Getting Married Legally in the UAE as an Expat
The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities, and the laws governing marriage reflect that diversity. How you legally get married in the UAE depends primarily on your religion and nationality. This guide gives you a clear map of your options.
Important: This article provides general information only. Marriage laws are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the relevant court, embassy, or legal authority before proceeding.
The Two Main Legal Pathways
Pathway 1: Religious Marriage (Court-Recognised)
For Muslims: Nikkah conducted through the Personal Status Court (Sharia Court) in the emirate where you reside. The court registers the marriage and issues an official marriage certificate.
For Christians: Church ceremony at a licensed church in the UAE, followed by registration at your embassy or consulate and subsequent MOFA attestation for UAE recognition.
For Hindus and other faiths: Marriage at your home country's embassy or consulate in the UAE, under the laws of your home country.
Pathway 2: Civil Marriage (Non-Muslims Only)
Since 2022–2023, the UAE has introduced civil marriage courts for non-Muslims in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These courts allow non-Muslim couples — regardless of nationality — to marry without any religious ceremony. This is a significant legal development for expats.
Who Can Get Married in the UAE?
To get married in the UAE, at least one party generally needs to be a UAE resident. Tourists and visitors can sometimes marry at their embassy, but court marriages typically require a residency visa.
Both parties must:
- Be of legal age (18+, or 15–17 with court approval and guardian consent)
- Not be already married to someone else (bigamy is illegal in the UAE)
- Provide valid identity documents
Step-by-Step: The General Process
Step 1: Identify Your Pathway
Determine which authority will conduct your marriage:
- Muslim couples → Personal Status Court
- Non-Muslim couples → Civil Marriage Court (Abu Dhabi or Dubai) or your embassy
- Christian couples → Licensed church + embassy registration
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Standard documents across most pathways:
- Valid passports
- UAE residence visas
- Birth certificates (attested)
- Single status certificate / certificate of no impediment from your home country (attested)
- Medical fitness certificate (required for court marriages in UAE)
- Passport-size photographs
Some nationalities require additional documents from their home country embassy. Verify with the relevant authority before booking an appointment.
Step 3: Submit Application and Attend Appointment
Book an appointment with the relevant court or authority. Processing time varies from same-day (some civil courts) to several weeks depending on document verification requirements.
Step 4: Receive UAE Marriage Certificate
Once registered, you receive a UAE marriage certificate. This is your legal proof of marriage in the UAE.
Step 5: Attest the Certificate (If Needed Abroad)
If you need the marriage certificate recognised in another country, it must be attested through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and then by your home country's embassy in the UAE.
Which Emirate Handles Your Marriage?
Each emirate has its own Personal Status Court. In general, you should register with the court in the emirate where you reside.
- Dubai: Dubai Courts Personal Status Division
- Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) — including a dedicated Non-Muslim Personal Status Court
- Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain: Respective emirate courts
Key Things to Know
- Marriage certificates issued in UAE are in Arabic. Obtain a certified translation if needed for use in English-speaking countries.
- Sharia courts handle Muslim marriages only. Non-Muslims cannot register through Sharia courts.
- Embassy marriages are valid but require attestation. A marriage conducted at your embassy under your home country's laws is legally valid, but to be fully recognised in the UAE, it should be attested by MOFA.
- Pre-marital medical testing is required for court marriages in most emirates. This is a standard UAE requirement and results are confidential.
Find Your Wedding Vendors on Shaadi Bazaar
Once the legal paperwork is sorted, Shaadi Bazaar connects you with venues, photographers, mehndi artists, makeup artists, decorators, and caterers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
