In today’s era of information and communication technology, people worldwide are closely connected. Marriages between Bangladeshis and foreigners have become common. If you are a foreigner wanting to marry a Bangladeshi, or a Bangladeshi looking to marry a foreigner, you may face some legal complications. This article will simplify the foreign marriage process in bangladesh, making it easy to understand and ensuring that your marriage process will be completed smoothly and accurately. (Read the article in Bangla.)
Foreign marriage act in Bangladesh
There are no specific laws or restrictions on marrying foreign nationals. So Bangladeshi boys and girls can get married to citizens of any country. However, Bangladesh government employees who want to marry foreign nationals have to take permission from the concerned authorities.
If a civil servant applies for permission to marry or promise to marry a foreign national, the President may grant the said application.
(Act No. 22 of 2015)
marriage register and certificate provider
The Government of Bangladesh appoints registrars to handle marriage registrations and issue certificates. There are four types of marriage registrars in Bangladesh:
1. Registrar of Muslim Marriages (1961)
2. Registrar of Hindu Marriages (2012)
3. Registrar of Christian Marriages (1872)
4. Special Marriage Registrar (1872)
Couples planning to marry can register their marriage with the appropriate registrar based on their religion. If both partners are Muslim, Hindu, or Christian, they can obtain the certificate from Registrars No. 1, 2, or 3, respectively.
If a Muslim wishes to marry someone of another religion, they can either convert to Islam and register under the Muslim Marriage Act of 1961 (Registrar No. 1) or register without changing their religion through the Special Marriage Registrar 1872 (Registrar No. 4: Notice is given 14 days before the special marriage registration.)
Necessary Documents for Marriage Registration
For marriage registration in Bangladesh, both parties must provide the following documents:
Passport/NID Photocopy: A photocopy of both parties’ passports or National IDs must be submitted.
Photograph: Four passport-sized photos.
Immigration seal Photocopy: A photocopy of the immigration stamp provided in the passport upon entry into Bangladesh is required for foreigners.
Visa Photocopy: A photocopy of the foreigner’s visa.
Additional Documents: If either or both parties are divorced, a divorce certificate is needed.
Two copies of each document must be submitted. Additionally, three witnesses are required for the marriage registration. If you fulfill these requirements, foreign marriage process in Bangladesh is easy for you.
Qualification & Condition for marriage
Age: The male must be 21 years old and the female must be 18 years old or older.
Proof of Marital Status: Documentation proving that both individuals are single, divorced, or widowed.
Identification: A valid passport along with a copy of the immigration stamp and visa, which proves legal entry into Bangladesh.
No Restrictions: There should be no government restrictions on marriage between citizens of both countries.
foreigne marriage registration process in Bangladesh
Marriage must be registered at the local registrar’s office by a government-appointed registrar based on the couple’s religion and nationality. Follow these steps:
Application: Both parties must submit a marriage registration application to the designated registrar. Online applications are not accepted, but you can schedule an appointment online. A format with both names and addresses can be obtained online.
Documents: Provide copies of all necessary documents, including passports, visas, and proof of marital status.
Witnesses: Three witnesses must be present for the registration.
Verification: The registrar will check all documents.
Fee: Pay the required registration fee.
marriage certificate
After completing the verification process, the marriage registrar will register the marriage and issue the certificate based on the passport and other submitted documents.
certificate notary public
After obtaining the certificate from the marriage registrar, the certificate must be attested by the office of the notary public.
warning: If there is any issues with the notary public, the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot be attested, the certificate needs to be taken from the registrar again.
After notarization, the certificate is ready for any work within the country. But since it has to be used abroad, it needs to be attested by the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Law and Foreign Ministry approval
Law Ministry Approval: The Ministry of Law’s approval confirms that there are no legal issues with this certificate under Bangladeshi law.
Foreign Ministry Approval: Following this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will verify and, if satisfied, approve it.
Once both ministries have approved the certificate, any embassy will accept it and proceed with further steps, such as issuing a visa, according to their country’s laws.
Challenge And Tips
Challenge 1. Knowing the whole process before you start will make your work easier and more accurate.
Tips 1. This article will help you understand everything clearly.
Challenge 2. Finding an experienced marriage lawyer who has expertise in foreign marriages to simplify and accurately handle the entire process.
Help you find the government-appointed registrar according to your religion and country. Warning: The Indian Embassy does not accept any registration certificate other than the Special Marriage Act 1872 certificate.
Assist with notarization after the certificate is issued. This includes verifying the certificate with the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and preparing it for embassy submission.
Note: If the marriage registration and attestations by the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are not correct, the embassy will not accept the certificate, and the entire process must be repeated.
Tips 2. To find an experienced lawyer, visit their website, check their profile on Google Maps, and read reviews to see their past successes and client feedback.
Challenge 3: Proof of marriage is required to rent a hotel as a couple in Bangladesh.
Tips 3. If you need to stay in a hotel, consult a lawyer to obtain a marriage affidavit.
How We Can Help
Our team has ten years of experience in providing marriage and divorce services across various countries and religions. Positive reviews on our Google Maps profile and photos on our website showcase our professionalism. We handle everything efficiently from application to embassy submission. For more details, call or WhatsApp: +8801515615786, Messenger.
