While the celebration and ceremony are the memorable parts of any wedding, the most important would be ensuring you and your partner meet the requirements and conditions for civil or court marriage in UAE (UAE Court Marriage). If you plan on making the marriage legal, you need a marriage license which will only be given when you secure the following:
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Premarital Medical Tests
A premarital medical test is mandatory for couples that plan on getting married in UAE. It’s a crucial health test as it uncovers transmittable, infectious, and genetic diseases. A test is taken in order to prevent risks of transmitting diseases to a spouse as well as future offspring.
The test also educates couples by providing unbiased and accurate information. Hereditary factors, diet, family background, age, weight management, addictions, and exercise all contribute onto the bigger picture. For a couple that is considering marriage in Dubai or anywhere in UAE, the premarital screening helps in the identification of potential health risks and problems. It’s vital for a couple to be screened to aid understanding of genetics and help in taking the necessary treatments and precautions.
The tests that constitute a premarital health check include:
- Routine investigations – complete urine analysis, peripheral blood smears, and complete blood count to check for abnormal cells. The blood group testing will be done in order to screen out Rh-negative females and counsel regarding the risk in pregnancy.
- Genetic testing – doctors often go for a culture-based screening for genetics. Depending on the family ancestry and history, different tests are specifically designed for several different disorders such as thalassemia. Genetic tests are performed with the analysis of small blood samples or body tissues.
- Infectious diseases – tests for hepatitis-C virus, VDRL for syphilis testing, hepatitis-B screening, HIV – 1 and II.
Legal age for marriage
In the UAE, the minimum age to marry is eighteen. Those who are under the official minimum age for marriage can still get married provided that the Personal Status Court Chief Justice provides approval. The age of a spouse must not be or exceed twice the age of the other unless there is judicial consent.
Mental capacity
Both the contracting parties to a court marriage in Dubai or anywhere in UAE must have the full mental capacity in entering into a contractual agreement. If one party does not or cannot understand what it entails to be married due to alcohol, drugs, mental illness or any other issue that affects judgment, that person will be considered as lacking in mental capacity for consenting to a court marriage.
Unrelation
The two people that will undergo court marriage in UAE must not be blood relatives. The two cannot be third cousins.
Gender
Same-sex marriage is not legal anywhere in UAE. All sexual relations that are outside heterosexual marriage in UAE used to be criminalized, but it is no longer the case as of late. Court marriage in UAE involves a man and a woman as contracting parties.
Requirements for Marriage in Abu Dhabi Court
Certificate of divorce
If it is not the first marriage of any of the contracting parties, there’s also a need to present a certificate of divorce. For a widow or widower, a death certificate has to be brought as proof that a contracting party is legal to remarry. It is quite common for a previously married individual to forget to present the official documentation for separation during the appointment. This is a requirement and a court marriage in Dubai or anywhere in UAE can’t push through if the requirements are incomplete.
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Other requirements for UAE court marriage:
- No objection letter issued by the sponsor or employer of the bride and the groom;
- Certificate of legal capacity to marry;
- Two male witnesses;
- Photocopies of the passports of the bride, groom, and witnesses;
- Attested birth certificates of the contracting parties
Note: If the marriage is in English, then the marriage certificate that will be issued will also be in the English language. In order for it to be considered valid in the country, there is a need to do the following:
- Have the marriage certificate officially translated into Arabic (translation into Arabic must be done by a licensed or official translator);
- The Arabic and English versions must be brought to a public notary in Dubai for certification;
- The certificates should then be brought to UAE Ministry of Justice or MOJ and the Ministry/Department of Foreign Affairs in order to get authenticated;
- The embassy then should authenticate the certificates in order for it to be valid in the home countries of the couple
If you are of a different nationality or residency as your spouse, the conditions and requirements can vary. This is why it’s important to consult with a marriage lawyer in Dubai prior to submitting a marriage application. For more specific advice, call us here in Dubai Court Marriage today!
Dubai Court Marriage
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FAQ’s
What are the fundamental legal requirements for court marriage in the UAE?
The key requirements include both parties being at least 18 years old, providing full and free consent, and meeting eligibility criteria based on their religion and legal status.
Where are court marriages conducted in the UAE?
Court marriages for non-Muslims are usually conducted at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, which offers a simplified and efficient civil marriage process.
Is mutual consent necessary for court marriage?
Yes, mutual consent is a legal requirement. Both individuals must willingly agree to the marriage without any pressure or coercion.
What documents are required for court marriage?
Couples generally need:
Valid passports
Visa copies or Emirates ID (if applicable)
Proof of marital status (such as a single status certificate or divorce decree)
Additional documents may be required depending on individual circumstances.
Is residency required for court marriage in the UAE?
No, residency is not mandatory, especially for civil marriages. Tourists can also get married in many cases if they meet the legal requirements.
Are witnesses required for court marriage?
Witnesses are not always required for civil court marriages, as the court itself verifies the identity and consent of the couple. However, requirements may vary depending on the specific process.
Is a medical test required for court marriage?
No, a medical test is not required for civil marriages. However, for marriages conducted under Sharia law, premarital medical screening is mandatory.
