Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for expatriates and tourists who want to experience the vibrant culture and lifestyle of the UAE. However, if you are a non-Muslim couple who want to get married in Dubai, you have the option of getting a civil marriage contract and certification. This is a legal and secular way of getting married, without any religious ceremony or affiliation. In this article, we will explain the procedures and requirements for getting a civil marriage contract and certification in Dubai, as well as the benefits and alternatives of this option. Fortunately, there are some options and procedures that you can follow to make your dream wedding come true.
What is a civil marriage?
If you are a non-Muslim resident of Dubai and you want to get married, you have two options: civil marriage or religious marriage. Civil marriage is a legal union of a non-Muslim man and woman, solemnized as a civil contract. Religious marriage is a ceremony performed by a religious leader in a non-Muslim religious center (church, Hindu temple or temple) approved by the Community Development Authority of Dubai.
Civil marriage is a legal option for non-Muslim foreigners who want to get married in the UAE. It follows secular rules and is based on Articles 4 and 5 of the Law No. 14 of 2021 Concerning Personal Status. Civil marriage does not require any religious ceremonies or rituals, and it allows couples of different faiths to marry.
It is a simple contract that depends on the agreement of both spouses, and it does not have any conditions or limitations on dowry, gifts, divorce, or remarriage. It also does not change the inheritance or property rights of either spouse.
Who can get married under the new law?
Anyone who is a non-Muslim, or a citizen of a non-Muslim country, can apply for a civil marriage in the UAE. This includes residents, tourists, and visitors.
What are the key legal requirements for a civil marriage?
The main legal requirements for a civil marriage are that:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Both parties must consent to the marriage willingly.
- Both parties must sign a form, stating that they are not married to anyone else at the time of the marriage.
- Applicants for a civil marriage do not need to get permission from their father or guardian, or a certificate of premarital screening.
How to apply for civil Marriage in Dubai?
The civil marriage service in Dubai is a new initiative that allows non-Muslim residents of the emirate to get married in a civil contract within 24 hours. The service is based on the 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. The service also aligns with Dubai’s significant progress in embracing cultural diversity.
To apply for a civil marriage contract in Dubai, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit a Dubai Courts service center. You can find the locations of the service centers on their website.
- Fill out a digital form with your personal and marital details.
- A designated employee will check for consent of both parties and verify their identity documents.
- The request will be confirmed and signed electronically.
- It will then be sent to a judge to verify that all legal requirements are met.
- You also need to provide proof of being single and not having any existing marriage records.
The documents must be uploaded as PDF files. For documents that are not in Arabic, certified Arabic translations by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE are required. Documents that are issued outside the UAE, must also be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country where they were issued, the UAE embassy in that country, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE.
Eligibility Criteria for Civil Marriage in Dubai
To apply for a civil marriage contract in Dubai, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You and your partner must both be non-Muslims
- Either you or your partner must have a Dubai residency visa
- You and your partner must both be at least 21 years old
- You and your partner or your legal representatives must be present in person
- You and your partner must show your original IDs to verify your identity details
- You and your partner must provide evidence of being single and not having any existing marriage records.
Non-Muslim couples getting married in Dubai will be able to get their civil wedding license between 24 to 48 hours, as part of a new law – Federal Law No. 41 of 2022 that came into effect on February 1, 2023.
What are the benefits of civil marriage?
Civil marriage has many advantages over religious marriage for non-Muslims who want to get married in Dubai. Some of the benefits of civil marriage are:
- It provides legal recognition and protection for the couple and their children, facilitating inheritance, custody, and other family matters.
- It does not require father or guardian approval, mandatory medical tests, or religious ceremonies.
- It allows interfaith and non-resident marriages, breaking barriers and fostering cultural diversity.
- It enables couples to live together without fear of legal consequences or social stigma.
Why to choose Dubai Court Marriage?
Are you looking for a professional and reliable marriage lawyer in Dubai? Do you want to make sure that your marriage contract is valid and recognized in the UAE and in your home country? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should contact us today. We are a team of experienced and qualified marriage lawyers who specialize in civil marriage for non-Muslims in Dubai. We can help you with the following services:
- We can guide you through the application process and the required documents for your civil marriage before a judge in Dubai.
- We can draft and review your marriage contract and include the conditions that you and your partner agree on, such as the joint custody of children.
- We can represent you and your partner before the certification judge and ensure that your consent and eligibility are verified.
- We can register your marriage with your respective consulates or embassies in the UAE, if required by your home country.
Contact us today and let us help you get a civil marriage in Dubai. We are one of the best marriage lawyers in Dubai for non-Muslims who want to have a legal and secure marriage in Dubai.
