NRIs in Europe who marry in India should register the marriage before returning: under the Hindu Marriage Act where both are Hindu, Sikh, Jain or Buddhist, under the state's compulsory registration law, or under the Special Marriage Act for inter-faith couples and marriages with foreign nationals. The certificate is then apostilled by India's Ministry of External Affairs for use in Europe. Marriages solemnised long ago can still be registered late.
- Document route
- Local notary + apostille, or Indian Embassy
- Time difference
- 3.5 to 5.5 hours behind IST
- Handled in India at
- Registrar of Marriages
- Travel to India
- Both spouses usually appear once
How it works from Europe
We check which law fits and which office has jurisdiction, generally where the marriage took place or where either spouse lives. For registration of a marriage already performed, the couple applies with proof of age and address, wedding photographs, the invitation card, a certificate from the priest or gurdwara, and witnesses. Punjab and several other states require every marriage to be registered and ask an NRI spouse to disclose the foreign address, passport and visa details. Late registration is allowed with a fee and sometimes the Registrar's permission.
A marriage under the Special Marriage Act needs thirty days' notice to the Marriage Officer of a district where one party has lived for thirty days, so travel must be planned around it. A foreign national marrying in India needs proof of single status from their own country. After registration we obtain state authentication and the apostille, and arrange translation into Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French or German where the consulate requires it. Some consulates additionally verify the certificate before issuing the visa.
What is different for NRIs in Europe
- Names, dates of birth and parents' names must match the passport exactly. A spelling mismatch is the most common reason for a refused family reunion application.
- A marriage performed at an Indian embassy in Europe under the Foreign Marriage Act is an alternative when at least one party is an Indian citizen.
- Registration also protects a spouse who stays in India: it is the first document needed for maintenance, passport endorsement and inheritance.
Step by step from Europe
Free review call
Calls are held in the European morning, while offices in India are open. We read your papers on a marriage registration first, so the call is about your options and not a repeat of the facts.
Authority from Europe
Where a representative must act for you in India on a marriage registration, you sign before a local notary and obtain the apostille of that country with an English translation, or attend the Indian embassy. We draft the document and send signing instructions.
Work in India
In India, we book the Registrar, prepare the application and witnesses, and obtain the certificate with state and MEA legalisation. Updates for clients in Europe go by email and WhatsApp with scans of whatever is filed.
Result and handover
At the end you receive the legalised certificate ready for the visa or civil registry abroad. Originals are couriered to your address in Europe if you need them.
The law in full
This page covers what changes when you handle a marriage registration from Europe. For the Indian law, the complete document checklist, common mistakes and more questions, read our main page on Marriage Registration. For other matters, see all legal services for NRIs in Europe or the Family, Marriage & OCI practice area.
Questions from NRIs in Europe
We married in India five years ago and never registered. Can we do it now?
Yes. Late registration is permitted. Both spouses normally appear, though some states allow one to be represented or to appear by video on an order.
Is an Indian marriage certificate accepted in Italy, Spain or Portugal?
Yes, when apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs and translated as that country requires. Germany follows a different verification process.
Can the marriage be registered if my spouse has already left for Europe?
It is difficult, since most Registrars require both parties in person. Plan registration before departure, or on the next visit.