Getting married in Ras Al Khaimah depends on the legal route that applies to the couple. Eligible non-Muslim couples can use the civil marriage procedure through Ras Al Khaimah Courts, while Muslim marriages follow the applicable UAE Personal Status and Sharia marriage rules.
The requirements are different for each route. The broader rules for civil marriage in the UAE also vary by emirate, so couples should first identify which procedure applies to them before preparing their documents.
Civil Marriage vs Sharia Marriage in Ras Al Khaimah
| Marriage Route | Who It Applies To | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Marriage | Eligible non-Muslim couples | Both parties must be 21+, give consent and meet the applicable RAK Courts civil marriage conditions. |
| Sharia Marriage | Muslim marriages | Applicable Personal Status Law requirements, premarital medical screening, witnesses and guardian rules where required. |
This distinction is important because requirements such as premarital medical screening and guardianship do not apply to civil and Sharia marriages in the same way.
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Civil Marriage Requirements in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Courts provides a civil marriage procedure for eligible non-Muslim couples.
The current conditions include:
- both parties must be at least 21 Gregorian years old;
- both parties must expressly consent to the marriage;
- the parties must not fall within prohibited degrees of family relationship;
- the required disclosure form must be completed; and
- the couple must satisfy the other conditions applicable to the civil marriage application.
These requirements are different from those that apply to a Sharia marriage. For example, premarital medical screening and guardian requirements do not apply to the civil route in the same way.
Can Tourists Get a Civil Marriage in Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes. Ras Al Khaimah Courts has made its civil marriage procedure available to eligible non-Muslim citizens, residents and visitors.
This is an important distinction because marriage eligibility is not identical across all emirates. Visitors should still confirm that they meet the age, identity, consent and document requirements before submitting their application.
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Documents Required for Civil Marriage in Ras Al Khaimah
The documents required depend on the circumstances of the couple, but the RAK Courts civil marriage procedure can require:
- a copy of the husband’s passport;
- a copy of the wife’s passport;
- identity documents where applicable;
- proof of marital status where required;
- supporting documents relating to any previous marriage where applicable; and
- any agreed marriage conditions or prenuptial agreement, together with the required legal translation where relevant.
Additional documents can be requested depending on the nationality, marital history and circumstances of the applicants.
How to Apply for Civil Marriage in Ras Al Khaimah
The RAK civil marriage process begins electronically and generally follows these steps:
- Complete the application online. Enter the required details through the applicable Ras Al Khaimah Government service.
- Upload the documents. Submit the required identification and supporting documents.
- Pay the court fee. Complete the applicable electronic payment.
- Application review. The submitted information and documents are reviewed.
- Appear before the judge. The parties may complete this stage virtually or in person, depending on the procedure.
- Receive the marriage contract. Once the requirements are completed and the application is approved, the civil marriage contract is issued.
How Much Does Civil Marriage Cost in Ras Al Khaimah?
RAK Courts currently lists a fee of AED 200 for issuing the civil marriage document.
An additional AED 2,000 applies where the optional court-officiant transfer service is requested.
These are court-service fees. Separate costs can arise where document translation, attestation or other supporting procedures are required.
Sharia Marriage Requirements in Ras Al Khaimah
Muslim marriages follow a different legal framework from civil marriages and are governed by the applicable UAE Personal Status rules.
Legal capacity for marriage begins at 18 Gregorian years under the current Personal Status Law. A valid premarital medical screening certificate is also required for a Sharia marriage.
Depending on the circumstances, the requirements can include:
- valid identification documents;
- passports and residency documents where applicable;
- a valid premarital medical screening certificate;
- two qualifying witnesses; and
- a marriage guardian where legally required.
Is a Guardian Required for Marriage in Ras Al Khaimah?
A guardian generally forms part of the marriage procedure where the wife is Muslim. However, the current UAE Personal Status Law provides an exception for a non-UAE Muslim woman where the law of her nationality does not require a marriage guardian.
If the guardian is unavailable or there is a dispute concerning guardianship, court involvement can be required. Our guide to guardian requirements for marriage in the UAE explains this issue in more detail.
Do You Need a Premarital Medical Test in Ras Al Khaimah?
The requirement depends on the type of marriage.
- Sharia marriage: premarital medical screening is mandatory.
- Civil marriage: the federal civil marriage route does not have the same premarital medical screening requirement.
For UAE nationals planning to marry, genetic testing has also formed part of the mandatory premarital screening programme since January 2025.
What If One of the Parties Is an Emirati?
Where one or both parties are UAE nationals, additional requirements can apply depending on the nationality of the other party, the type of marriage and the circumstances of the couple.
These can involve family records, identification, medical screening and other authority-specific documents. Mixed-nationality couples should therefore confirm the requirements that apply to their specific marriage rather than relying on a general expat marriage checklist.
Can Previously Married Couples Apply for Civil Marriage in RAK?
Yes, provided they meet the applicable eligibility requirements. A person who was previously married may need to provide evidence showing that the earlier marriage has legally ended, such as a divorce judgment or the former spouse’s death certificate.
If those documents were issued outside the UAE, additional authentication or legal translation can also be required.
What Happens After Getting Married in Ras Al Khaimah?
After the marriage contract has been issued, the couple can use it for the relevant legal, residency and administrative procedures.
If the marriage certificate will be used in another country, additional authentication can be necessary. The process is separate from the marriage itself, and our guidance on marriage certificate attestation explains what can be required when a UAE marriage certificate is intended for overseas use.
Getting Married in Ras Al Khaimah: Which Route Applies to You?
The key first step is determining whether the marriage will proceed under the civil or Sharia route. A non-Muslim couple considering civil marriage will have different eligibility, document and medical requirements from a Muslim couple marrying under the Personal Status Law.
Nationality, previous marital status, residency and documents issued outside the UAE can also affect the procedure. If you need help understanding the requirements that apply to your circumstances, Dubai Court Marriage can assist with preparing for the appropriate marriage process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-Muslims get a civil marriage in Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes. Ras Al Khaimah Courts provides a civil marriage procedure for eligible non-Muslim couples who meet the applicable requirements.
Can tourists get married in Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes. Eligible non-Muslim visitors can use the RAK civil marriage procedure, provided they meet the applicable age, consent and document requirements.
What is the minimum age for civil marriage in Ras Al Khaimah?
Both parties must be at least 21 Gregorian years old for the RAK Courts civil marriage procedure.
How much does a civil marriage cost in Ras Al Khaimah?
RAK Courts currently lists AED 200 for issuing the civil marriage document. Separate costs can apply for optional services, translation or document requirements.
Is a premarital medical test required for civil marriage in RAK?
No. The premarital medical screening requirement applies to Sharia marriage and is not a standard requirement for the federal civil marriage route.
Can the RAK civil marriage process be completed online?
The application is submitted electronically, while the required appearance before the judge may take place virtually or in person depending on the procedure.
Do Muslims need a guardian to marry in Ras Al Khaimah?
A guardian generally applies where the wife is Muslim, although an exception can apply to a non-UAE Muslim woman if the law of her nationality does not require one.
Can a Ras Al Khaimah marriage certificate be used abroad?
Yes. The certificate can be used abroad, but the destination country may require UAE attestation or additional legalisation before accepting it.
