Adopting from Nepal

Nepal is a country beautiful diverse country, but it has a recent history of political instability. It also has a history of instability and corruption in the adoption process and international adoption was completely closed down in May of 2007 in Nepal. Now with a new government (2008) Nepal has reopened its doors to international adoption. However, because of the corruption in the past Nepal's new adoption process (The New Terms and Conditions) is under intense international scrutiny. Nepal is working very hard to insure that international adoption in Nepal is a transparent system free from corruption.

For those who choose to adopt from Nepal, some may have a smooth straight forward experience, but it is more likely that the adoption process will include, uncertainty, frustration, change and be a very bumpy ride. International adoption at best is a frustrating and uncertain process. International adoption from a country that has a history of political instability is very likely to be very frustrating and uncertain at times.

So if you're looking for an stable, well established adoption process, you should seriously think about whether Nepal is the right country for you.

Who can adopt?
Couples must be married for at least 4 years.
Single women between 35 and 55 years old
Parent(s) must be at least 30 years older than the child they wish to adopt
If the adoptive parent(s) have any children, they can only adopt a child of the opposite sex of the child(ren) they have. If they have both a boy and a girl, they cannot adopt from Nepal. If they have no children they may adopt a boy or a girl.
If the adoptive parent(s) have any children, they can only adopt a child younger than the child(ren) already in the home.
Many agencies report the adoptive parent must own their own home


What is the wait?
At this time no one knows for sure. The program is just too new to estimate

What children are available?
Infants to children over 10 years old. Currently most children available to be adopted are 2-5 years old

Does Nepal have a special needs program?
Nepal plans to have a special needs program, but it is not yet established