AN EXPATS GUIDE TO: COURT MARRIAGE PROCEDURE IN DUBAI

Dubai draws visitors from all over the globe not only for its breathtaking landscapes and design, but also for its rising economy and prospects. That is why a large number of expats earn their livelihood in Dubai. In addition, the number of expats marrying in Dubai is growing by the day.

This article would cover the guidelines for expats on how to get married in Dubai; a more detailed article is written in how to have a court marriage in Dubai which covers the official procedures for Emiratis too.

PROCEDURE TO GET MARRIED IN DUBAI COURT

FOR MUSLIM EXPATS GETTING MARRIED IN DUBAI

To marry in a Dubai court, all Muslim foreigners must meet the following requirements. For Muslims, it follows the Sharia marriage practice.

• The first step is to register to married in the UAE by filling out a wedding form and submitting it to the Dubai Court.
• At least one of the partners must have a Dubai resident or work visa.
• Both partners must be present at the Dubai court on the wedding day with their respective visa statuses, national IDs, and passports.
• At the court, Muslim women must be accompanied by their father or guardian.
• There must also be two Muslim male eyewitnesses present.
• If the bride’s father has died, the original death certificate must be shown. The attendance of the nearest male guardian, such as an uncle, brother, or other relative, will also be required by the court.
• If the father is alive but unable to attend the wedding in Dubai, he may choose a proxy guardian, who must also be a Muslim.

DUBAI COURT MARRIAGE FROM NON-MUSLIM EXPATS

The documentation and administrative needs for non-Muslims vary by country. However, the following is a list of some of the necessary conditions for non-Muslim foreigners marrying in Dubai Court.

• Both couples must be at least 18 years old.
• They’ll also require two witnesses with their respective national IDs and passports on the wedding day.
• Both couples must have photocopies of their passports as well as the originals.
• The birth certificate in its original form
• Medical fitness certificate for pre-marriage
• In the event of a divorce, a former marriage certificate is required.
• In the event of a window, the original death certificate is required.

In addition to the above mentioned; depending on the nationality of each of the couple; the court would ask for additional documents. Its always advised to check with your respective embassy on what these additional documents could be.

IN CONCLUSION TO THE PROCEDURES FOR MARRYING IN DUBAI COURT

It’s worth noting that in Dubai, non-Muslims can only marry through their respective consulates and embassies. Each consulate and embassy follows the laws of their respective countries. Furthermore, the time it takes to finish the documents differs by country.

The time and paperwork for partners of different nationalities and religions takes a lot longer; than if both couples belong to the same nationality.

If you and your partner are from different backgrounds and are struggling to meet the procedure at the Dubai court; feel free to get in touch with us or give us a call, if its urgent.