How Can a Foreign National Marry an Indian Citizen in India?

A foreign national can marry an Indian citizen in India under specific legal frameworks and procedures. The process depends on whether the marriage is conducted under the Special Marriage Act (SMA), which is a secular law that allows interfaith and international marriages, or under personal laws like the Hindu Marriage Act or the Christian Marriage Act if the marriage follows religious customs.

Legal Procedures for Foreign Nationals to Marry an Indian Citizen:

1. Marriage Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954: The most commonly used law for foreign nationals marrying Indian citizens is the Special Marriage Act (SMA), which allows for marriage between individuals of different nationalities or faiths without requiring religious ceremonies. The process under this law is as follows:
   • Notice of Intended Marriage: Both parties (the foreign national and the Indian citizen) must submit a Notice of Intended Marriage to the Marriage Registrar of the area where either of the parties has been residing for at least 30 days prior to the application.
   • Residence Requirement: The foreign national must have been residing in India for at least 30 days before applying to marry an Indian citizen. They must submit a residence certificate to prove this. This requirement can be waived in some cases if the foreign national holds a valid tourist visa or other relevant visa.
   • Public Notice and Objections: After submitting the notice, it is publicly displayed for 30 days. If there are no objections raised during this period, the marriage can proceed.
   • Marriage Registration: After the 30-day notice period, the couple can proceed with the marriage in the presence of three witnesses. The marriage is registered, and a Marriage Certificate is issued.
   • Documents Required:
     • Passport (for the foreign national)
     • Proof of address (for both parties)
     • Birth certificate (for both parties)
     • Visa and immigration status proof (for the foreign national)
     • Recent photographs of the couple
2. Marriage Under Personal Laws (e.g., Hindu Marriage Act, Christian Marriage Act): If the marriage is conducted according to religious customs, the foreign national must convert to the religion of the Indian spouse (if applicable), and the marriage will be governed by the personal laws related to that religion.
   • Hindu Marriage Act: For a marriage under this law, the foreign national must either be Hindu or convert to Hinduism. The marriage is usually conducted through religious ceremonies (e.g., in a temple) and registered afterward.
   • Christian Marriage Act: For a marriage under this Act, the foreign national must be Christian, and the marriage must take place in the presence of a Christian priest and be registered with the church or the local authorities.
3. Visa Requirements: A foreign national must generally hold a valid visa to marry in India. Most commonly, a tourist visa is used, but in some cases, the foreign national may need to apply for a specific visa for marriage purposes (e.g., marriage visa or entry visa). The foreign national should ensure their visa status is compliant with Indian immigration laws before the marriage process begins.
4. Marriage Certificate and Legal Recognition: After the marriage is completed, the couple can obtain an official marriage certificate from the Registrar under the Special Marriage Act. This certificate is legally recognized and can be used for various purposes, such as applying for a spouse visa or legalizing the marriage abroad.

Example

An American citizen planning to marry an Indian citizen in India under the Special Marriage Act will need to reside in India for at least 30 days prior to applying. Both parties will submit the necessary documents (e.g., passport, residence proof), and after the 30-day notice period, the marriage can be registered in the presence of witnesses, and a marriage certificate will be issued.