Nowadays, when it is difficult to travel, work interferes, or huge expenses arise, many couples consider an online marriage. For Muslim couples in the UAE, a common question arises: Is marriage performed via video call legally accepted? And, if it is, can it be used for sponsoring a partner on a residence visa in the UAE?
The article discusses the legal validity of marriages conducted over video conferencing in the UAE; how marriages performed outside the UAE may be registered; and the conditions for sponsoring a spouse.
Legal Framework Regulating Muslim Marriages in the UAE
Muslim marriages in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2024 on Issuance of the Personal Status Law. This law establishes the conditions for a Muslim marriage to be considered valid and lays down the procedures which must be followed to guarantee that the marriage is legally registered by the UAE courts.
Article 16 of the law states the following:
“Marriage is a contract concluded in accordance with the provisions of this law with elements and conditions between a man and a woman with the intention of perpetuating the marital relationship between them. It establishes rights and duties among spouses, aiming at chastity and purity, and the establishment of a stable family that spouses care for with affection and mercy.”
Essential Conditions for a Valid Muslim Marriage in the UAE
The essential elements of a valid marriage under Articles 18 and 19 of the UAE Personal Status Law are as follows:
- Legal capacity of both parties;
- Consent of the woman’s guardian (Wali), with the exception of a non-citizen Muslim wife, if the law of her nationality does not require her to have a guardian in marriage;
- Offer and acceptance between spouses;
- Presence of two Muslim male witnesses; and
- Dowry agreement (Mahr), as required according to Islamic law.
In addition, the law stipulates that a marriage must, in order to be recognized legally, be registered with the competent authority of the court in the UAE.
This is specified under Article 41(1) which stipulates:
“The marriage contract shall be documented in the court in accordance with the legislation in force.”
In addition, Article 41(3) requires the submission of mandatory documents, including
- A premarital medical examination report, issued from government hospitals in the UAE.
- Identification documents such as Emirates IDs and passports.
- Court approval, especially in those instances where either party is unable to appear in person.
Is Marriage by Video Conference Legally Recognized in the UAE?
Remote marriages may be accepted in the UAE under certain circumstances. However, the approval of relevant authority, such as Dubai Personal Status Court in the emirate of Dubai, is necessary in such cases.
If you want to get married through video conferencing in the UAE:
- You must first seek permission from the court.
- You must still fulfill the legal requirements for marriage, which include providing the necessary documentation and undergoing a medical test.
- In any case, a judge must be involved in the process to ensure that the law is being followed.
In this way, while remote marriage is sometimes allowed, it is by no means a general practice. Each case is examined on its own merits, and it would be best for you to consult the Dubai Courts or a marriage lawyer for eligibility.
Getting Married Outside the UAE: Recognition and Legalization Process
In the case where one cannot marry within the UAE, they may consider marrying abroad. However, for such marriage to be accepted in the UAE,
There are several steps in legalization to be followed:
- The marriage must be legally valid and duly registered as per laws of the country where the marriage is conducted.
- The marriage certificate must be:
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- Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of that country
- Authenticated by the UAE Embassy in that country
- Further attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
- Translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator and
- Attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Upon completion of the aforementioned, the marriage be considered legalized in the UAE and you can obtain residence visa for your spouse.
Sponsoring Your Wife After Marriage
Once your marriage ceremony is official in the UAE or abroad, you can apply for your wife’s UAE residence visa sponsorship.
To do that:
- Meet the minimum monthly salary specified by the UAE immigration law (currently AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation).
- Provide the certified and attested marriage certificate as proof of relationship.
- Attach a copy of your tenancy contract along with your Emirates ID.
- Have your spouse undergo a medical test once she reaches the UAE.
Once the visa is approved, your wife will have UAE residency allowing her to stay, work (with a valid permit), and enjoy health services in the UAE.
You may want to know: How to Get Married in Abu Dhabi With Instant Digital Marriage Contract
Conclusion
The procedures governing Muslim marriages in the UAE are straightforward, and while marriage by video call may be allowed under special circumstances but subject to the court approval. Alternatively, you can marry outside the country and later authenticate the marriage in the proper procedure to be recognized in the UAE.
You can go ahead and sponsor your wife with a UAE residency visa once the marriage is duly legally registered and documented.
How Marriage Lawyers at Dubai Court Marriage Help
Entering into marriage involves complete understanding of marriage laws, documentation requirements, and visa procedures, especially with regard to such remote marriages or foreign marriage certificates.
At Dubai Court Marriage, our Marriage Lawyers, understand UAE Personal Status Law and help in:
- Marriage application for video conferencing (where applicable).
- Guide through court procedures and documentation.
- Handles attestation on foreign marriage certificates.
- Assist in spouse visa applications and requirements.
Contact Dubai Court Marriage today so your marriage is duly regulated and free from stress.
