Adoption Process in Nepal – Easy Guide You Need to Know 2026

After reading this article, you will get to learn about adoption law and detailed information about the adoption process in Nepal.

Adoption is when a person or a couple legally becomes the parent(s) of a child who is not their biological offspring. This process involves the transfer of all rights and responsibilities from the child’s biological parents to the adoptive parent(s).

Adoption in Nepal is a legally assured process governed by the National Civil Code. This article explores the legal aspects, criteria, and procedures involved in child adoption in Nepal, shedding light on both domestic and international adoption scenarios.

Legal Basis of Adoption

 The National Civil Code outlines the legal provisions for child adoption in Nepal. It specifies that a person without a son or daughter may adopt a child through a legal deed. However, those already having a son or daughter are restricted from adopting a son or daughter, respectively. Once adopted, a child cannot be re-adopted. The law also dictates that only a son can be adopted if the adopting family has only daughters and vice versa.

Criteria for Adoption

1. The adopting parent must have a minimum 30-year age difference with the adopted child.
2. The adopting family should not have their own child of the same gender as the one they intend to adopt.
3. The country of the applicant must have adoption provisions compatible with Nepalese law.

Eligibility Criteria for the Adoption Process in Nepal

In Nepal, specific criteria are in place to determine who can be adopted. Children under the age of 14 are eligible for adoption, while individuals who have reached the age of fourteen are not permitted to be adopted.

It’s important to note that this age limit exception applies in cases where the person to be adopted is an individual of three generations or a child born to the ex-husband of the wife, allowing adoption even if the person is fourteen years old, as per Section 173 of the National Civil Code 2017.

The individuals with only one son or daughter at the time, the single child without sibling is not eligible for adoption.

The adoption process prohibits individuals with a higher degree of relationship than the adopting parent from being adopted. This ensures that the adoption aligns with established familial and societal structures.

Required Documents for the Adoption Process in Nepal

 Several documents are necessary for adoption in Nepal, including:

1. Detailed CV of adopting parents
2. Health reports of adopting parents
3. Birth certificates of adopting parents
4. Consent letter from the related country
5. A guarantee letter from the related embassy
6. Letter of income source
7. No criminal record letter
8. Copy of passports
9. 8/8 copies of photographs of adopting parents.

Domestic Adoption Process in Nepal

Domestic adoption involves adopting a child within Nepal. The process typically takes 15 days to one month. The adopting family may need to donate to a child home, such as Nepal Bal Mandir, or a private home caring for children.

The adoption laws are supportive, and the fees depend on the child’s home.

International Adoption Process in Nepal

 International adoption from Nepal involves a lengthier and more technical process. It includes preparing a dossier, proceeding through the Ministry, and engaging with key stakeholders.

The adopting family may incur costs of around $11,000, covering fees for the Ministry, child home, and legal services. The process takes approximately three to three and a half months.

Adoptive Parents’ Rights

 Under Nepalese law, an adopted child is entitled to the same rights as a biological child. However, adoptive parents may legally separate from the adopted child if the child violates the law and poses a threat to the parents.

Special Cases

1. Single or divorced individuals can adopt a child in Nepal, following adoption laws.
2. Adoption is allowed even if the adopting family already has a child, provided they adhere to adoption rules.
3. Economic status plays a role in the adoption process, with the law requiring an income certificate to ensure the adopting family’s ability to care for the child.

Conclusion

Adoption in Nepal follows a well-defined legal framework outlined in the Civil Code. The process, whether domestic or international, has specific criteria and documentation requirements in Nepal that every adoptive parent must follow.