NRI, OCI & Foreign National Matters
Marriage Registration in Delhi for NRIs, OCIs & Foreign Nationals
Guidance on the additional documentation, affidavits, and procedural requirements that apply when one or both parties are NRIs, OCIs, or foreign nationals, guided by Advocate Monal Prasad.
Who This Is For
Cross-border marriages, handled with the right documentation from the start
- An NRI or OCI marrying an Indian citizen in Delhi
- Both partners are NRIs or OCIs
- One partner is a foreign national
- Couples who need the additional embassy or apostille formalities explained clearly before filing
Documents
What you'll need
- Passport and visa of the NRI, OCI, or foreign national spouse
- Proof of single/marital status from the home country or embassy (sometimes apostilled or notarised)
- Proof of at least 30 days' residence in the district, where registration proceeds under the Special Marriage Act
- PAN card, Aadhaar card, and passport for both partners, along with 6 recent passport-size coloured photographs
- Proof of the marriage — wedding photographs and the invitation card, if the ceremony has already taken place
- The same set of documents from your witnesses
Process
What to expect, step by step
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01
Consultation
We confirm which Act applies to your situation — most NRI, OCI, and foreign national marriages proceed under the Special Marriage Act — and outline exactly what's needed.
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02
Document collection & verification
Your documents, including any foreign-origin paperwork, are prepared and carefully checked before anything is filed.
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03
Application filing
Your application is filed with the relevant marriage registrar's office.
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04
Notice period
Where the Special Marriage Act applies, a 30-day public notice is issued before registration can proceed.
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05
Registrar appointment
We prepare you for the registrar appointment and, where required, accompany you through it.
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06
Certificate issuance
Once approved, your official marriage certificate is issued and handed to you.
FAQ
Common questions
Can I register my marriage in Delhi if my spouse is an NRI, OCI, or foreign national?
Yes. We regularly handle these registrations. In addition to the standard documents, you'll typically need the foreign spouse's passport and visa, proof of single/marital status from their home country or embassy (sometimes apostilled or notarised), and, for a Special Marriage Act registration, proof of at least 30 days' residence in the district. We guide you through exactly what's needed and handle the registration process itself; embassy paperwork is arranged separately by you or the relevant embassy.
How long does marriage registration take in Delhi?
Under the Hindu Marriage Act, it can often be completed within a few working days (3–7 days) once documents are verified. Under the Special Marriage Act, the law requires a 30-day public notice period before registration, so the process typically takes 30–60 days. A same-day ("Tatkal") certificate is possible in certain cases under the Hindu Marriage Act where the couple can produce full documentation and a valid reason for urgency.
I've heard the Special Marriage Act requires a public notice before marriage. Is that true, and is it a privacy risk?
Yes, the Special Marriage Act currently requires a 30-day notice to be published, during which objections can be filed. This has been a genuine concern for couples worried about family interference, and it's currently being challenged in court. Until the law changes, it remains a mandatory step.
Related
Other registration routes
Get Started
Start with a confidential consultation
Reach out with a few details about your situation, and we'll get back to you to arrange a consultation.
Book a Consultation