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Marriage is a great milestone in life and in Pakistan just as any other part in the world a piece of paper that shows that you are actually married is very important. Immigration is one thing, legal another, and personal another; the process of the Marriage Certificate in Pakistan can make your life simple by telling you how to fare and what to expect when you consider it.
Information contained in this guide will guide you through all you need to know; including types, procedures, legalities as well as the most common questions that people ask.
A Marriage Certificate in Pakistan & Birth Certificate in Pakistan is an official legal document that proves the marital relationship between two people. This certificate is issued by the government authorities and serves as documented proof that a marriage has taken place under the laws of Pakistan.
There isn’t just one type of marriage certificate. Depending on your needs, you might come across different versions.
The NADRA Marriage Certificate is the computerized and more widely accepted form of marriage documentation. Issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), it contains details in both English and Urdu, making it ideal for international purposes like immigration or visa applications.
Before NADRA came into the picture, the Manual Nikah Nama (in Urdu) was the traditional proof of marriage. This is a handwritten document issued by the Nikah Khawan (marriage registrar) right after the marriage ceremony.
For Pakistanis who get married abroad, their marriage certificates from other countries can also be attested and registered in Pakistan to validate them locally.
So, why is this piece of paper so important? Here’s why:
Without it, you may face legal complications in both personal and governmental dealings.
Generally, either spouse can apply for the marriage certificate. In some cases, close family members with consent can also handle the process.
Let’s break it down step by step.
First things first, get married through a proper Nikah ceremony with witnesses and a registered Nikah Khawan.
The Nikah Khawan will provide a manual Nikah Nama, filled out and signed by both parties, witnesses, and the registrar.
This is essential! The Nikah Nama must be registered at the Union Council office of your area. Without registration, you cannot apply for the NADRA version.
Visit the local Union Council with the following:
After submitting, the NADRA computerized marriage certificate will be issued within a few working days.
Here’s a checklist to make your life easier:
Typically, you can expect your NADRA Marriage Certificate within 5 to 7 working days. But this may vary by location and workload.
The cost isn’t fixed and can depend on the Union Council. On average:
For urgent processing or duplicate copies, extra charges might apply.
Lost your certificate? No worries! You can apply for a duplicate NADRA Marriage Certificate by visiting the same Union Council where it was first issued.
You’ll typically need:
Want to check if a marriage certificate is genuine?
If you’re moving abroad, most countries require your Pakistani marriage certificate to be attested. The attestation process includes:
You need to get the certificate attested by MOFA Pakistan.
If required, further attestation from the destination country’s embassy in Pakistan is needed.
Some countries require translation into their local language by a certified translation service.
Getting a Marriage Certificate in Pakistan seems easy, but many people hit roadblocks like:
Pro Tip: Double-check all information at the time of Nikah and registration to avoid future headaches.
Here are some handy tips:
Under Pakistani law, without a Marriage Certificate, your marriage is not legally recognized in many official matters. This could affect your:
It’s more than just a formality—it’s your legal shield!
That is it then, a whole process in getting your Marriage Certificate in Pakistan. This certificate is very important to you either to travel, as a legal document or to assuage your peace of mind after marriage. Use step-by-step instructions, assemble your documents and do not make mistakes. Since no harm can be done in the case of legal paperwork it is always safe to be on the safe side, i.e., be safe than sorry.
No, the Nikah Nama is the primary document needed for marriage certificate registration and processing in Pakistan.
They can send attested copies of their foreign marriage certificate to family members in Pakistan, who can then register it with the local Union Council and get it attested accordingly.
As of now, NADRA does not offer online application services for marriage certificates. You need to visit the Union Council physically.
You should apply for correction by submitting a written application along with documentary proof like CNIC copies, and corrected Nikah Nama.
Absolutely! The NADRA Marriage Certificate is widely accepted by embassies and immigration authorities globally, especially when properly attested by MOFA and the relevant foreign embassy.
