How to Legally Get Married in Dubai as an Expat: Steps, Costs & Best Services
Getting married in Dubai as an expatriate involves navigating various legal requirements that differ based on nationality, religion, and residency status. Understanding these nuances is crucial to ensure your marriage is legally recognized.
Legal Framework for Marriage in Dubai
In the UAE, marriage laws are influenced by Sharia law, but provisions exist for both Muslim and non-Muslim expatriates:
In the UAE, marriage laws are influenced by Sharia law, but provisions exist for both Muslim and non-Muslim expatriates:
- Muslim Marriages: Governed by Sharia law, applicable when both parties are Muslims or when the groom is Muslim, and the bride is from 'Ahl Al-Kitaab' (People of the Book, i.e., Christians or Jews). The marriage must be registered in a Sharia court.
- Non-Muslim Marriages: Non-Muslim residents can marry under their respective religious laws or opt for a civil marriage. The UAE introduced a civil law in Abu Dhabi in 2021, allowing non-Muslims to marry, divorce, and obtain joint child custody. This law was extended across the country in 2023, providing more inclusive options for expatriates.
Steps to Register a Marriage in Dubai
1.Determine Applicable Laws: Identify whether your marriage falls under Sharia law or civil law based on your religious affiliations.
2.Gather Required Documents:
3.Obtain a Pre-Marital Medical Certificate: Both parties must undergo medical examinations at a recognized health facility in the UAE to screen for transmissible diseases.
4.Submit Marriage Application:
5.Attend the Marriage Ceremony: Once the application is approved, attend the ceremony at the designated venue.
6.Register the Marriage: Ensure the marriage is registered with the appropriate UAE authorities to obtain an official marriage certificate.
1.Determine Applicable Laws: Identify whether your marriage falls under Sharia law or civil law based on your religious affiliations.
2.Gather Required Documents:
- Original and photocopies of passports and Emirates IDs.
- Birth certificates.
- Pre-marital medical screening certificates (mandatory in the UAE).
- Proof of marital status (e.g., divorce decree or death certificate of a former spouse, if applicable).
- No-objection letter from employers or sponsors, if required by your embassy.
3.Obtain a Pre-Marital Medical Certificate: Both parties must undergo medical examinations at a recognized health facility in the UAE to screen for transmissible diseases.
4.Submit Marriage Application:
- For Muslims: Apply at the Sharia court with all necessary documents.
- For Non-Muslims: Apply at the relevant embassy, church, or through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department for civil marriages.
5.Attend the Marriage Ceremony: Once the application is approved, attend the ceremony at the designated venue.
6.Register the Marriage: Ensure the marriage is registered with the appropriate UAE authorities to obtain an official marriage certificate.
Timelines and Costs
Processing Time: Standard applications typically take a few weeks. However, an express service is available at a higher fee, processing applications within one working day.
Fees:
Processing Time: Standard applications typically take a few weeks. However, an express service is available at a higher fee, processing applications within one working day.
Fees:
- Standard service: starting AED 300.
- Express service: starting AED 2,500.
Assistance from Specialized Companies
Several companies in Dubai offer services to streamline the marriage process:
1.MakeMyPOA: Specializes in drafting and notarizing Marriage POAs, ensuring legal compliance and facilitating smooth processing.
2.JustPOA: Offers comprehensive POA services, including online notarization, making it convenient for clients to process their documents without physical presence.
3.POA.ae: Provides a full range of POA services, including marriage-related documentation, with options for online processing to cater to clients' diverse needs.
Several companies in Dubai offer services to streamline the marriage process:
1.MakeMyPOA: Specializes in drafting and notarizing Marriage POAs, ensuring legal compliance and facilitating smooth processing.
2.JustPOA: Offers comprehensive POA services, including online notarization, making it convenient for clients to process their documents without physical presence.
3.POA.ae: Provides a full range of POA services, including marriage-related documentation, with options for online processing to cater to clients' diverse needs.
Conclusion
Navigating the legal marriage process in Dubai requires careful attention to the applicable laws, timely preparation of necessary documents, and adherence to procedural requirements. Engaging professional services can significantly ease the process, ensuring all legalities are properly addressed, allowing you to focus on your special day.
Join the Wedding Bubble Community
At Wedding Bubble, we believe in the power of community and the joy of collaboration. Join us and become part of a supportive network where you can share your journey, gather inspiration, and receive expert guidance. Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, connect with us through our blog for detailed planning tips, and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Wedding planning should be a joyful experience, and with Wedding Bubble, it will be. Let’s create your dream wedding together. Welcome to the Bubble!
With love,
Barbara Korshunova
At Wedding Bubble, we believe in the power of community and the joy of collaboration. Join us and become part of a supportive network where you can share your journey, gather inspiration, and receive expert guidance. Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration, connect with us through our blog for detailed planning tips, and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Wedding planning should be a joyful experience, and with Wedding Bubble, it will be. Let’s create your dream wedding together. Welcome to the Bubble!
With love,
Barbara Korshunova