Recently, Dubai introduced a simplified procedure for civil marriages that can be solemnized within 24 hours. The initiative will provide an easy way for non-Muslim residents and tourists to legalize their unions in compliance with local laws. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to have a civil marriage in Dubai.
What is a Civil Marriage?
A civil marriage is the legally recognized union of two people, solemnized as a civil contract. Since marriage falls under civil law, it does not require any religious ceremonies or affiliations. This type of marriage has been found quite helpful for non-Muslim expats staying within Dubai, as it provides an easy and lawful manner in which a couple can formalize their relationship.
Legal Framework
The legal framework for civil marriages in Dubai is under the Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims. This allows non-Muslim residents to either follow their home country’s laws or opt for the UAE’s civil personal status law. The decree encompasses many facets of family law, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody.
Eligibility Criteria
- One of the parties shall be a resident of Dubai.
- The age of the engaged parties must be 21 years old.
- The parties or their legal representative shall appear in person, and they have to submit the Power of Attorney of the representative (if any). The concerned party shall submit their original ID to verify their identity details.
- All documents shall be submitted as soft copies in PDF format, provided that they shall be submitted with legal Arabic translation stamped by the Ministry of Justice in UAE, and if issued from outside the country, they shall be certified by the official authorities:
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the concerned country,
- The UAE embassy in the concerned country, and
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, UAE.
Required Documents
The following documents are required to be prepared prior to visiting any Dubai Courts service center:
- Identification Documents: valid passports or Emirates IDs.
- Proof of Single Status: This is a certificate of no impediment or other documents, especially if the documents are issued outside the UAE. Translation to Arabic has to be done for those not in Arabic and be certified as such.
- A Private Attested Power of Attorney in PDF format (if there is an agent).
- An attested marital status certificate for the parties to marriage from the Embassy of their country of origin.
Procedures for Submitting Civil Marriage Application
- The couple shall submit an application for a civil marriage to the authentication judge.
- The following documents shall be submitted with the civil marriage application form:
- The supporting documents and ID cards of the civil marriage applicants.
- A document proving the residence of the civil marriage applicant in the State.
- A document issued by the competent authorities in the home country of the civil marriage applicant, showing their age.
- The marriage application form shall include the following:
- A declaration that there is no existing marital relationship for the wife, and also for the husband if the legislation to which he is subject does not permit polygamy.
- Any conditions to be agreed upon between the couple that determine their rights during the period of marriage and post-divorce.
- Evidence of the couple’s express consent to the marriage contract.
- Signatures of the couple.
- Disclosure Form.
Steps to Obtain a Civil Marriage License
- Visit a Dubai Courts Service Centre: Visit one of the numerous Service Centres located at Al Yalayis, Wafi Mall, or the Al Barsha Traffic Building.
- Complete a Digital Application: Fill out a digital application form with your personal information and upload the required documents in PDF format.
- Consent Verification: An authorized employee will check the consent of both parties to confirm that their decision to get married is free and voluntary.
- Sign Electronically: After consent is confirmed, the bride and groom electronically sign the marriage document.
- Judicial Review: The electronically signed document is forwarded to the Judge for verification. The Judge verifies all legal requirements.
- Approval and Documentation: The marriage agreement, after approval, is documented electronically, and the couples receive their marriage certificate via SMS and email.
Fees Involved
It is relatively inexpensive to get a civil marriage license in Dubai. The marriage certificate issuance fee is AED 220, and additional court fees are AED 262—approximately AED 482 in total.
Additional Information
- No Requirement for Witnesses: The new laws allow civil marriage without requiring the couples to provide any witnesses.
- International Recognition: The Certificate of Civil Marriage issued in Dubai enjoys international recognition and hence is valid for official purposes when couples relocate to other countries.
Conclusion
The new civil marriage process in Dubai will help make life simpler for non-Muslim couples by enabling them to get married as soon as possible in a quick and efficient way. To make it easier, Dubai Marriage Court offers professional services that will help couples fulfill all the legal requirements successfully.
Planning to get married in Dubai? Then contact Dubai Court Marriage to assist you throughout the whole process, right from the start to getting your marriage certificate in the least time possible!