affidavit – Verified by the home country embassy in Nepal.

• Notarization and Legalization – For all foreign-issued documents.

• Translation – Non-English or non-Nepali documents must be translated and notarized.

Foreign nationals are required to appear in person at the District Court or Ward Office to confirm consent and sign the marriage register. The certificate issued after Bihe Darta is legally valid in Nepal and can be legalized for international use.

Step-by-Step Bihe Darta Procedure in Nepal

The Bihe Darta process ensures that marriages are legally registered, verifiable, and recognized under the Muluki Civil Code, 2017. Both traditional Ward Office registration and District Court (court marriage) registration follow structured steps:

Steps:

1. Visit the District Court or Ward Office – Bring all required original documents.

2. Obtain and Fill Application Form – Complete the official marriage registration form with personal and family details.

3. Submit Documents for Verification – Citizenship, birth certificates, photographs, affidavits, and divorce/death certificates if applicable.

4. Preliminary Document Review – Officials check completeness, accuracy, and authenticity of documents.

5. Voluntary Consent Declaration – Both partners sign written declarations confirming free consent.

6. Judicial or Ward Officer Hearing – Court judges or ward officers verify identities, eligibility, and consent.

7. Registration in Official Records – The marriage is entered into the official register after approval.

8. Issuance of Bihe Darta Certificate – Couples receive a legally recognized marriage certificate.

This structured procedure ensures compliance with Nepalese law, prevents fraudulent marriages, and creates enforceable legal rights for spouses.

Timeline for Bihe Darta

The time required for Bihe Darta depends on document completeness and court/ward office workload:

• Document Preparation & Submission: 1–2 days

• Preliminary Verification: 1 day

• Hearing/Statement Recording: 1–3 days depending on availability

• Final Registration & Certificate Issuance: Same day or 1–2 days

Foreign nationals or special cases (previously married individuals, minors) may experience delays due to additional verification, embassy legalization, or translation requirements. Early preparation reduces total processing time.

Fees for Bihe Darta

Fees vary by District Court or Ward Office but generally include:

• Registration Fee: NPR 1,000–2,000

• Document Notarization & Legalization: Variable per document

• Translation Fees: For foreign documents not in Nepali/English

• Legal Service Fees (Optional): For affidavit drafting, document verification, and representation

All fees are officially displayed and payable at the time of submission. Proper document preparation avoids extra costs due to repeated visits or corrections.

Bihe Darta for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals can legally register their marriage in Nepal through Bihe Darta if they comply with all legal requirements. Applicants must provide:

• Valid Passport and Visa

• Single Status Affidavit verified by their embassy in Nepal

• Notarized and legalized documents issued abroad

• Translation in Nepali or English if documents are in another language

While initial document submission can be done online, both partners must appear in person at the District Court or Ward Office for identity verification, consent confirmation, and registration. After approval, couples receive a legally valid marriage certificate which can be legalized for international purposes by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bihe Darta for Interfaith Couples

Interfaith couples benefit from a legally neutral Bihe Darta process. The Muluki Civil Code, 2017, allows marriage registration regardless of religion or cultural background.

• Online or in-person submission requires full documents and voluntary consent.

• District Court or Ward Officer confirms eligibility, identity, and consent without considering religious compatibility.

• Couples may submit additional affidavits to affirm mutual agreement if requested.

This ensures legal recognition of interfaith marriages while bypassing societal or religious restrictions.

Bihe Darta for Intercaste Couples

Intercaste couples are equally entitled to register their marriage under Nepalese law. The process is consistent with legal requirements for all marriages:

• Eligibility verification (age, consent, marital status)

• Submission of required documents (citizenship, residence proof, affidavits)

• Consent confirmation during the court or ward hearing

Bihe Darta provides a legally recognized certificate, giving intercaste couples the same rights and legal protection as any other registered marriage.

Special Cases in Bihe Darta

Certain cases require additional legal attention:

• Previously Married Individuals – Divorce decree or deceased spouse certificate required.

• Minors – Parental consent and judicial approval mandatory under the Civil Code.

• Discrepancies in Personal Records – Name, date of birth, or citizenship mismatches require affidavits or correction certificates.

• Foreign Nationals with Incomplete Documents – Additional affidavits, notarization, and embassy verification may be required.

• Residency Issues – Temporary residence documents may be requested for verification.

Legal assistance from Medha Law and Partners ensures smooth registration in special cases, preventing delays or rejections.

A. Benefits of Bihe Darta in Nepal

Bihe Darta provides a legally recognized framework for marriage registration with several advantages:

1. Legal Recognition
   Registered marriages are fully recognized under the Muluki Civil Code, 2017 and Marriage Registration Act, 1971, ensuring enforceable rights for spouses.

2. Administrative Convenience
   Couples can use the marriage certificate for passport applications, citizenship updates, banking, inheritance, and property transfers.

3. National and International Validity
   Bihe Darta certificates can be legalized for international purposes, making them valid for visa, residency, or immigration applications.

4. Neutral Legal Framework
   Interfaith, intercaste, and foreign-national couples can register without social, cultural, or religious restrictions.

5. Documentation and Security
   Maintaining records in official databases prevents disputes and ensures a permanent legal record of marital status.

B. Challenges in Bihe Darta

While the process is straightforward, applicants may face certain challenges:

1. Incomplete or Mismatched Documents
   Variations in name, age, or marital status can delay registration or require affidavits.

2. Foreign Document Verification
   Embassy authentication, notarization, and translation may take additional time.

3. Administrative Delays
   High workload at District Courts or Ward Offices can prolong registration timelines.

4. Special Case Complications
   Minors, previously married individuals, or those with discrepancies may need judicial approval or additional documentation.

5. Technical or Procedural Misunderstanding
   Some applicants incorrectly assume submission alone completes registration; personal appearance is mandatory.

C. Practical Guidance and Legal Solutions

Legal assistance ensures smooth Bihe Darta registration. Recommendations include:

• Document Review Before Submission
  Ensure all documents are accurate and consistent.

• Affidavit Preparation
  Draft affidavits for name corrections, age verification, or marital status confirmation.

• Embassy Verification
  Foreign nationals must notarize, legalize, and translate documents before submission.

• Court Appointment Preparation
  Attend scheduled hearings with originals and prepared consent statements.

• Post-Registration Updates
  Use the issued marriage certificate to update citizenship records, passports, bank accounts, and property ownership.

Legal firms like Medha Law and Partners guide applicants through each step, ensuring compliance and reducing delays.

A. Comprehensive Document Checklist for Bihe Darta

1. Nepali Citizen Applicants

• Citizenship Certificates of both partners

• Birth Registration Certificates for age verification

• Ward Residence Certificate or proof of permanent residence

• Passport-sized photographs

• Unmarried Status Affidavit or single status declaration

• Digital or physical Application Form for Bihe Darta

• Parental Consent Letter (if required for minors under legal provisions)

2. Previously Married Individuals

• Divorce Decree issued by Nepalese court

• Proof of divorce registration at Ward Office

• Updated marital status affidavit

3. Widows / Widowers

• Death Certificate of previous spouse

• Proof of marriage dissolution

• Updated marital status affidavit

4. Foreign Nationals

• Valid Passport and Visa

• Embassy-verified Single Status Affidavit

• Notarized and legalized foreign-issued documents

• Certified translation if not in Nepali/English

• Police clearance or background verification (if required)

5. Mixed Marriages (Nepali + Foreign National)

• Complete documents for both parties

• Translation and notarization for foreign documents

• Certified interpreter if required

B. Additional Supporting Affidavits

Special circumstances require extra affidavits:

• Name Correction Affidavit

• Age Verification Affidavit

• Loss or Replacement of Documents Affidavit

• Residence Verification Affidavit

• Consent Clarification Affidavit

• Cross-national Marriage Declaration Affidavit

Legal professionals draft affidavits to comply with Muluki Civil Code 2017, ensuring acceptance by the District Court or Ward Office.

C. Verification Procedures

Even for online pre-registration, final verification is mandatory:

1. Identity Check – Confirm digital or submitted documents match originals.

2. Age Verification – Ensure eligibility under Section 68 of the Civil Code.

3. Marital Status Verification – Confirm applicants are unmarried or legally free.

4. Consent Verification – Record voluntary consent in-person.

5. Document Consistency Check – Validate names, dates, and addresses.

6. Foreign Document Authentication – Verify embassy legalization, notarization, and translation.

Discrepancies may require affidavits or correction certificates prepared by legal experts.

D. Legal Timeline for Bihe Darta

Foreign nationals or special cases may take additional time due to document legalization or translation. Accurate preparation reduces delays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does Bihe Darta take in Nepal?
Bihe Darta typically takes 1 to 3 days for Nepali citizens when all documents are complete. Foreign nationals may require additional time for embassy verification, notarization, and translation. Court or Ward Office scheduling can also influence processing time. Proper preparation ensures a smooth process.

2. Can foreigners do Bihe Darta in Nepal?
Yes, foreigners can register their marriage by submitting passport, visa, and embassy-verified single status affidavit. Documents must be notarized, legalized, and translated if necessary. Both partners must appear in person for verification and signing.

3. Do both partners need to be present?
Yes, personal appearance is mandatory during the verification and consent recording process. Submission alone does not complete Bihe Darta. The Civil Code requires both parties to provide voluntary consent physically.

4. Is Bihe Darta valid internationally?
Yes, after legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the marriage certificate is internationally recognized. Some countries may require additional embassy authentication or apostille for visa, residency, or inheritance purposes.

5. What if some documents are incomplete?
Incomplete or mismatched documents can delay registration. The Court or Ward Office may request affidavits or corrected certificates. Legal assistance helps applicants prepare all necessary documents to avoid repeated delays.

6. Is parental consent required for Bihe Darta?
Adults aged 20 or above with full capacity can register independently under the Civil Code, 2017.

Conclusion

Bihe Darta in Nepal is a formal, legally recognized process governed by the Muluki Civil Code, 2017 and Marriage Registration Act, 1971. It provides legal recognition for marriages, protects spousal rights, and enables administrative and international use. Couples—including interfaith, intercaste, and foreign nationals—benefit from a structured registration process. Legal firms like Medha Law and Partners assist with document preparation, affidavits, verification, and compliance, ensuring smooth and efficient registration.