Most Filipinos in the UAE live in Dubai, with Abu Dhabi and Al Ain following closely behind. With such a large number of Filipinos moving to the UAE, finding love and deciding to marry is only natural. The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, for example, enables marriage solemnization and accompanying services. However, it should be emphasized that the Embassy exclusively performs weddings for Filipino nationals. A Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage is issued alternatively to people marrying non-Filipinos or foreigners. Keep in mind that the Philippine Embassy is responsible for the emirate of Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain. Still, the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Dubai is responsible for Dubai and the northern emirates.
Essential requirements for marriage in Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi
- For the marriage contract to be valid, it must be registered at a Sharia court in the UAE.
- If one is under the age of 18, it is lawful to marry; otherwise, the judge must approve the marriage. A judge will sign off if they consider that a spouse’s age is twice the usual.
- A premarital screening certificate must be obtained.
The followings conditions must be met to solemnize Filipino marriage in Abu Dhabi:
- The Embassy can only solemnize a marriage between two Filipino nationals unless Philippine law allows it.
- The bride and groom must be present in front of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi to acquire and sign an Application for Marriage License.
- Documentary requirements must also be presented.
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The Procedure for Filipino marriage in Abu Dhabi
The prerequisites, necessary documents, fees, and procedures for Filipino nationals wishing to marry in Abu Dhabi are provided below:
(Note: The Embassy will keep the original PSA documents and will not return them):
- Completed and signed Application for Marriage Licence and Marriage Solemnization at the Embassy –both the bride and groom must complete and sign at the Embassy.
- Bring the original and three (3) photocopies of the bride’s Certificate of Live Birth from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
- Bring the original and three (3) photocopies of the bride’s Certificate of No Record of Previous Marriage (CENOMAR)issued by PSA no more than six months before the scheduled wedding date.
- Bring the original and four (4) photocopies of the bride’s Philippine passport.
- Bring the original and three (3) photocopies of the groom’s Certificate of Live Birth from the PSA.
- Bring the original and three (3) photocopies of the groom’s Certificate of No Record of Previous Marriage (CENOMAR) issued by PSA not more than six months before the scheduled wedding day.
- Original and four (4) photocopies of the groom’s valid Philippine passport
- One (1) coloured 5R size photo of the Bride and Groom.
- Fees:
- AED 100 – Marriage Certificate
- AED 240 – Marriage solemnization
Additional Requirements:
- Additional documentation is required for each individual situation:
- If a contractual party’s previous marriage was declared null and void by a court, then: The annotation of annulment on the PSA Marriage Certificate.
- For a contractual party previously divorced by a Philippine Court: Annotation of annulment on the PSA Marriage Certificate.
- In the case of a widow or widower contractual party: PSA Death Certificate of the Spouse Who Has Passed Away.
- Affidavit of Consent signed by the contracting party’s parents and attested by a Philippine public notary for a contractual party aged 18-21 years.
- Written parental advice, attested by a Philippine public notary for a contractual party aged 22-25 years old.
- Ten (10) days before the marriage licence is given, the application for a marriage licence or the marriage banns must be posted/published.
- The Embassy will issue a marriage licence to LCCMs that will be valid for 120 days from the issue date. Within those 120 days, the candidates must marry at the Embassy.
Filipino Marrying to a Foreigner or Non-Filipino
As previously stated, marriages between Filipino nationals are solemnized exclusively by the Philippine Embassy. If a Filipino wishes to marry a non-Filipino or a foreigner, he or she may instead apply for Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage. The requirements and fees for Filipino citizens and non-Filipino fiancé/fiancée are listed below.
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Requirements (for citizens of the Philippines):
- Form of Completed Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage
- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila has verified a PSA-issued birth certificate.
- The DFA in Manila verified a PSA-issued CENOMAR.
- Passport photocopy (1 photocopy)
- Photos in passport size (2 copies)
- The DFA in Manila has certified a PSA-issued Parental Advice (for applicants aged 21-25 years old)
- The DFA in Manila confirmed the PSA-issued Consent of Parents (for applicants aged 18-21 years old)
Non-Filipino fiancé/fiancée requirements:
- The applicant’s birth certificate must be certified by his or her respective Embassy or Consulate in the UAE and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
- Certificate of Civil Status produced in the applicant’s home country and validated by his or her appropriate UAE Embassy or Consulate and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
- If the applicant is a married Muslim man, a written, notarized Consent of the First Wife (and other spouses, if applicable) is validated by his respective Embassy or Consulate in the UAE and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
- Passport copy (1 photocopy)
- Passport photos (2 copies).
Note: All preceding papers must be legally translated into English if they are not in English.
Fee: AED 100
The guidance mentioned above is provided solely to provide general information. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions concerning the prerequisites, costs, or processes for Filipino marriage in Abu Dhabi.
Reference:
https://www.philembassy.no/consular-services/notarial-services-and-legalization-of-documents/solemnization-of-marriage-at-the
https://abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph/marriage
