Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that attracts tourists, professionals, investors, and others from different cultures and backgrounds. Many expats in Dubai want to get married there. However, non-Muslims face a complicated and lengthy process to get married in Dubai, as they have to follow their home countries’ rules and regulations. A new law in Dubai has made it possible for non-Muslim couples to get married in a civil ceremony, without the need for a religious or consular service.
The law, which came into force on February 1, 2023, is called Federal Law No. 41 of 2022 and allows non-Muslim couples to obtain a civil wedding license in just 24 hours, without the need for a pre-marital screening test or the permission of the wife’s father or guardian. By making the marriage process much faster and easier than before, the new law is a significant change in the personal status law of the UAE. It also recognizes the civil marriage of non-Muslims as a valid contract.
What is the civil marriage service in Dubai?
The civil marriage service is a new initiative by the Dubai Courts to provide a fast and easy way for non-Muslim expats to get married in Dubai. A civil marriage is a lawful union of a man and woman, solemnized as a civil contract. It is based on secular rules and does not require any religious ceremony or affiliation.
The civil marriage service is available for anyone, regardless of nationality or religion, except for UAE nationals who are Muslim. It is also possible for tourists to get married at the Dubai Courts, as long as they meet the requirements.
Legal Requirements for Civil Marriage in Dubai
Non-Muslim couples who want to get married in a civil ceremony in Dubai have to meet these legal requirements, according to Dubai Courts:
- Neither of the parties can be Muslims.
- The engaged parties have to be at least 21 years old.
- One of the parties has to live in Dubai.
- They have to show that they are not married to anyone else.
- They have to be there in person or have someone who can act for them (a legal Power of Attorney).
Documents Required for a Civil Marriage Contract in Dubai Courts
The couple has to prepare these documents before applying for a civil marriage contract in Dubai Courts:
- A Power of Attorney from the concerned party, if the couple is using a legal representative.
- A marital status certificate from the embassy of their country of origin, attested by the UAE authorities, to show that the couple is not married to anyone else.
- Their original passport and Emirates ID, and a copy of a valid Dubai residency permit for one of them.
- All the documents in PDF format and translated into Arabic by a legal translation approved by the UAE’s Ministry of Justice and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).
The couple has to meet these requirements before they can apply for a civil marriage contract, as per the rules of Dubai Courts.
How to get a civil marriage contract in 24 hours?
To get legally married in the UAE, non-Muslim couples need to apply for a civil marriage contract first. This is a pre-registration process that allows them to have a civil ceremony in Dubai. The process of getting a civil marriage contract in 24 hours is simple and straightforward. To get a civil marriage contract in the UAE, the couple has to follow these steps:
- Visit the service centre and fill out an online application form. Attach the required digital documents to the application.
- Pay the service fee and wait for the approval of the application. The couple will get an SMS on their registered mobile numbers or an instant notification, depending on the documents they submitted.
- Sign the marriage contract after the approval, to finalize the marriage procedures.
- Be present at the court to sign the document, after completing the pre-registration.
- Receive a marriage certificate, which will confirm that the couple is legally married in the UAE.
The process can be completed in one day, if all the requirements, attestations and documents are met.
Civil Marriage Licence Fee in Dubai
The total amount of money needed to obtain a civil marriage licence in Dubai is Dh482. This includes a service fee of Dh220 and a court fee of Dh262.
How to Get Married Fast in Dubai with Dubai Court Marriage
If you are looking for a quick and hassle-free way to get married in Dubai, you may want to consider hiring a marriage lawyer from Dubai Court Marriage. Dubai Court Marriage is one such law firm that specializes in marriage law and offers a range of services to help you tie the knot in Dubai, such as:
- Applying for a marriage license and preparing all the required documents
- Checking and drafting your marriage contract and pre-nuptial agreement
- Negotiating a marriage settlement if needed
- Registering your marriage and obtaining a marriage certificate
- Advising you on the legal implications and benefits of your marriage
Dubai Court Marriage can help you get married in Dubai in as fast as 24 hours, depending on your nationality, religion, and marital status. Whether you are a UAE resident or a tourist, a Muslim or a non-Muslim, a single or a divorced person, Dubai Court Marriage can assist you with the legal procedures and formalities of getting married in Dubai.
Don’t let the legalities of marriage in Dubai stop you from celebrating your love. Contact Dubai Court Marriage today and let our experienced and professional marriage lawyers handle everything for you.
Conclusion
Getting married in Dubai can be a dream come true for many couples, but it can also be a daunting and stressful task, especially for non-Muslims who have to deal with different laws and procedures. However, there are some options for those who want to get married fast and easily in the UAE, such as civil marriage in Abu Dhabi or civil marriage service in Dubai. You should choose the option that suits your needs and preferences best. Whatever option you choose, we hope you have a wonderful wedding day and a blissful marriage in the beautiful city of Dubai!