Unmarried Certificate in Nepal

What is an unmarried certificate in Nepal?

An unmarried certificate in Nepal is an official document issued by the local government authorities that confirms an individual’s unmarried status. This certificate serves as legal proof that a person has never been married. In Nepal, the unmarried certificate is known as “Abibaahit Pramaanpatra” in Nepali. The document is essential for various purposes, including visa applications, marriage registration, and employment requirements. The certificate is issued by the local ward office or municipality where the applicant resides. It is a crucial document for Nepali citizens who need to prove their single status for legal or administrative purposes, both within Nepal and internationally.

Who can apply for an unmarried certificate?

Any Nepali citizen who has never been married can apply for an unmarried certificate. The applicant must be of legal age, which is 20 years old in Nepal, as per the Civil Code 2017 (2074 BS). However, individuals between 18 and 20 years old can also apply with parental consent. Both men and women are eligible to apply for this certificate. The applicant must be a permanent resident of the ward or municipality where they are applying. Non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) can also apply for an unmarried certificate through the Nepali embassy or consulate in their country of residence. It is important to note that individuals who have been previously married but are now divorced or widowed are not eligible for an unmarried certificate.

What documents are required for application?

To apply for an unmarried certificate in Nepal, applicants need to submit several documents to the local ward office or municipality. The required documents include:

• Citizenship certificate (original and photocopy)
• Recent passport-sized photographs (usually 2-4)
• Birth certificate or educational certificates
• Recommendation letter from the local ward office
• Application form (available at the ward office or municipality)
• Self-declaration stating unmarried status
• Parents’ citizenship certificates (photocopies)
• Proof of residence (such as utility bills or land ownership documents)
• Character certificate from the local police station (in some cases)

Additional documents may be required depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant or the requirements of the issuing authority. It is advisable to check with the local ward office or municipality for the most up-to-date list of required documents.

Can NRNs apply for an unmarried certificate?

Yes, Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) can apply for an unmarried certificate. The process for NRNs differs slightly from that of residents in Nepal. NRNs can apply through the Nepali embassy or consulate in their country of residence. The required documents for NRNs include:

• Valid Nepali passport
• Citizenship certificate (original and photocopy)
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Application form (available at the embassy or consulate)
• Self-declaration stating unmarried status
• Proof of residence in the foreign country
• Character certificate from local authorities (if required)

NRNs may need to provide additional documents as per the embassy or consulate’s requirements. The process may take longer for NRNs due to verification procedures. It is recommended that NRNs contact the nearest Nepali diplomatic mission for specific instructions and requirements before applying.

Are unmarried certificates valid abroad?

Unmarried certificates issued in Nepal are generally recognized abroad, but their acceptance may vary depending on the country and the purpose for which they are being used. Many countries accept Nepali unmarried certificates for visa applications, marriage registration, or other legal purposes. However, some countries may require additional authentication or legalization processes. These processes may include:

1. Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nepal
2. Apostille certification (for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention)
3. Legalization by the embassy or consulate of the country where the certificate will be used

It is advisable to check with the relevant foreign embassy or consulate regarding their specific requirements for accepting Nepali unmarried certificates. In some cases, a certified translation of the certificate into the language of the country where it will be used may also be necessary.

How long does the application process take?

The application process for an unmarried certificate in Nepal typically takes between 3 to 7 working days, depending on various factors. These factors include:

1. Completeness of the submitted documents
2. Workload of the issuing authority
3. Verification process efficiency
4. Any additional requirements or investigations

In some cases, if all documents are in order and there are no complications, the certificate may be issued on the same day or within 1-2 working days. However, in more complex cases or during peak periods, the process may take up to 2 weeks. It is advisable to apply well in advance of any deadlines to allow for potential delays. Applicants can inquire about the estimated processing time when submitting their application at the local ward office or municipality.

Are fees applicable for unmarried certificates?

Yes, fees are applicable for obtaining an unmarried certificate in Nepal. The exact fee amount may vary depending on the issuing authority and location. Generally, the fees range from NPR 500 to NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 4 to USD 8). Additional charges may apply for:

• Expedited processing
• Multiple copies of the certificate
• Attestation or authentication services

It is important to note that fee structures may change over time, and there might be differences in fees between urban and rural areas. Applicants should inquire about the current fee structure at the time of application. Some municipalities may offer discounts or fee waivers for economically disadvantaged individuals or specific groups. Payment is typically made in cash at the ward office or municipality. Always request an official receipt for any fees paid.

Can the certificate be revoked?

Yes, an unmarried certificate can be revoked under certain circumstances. The local authorities have the power to revoke or cancel an unmarried certificate if:

1. It is discovered that the information provided in the application was false or misleading
2. The certificate was obtained through fraudulent means
3. The individual gets married after obtaining the certificate
4. There is a court order directing the revocation of the certificate
5. Administrative errors are found in the issuance process

If an unmarried certificate is revoked, the individual is required to surrender the document to the issuing authority. Using a revoked unmarried certificate for any purpose is illegal and can lead to legal consequences. It is the responsibility of the certificate holder to inform the relevant authorities if their marital status changes after obtaining the certificate. Failure to do so can result in penalties and legal issues.

Are unmarried certificates notarized?

Unmarried certificates issued by local authorities in Nepal are typically not notarized by default. However, notarization may be required for certain purposes, especially when the certificate is to be used abroad. The notarization process involves:

1. Verification of the authenticity of the certificate
2. Attestation by a licensed notary public
3. Affixing the notary’s seal and signature

If notarization is required, applicants can approach a licensed notary public in Nepal. The notary will verify the certificate’s authenticity with the issuing authority before notarizing it. Some countries may require additional steps beyond notarization, such as attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or legalization by their embassy. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of the country or institution where the certificate will be used to determine if notarization is necessary.

Can applications be made online?

Currently, the application process for unmarried certificates in Nepal is primarily offline. Most local ward offices and municipalities require in-person applications. However, some urban areas and larger municipalities have started to implement partial online services. These online services may include:

• Downloading application forms
• Scheduling appointments for document submission
• Checking application status online

While full online applications are not yet widely available, the government of Nepal is working towards digitizing various administrative processes. It is advisable to check with the local ward office or municipality website for any available online services. Even if some parts of the process can be initiated online, applicants may still need to visit the office in person to submit original documents and complete the verification process. As Nepal continues to modernize its administrative systems, more online options may become available in the future.

Is legal assistance required for application?

Legal assistance is not mandatory for applying for an unmarried certificate in Nepal. Most applicants can complete the process independently by following the guidelines provided by the local ward office or municipality. However, some individuals may choose to seek legal assistance for various reasons:

1. Complex cases involving legal issues
2. Assistance with document preparation
3. Guidance on the application process
4. Representation in case of disputes or rejections

While not required, legal assistance can be beneficial, especially for NRNs or individuals unfamiliar with the local administrative procedures. Lawyers or legal consultants can help ensure that all documents are in order and advise on any potential issues. If legal assistance is sought, it is advisable to choose a reputable lawyer or legal firm with experience in administrative law and documentation processes in Nepal.

How long is the unmarried certificate valid?

The validity period of an unmarried certificate in Nepal is not explicitly defined by law. Generally, the certificate is considered valid until the individual’s marital status changes. However, for practical purposes:

• Many institutions and foreign embassies consider the certificate valid for 6 months to 1 year from the date of issue
• Some countries may require a recently issued certificate (within 3-6 months) for visa or immigration purposes
• For domestic use in Nepal, the certificate may be accepted for longer periods, but this can vary depending on the purpose and the accepting authority

It is important to note that the unmarried certificate reflects the individual’s status at the time of issuance. If an individual gets married after obtaining the certificate, it becomes invalid, and they are legally obligated to inform the relevant authorities. For important applications or legal processes, it is advisable to obtain a new or updated unmarried certificate to ensure its acceptance and validity.

FAQs

1. Is it valid abroad?

Unmarried certificates from Nepal are generally recognized abroad, but may require additional authentication or legalization depending on the country and purpose of use.

2. Are fees required?

Yes, fees are applicable for unmarried certificates in Nepal, typically ranging from NPR 500 to NPR 1,000, with potential additional charges for expedited processing or multiple copies.

3. Can NRNs apply?

Yes, Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) can apply for unmarried certificates through Nepali embassies or consulates in their country of residence, following specific procedures for overseas applicants.

4. Is notarization needed?

Notarization is not typically required for unmarried certificates in Nepal, but may be necessary for certain international uses. Applicants should check specific requirements for their intended use.

5. Are online forms available?

While full online applications are not widely available, some municipalities offer partial online services such as downloadable forms and appointment scheduling. Most applications still require in-person submission of documents.