How Can Expats Get Legally Married in the UAE?

Thinking about tying the knot in the dazzling United Arab Emirates as an expat can feel like navigating a maze, but recent legal reforms have made the process significantly more accessible and streamlined for non-Muslim couples, while traditional options remain for Muslim expats. The UAE offers both civil and religious marriage ceremonies, each with its own set of requirements.

Civil Marriage in the UAE for Expats

The introduction of Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims has revolutionized marriage procedures for expats in the UAE, especially in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This law allows non-Muslim expatriates and tourists to enter into civil marriages, regardless of their nationality, in a secular legal framework that does not follow Sharia law. This is a game-changer, particularly for interfaith couples or those who prefer a non-religious ceremony.

Eligibility for Civil Marriage

For civil marriage in the UAE, both parties generally must be non-Muslim. While initially for non-Muslims only, the system has since been expanded to cover Muslim expats who are not UAE citizens, providing more flexibility. Both individuals must usually be at least 18 years old, with some emirates, like Dubai, requiring both parties to be 21 years old. Importantly, you must not be related by first or second degree, and neither party should be married to anyone else. In Dubai, at least one of the parties must be a resident, holding a valid UAE residence visa or Emirates ID. However, in Abu Dhabi, civil marriage is open to both residents and tourists, making it a popular choice for international couples.

Documents Required for Civil Marriage

Gathering the correct documents is a critical step in the civil marriage process in the UAE. You’ll typically need:

• Valid original passports for both parties.
• Copies of Emirates IDs (if residents).
• Proof of marital status (e.g., a single status certificate or affidavit of eligibility to marry), which must be attested by your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in that country, then again by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the UAE.
• If either party has been previously married, a divorce certificate or the death certificate of the former spouse is required, also duly attested.
• A completed marriage application form provided by the relevant court (e.g., Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court or Dubai Courts).
• In some cases, a pre-marital health screening certificate may be requested, though it’s more common for religious marriages.

All documents not in Arabic must be legally translated into Arabic by a certified translator in the UAE.

The Civil Marriage Process

The civil marriage process is designed to be efficient. You generally start by submitting your application online through the relevant court’s portal, such as the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) or Dubai Courts. After submitting the required documents and paying the fees, you’ll receive an appointment for the marriage ceremony. The ceremony itself is conducted by a judge or a notary public, not a religious officiant, and typically takes place at the courthouse. Both parties must be present and provide their express consent to the marriage. In Dubai, a civil marriage certificate can often be issued within 24 hours if all documentation is in order, while in Abu Dhabi, it might take a few days for the certificate to be issued after the ceremony.

Costs Associated with Civil Marriage

The cost of a civil marriage in the UAE is relatively fixed. For instance, in Abu Dhabi, the standard civil marriage fee is approximately AED 300. If you opt for an expedited or “express” service, which allows you to choose your preferred date and time, the fee can be around AED 2,500. Should you choose to submit a pre-nuptial agreement, there might be an additional notarization fee of approximately AED 950. These fees are subject to change, so always confirm the latest rates with the court. Remember, these costs do not include document attestation or translation fees, which can add to the overall expense, often ranging from hundreds to a few thousand dirhams depending on the number of documents and their origin.

Religious Marriages for Expats

For Muslim expats, marriage in the UAE typically follows Sharia law, solemnized at the Sharia Courts or through accredited religious institutions. Different rules apply depending on the nationality and religious affiliation of the couple.

Requirements for Islamic Marriage

For a Muslim marriage in the UAE, specific conditions must be met:

• Both the groom and bride must be at least 18 Hijri years old (otherwise, a judge’s approval is needed).
• The groom and bride must be physically present at the ceremony.
• The bride’s father (or his designated proxy) must be present. If the father is deceased, the next closest male guardian (like an elder brother) must be present.
• The bride’s legal guardian must give consent to the marriage.
• Two Muslim male witnesses are required for the marriage contract (Nikah).
• A dowry (Mahr) must be agreed upon between the bride and groom.
• If a Muslim man wishes to marry a non-Muslim woman, she must be from Ahl Al-Kitaab (People of the Book, i.e., Christian or Jewish). A Muslim woman, however, cannot marry a non-Muslim man unless he converts to Islam.
• A pre-marital health screening certificate from a government health center is mandatory to ensure the couple is free from certain genetic and infectious diseases.

Costs for Islamic Marriage

The cost of an Islamic marriage in the UAE varies based on whether it’s conducted in person at the court or through an online registration service, and if additional services are included. In-person Sharia marriages can start from approximately AED 4,250, while online registrations might begin around AED 3,500. These fees are for the marriage formalities and do not include the dowry (Mahr), which is agreed upon by the couple. The Mahr amount can vary significantly based on cultural traditions and personal agreements, though the UAE government encourages a reasonable and affordable approach. Medical examination costs, which are mandatory, might range from approximately AED 250 to AED 700 per person.

Marriage at Embassies or Consulates

Many non-Muslim expats also choose to get married at their respective embassies or consulates in the UAE. This option allows couples to marry under the laws of their home country. The specific requirements, documentation, and waiting periods vary greatly depending on the consulate. You’ll need to contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE directly for their precise procedures. Once married at an embassy, the marriage certificate typically needs to be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to be recognized locally.

Attestation and Recognition of Marriage Certificates

Regardless of whether you have a civil or religious marriage in the UAE, or if you were married at your embassy, it’s crucial to have your marriage certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) in the UAE. This step is essential for the marriage to be legally recognized for official purposes within the UAE, such as visa applications, sponsoring family members, or for inheritance matters. If you plan for your marriage to be recognized in your home country, you might also need to get it attested by your country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE and potentially by your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Living Together Before Marriage

While the UAE has reformed many personal status laws, it’s important to remember that culturally and legally, living together before marriage is generally not permitted for unmarried couples. While enforcement has become more lenient in recent years, it’s still advisable for couples to abide by local laws and customs, especially when considering marriage in the country. The focus should be on navigating the legal and cultural landscape respectfully.

Navigating Your Wedding Journey

Getting married in the UAE as an expat has become a much more streamlined process, particularly with the advent of civil marriage options. It offers flexibility and legal certainty for couples from diverse backgrounds. Whether you opt for a civil ceremony in the modernized courts or a religious ceremony, careful preparation of documents and understanding the legal framework will ensure a smooth journey to your special day. The www.few.ae team hopes this guide helps you plan your wedding in the UAE with confidence and joy.