The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has launched an express civil marriage service that will allow couples soon-to-wed to legally tie the knot in just 24 hours. This service will be available to both residents and tourists in Abu Dhabi, offering a fast, convenient, and hassle-free marriage procedure.
Eligibility and Requirements of Civil Marriage
Couples must satisfy the necessary conditions and have the required documents to apply for the fast-track marriage process. Since this express civil marriage service is open to all, whether a resident or visitor, it presents a golden opportunity for both UAE residents and tourists. To qualify, applicants must be able to furnish the following documents:
- A fully completed and signed application form for civil marriage, with the ‘Express’ option clearly marked.
- Valid copies of passports and Emirates IDs, if the applicant is a resident of the UAE.
- Proof of the dissolution of a previous marriage, such as a divorce certificate or a death certificate of a former spouse.
- A prenuptial agreement, though not mandatory, may be voluntarily presented by the couple.
Application Process
ADJD has streamlined the application process, offering two easy modes of filing for the express civil marriage process:
- Online Application:
(1) Access the official website of ADJD, www.adjd.gov.ae.
(2) Sign in to the UAE Pass account in case you are a visitor; follow the necessary steps to create one.
(3) Fill out the online form with the details of the two parties.
(4) Attach the required documents, among them the completed marriage application form.
(5) Pay for the express service fee using a credit or debit card.
- In-Person Application:
(1) Visit the ADJD typing center or the Civil Family Court directly.
(2) Fill in and present the marriage application form accompanied by all necessary papers to the respective authorities personally.
For those who have access to the online application system, the ADJD has prepared a step-by-step guide that details the process and removes any confusion from the process of getting married in Abu Dhabi.
Read more about – Five requirements for Civil Marriage in Dubai under New law for Non- Muslims Expats
Step 1: Log into the ADJD portal and select the civil marriage online form
- Log onto the official website of ADJD – https://www.adjd.gov.ae/en/Pages/CivilFamilyCourt.aspx.
- Click on ‘Marriage’ and you will then have to choose whether you are a UAE resident or a tourist
- You’ll be asked to login with your UAE Pass account, which is the account you can create even if you are a visitor.
- Click on ‘Register a new case’ then click on the first option – ‘Civil Family Court Registration Requests Includes (Marriage, inheritance, and wills)’.
- Select the region and branch (ADJD headquarters).
Step 2: Fill the application and submit the documents online
The next step is to click on ‘Non-Muslim Marriage’ and then on ‘Premium Civil Marriage. Proceed further by filling out the online form with the husband’s and wife’s details, such as name, address, age, ID/passport number, etc. Check the details pulled from the UAE Pass account, and upload the required documents, including the completed marriage application form.
Step 3: Pay the Fee for the express service
Verify the application details and complete the express service fee online with a credit or debit card.
Step 4: Obtain the approval and set the date and time for the wedding
Within 24 hours, you will get the approval, and the court will inform you about the date and time. Once confirmed, you will receive the appointment details by e-mail. The wedding will take place at the Civil Family Court.
You will receive your marriage certificate at the end of the ceremony. As per ADJD the document needs to be notarized and attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Express civil marriage service fee and time
- Dh2,500 – express marriage service.
- ADJD will process your application within 24 hours (one working day).
If you go for the express service, then you can choose your date and time of the ceremony subject to court hours. This will suit those couples who wish to get married quickly or on a specific day.
You should know about – Civil Wedding in Dubai for Filipinos
Post-Ceremony Formalities
Following the express civil marriage ceremony, there are some formalities that the couple must fulfill to ensure that their union is fully recognized and documented:
- Notarization and Attestation: The ADJD marriage certificate must be notarized and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the UAE for the document to be recognized as a legally valid document.
- Additional Documentation: Additional documentation may apply as per circumstances for the couple; for instance, if there is a prenuptial agreement or if some documents need to be legally translated.
Conclusion – quick Civil Marriage service
The quick civil marriage service offered by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department shows the city’s dedication to offering effective and creative solutions for its inhabitants and tourists. Couples can now begin their marital journey quicker and with more assistance thanks to the simplified application process, faster timeline, and full support, avoiding traditional delays and bureaucratic obstacles.
You need to know: Civil Marriage – What impact do new laws have on expat marriages in Abu Dhabi?
Marriage Lawyers to guide your Civil Marriage Journey
Whether you are planning to use Abu Dhabi’s express civil marriage service or get married in the UAE, it is wise to seek professional consultation from experienced marriage lawyers. Dubai Court Marriage will be your supportive guide throughout the process. The team can ensure that you have met all the legal requirements, prepared the necessary documents, and are comfortable undertaking the civil marriage procedures. These professionals, with first-hand knowledge of UAE laws and experience in handling marriage affairs, can provide you with the best support from application through pre-marital arrangements to post-ceremony formalities.
Hiring reputable marriage lawyers ensures a remarkable and stress-free civil marriage in the UAE, giving you peace of mind.
