Which law applies
The Special Marriage Act applies regardless of the nationality or religion of the parties, as long as the conditions in section 4 are met. If both are Hindus under the Hindu Marriage Act definition, a religious marriage followed by registration is also possible.
What offices usually check
- Foreign partner's passport and valid visa.
- Single-status or no-impediment certificate from the foreign partner's embassy or home authority.
- Residence proof in the district for at least one party.
- Divorce or death certificate for any earlier marriage.
After the marriage
- Apostille or attestation of the certificate for the foreign country.
- Foreign spouse's visa options in India (for example, entry visa as spouse, or OCI eligibility after two years of marriage, subject to rules).
- Registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office where required.
Our role
We check the foreign documents in advance, coordinate with translators for non-English documents, and prepare the application. Visa decisions are made by the government; we do not promise outcomes.
Related pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tourist visa holder marry in India?
Is an embassy letter always needed?
Is the marriage valid in the foreign country?
Disclaimer: This page gives general information about the law and procedure as understood at the time of writing. It is not legal advice for your situation. Requirements may vary depending on the parties' circumstances, applicable law, jurisdiction and the concerned authority, and rules and forms change from time to time. Please consult an advocate before acting.