Getting married as an expatriate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involves several key legal considerations. While the following information provides a general overview, it’s important to consult with legal professionals or relevant authorities in the UAE to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Here are some key legal considerations for expats getting married in the UAE:
✔️ Legal Requirements: Expats must meet certain legal requirements to get married in the UAE. These requirements may include being of legal age (18 years old), having the capacity to consent to marriage, and fulfilling any residency or immigration requirements imposed by the UAE government.
✔️ Personal Status Law: The UAE follows Sharia law for matters related to personal status, including marriage. Sharia law governs various aspects of marriage, such as marriage contracts, dowry, and divorce. Understanding the implications of Sharia law on your marriage is crucial, and you may want to seek legal advice to ensure compliance.
✔️ Marriage Contract: In the UAE, a marriage contract is typically required. The contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of the spouses and may cover aspects such as dowry, division of property, and maintenance. It is advisable to consult with a lawyer to draft a marriage contract that meets your specific needs and complies with UAE laws.
✔️ Pre-marital Medical Tests: The UAE may require pre-marital medical tests, including blood tests, to screen for certain infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and thalassemia. The specific tests and requirements may vary by emirate. Consult the relevant authorities or your embassy to determine the necessary medical tests for your marriage.
✔️ Documentation: Expats getting married in the UAE will need to provide certain documentation. This typically includes valid passports, residence visas, birth certificates, and proof of marital status (e.g., certificate of no-objection or divorce decree, if applicable). These documents may need to be attested or legalized by the relevant authorities in your home country and/or the UAE.
✔️ Wedding Ceremony: You can choose to have a religious or civil wedding ceremony in the UAE. If opting for a religious ceremony, such as a Muslim wedding, you may need to comply with the requirements of the respective religious authorities. Civil ceremonies may take place at the marriage court or through authorised marriage officers.
✔️ Mixed Marriages: If you are entering into a mixed marriage (e.g., a marriage between a Muslim and a non-Muslim), there may be additional considerations and procedures to follow. It is advisable to consult with legal professionals who are well-versed in the regulations governing mixed marriages in the UAE.
✔️ Post-marriage Procedures: After the wedding, you may need to complete certain procedures, such as registering the marriage with the relevant authorities. These procedures may vary depending on the emirate. It is essential to inquire about the specific post-marriage requirements applicable in your jurisdiction.
When getting married as an expatriate in the UAE, you will typically need to provide certain documents. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the emirate and individual circumstances, here are some commonly required documents:
✔️ Valid Passports: You and your partner will need valid passports that are not expired.
✔️ Residence Visas: If you are residing in the UAE, you will likely need to provide valid residence visas for both you and your partner.
✔️ Birth Certificates: You will need to present original birth certificates for both you and your partner. These certificates should be officially issued by the relevant authorities in your home country and may need to be attested or legalized.
✔️ Proof of Marital Status: If either you or your partner were previously married, you may need to provide proof of marital status. This can include a certificate of no-objection (single status certificate) or a divorce decree, Marriage certificate attestation as applicable. These documents may also need to be attested or legalised.
✔️ Pre-Marital Medical Tests: The UAE may require specific pre-marital medical tests, such as blood tests, to screen for certain infectious diseases. The exact requirements for these tests can vary by emirate. It’s important to consult the relevant authorities or your embassy to determine the specific tests required.
✔️ Marriage Affidavit: Some emirates may require a marriage affidavit or a sworn statement declaring your intent to marry. This document may need to be obtained from your embassy or consulate and should be notarized.
Getting married as an expatriate in the UAE involves several important legal considerations. It is crucial to understand and comply with the legal requirements, which may include meeting the age and residency criteria, adhering to Sharia law for matters of personal status, and fulfilling any premarital medical testing requirements. Certificate attestation such as valid passports, residence visas, birth certificates, and proof of marital status will typically be required. Additionally, the drafting of a marriage contract and understanding the implications of Sharia law on your marriage may be necessary. Mixed marriages may have additional considerations. It is advisable to consult legal professionals and relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the current laws and regulations in the UAE.
