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.
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.”
The essential elements of a valid marriage under Articles 18 and 19 of the UAE Personal Status Law are as follows:
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
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:
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.
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:
Upon completion of the aforementioned, the marriage be considered legalized in the UAE and you can obtain residence visa for your spouse.
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:
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
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.
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:
Contact Dubai Court Marriage today so your marriage is duly regulated and free from stress.