The Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 provides that non-Muslim residents have the option to follow the laws of their home country or select alternative personal status laws in effect in the UAE. The Federal Decree Law covers matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Personal Status Law for non-Muslims regulates personal status matters for non-Muslims in the emirate, and provides a flexible and advanced judicial mechanism for the determination of personal status disputes.

Related services

• Request for marriage contract – Ministry of Justice
• Civil marriage application for UAE resident – Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
• Civil marriage application for visitor - Abu Dhabi Judicial Department 
• Marriage contract – Dubai Courts

What is civil marriage?

Civil marriage is a legal marriage contract that is registered before the competent court without any religious rites or requirements. This type of marriage is based on the mutual consent of both parties and is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 On the Civil Personal Status, and Cabinet Resolution No. 122 of 2023 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on the Civil Personal Status.

The law sets out the rules relating to divorce, wills, inheritance, custody, and the rights arising from a civil marriage. Civil marriage does not apply to Muslims.

Provisions of civil marriage

For a civil marriage contract to be established, the following conditions shall be met as per Article (2) of the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law on the Civil Personal Status:

1. That both the husband and wife have attained at least (21) twenty-one Gregorian years.

2. That the married couple shall have the legal capacity necessary to undertake legal actions.

3. The civil marriage shall be executed between a male and a female.

4. That the married couple explicitly express their consent to marriage.

5. Marriage shall not take place between brothers, sons, grandchildren, paternal uncles, maternal uncles or relatives up to the third degree.

6. The marriage shall not take place between the adopted child and the father or mother in the alternative family or any of their natural children.

7. Never get marriage to two sisters, a wife and her mother, maternal aunt, paternal aunt or grandmother, if the legislation, to which the husband is subject, permits polygamy.

8. The wife shall not have an existing marital relationship, and also the husband if the legislation, to which he is subject, does not permit polygamy. In all cases, the husband shall disclose any existing marital relationship.

In 2021, in accordance with Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 Regarding Civil Marriage and its Effects (as amended), the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Service was established.

Conditions for civil marriage in Abu Dhabi

1. Both parties must provide their consent to marriage.
2. Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
3. The parties must not be related by the first or second degree.
4. The parties must not be married to any other person.
5. Either party must not be a UAE national.

How to submit an application for a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi?

You can submit the application through either of the following:

1. The ADJD website ;
2. One of the ADJD typing centres based in Abu Dhabi.

Documents required

1. A copy of the passport of both parties.
2. A copy of the Emirates ID of both parties, if applicable.
3. If either party was married previously, proof of dissolution of marriage, such as a divorce judgment or death certificate of the former spouse.

How long does the process take?

Upon submission of your application, it can take up to 10 working days for your application to be approved by the registration team. Once your application is approved and you have paid the fee, you should receive an email or telephone call from the court within 5 working days to arrange an appointment for the marriage ceremony.

The marriage certificate will be issued at the conclusion of the ceremony. The Court aims to conduct marriage ceremonies within 15 minutes.

What is the difference between the regular and express marriage service?

Regular service

The regular service costs AED 300 and applications will be dealt with within 10 working days. The couple will then be allocated a date and time for the marriage ceremony based on availability.

Express service

The express service costs AED 2,500 and the application will be fast-tracked and processed within 1 working day. The couple can then choose the specific time and date for the marriage ceremony in line with the Court's opening hours. This is the most suitable option for couples who want to get married early or on a specific date.

What happens at the marriage ceremony?

The court will confirm the marriage ceremony date and time by email.

On the scheduled date, the couple should visit the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Section. Their ID documents will be verified, and the details on the draft marriage certificate will be checked. They will then be taken to the ceremony room.

During the ceremony, a marriage notary will be present and the vows will be read to the couple in a pre-recorded voiceover, which is available in seven different languages. If the couple require a language other than English, they should inform the Court in advance of the ceremony so the relevant arrangements can be made.

The couple can bring as many guests with them as they like. Witnesses are not required, as the notary public officer acts as a witness to the ceremony.

The couple can also bring a photographer and videographer if they wish to record their special day. They may also choose to exchange rings and their own vows.

At the end of the ceremony, both parties will be required to sign the marriage certificate.

What action should be taken after the marriage certificate has been issued?

There is no further action to take once the marriage certificate has been issued. However, most couples choose to get the certificate attested by the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

More information

To find out more information about the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Service, you can send an email to civilfamilycourt@adjd.gov.ae or visit the Judicial Department website.

Dubai launched a civil marriage service for non-Muslim residents of the emirate of Dubai. This service enables couples to obtain a civil wedding licence in just 24 hours.

Conditions

To proceed with a civil marriage application in Dubai, the following conditions must be met:

• Both parties must be non-Muslims
• At least one of the parties must be a resident of Dubai
• The age of the couple must be at least 21 years old
• The couple or their legally authorised representatives must appear in person
• Original IDs are required to prove their identity details
• Proof of being single must be provided.

Note:

1. The documents must be submitted as soft copies in PDF format.
2. For documents in a language other than Arabic, certified Arabic translations, stamped by Ministry of Justice in the UAE are required.
3. Documents issued from outside the UAE, must also be duly certified by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country concerned, the UAE embassy in that country, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE.

The civil marriage service in Dubai complies with Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims, which regulates family affairs of non-Muslim residents of the UAE. Additionally, it aligns with Dubai’s significant progress in embracing cultural diversity.

Watch these videos about Dubai civil marriage.