Quick Summary — How to Get a Document Notarized in Nepal:
Getting a document notarized in Nepal requires visiting a licensed Notary Public authorized by the Nepal Notary Public Council under the Notary Public Act, 2063. You must present the original document along with a government-issued photo ID (Citizenship or Passport) and clean photocopies. The Notary inspects the original, verifies signer identity, affixes their official registered signature, license number, and embossed/ink red seal, and enters the record into the statutory notary register. Standard true-copy verification takes just 10–15 minutes on a walk-in basis from NPR 100 per document at Hamro Notary (Chabahil Chowk, Kathmandu).

Whether you are applying for a student visa to Australia, Canada, or the UK, seeking overseas employment in Dubai or Qatar, or executing a property sale or power of attorney, official notarization is the mandatory first legal step. Foreign embassies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), universities, and courts in Nepal do not accept plain photocopies without the official seal and signature of a licensed Notary Public.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain the legal requirements, the exact documents you must carry, the step-by-step verification process, government fee guidelines, and how to get same-day walk-in notarization in Kathmandu.

What Does Document Notarization Mean in Nepal?

In Nepal, document notarization is governed by the Notary Public Act, 2063 (2006) and the Notary Public Rules, 2063. Under this legislation, a Notary Public is an advocate or senior legal professional appointed and supervised by the Nepal Notary Public Council under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

A Notary Public performs three core statutory functions in Nepal:

  • Certification of True Copies (सक्कल बमोजिम नक्कल प्रमाणित): Verifying that a photocopy is an authentic and unaltered reproduction of the original document.
  • Certified Legal Translation (अनुवाद प्रमाणीकरण): Translating government certificates, deeds, and academic records between Nepali and English and certifying translation accuracy.
  • Witnessing Signatures and Administering Oaths (हस्ताक्षर प्रमाणित तथा शपथ ग्रहण): Verifying the physical identity of signatories executing affidavits, deeds, powers of attorney, and statutory declarations.

Required Documents Checklist: What to Bring to the Notary Office

To ensure a swift, 15-minute verification without unnecessary delays, prepare the following items before visiting the notary office:

  1. Original Documents: Under Section 19 of the Notary Public Act, a notary is legally prohibited from certifying a copy without inspecting the original document. You must bring original academic certificates, birth certificates, citizenship cards, or land ownership deeds.
  2. Clear Photocopies: Bring high-quality, legible black-and-white or colour photocopies of each original page you wish to notarize. If you do not have copies, our office provides high-speed scanning and printing.
  3. Valid Government Photo ID: For signature witnessing or affidavit drafting, bring your original Nepali Citizenship Certificate (नागरिकता), valid Passport, or National Identity Card (राष्ट्रिय परिचयपत्र).
  4. Passport-Sized Photographs: If you are executing a Power of Attorney (Wikalatnama), Relationship Certificate Affidavit, or Will, bring 2 recent passport-sized photos of all signatories.
  5. Witness Identification: For major contracts or power of attorney deeds, bring witnesses along with copies of their citizenship certificates.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Document Notarized in Kathmandu

At Hamro Notary in Chabahil, Kathmandu, the notarization process is streamlined into four clear steps:

Step 1: Document Inspection & Authenticity Check

When you arrive, our licensed notary attorney compares your photocopy side-by-side with your original document. We check for paper integrity, government serial numbers, watermarks, stamps, and signatures to confirm there are no alterations, erasures, or discrepancies.

Step 2: Signer Verification & Oath Administration

If your document requires signing (such as an affidavit, bank sponsorship letter, or statutory declaration), you must sign directly in the physical presence of the Notary Public. The notary verifies your identity against your citizenship or passport.

Step 3: Affixing the Official Notary Stamp & Council Red Seal

The Notary Public places their official statutory rubber stamp containing their full name, Council Registration Number, advocate license number, and date of validity. The notary signs the document and imprints the distinctive red notary seal recognized by embassies and consular departments.

Step 4: Statutory Register Entry

As mandated by Rule 11 of the Notary Public Rules 2063, every notarized act is cataloged in the official Notary Register Book with the client’s name, date, document type, and serial number. This ensures a permanent, verifiable legal record if an embassy or government ministry requests verification.

Official Notary Public Fees in Nepal (2026)

Notary pricing in Nepal is regulated under schedules prescribed by the Nepal Notary Public Council. Transparent and fixed pricing ensures clients are protected against arbitrary overcharging. Check our complete Official Notary Public Fees Guide for detailed rates:

  • True Copy Notarization (Photocopy Certification): Starts from NPR 100 per document/page.
  • Certified English Translation: NPR 1,000 to NPR 1,500 per standard page (e.g., Birth, Marriage, Police Clearance, Relationship certificates).
  • Legal Affidavit Drafting & Notarization: NPR 1,500 to NPR 2,500 depending on complexity.
  • Power of Attorney (Wikalatnama / Adhikarpattra): NPR 2,000 to NPR 3,500 including drafting and statutory register documentation.
  • MoFA / Embassy Attestation Assistance: Contact our team for customized consular handling packages.

Documents Commonly Requiring Notarization in Nepal

We routinely notarize, certify, and translate documents across all personal, academic, and commercial categories:

  • Academic Credentials: SLC/SEE marksheets, +2 / HSEB transcripts, Bachelor/Master degrees, and character certificates before submission to the MoFA Academic Attestation division.
  • Vital Event Certificates: Birth certificates, marriage registration, divorce decrees, unmarried status certificates, and death certificates.
  • Financial & Tax Records: Bank balance certificates, bank statements, property valuation certificates, and tax clearance certificates for foreign visa processing.
  • Commercial Documents: Company registration certificates, Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA/AOA), PAN certificates, and board resolutions.
  • Foreign Visa & Embassy Packs: Attestation packs for the UAE Embassy Attestation, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Australia DHA.

Why Choose Hamro Notary for Walk-In Notarization in Kathmandu?

Centrally located at Chabahil Chowk, Ring Road (Near KL Tower and Chabahil Stupa), Hamro Notary is designed for convenience, legal accuracy, and speed:

  • 15-Minute Turnaround: Walk in with your original documents and leave within minutes with officially certified copies.
  • Open Sunday to Friday: We operate regular hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Sunday is a full working day in Nepal).
  • Embassy & MoFA Accepted: Every stamp, signature, and seal complies strictly with the Department of Consular Services guidelines.
  • Complete Documentation Under One Roof: Notary certification, certified English-Nepali translations, drafting, and consular guidance are all handled together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is your notary office open on Sunday in Kathmandu?

Yes. In Nepal, Sunday is an official working day. Hamro Notary is fully open Sunday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for all walk-in notarizations and certified translations. Our office is closed on Saturdays.

Can a notary public certify a photocopy without seeing the original?

No. Under the Notary Public Act 2063, a notary public is strictly prohibited by law from certifying a document without physically examining the original document. Always bring your original certificates when you visit.

How long does standard document notarization take?

Standard true-copy photocopy notarization takes only 10 to 15 minutes as a walk-in service. If you require certified translation of civil documents (such as birth or marriage certificates), it is typically completed within 1 to 3 hours on the same day.

Are your notarized documents accepted for MoFA attestation and visa embassies?

Yes. Hamro Notary is operated by licensed Notaries Public registered with the Nepal Notary Public Council. Our stamps and seals are recognized by the Department of Consular Services (MoFA, Tripureshwor), foreign embassies in Kathmandu, and immigration authorities worldwide.

How much does it cost to notarize a document in Nepal?

Basic photocopy true-copy certification starts at NPR 100 per document. Certified translation is priced from NPR 1,000 per page, and custom affidavit drafting starts at NPR 1,500. There are no hidden fees.