If you’re planning to get married in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Court marriage process offers a streamlined and legally recognized path, particularly for expats and non-Muslim couples. A court marriage in Abu Dhabi ensures that couples can formalize their relationship with minimal complications, gaining the legal rights and responsibilities that come with a marriage contract.
In this guide, we will cover the requirements, conditions, and process involved in getting married at the Abu Dhabi Marriage Court, providing essential details for both expat and local couples. From the documents needed to the legal prerequisites, here’s everything you need to know about tying the knot in Abu Dhabi.
1. Why Choose Court Marriage in Abu Dhabi?
Court marriage in Abu Dhabi is an efficient option for couples seeking a civil marriage. Whether you are an expatriate couple, a mixed-nationality pair, or a non-Muslim, Abu Dhabi’s legal framework provides a simple process for marriage registration. A court marriage is especially beneficial for couples who want to avoid the complexity of religious or traditional ceremonies while ensuring their marriage is recognized legally.
Key reasons to choose court marriage include:
- Simplicity: The process is straightforward, with clear legal requirements and procedures.
- Legal Protection: Court marriages provide couples with legal rights and responsibilities.
- Open to Non-Muslims: Civil marriage is available to non-Muslim expatriates in Abu Dhabi, making it accessible to all nationalities and religions, except for UAE nationals.
2. Requirements for Abu Dhabi Court Marriage
To get married at the Abu Dhabi Marriage Court, couples must fulfill specific documentation and legal prerequisites. These requirements may vary slightly based on nationality, religion, and personal circumstances.
Required Documents:
- Family Book (copy and original, applicable to UAE Nationals)
- Passports (copy and original, applicable to expatriates or non-UAE Nationals)
- Original Medical Examination Certificate: Only required if one of the contracting parties is an Emirati. The certificate must be issued by an approved medical board.
- Visa, Passport, and Emirates IDs for the engaged couple (copy and original)
- Visa, Passport, and Emirates IDs for two male witnesses (copy and original)
- Visa, Passport, and Emirates ID for the attorney or guardian of the bride or groom (copy and original)
For certain scenarios, additional documentation may be required. For example, if the bride or groom is employed by a government entity or if one partner is from the UAE, they may need specific permissions or no-objection certificates (NOCs).
Muslim Marriages in the UAE
If one of the marrying parties is Muslim, a Sharia Court marriage is required. The Sharia Court in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai governs these marriages, ensuring they comply with Islamic law.
- Eligibility: The groom must be Muslim, while the bride can belong to any religion. If the bride’s father is unavailable, a letter of consent from the father or another male guardian is required. Additionally, all documents, including passports and letters of consent, must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator.
- Witnesses and Dowry: Two witnesses are required, and dowry agreements, if any, are to be documented.
- Employer and Criminal Record Certificates: A letter from the couple’s employer confirming there are no objections to the marriage and a criminal record check may be needed. Get your criminal record check certificate here.
- Attestation: After the marriage certificate is signed, it must be attested by both the UAE Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure its legal validity in the UAE and abroad.
3. Christian Marriages in the UAE
Christian couples wishing to marry in the UAE have the option of conducting their marriage at one of the many recognized Christian churches, including St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Dubai. The procedure includes several key steps:
- Ceremony Location: The marriage can take place in the church (if the couple are members of the congregation) or at an alternative venue, such as a private home, subject to approval from the relevant church authority.
- Required Documents: Passports for both the bride and groom are required, along with a Certificate of No Impediment. Divorcees must present their Decree Absolutes (divorce certificates) to prove they are legally eligible to remarry.
- Witnesses: As in other marriage types, two witnesses are necessary.
- Attestation: Once the marriage certificate is signed, it must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for it to be recognized.
4. Hindu Marriages in the UAE
Hindu marriages can be performed at the Hindu Temple in Dubai. The process is similar to that of Christian marriages, with a focus on religious rites and ceremonies specific to Hindu traditions.
- Requirements: The temple may require certain documents and witnesses to formalize the marriage.
- Attestation: Just like in Christian and Muslim marriages, the certificate must be attested by the relevant UAE authorities for legal recognition.
4. Conditions for Court Marriage in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi court marriage process comes with several legal conditions that both parties must meet. These conditions vary depending on the individuals involved, such as non-Muslim expatriates, Emiratis marrying expats, or cases where one party is a minor.
General Conditions for Non-Muslim Marriages:
For non-Muslim couples, Abu Dhabi has a dedicated Civil Family Court, which oversees civil marriages. This process is available to all nationalities, excluding UAE nationals, and provides a straightforward option for those looking to formalize their relationship under civil law. Here’s what you need to know:
- Legal Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry.
- Voluntary Consent: Both parties must provide their free and voluntary consent to marry.
- Marital Status: Both parties must sign a declaration form stating they are not currently married to anyone else.
- Requirements: Couples must present their passports, Emirates IDs, and other identification documents. Additional paperwork, such as a medical examination certificate, may be required if one party is an Emirati national.
- Witnesses: At least two male witnesses are required to be present at the marriage ceremony.
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage: Applicants will need to obtain this certificate, which confirms that there are no legal impediments preventing them from marrying. It can be acquired through their respective embassies or the Consular office. For further information on the latest requirements, couples can visit the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website: ADJD Family Court.
For civil marriages between non-Muslim individuals in Abu Dhabi, approval from a guardian or premarital screening certificate is not required.
Additional Conditions for UAE National Marrying an Expat:
- Guardian’s Presence: The legal guardian of the bride must be present if the bride is a UAE national.
- Nationality: The expatriate groom must hold a nationality and be legally residing in the UAE. Stateless individuals cannot marry UAE nationals without government approval.
- Good Conduct: The expatriate groom must provide a certificate of good conduct issued by the UAE authorities.
5. Cases Requiring Judge’s Consent
In certain situations, the Abu Dhabi Marriage Court requires the consent of a judge to proceed with the marriage. These cases include:
- Marriage Between Non-Muslims: A judge must approve marriages between two non-Muslim individuals.
- Absence of a Guardian: If the bride lacks a legal guardian, the court may assign a judge to act as her guardian.
- Age Difference: If one party’s age is twice or more than the other’s, a judge’s approval is required.
6. Marriage Procedure at Abu Dhabi Marriage Court
The process for court marriage in Abu Dhabi is straightforward, with the couple required to attend the court with the necessary documents. Here’s an outline of the process:
- Book an Appointment: The couple must schedule an appointment with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
- Submit Documents: At the court, the couple must submit all required documents, including identification, visas, passports, and any additional certificates depending on their situation.
- Marriage Contract Signing: Both parties sign the marriage contract in front of a marriage officer and two male witnesses.
- Judge’s Approval (if required): In special cases, such as when a guardian is absent or a significant age difference exists, the judge’s consent is required to finalize the marriage.
- Receive Marriage Certificate: After the contract is signed and witnessed, the couple will receive their official marriage certificate, legally recognizing the union.
7. Special Conditions for Abu Dhabi Court Marriage
Certain couples may face additional requirements or specific scenarios where extra documentation is necessary. Here are some common special conditions:
a. Marriages Involving UAE Military or Police Employees
Employees of the UAE Army, Police, or the Ministry/Dept. of Foreign Affairs must obtain special permission from their respective authorities before proceeding with the marriage.
b. GCC National Marrying a Non-GCC National
GCC nationals marrying non-GCC nationals must provide proof of their country’s consent, with the document attested by the UAE Ministry/Dept. of Foreign Affairs. This requirement is waived for Omani nationals.
c. Yemeni Woman Marrying a Non-Yemeni Man
Yemeni women marrying men from other nationalities must submit a document of consent from their home country, attested by the UAE Ministry/Dept. of Foreign Affairs.
d. UAE Nationals with Specific Passport Requirements
UAE nationals with passports issued by specific Emirates (such as Ajman) must seek approval from their local Sharia court before proceeding with marriage at the Abu Dhabi Marriage Court.
8. Marriage Lawyers in Abu Dhabi
Couples looking to formalize their relationship through court marriage in Abu Dhabi may benefit from the services of a marriage lawyer. A lawyer can help navigate the paperwork, ensure all conditions are met, and assist with scheduling court appointments. This can be particularly helpful if there are complications, such as lack of documentation or differing nationalities.
Simplifying Your Court Marriage at Abu Dhabi Marriage Court
The Abu Dhabi Marriage Court offers a clear, structured process for couples wishing to marry, regardless of nationality or religion. By ensuring all required documents are in order and understanding the legal prerequisites, couples can avoid unnecessary delays and enjoy the legal protections that a court marriage in Abu Dhabi provides.
Whether you’re a non-Muslim couple looking for a civil marriage or a UAE national marrying an expat, the Abu Dhabi Marriage Court ensures that your union is legally recognized with minimal hurdles. For any complexities, seeking legal advice or consulting a marriage lawyer can streamline the process and ensure your marriage is formalized quickly and efficiently.
If you’re considering getting married in Abu Dhabi, understanding the legal process will help you prepare, making the experience smooth and hassle-free.
FAQ on Getting Married at Abu Dhabi Marriage Court
1. What is the process for court marriage in Abu Dhabi?
The process for court marriage in Abu Dhabi involves booking an appointment with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, submitting required documents (such as passports, visas, and Emirates IDs), and signing the marriage contract in front of a marriage officer and two male witnesses. Once the contract is signed, you will receive your official marriage certificate.
2. What documents are required for court marriage in Abu Dhabi?
The required documents include passports (original and copy), Emirates IDs, visas, and two male witnesses’ identification. If one party is Emirati, a medical examination certificate may also be required. Some cases may require additional documents like a Certificate of No Impediment from the relevant embassy or consulate.
3. Do both parties need to be present for the marriage in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, both parties must be present to sign the marriage contract in front of the marriage officer at the Abu Dhabi Marriage Court. Additionally, two male witnesses must also be present.
4. Is it possible for non-Muslim couples to get married at the Abu Dhabi Court?
Yes, non-Muslim couples can marry at the Abu Dhabi Marriage Court through a civil marriage process. This provides a legal framework for all nationalities, except for UAE nationals, and does not require religious ceremonies or parental consent.
5. Do I need a guardian to get married at the Abu Dhabi Marriage Court?
In most cases, non-Muslim marriages do not require a guardian’s consent. However, for UAE national brides, a guardian’s presence is mandatory during the marriage process.
6. How do I get my marriage certificate attested in the UAE?
To ensure your marriage certificate is recognized internationally, you must have it attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice, followed by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Depending on your nationality, you may also need to have the certificate attested by your country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE.
7. Can military or government employees get married at Abu Dhabi Court?
Yes, military and government employees can marry at the Abu Dhabi Court; however, they may need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their department before proceeding with the marriage.
8. What is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, and do I need one?
A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is a document confirming that there are no legal reasons preventing you from getting married. It is required for expatriates and can be obtained from the relevant embassy or consulate in the UAE.
9. Are there special conditions for getting married if I am a GCC national?
Yes, if a GCC national is marrying a non-GCC national, a consent document from the GCC national’s home country, attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is required.
10. How long does it take to complete the court marriage process in Abu Dhabi?
The time frame can vary depending on the availability of appointments and the submission of complete documents. Generally, the process is quick, but any missing documents or special conditions may cause delays.
For more information, contact the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department:
- Phone: +971 2 651 2222
- Website: ADJD.
