In the UAE, marriage is recognized legally and governed by clear rules and regulations. Whether you are a resident or expatriate of the UAE or a visitor, it is always advisable to know the marriage registration process in order to comply with UAE laws and avoid any delays.
This article discusses the eligibility and legal requirements for marriage, required documents, types of marriages (civil and religious), and the court registration process in the UAE.
Eligibility and Legal Requirements for Marriage in the UAE
- Eligibility for Civil Marriage for Non- Muslims
A civil marriage is a lawful union of a man and woman, solemnized as a civil contract. Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims governs civil marriage of non-Muslim residents of the UAE.
It also provides non-Muslim residents the option to follow:
- the laws of their home country or
- Choose alternative personal status laws in effect in the UAE over the provisions of this Decree Law.
Note that this Decree does not apply to Muslims, as they are governed by Shari’ah (Islamic) law in matters of family.
Dubai launched a civil marriage service for non-Muslim residents of the emirate of Dubai. To proceed with a civil marriage application in Dubai, the following conditions must be met:
- Both parties must be non-Muslims
- At least one of the parties must be a resident of Dubai
- The age of the couple must be at least 21 years old
- The couple or their legally authorised representatives must appear in person
- Original IDs are required to prove their identity details
- Proof of being single must be provided.
- Eligibility for Muslim Marriage
Islamic marriages are conducted according to the Sharia provisions, which apply in the following cases, regardless of nationality:
- where both the groom and the bride are Muslims
- where the groom is Muslim and the bride is from ‘Ahl Al-Kitaab’; such as Christian.
While the law permits a Muslim man to marry a non-Muslim woman, it does not allow a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man without proof of his conversion to Islam.
Key legal requirements for Muslim marriages
- A marriage contract needs to be registered in a Sharia court in the UAE.
- The legal age for marriage is 18 Hijri years; otherwise, the judge’s approval is required.
- A spouse’s age should not be twice the other; otherwise, the judge’s approval is sought.
- A premarital screening certificate is needed.
- Attendance of the couple is required.
- Attendance of the bride’s father or his proxy and two male Muslim witnesses are required.
- For a woman to get married, she needs the consent of her guardian.
- In case of father’s death, the presence of the next closest male guardian i.e. closest kin such as elder brother is required.
- Divorced and widowed women must produce a proof of the status.
- If the bride is Muslim and her father is not, she needs a ‘No Objection’ letter from her embassy or consulate.
Essential Documents and Pre-Marriage Formalities
The submission of proper documentation is important for a hassle free marriage process in the UAE. The following essential documents most commonly required for a marriage:
• Valid passports of both parties
• Birth certificates
• Residence visas (of UAE residents)
• Certificate of No Impediment (to prove single status)
• Passport-size photographs
Depending on one’s nationality and religion, documents may have to translated into Arabic, notarized, and attested by MOFA and the embassy or consulate of the applicant.
For Muslim marriages, it is compulsory for both spouses to undertake pre-marital medical screening for the detection of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and to obtain a health certificate from an approved UAE health center.
In the case of civil marriages, the couples required to be present in front of a civil family court judge at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) or Dubai Courts, depending on the emirate of residence. The judge authenticates their mutual consent, and issues the marriage certificate in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022. There is no requirement of two witnesses and pre-marital medical screening certificate.
Collecting and verifying all documents in advance makes the marriage process easier, minimizes any possible delays in processing and ensures that the marriage is in accordance with UAE marriage laws.
Civil, Religious, and Expat Marriage Procedures
Marriage procedures in the UAE vary and can categorized as follows:
- Court Marriage UAE: Muslim couples and some expats may marry at the Sharia court in their emirate.
- Civil Marriage Ceremony UAE: In the case of civil marriages, non-Muslims have to personally appear before a civil family court judge at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) or Dubai Courts, depending on which emirate they reside in. The judge then authenticates their mutual consent and issues the marriage certificate according to Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022. This process is usually fast and does not require a guardian or witnesses.
- Embassy Marriage UAE: Depending on the rules of their country, some expats may be able to marry at their embassy or consulate.
- Religious Marriages UAE: Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other types of religious marriages may performed at licensed places of worship and registered with the court.
The procedures of each emirate may differ slightly, so seeking guidance from a family lawyer or other legal expert in the UAE is advisable.
Court Processes, Registration, and Awarding of Certificates
Once the couple has chosen the appropriate procedure, they must:
- Book an appointment at the relevant court of UAE (e.g., Dubai Courts or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department)
- Submit the requisite documents and complete the application form.
- Attend the marriage ceremony (civil or religious) on the assigned date.
- Collect their official marriage certificate UAE, issued by the court or judicial department.
As soon as the couple has obtained the marriage certificate, they required to have the document attested in the UAE through:
- UAE Ministry of Justice
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC)
- Embassies of the home country (if required)
The attested document has required for family visa sponsorship, name change or for other legal processes in the UAE.
Professional Marriage Registration and Post Marital Services
To make the whole process easier, many couples prefer the professional marriage registration services in the UAE. They offer:
- Documents Preparation and certified legal Translation of document in Arabic (if required)
- Scheduling Appointments in Courts or Embassies
- Attesting and Authenticating Certificates
- Assistance with Online Marriage Registration
After marriage, couples often require assistance with post-marriage steps, such as:
- Updating government records on marital status
- Family visa sponsorship application
- Name change procedures
- Notarized translation of the marriage certificate.
From registration to post-marriage formalities, a qualified family lawyer or notary service in the UAE would ensure compliance with local laws.
How Dubai Court Marriage Lawyers Can Help
Whether you are a resident, a tourist, or an expat seeking marriage, the legal team at Dubai Court Marriage will help you through all the steps. This involves choosing the right procedure, assisting in preparing documents, booking court appointments, and post-marriage formalities. Our team of experienced lawyers will make sure your marriage is legally valid and stress-free.
Contact Dubai Court Marriage today to arrange a consultation and take that big step toward your marriage with complete peace of mind.
