Marriage Registration in Dubai
Getting married in Dubai, a beautiful and cosmopolitan city, can be a dream come true for many expats. This guide outlines the different marriage registration processes in Dubai, catering to both Muslim and non-Muslim couples, as well as interfaith marriages.
Marriage Registration for Residents in Dubai
A. Non-Muslim Marriages:
Couples where neither party is Muslim can get married through a civil ceremony at the Dubai Courts. Here’s a general overview of the process: –
- Eligibility: Both parties must be non-Muslim and at least 21 years old. At least one party must be a Dubai resident.
- Documentation: Required documents include passports, birth certificates, pre-marital medical certificates, and proof of singleness (e.g., affidavit or divorce certificate if applicable).
- Application & Fees: Submit an application form with all required documents and pay the associated fees.
- Ceremony & Registration: Attend a mandatory pre-marital counseling session and the official wedding ceremony at the Dubai Courts. Following the ceremony, your marriage will be registered.
B. Muslim Marriages:
Muslim couples can get married through a Nikah ceremony, a religious ceremony officiated by an Imam.
Sharia Nikah: The ceremonial prayers solemnize the marriage but do not constitute an official registration in Dubai.
Official Nikah: To register a Muslim marriage in Dubai, the couple must approach a UAE official entity authorized to conduct Nikah ceremonies.
C. Interfaith Marriages:
Dubai does not currently recognize interfaith marriages performed within the UAE. Couples must get married (or have their marriages registered) in a country that recognizes their unions and then register the marriage in Dubai. We may be able to assist in this matter, but would depend on a case by case basis.
Marriage Registration for Foreign Marriages
Expats who married abroad can register their marriage in Dubai, provided they meet specific requirements. The process typically involves:
- Foreign Marriage Certificate: Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the country where the marriage took place.
- Legalization: The marriage certificate may need to be legalized or apostilled by the issuing country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE embassy or consulate in that country (requirements vary by country).
- For Example: A marriage certificate issued by Pakistan’s NADRA would require attestation from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Consulate in Pakistan.
- Translation: The marriage certificate must be translated into Arabic by a UAE-approved translator.
- Dubai Courts: Submit the translated and legalized marriage certificate, along with any additional documents required by the Dubai Courts, to register your marriage.
We can assist you with
- Facilitating the Official Nikah process for Muslim couples. This can be done via a online nikah or in person.
- Providing guidance on the registration process for foreign marriages.
- Conducting the Shariat-Compliant Nikah in the UAE.
- Registering your marriage overseas and updating records in Dubai.
Our portal consists of many experienced family lawyers in Dubai who are ready to assist you with this matter. Contact us for further information either via WhatsApp or by using our form below.
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