Civil marriage is a legal option for non-Muslim couples who want to get married in the UAE. Civil marriage allows interfaith marriages and does not require the approval of a guardian or a premarital screening certificate. However, there are some differences between the procedures and requirements for civil marriage in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This article will provide an overview of the civil marriage process and the documents needed in both emirates.
- Civil Marriage in UAE
Civil marriage is a legal way for a non-Muslim couple to get married in UAE. It is a civil contract that follows the secular rules of the law. One of the benefits of civil marriage is that it allows interfaith couples to marry. This means that people of different religions can get married under civil law.
Eligibility for Civil Marriage
To get married under civil law, the applicants must be:
- Non-Muslims, or
- Citizens of a non-Muslim country.
- This applies to UAE residents, tourists and visitors.
- Civil Marriage in Dubai
Since February 2023, the UAE has implemented a new personal status law for non-Muslim expatriates, which allows them to obtain a civil marriage license in Dubai in just 24 hours. Civil marriage for non-Muslims in Dubai follows the Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022, which sets the rules for family matters of non-Muslim residents in the UAE.This law is part of the country’s efforts to promote tolerance, family stability, and demographic diversity.
What are the requirements and steps to get a civil marriage license in Dubai?
The following criteria are essential for obtaining a civil marriage license in Dubai:
- The applicants should not belong to the Islamic faith (i.e. must not be Muslim).
- At least one of the applicants should have a valid residency in the Emirate of Dubai.
- The applicants should be at least 21 years old.
- The applicants should present an authenticated marital status certificate from their respective embassies to verify their single status.
- The applicants should either appear in person or appoint a representative with a power of attorney.
- The applicants should submit all original identification and other electronic documents in PDF format.
- The applicants should carry their Emirates ID, original passport, and a copy of their Dubai residency permit during the application process.
- The applicants should ensure that all documents are legally translated into Arabic by an authorized agency and fully certified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Steps to get a civil marriage license in Dubai
The procedure for obtaining a civil marriage license in Dubai is as follows:
- Visit a Dubai Courts service center.
- Fill out a digital form.
- A designated employee will confirm the consent of both parties.
- After confirmation, the document will be electronically signed.
- The document will be forwarded to a judge to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
- Upon verification, the judge will sign the document.
- The marriage contract will be officially registered and approved electronically.
- The applicants will receive the document via text message and email.
Conditions for Civil Marriage
The parties to civil marriage must adhere to the following requirements:
- The spouses must be at least 21 years old. Their age must be verified by the document issued by their country of origin.
- Both spouses must give consent to the marriage before the authentication judge, and demonstrate that there is no legal obstacle that prohibits the marriage.
- Both spouses must sign the declaration form.
- Marriage must not be contracted between relatives, such as siblings, children, grandchildren, or uncles.
- Any other requirements stipulated by a decision of the chairman.
Fees:
The fees for obtaining a civil marriage license in Dubai are AED482. This fee consists of AED220 as service fees and AED262 as court fees.
- Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Government allows civil marriage for non-Muslims pursuant to its Law No. 14 of 2021 Concerning Personal Status for non-Muslim Foreigners. This law defines civil marriage as a lawful union of a non-Muslim man and woman, solemnized as a civil contract. The marriage is based on secular rules, and it is regulated by Articles 4 and 5 of the law.
To apply for a civil marriage certificate in Abu Dhabi, the following requirements must be met:
- Age: Both parties must be at least (18) years old, and their age must be verified by an official document from their country of origin.
- Consent: Both parties must clearly agree to the marriage, and there must be no legal impediment to their consent.
- Capacity: Both parties must be mentally competent to enter into a marriage contract.
- Kinship: The parties must not be related by blood up to the second degree, such as siblings, parents, grandparents, or cousins.
- Monogamy: Neither party can be married to another person at the time of the marriage. The chairman has the authority to impose any other conditions.
Applicants do not need to provide a medical certificate before the marriage, and no witnesses are needed for the marriage to take place.
Note:Muslims who are not UAE citizens can perform civil marriage in Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
How to Apply for Civil Marriage in the UAE
The following steps must be taken by those who are eligible for civil marriage under this law:
- Complete the civil marriage registration form in both Arabic and English, which can be found on the department’s website, and attach the necessary documents and pay the required fee.
- The spouses must also declare if they have been married before, and state the date of their divorce, and confirm that they are not currently married to anyone else.
- The court will check that all the requirements for civil marriage are satisfied and that the proper steps have been followed.
- If the application is accepted, the court will get in touch with the spouses within (3) working days from the date of applying, and set a date for issuing the marriage certificate, which will be done in front of the court, either online or at the court’s location.
- The notary will verify the marriage contract and issue the civil marriage certificate in both languages, according to the form provided with this decision, and the certificate will be recorded and stored in the electronic civil marriage register.
How may Dubai Court Marriage assist you?
Civil marriage is a convenient and legal way for non-Muslim couples to get married in the UAE. However, the procedures and requirements for civil marriage vary between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Therefore, it is important to check the latest information and regulations before applying for a civil marriage certificate in either emirate.
If you are looking for a marriage lawyer at Dubai court marriage, you have come to the right place. We are a team of experienced and qualified lawyers who can help you with the requirements for civil marriage in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We can assist you with all the steps and procedures, and make sure that your marriage is valid and hassle-free. We can also advise you on the legal effects of civil marriage, such as inheritance, property, and personal status.
Don’t wait any longer, contact us today and let us help you with your civil marriage in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. However, the fees and regulations mentioned may change over time. Please consult the marriage lawyers for the latest updates and verify the information before making any decisions.