Civil marriage in the UAE for expats and tourists : eligibility, process and recognition

The United Arab Emirates has modernised its civil marriage framework, enabling non-Muslims, residents and visitors, to marry before a civil authority without a religious ceremony. Abu Dhabi pioneered the model (civil family court and streamlined rules), followed by a broader federal regime for non Muslims. This guide explains who qualifies, what to file, the step-by-step process, indicative fees/timelines, and how to secure international recognition of your certificate.

Who can marry civilly ?

Civil marriage is primarily open to non-Muslims (expats or visitors) seeking a secular marriage before a public officer. Core criteria include :

• Age : each party must be at least 18 (Gregorian).
• Free consent : both must sign of their own free will.
• No impediment : no prohibited kinship; no subsisting marriage.
• Religion : available to non‑Muslims, including mixed‑nationality couples.
• Residence : in some emirates (notably Abu Dhabi), local residency is not required; tourists can marry if they hold valid passports/entry and provide civil‑status documents.

Muslims typically follow religious procedures (Sharia) and a distinct process (guardian/mahr, pre marital certificate, etc.).

Documents you will need

Requirements vary by emirate and personal status, but usually include :

• Passports (originals) and Emirates ID for residents, if applicable.
• Proof of marital status (single‑status certificate) or final divorce decree / spouse’s death certificate, if applicable.
• Contact details and nationality
• Sworn translations and legalisation for documents not in Arabic/English, as required by the competent authority.

Some cases may call for a consular letter or recent civil-status extracts. Check the court’s current checklist before filing.

Step-by-step process

1. Online pre‑registration : open a file with the civil family court portal (e.g., Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court) or the relevant emirate authority.
2. Upload and pay : submit the documents (passports, single/divorce proofs, translations) and settle the administrative fees.
3. Book an appointment : select a signing date. In some emirates, no witnesses or premarital tests are required for non‑Muslim civil marriages, which speeds things up.
4. Signing : both parties attend with originals. You sign before the officer and receive a marriage certificate (often bilingual).
5. Certificates/copies : collect the official certificate and, if needed, order certified copies for overseas use.

Timelines and fees (indicative)

With a complete file, the process is typically quick (from a few days to a couple of weeks to secure a slot). Fees vary by emirate and options (extra copies, translations). As a guide :

• Court/administrative fees : typically a few hundred AED.
• Translations/legalisation : separate budget depending on volume and the legalisation chain.

Some authorities offer express services and celebration options at additional cost.

Recognition abroad : apostille and legalisation

For use in your home country (or elsewhere), you often need extra steps :

• Apostille/certification of the UAE certificate, depending on applicable conventions.
• Legalisation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) and then your embassy/consulate.
• Possible transcription into your national registry.

Confirm the recognition pathway for your nationality and destination (e.g., for family visa applications, social coverage, banking).

Matrimonial regime and agreements

The civil route allows you to attach marital agreements (property division, financial clauses, applicable law), especially useful for international couples. Absent an agreement, issues of marital effects, divorce and child arrangements may fall under the local civil law for non Muslims or, by option, the spouses’ national law. Seek advice in advance, particularly regarding cross-border enforceability.

Special cases (tourists, divorced, widowed)

• Tourists : marriage is possible if entry is regular and the civil‑status file is complete. Plan your stay to allow time for legalisation and collection of documents.
• Divorced/widowed : provide the final divorce decree or death certificate, duly translated/legalised.
• Mixed nationalities : no civil bar in principle; check each consulate’s post‑marriage

The UAE’s civil marriage offers a fast, secular and secure pathway for non Muslims—including tourists. With thorough preparation (documents, translations), a smooth online filing and a straightforward signing at court, you will obtain a certificate that is easy to recognise internationally. Tailored marital agreements allow international couples to align the regime with their needs.

Our lawyers, who are experts in family law, are available to answer all your questions and provide advice. We offer face-to-face meetings or videoconferencing. You can make an appointment directly online at https://www.agn-avocats.fr/.

AGN AVOCATS – Family Law
contact@agn-avocats.fr
09 72 34 24 72