Getting Married in Dubai as an Expat : Requirements, Legality & More

Getting married in Dubai as an expat entails the groom and the bride adhering to the local regulations set by marriage authorities in the Emirate. All residents are to get the official marriage certificate at the Dubai Courts.

A marriage application can get rejected. And this usually happens when the bride or the groom suffers from any of the following:

• A transferable disease or
• A blood disease that is genetically inherited

Requirements for Marriage in Dubai

The following to secured when applying for marriage in Dubai:

• Original copy of birth certificate
• Original copy of the passport
• Copy of the residency visa of the bride and the groom
• Certificate of premarital mutual check
• Certificate of marital status (widowed, divorced or single)

The marital status certificate has to attested by UAE foreign embassy as well as the issuing country. If the certificate was issue overseas. This certificate also has to be attest by the consulate of the applicant. And foreign ministry in UAE for a certificate that issued in UAE.

Find more: Getting married in the UAE: What are the documents needed?

Muslim Marriage for Expats in Dubai

Islamic marriage rules apply if both parties, which are the groom and the bride, are both Muslims, or if the groom is a Muslim. A Muslim man may be able to marry a woman that is non-Muslim; But, the Muslim woman can’t marry a man that’s not a Muslim without a certificate that says he has converted to Islam.

Additionally, the UAE law permits polygamy if the man or husband is able to provide equal treatment and sustenance to all wives. There are preconditions that have set by the UAE law for Islamic marriage and they apply as well as to Muslim expats in Dubai. They are as follows:

• Attendance of the parties involved, the father of the bride, as well as two witnesses;
• Bride and the bride’s guardian’s approval for the marriage;
• Legal age for Islam marriage which is eighteen years (for special cases, there has to be the approval of a judge);
• For a Muslim bride with a non-Muslim father or guardian. There is a letter of non objection presented to proper authorities. That’s attest by the bride’s consulate or embassy;
• The age of the groom shouldn’t be twice the age of the bride; otherwise, a judge has to give approval

Read more: Court Marriage without Witnesses in UAE possible?

Special cases and UAE Law provisions

Expats that marrying women who UAE nationals have to furnish good conduct certificates issued by local authorities. The women who have UAE citizenship through dependency not allowed in getting married to expat men.

Non-Muslim Marriage for Expats in Dubai

Non-Muslim marriage permitted to take place in Dubai for expats. The marriage can take place at their consulate or embassy in the UAE or at a church or temple as per their discretion or religion. However, a marriage certificate has to be obtained from the Dubai Courts. Requirements will vary, depending on the nationality and religion among others. Which is why it is best to consult with a team of marriage lawyers in UAE.

For a more tailored advice regarding marriage in Dubai for expats, call us here in Dubai Court Marriage! Our team of seasoned lawyers specializing in Muslim and non-Muslim marriage will be able to address any queries that you may have and assist you and your partner’s union in Dubai.

You may want to know: How to Get Married in Dubai

Is a blood test part of the requirements for Marriage in Dubai for expats?

Yes, there is a mandatory premarital physical examination or blood test that have done prior to applying for a marriage license. The blood test is require to check for any venereal disease. And also to test for sickle-cell anemia, rubella, and tuberculosis. There is also a mandatory testing for HIV or AIDS. We suggest you seek the help of our team to complete the health check requirement.

Find more: You need a guardian to get married in the UAE

Will I be able to Marry anyone that I want in Dubai?

As mentioned earlier, there are preconditions for marrying in Dubai that require to fulfilled by a couple. Both parties are to be of legal age. For minors, there has to be judicial consent. With regards to marital status, couples that have been legal separated and wish to remarry are to provide certificate showing official divorce judgment. For mental capacity, the couple has to provide proof that they are of mental capacity as they’re entering into a contract.

In the event that a person does or cannot understand, how it is to be marry due to a mental illness or any other issue that affects judgment. The person considered lacking in mental capacity in consenting to marriage.

There are other preconditions which have to be addressed, most especially for different races and religion. Talk to our marriage in lawyer in Dubai for more information.