Nepal’s document framework has been changing. Alongside the traditional legalisation route through the foreign ministry, an apostille route has been introduced, handled by the justice ministry. Because both exist, the right answer depends on the institution receiving the document.
Quick facts
Nepali practice leans heavily on notarised copies: a photocopy of the passport data page attested by a licensed notary is routinely required for filings, and that notarisation can then be authenticated for foreign use.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille on a U.S. state document | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State of that state |
| Federal authentication | $20 per document | U.S. Department of State |
| Consular legalisation | Consular tariff | Embassy of Nepal |
| Authentication in Nepal | Charged there | Foreign ministry or justice ministry |
| Notarised copy in Nepal | Charged there | Licensed notary |
Academic documents are the most commonly processed, usually for study or employment abroad, and universities often verify them separately as well.
How to prepare a document
- Ask the receiving institution whether it accepts an apostille or wants legalisation.
- Order a certified copy, or have the private document notarised.
- Obtain the state certification, and the federal one where the chain requires it.
- Submit to the embassy for legalisation if that is the route.
- Keep the chain together and order a spare set.
Required documents
- Original document, intact.
- Completed request and payment by money order.
- Copy of your identification.
- Prepaid tracked return envelope.
What the embassy does
It issues passports and travel documents, legalises documents, handles powers of attorney and recommendations, processes the non-resident Nepali card and assists Nepalis in difficulty.
Additional notes
Confirm before paying
Because the framework changed recently, older guidance may describe only one route. The institution in Nepal is the authority on what it will accept.
Translations
Documents in Nepali generally need a certified English translation for use here, and vice versa.
Order two copies
Offices retain what they receive, and repeating the chain from abroad is slow.
Never certify a photocopy alone
The chain attaches to an original or a properly certified copy.