If you have been asked to get a document “notarized” and are not sure what that means, this guide explains everything — what a notary public is in Nepal, what legal authority they hold, which documents require notarization, and how the process works. By the end, you will know exactly what to expect and how to prepare for your visit to a notary office in Kathmandu.
What Is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a licensed official authorized by the government to perform specific legal acts: certifying the authenticity of documents, witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and authenticating copies of original records. The notary acts as an impartial witness — a trusted third party whose seal and signature signal to courts, embassies, and institutions worldwide that a document is genuine and properly executed.
In Nepal, the role of the Notary Public is governed by the Notary Public Act 2063 (2006) and regulations issued by the Notary Public Council of Nepal. Only individuals registered with the Council and holding a valid licence are legally permitted to perform notarial acts. Their stamps carry legal weight before Nepali courts, government offices, and foreign embassies.
The Legal Framework: Notary Public Act 2063
Nepal formally established the notary system through the Notary Public Act 2063 (2006), administered by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. The Act created the Notary Public Council of Nepal as the regulatory authority responsible for licensing, monitoring, and disciplining notaries. Key provisions include:
- Eligibility — applicants must be Nepali citizens with a law degree and a minimum number of years of legal practice
- Registration — all practising notaries must be listed in the official register maintained by the Council
- Regulated fees — the Council sets the schedule of fees that notaries may charge for each type of service
- Geographic jurisdiction — a notary may only perform notarial acts within their assigned district unless the Council grants extended authority
- Record keeping — every notarized act must be recorded in the notary register, creating a verifiable audit trail
Because notarization carries legal authority, the Act also establishes penalties for notaries who authenticate false documents, exceed their jurisdiction, or fail to maintain proper records.
What Services Does a Notary Public Provide in Nepal?
A registered Nepali notary can perform the following acts:
1. Document Copy Certification
The notary compares a photocopy against the original document and certifies that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction. This is the most common notarial act, used for citizenship cards, passports, educational certificates, land ownership documents, and marriage certificates. Embassies and foreign institutions accept a notarized copy as equivalent to seeing the original.
2. Signature Witnessing
The notary witnesses and certifies that a signature on a document was placed voluntarily by the named individual, in the notary’s presence, after identity verification. This is required for Power of Attorney documents, loan agreements, business contracts, and declarations.
3. Affidavit Drafting and Notarization
An affidavit is a written sworn statement. The notary administers an oath to the deponent (the person making the statement) and certifies that the contents were declared under oath. Affidavits are commonly needed for court proceedings, name-change applications, visa applications, and declarations of relationship status.
4. Certified Translation
When documents must be submitted to a foreign institution in English (or from English to Nepali), a qualified translator works with the notary to produce a translation accompanied by a notarized certification of accuracy. This is required for academic transcripts, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and legal agreements presented to foreign embassies.
5. Power of Attorney Authentication
A Power of Attorney must be notarized to be legally valid for property transactions, bank account management, and court representation in Nepal. The notary verifies both parties’ identities and witnesses the execution of the document.
6. Ministry Attestation Assistance
For documents destined for overseas use, notarization is often the first step in a chain that includes Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) attestation and, in some cases, the destination country’s embassy attestation. Hamro Notary guides clients through this multi-step process for embassies in Kathmandu.
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Contact Us Today →What Is the Difference Between Notarization and Attestation?
These two terms are often confused:
- Notarization — performed by a private licensed notary. Certifies the authenticity of a document, a signature, or a copy under private legal authority registered with the Notary Public Council.
- Attestation — performed by a government official or ministry (such as MoFA or the Ministry of Education). Adds a government seal recognizing the notary’s stamp, extending its acceptance internationally.
Most embassies require both: notarization first, then MoFA attestation. Some countries further require the document to be attested by their own embassy in Kathmandu before it is accepted. Hamro Notary advises clients on the full chain of authentication required for their specific destination country.
Nepal is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. MoFA attestation is Nepal’s legal equivalent. For countries that specifically request an apostille, the Nepali embassy in that country can provide guidance on the accepted alternative procedure.
How to Verify a Notary Is Registered in Nepal
To confirm a notary is legitimately registered with the Notary Public Council of Nepal:
- Ask to see the notary’s registration certificate, which shows their licence number and validity period
- Contact the Notary Public Council of Nepal directly — they maintain a public register of licensed notaries
- Verify that the notary stamp includes the notary’s name, registration number, and jurisdiction
Hamro Notary is a registered notary office in Kathmandu, Bagmati Province. Our notary registration details are available upon request.
Which Documents Commonly Need Notarization in Nepal?
The following documents most frequently require a notary stamp in Nepal:
- Citizenship card copies — for visa applications, job applications, and institutional registration
- Passport copies — for overseas employment, university applications, and embassy submissions
- Educational certificates (SLC/SEE, +2, bachelor, master degrees) — for overseas job applications and university admissions
- Marriage and birth certificates — for spousal visa applications, citizenship documentation, and family court matters
- Land ownership certificates (lalpurja) — for property transactions through the Land Revenue Office
- Police clearance certificates — for immigration and overseas employment
- Power of Attorney — for property, banking, legal representation, and overseas transactions
- Affidavits — for court proceedings, statutory declarations, and consular applications
- Business registration documents — for tenders, government contracts, and company filings
Notary Fees in Nepal (2081–82 BS)
Notary fees are set by the Notary Public Council. The following are current approximate rates at Hamro Notary:
| Service | Fee (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Document copy certification (per document) | NPR 500 – 800 |
| Affidavit notarization | NPR 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Power of Attorney notarization | NPR 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Certified English translation (per page) | NPR 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation | NPR 500 + government levy |
Where to Find a Notary Public in Kathmandu
Hamro Notary is located at Naramaya Bhawan, Chabahil, Pipalbot, Kathmandu — easily accessible from Ring Road, close to the Chabahil Chowk junction. We are open Sunday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome for all standard services.
We serve clients from across Kathmandu Valley as well as Non-Resident Nepalis arranging document authentication for overseas use. Over the past 10 years, we have processed documents for embassies in more than 30 countries and have developed familiarity with the specific requirements of each major embassy in Kathmandu.
Frequently Asked Questions About Notary Services in Nepal
Is a notarized document from Nepal valid outside Nepal?
Yes, with the appropriate additional steps. A notarized document from a registered Nepali notary is the starting point. For most foreign submissions, it must also be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Kathmandu, which adds a government seal that foreign institutions recognize. Some countries also require their own embassy in Kathmandu to attest the document. Hamro Notary guides clients through the full chain.
How is Nepal’s notarization system different from apostille?
Nepal is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, so it does not issue apostilles. Instead, Nepal uses MoFA attestation as the equivalent process. For countries that specifically require an apostille, the documents must go through the embassy of that country in Kathmandu after MoFA attestation. Hamro Notary can advise on the exact requirements for your destination country.
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes. A notary is legally required to refuse if the document contains false information, if the signatory’s identity cannot be verified, if there is reason to believe the act is fraudulent, or if the document falls outside the notary’s jurisdiction. This refusal authority is what gives notarial stamps their legal credibility.
What is the difference between a notary and a lawyer in Nepal?
A lawyer (vakil) provides legal advice, represents clients in court, and drafts legal documents. A notary certifies and authenticates documents but does not represent clients in legal proceedings. Some notaries in Nepal are also practising lawyers, but the roles are legally distinct. For document authentication, you need a notary; for legal representation, you need a lawyer.
How do I get started?
Call or WhatsApp +977 984-134-6966, or send us a message describing the document you need notarized and what it will be used for. We will confirm what you need to bring and how long the process will take. For a complete list of our services, visit our services page.
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