Abu Dhabi is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has recently introduced a relatively simple and non-intimidating system for non-Muslims to register a civil marriage. To make your marriage registration process hassle-free, it’s important to know the basic requirements and rules. The aim of this article is to explain what a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi is, why you should register your marriage in Abu Dhabi, who is eligible to do so, and the five basic conditions that you must fulfill.
What Is Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi?
The civil marriage in Abu Dhabi is the legal union of a man and a woman in the form of a civil contract, not based on religious laws. This is based on Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 Concerning Personal Status for Non-Muslim Foreigners. It is a new, advanced, and flexible judicial mechanism for personal status matters.
Why Register Your Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi?
- Abu Dhabi’s civil marriage process is inclusive and efficient, thus suitable for non-Muslim couples.
- The process is available for residents and tourists. It means that the couples from all over the world can get married without religious ceremonies or family guardian’s permission.
- Furthermore, the process is fast-tracked with standard or express service to meet the time requirements.
Who Can Register a Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi?
The following are classes of individuals that can register for civil marriage in Abu Dhabi:
- Anyone: The law permits the civil marriage registration in Abu Dhabi for anyone, regardless of religion, to obtain a civil marriage other than UAE nationals.
- Foreign Nationals: Application is also possible for foreigners of a country in which family matters are not governed under Islamic law. The nationality applicable to UAE residency shall be used for the application.
- Marriages in Non-Islamic Law Countries: If the marriage was conducted in a country in which Islamic law is not the principal law on household matters, then the couple can register their union in Abu Dhabi through the civil marriage process.
- Civil Marriages Recognized by Law: Couples who have been married under the civil marriage laws, no matter where this was done, are eligible for registration in Abu Dhabi.
- Special Cases Approved by The Chairman: In some special cases, the chairman of the Department of Civil Family Matters allows for civil marriage registrations.
5 Essential Conditions for Non-Muslims to Register for a Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
In assisting you with your application for a civil marriage, the subsequent ones are the preconditions that you must meet for that purpose.
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
The two parties who intend to marry shall both be above 18 years as presented through official identification documents such as a passport or Emirates ID.
- Free Will and Consent.
The parties have to give consent to the marriage in explicit form. This is to ensure that the decision to marry is taken out of free will and not under duress. This usually is obtained at the time of application.
- No Existing Marital Relationship
Not married to any other person at present, neither of them should be. Applicants who have been previously married are obliged to furnish proof of the dissolution of the earlier marriage, i.e., a divorce decree or the former spouse’s death certificate.
- No Prohibited Kinship
The parties should not be bound by first or second degree of kinship. That is, marriages between brothers and sisters, children, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, or other similar close relatives are not allowed.
- Neither Party Is a UAE National
The civil marriage provisions are specifically for non-Muslim individuals. Thus, to be qualified to register a civil marriage under this law, neither individual getting married can be a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Application Process for Registering A Civil Marriage in UAE
After satisfying that all the above conditions are met, the following is the application process:
- Application: Fill out the marriage application form available from the website of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department or through authorized typing centers safely. Attach a copy of the passports, Emirates IDs if any, and proof of the dissolution of any previous marriages to be attached to the application.
- Review and Approval: The court will verify the application to ensure that the requirements are met. You will then be summoned for the wedding upon approval.
- Marriage Ceremony: The marriage can exchange rings and personal vows if they so wish; it is a ceremony to be performed at the Civil Family Court in the main court building of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Family and friends are invited to attend, but witnesses are not needed.
- Marriage Certificate: After the ceremony, the marriage certificate is issued for international recognition. It is advisable to have such a certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Standard vs. Express Service
To meet the needs of everyone, there are two services provided by Abu Dhabi:
- Standard Service: This service costs AED 300 and works for about 10 working days. The court will choose the date and time for the ceremony.
- Express Service: This fast service costs AED 2,500. This service enables couples to choose a date and time for the ceremony of their choice, depending on the court’s working hours.
How Dubai Court Marriage Can Assist You
The process for the registration of civil marriage in the UAE is simple and fast. Dubai Court Marriage helps couples with the process from start to finish, making sure all the legal requirements are fulfilled and assisting with documentation and scheduling. Our marriage lawyers in the UAE can help make your journey to marriage in Abu Dhabi seamless and stress-free.
Marriage is a big and joyful step one is taking in their life. They can therefore heave a sigh of relief and prepare to enjoy a hassle-free marriage registration experience in Abu Dhabi.
