Marriage Registration in Bangladesh for NRBs and Foreign Spouses: Nikah, Kabinnama and Documents

Under the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017, the minimum age is 18 for women and 21 for men. Both parties must freely consent, and the Nikah Registrar must verify identity and age with NID or birth certificate. A marriage below these ages risks penalties and refusal of immigration applications.

This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Fees, forms and procedures change; confirm current requirements with the relevant office or a qualified advocate before acting.

1. The marriage is solemnised by a Nikah Registrar or Qazi licensed by the government, in front of two witnesses.
2. The Kabinnama (marriage certificate) records names, ages, dower amount (prompt and deferred), conditions and the wife's rights.
3. The registrar must register the marriage and keep the register; the parties get a certified copy.
4. Take care that the Kabinnama is fully filled in, with no blank columns, and that the delegated right of talaq is considered.

Failure to register is punishable, but the marriage can still be proved by other means. You should still get it registered promptly or apply for late registration.

• Hindu: registered under the Hindu Marriage Registration Act 2012 with the Registrar appointed for the area.
• Christian: performed by a licensed minister under the Christian Marriage Act 1872 and recorded in the marriage register.
• Inter-faith or civil marriage: the Special Marriage Act 1872 provides a registrar route and requires a declaration that neither party follows a different personal law in a way that bars the marriage.

A Bangladeshi citizen can marry a foreign national in Bangladesh, but extra documents are usually required: the foreigner's passport, visa, proof of single status (or divorce certificate), and a letter or certificate of no impediment from their embassy. A foreign Muslim marrying in a Muslim ceremony must comply with the Nikah rules; the Nikah Registrar will ask for the foreign spouse's documents. Check with the Nikah Registrar and with the foreigner's embassy before you set the date.

A marriage registered in the UK, USA, UAE or Canada may be valid, but Bangladeshi authorities may ask you to register it locally for Bangladesh records, especially for NID, passport and succession. Bring the foreign certificate (attested as described in our attestation guide) and apply to the local Nikah Registrar or Marriage Registrar.

1. Obtain the Kabinnama certified copy from the Nikah Registrar.
2. Attest it with the Registrar-General or the local Registrar office as required, then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. If the receiving country requires it, legalise at its embassy in Dhaka.
4. Get a certified English translation where needed.
5. Keep the original, since most authorities accept certified copies.

This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Fees, forms and procedures change; confirm current requirements with the relevant office or a qualified advocate before acting.

Yes. Muslim marriages must be registered with a licensed Nikah Registrar under the 1974 Act, though unregistered marriages are not automatically void.

It is the Muslim marriage contract and certificate that records dower and conditions of the marriage.

Yes, with the foreigner's documents and compliance with the applicable marriage law; check with the registrar and embassy.

Usually yes, after attestation by MOFA and certified translation where required.

Apply for late registration with the Nikah Registrar and keep witnesses and other evidence available.