Are you a non-Muslim and willing to get married as an expat or visitor to the United Arab Emirates? If yes, Congratulations, as you are at the right place. The United Arab Emirates for the first time in their history has passed a law on civil marriage, where it is lawful for a non-Muslim to legally register a civil marriage. This legal article will comprehensively bring out the conditions and steps to register for a Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi.
What is a Civil Marriage?
The marriage is a marriage which is conducted and registered in accordance with the laws and regulations irrespective of any religious law. Article 4 and 5 of the Law No. 14 of 2021 regarding the Civil Marriage and its Effect in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi regulates civil marriages.
Who can get married under civil marriage in the UAE?
According to Article 5 of the Resolution No. (8) of 2022 concerning the Marriage and Civil Divorce Procedures in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, (Resolution No. 8 of 2022), the following persons are covered under the law:
- Non-Muslim citizens.
- The foreigner who holds the nationality of a country that does not apply the provisions of Islamic law mainly in matters of personal status. In the event of a foreigner having multiple nationality, the nationality used shall be considered according to his residence in the country.
- Marriage being held in a country that does not apply the provisions of Islamic law primarily in matters of personal status.
- If the marriage was concluded in accordance with the provisions of civil marriage.
- Any other case for which a decision is issued by the Chairman.
Why Choose Civil Marriage in the UAE?
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi allows for a civil marriage, provided some requirements are satisfied, for both residents and visitors alike in the UAE who are not Muslims. This is through Article 2 of Regulation No. 8/2022 Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
A court attestation officer in the United Arab Emirates can record civil marriages and wills for both residents and tourists. This applies to those who are covered by the applicable legal provisions. Rules and restrictions established by law must be adhered to.
Under Article 7 of the Personal Status Law for Non-Muslim Foreigners in Abu Dhabi, it says: “A marriage is civil if conducted and registered according to law and regulations, without referring to a specific religious law”.
Conditions for Non-Muslim Civil Marriage Registration
A civil marriage is concluded under the following conditions, as mentioned under Article 8 of the resolution:
- Age: both husband and wife have reached at least (18) calendar years, and age is proven by any official document issued by the country to which they belong.
- The free will of those wishing to marry: those wishing to marry shall explicitly express their consent to the marriage, and that there is nothing to legally prohibit their consent.
- Eligibility: The spouses must have the necessary mental capacity.
- The absence of the forbidding kinship: the marriage must not be between brothers, children, grandchildren, uncles or aunts.
- Non-polygamy: None of the spouses is bound by any existing marital relationship.
The chairman may add any other conditions.
Applicants are exempted from submitting a medical examination certificate before marriage, and no witnesses are required for the marriage to take place.
Steps to Register for a Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
- Fill in the Application Form: Fill in the form designed for registering civil marriage in both Arabic and English available on the ADJD’s website, attaching the required documents and paying the prescribed fee.
- Declaration of existing or past relationship: The spouses are required to disclose the existence of any previous marital relationship for either of them, indicating the date of the divorce, and avowing the absence of any existing marital relationship.
- Verification of Documents: The court verifies that all conditions for civil marriage are met and that the required procedures are fulfilled.
- Approval and Notification: In the event that the application is approved, the court will contact the spouses within (3) working days at most from the date of submitting the application. The court accordingly fixes a date for the issuance of the marriage certificate, in the presence of the spouses before the court. The spouse can be present through electronic (online) attendance or at the court’s headquarters.
- Marriage Certification: The notary authenticates the marriage contract and produces the bilingual civil marriage certificate according to the form attached to this decision, and the certificate is entered and saved in the electronic civil marriage registry.
Benefits of Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
- Legal Recognition: A civil marriage registered in Abu Dhabi is legally recognized and grants legal protection to the two contracting parties as well as future offspring from such a union.
- Streamlined Process: With simplified procedure non-Muslims can marry in the UAE more easily. The couples may enjoy their wedding day with minimum paperwork and clear guidelines.
- Respect to Cultural Practices: The city respects religious and cultural practices; hence, it is foreigner-friendly.
- Convenience: It allows non-Muslim tourists and locals to conveniently register their marriage locally for legal recognition in the United Arab Emirates.
How Dubai Court Marriage Can Assist You
Civil marriage legal requirements and registration can be tricky to properly understand without adequate legal counseling; this is where Dubai Court Marriage will be of assistance. We have proficient marriage lawyers in Dubai who extend their full cooperation by advising and providing the couple with required assistance so that their registration of the civil marriage goes smoothly. From preparations for documentation to marriage certification attendance, we will guide you with the entire marriage process.
Why Choose Dubai Court Marriage?
- Professional Advice: We have immense experience in organizing civil marriages for non-Muslims in the United Arab Emirates.
- Easy Procedure: In order to reduce the chances of any rejection and obstacles, we will ensure that all documents are correctly compiled and filed.
- Customized Solution: Since no two couples are alike, we’ll adapt our services to best suit your needs and preferences.
Contact Us Today
Are you ready to start the Abu Dhabi civil marriage process? Feel free to reach out to Dubai Court Marriage at any moment for a hitch-free experience. Let us be part of your perfect day!