Civil Marriage Laws 2022 For UAE

Introduction

Non-Muslims living in UAE can now avail the option of civil marriage. This is a civil contract without any religious ceremony performed.
 

After the establishment of the non-Muslim personal status court, non-Muslims can get married, solemnized as a civil contract. The Abu-Dhabi judicial department defines civil-marriage as, “A civil marriage is the lawful union of a non-Muslim man and woman and it is solemnized as a civil contract, without a religious ceremony.” Abu Dhabi Government permits civil marriage for non-Muslims as per its Law No. 14 of 2021 Concerning Personal Status for non-Muslim Foreigners.
 

The civil marriage contract is directed by Articles 4 and 5 of Law No. 14 of 2021, which was given by President His Highness Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Allows non-Muslim foreigners to observe the guidelines of their countries with regards to their association or separation. Now a couple can get married without any religious ceremony, the approval of a guardian, or medical test. A notable public judge can approve the marriage and issue a digital certificate.

Non-Muslim defined

The Abu-Dhabi judicial department defines non-Muslim as “If he or she is a citizen of a country that is not a member of The Organization of Islamic Cooperation unless he/she affirms otherwise’’.

Process of the civil marriage contract

The process of civil marriage is very simple and includes a few steps. Any couple of sound minds and legal capacity can online submit an English-Arabic bilingual form for executing and registering their civil marriage. Relevant documents, with passport, Emirates ID, expressing the religion of the parties, and confirmation of the non-presence of a continuous marriage must be attached. The court fee can also be submitted online.

Following the application, the court will look at the records to ensure that the circumstances are met. Assuming the application is endorsed, the court will contact the concerned couple within three working days to plan an arrangement for the issuance and conveyance of the marriage certificate to the couple. The couple can go in person or can attend the meeting virtually.

Required documents:

The following documents should be submitted with the application form.

1. A marriage application is completely filled out and signed.
2. Emirates I.D and copy of passport.
3. If divorced, a copy the of divorce certificate
4. In case of the death of the spouse, a copy of the death certificate.
5. If marriage was announced invalid, copy of court order.