What is NRI Marriage?
An NRI (an Indian citizen living abroad) can marry in India under the Special Marriage Act or, if both are Hindus, under the Hindu Marriage Act followed by registration. An OCI cardholder is a foreign citizen and is treated as a foreign national for these purposes.
The certificate is often needed for a spouse visa, so we plan the process around your travel dates and the documents the embassy will ask for later.
Who may need this service
- NRIs marrying a partner in India
- Couples where both partners live abroad but want to marry in India
- NRI couples who married in India and need registration
Legal framework
The Special Marriage Act requires at least one party to have lived in the district for 30 days before the notice. Often the partner living in India gives the notice.
Marriages by Indian citizens abroad can be solemnised under the Foreign Marriage Act, 1969 before an Indian diplomatic officer. That is a separate route.
Eligibility and key conditions
- Legal age
- No living spouse
- One party resident in the district for 30 days (Special Marriage Act)
Documents generally required
- Passport (and visa or OCI card where relevant)
- Proof of address abroad and in India
- Certificate of single status or no impediment where required
- Affidavits on marital status
- Divorce decree (and recognition issues for foreign divorces) if applicable
- Photographs and witness documents
Document requirements may vary depending on the applicable legal route, individual circumstances and the concerned authority.
Procedure
- Plan the timeline. Work back from travel dates and the 30-day notice.
- Prepare documents. Obtain attestation or apostille of foreign documents.
- Notice or registration. Submit through the partner resident in India where appropriate.
- Marriage. Both parties appear with witnesses.
- Certificate. Certificate, and advice on apostille for use abroad.
Common problems we see
- Too little time in India for the 30-day notice
- Foreign divorce decrees and their recognition in India
- Name mismatches between passport and Indian documents
How an advocate can help
- Plan the timeline
- Check and prepare documents
- Advise on apostille and use of the certificate abroad
Where we assist
We assist couples across Delhi and Delhi NCR, including Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad. The authority you approach depends on where you live and, for registration, where the marriage took place.
Related services
Legal guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an NRI marry in India on a short trip?
Is an OCI cardholder an NRI?
Will the certificate be accepted abroad?
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.