Adoptions from Nepal “At a Glance”

Program On Hold for New Applicants

  Please contact Robin Shahan at robin@adoptall.org for more information.

Family Eligibility: Married couples and single women may adopt from Nepal. Married couples must be married for at least 4 years (cohabitation does not count towards the 4 year requirement). The age difference between the child and the parent(s) has to be a minimum of 30 years.  Single women, in addition, must be between 35 and 55 years old.  If the family has biological or adopted child(ren) at home, they can only adopt a child who is younger and the opposite sex of the child(ren) at home.  If a family already has a boy and a girl, they are not elligible to adopt from Nepal.  Adoption Alliance works with families in every state to adopt from Nepal.

Time Frame:  Once a family's dossier is complete, the wait for a referral is generally at least six to 12 months or more for an infant.  The wait is significantly less for children over age three.

Travel:  At the moment, only one trip is required with a three-week stay.

Issues: Because Nepal only recently opened, changes to the dossier requirements and unknowns regarding the new adoption process could be frustrating for families.  The same risks as all international adoption programs, such as lack of medical information, developmental issues, and institutional delays.  See the latest U.S. Department of State adoption news on Nepal here. 

Costs:  We estimate the cost is approximately $28,000- $33,000 which includes Adoption Alliance fees, country costs, dossier and translation costs, humanitarian aid, and one trip for two people. 

Adoption Alliance Contact:  Robin Shahan, (303) 584-9900 ext. 20, or email robin@adoptall.org.