How to Get Married in the UAE as an Expat: A Complete Guide
If you’re an expatriate living in the United Arab Emirates and planning to tie the knot, this guide explains all the available options — for both Muslims and non-Muslims, key differences by nationality, and examples for Indian expats.
Why the UAE Is Unique
The UAE offers several marriage pathways reflecting its diverse population. The legal process depends on your religion, nationality, residency status, and where you choose to get married (e.g., Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or another emirate).
For Muslims, marriage is governed by Sharia (Islamic) law.
For non-Muslims, recent legal reforms introduced civil marriage options allowing secular registration directly through local courts.
Major Options for Expats
1. Muslim Marriage (Sharia Law)
If either partner is Muslim, the marriage typically follows Sharia procedures.
Requirements:
- The marriage must comply with Islamic principles.
- A Muslim woman can only marry a Muslim man (conversion may be required).
- Both partners must be of legal age (18+).
- Premarital medical screening is mandatory.
- A bride’s guardian (wali) consent may be required.
- The marriage is registered in the local Sharia court.
Notes:
- If one partner is on a visit visa or if the couple has different religions, the process can be longer.
- Each emirate may have slightly different documentation and fees.
Example:
An Indian Muslim couple living in Dubai completes medical screening, provides Emirates IDs and passports, attends the Sharia Court, and receives their marriage certificate after the nikah is officiated.
2. Non-Muslim Marriage Through Embassy or Religious Venue
If both partners are non-Muslim, you can marry through your embassy, consulate, or a religious venue (church or temple).
Requirements:
- Certificate of No Impediment or singleness certificate.
- Passports, birth certificates, and visa copies.
- Divorce or death certificate if previously married.
- Two witnesses (usually required).
Notes for Expats:
- Couples of different nationalities may need to meet both embassies’ requirements.
- Some embassies require document attestation from your home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The process can take a few weeks depending on nationality and embassy workload.
Example:
A Filipino Christian and an Indian Christian can marry in a Dubai church and later register the marriage with their respective embassies.
3. Non-Muslim Civil Marriage (Modern Option)
Under new UAE laws, non-Muslim expats and tourists can marry in civil courts, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Key Features:
- Both partners must be non-Muslim.
- Legal age: usually 18 or 21 depending on emirate.
- Neither person can be currently married.
- Both must consent freely to the marriage.
Advantages:
- No religious restrictions.
- No medical screening or guardian consent.
- Fast and convenient — the entire process can be completed in a few days.
Example:
A British woman and an Indian man, both non-Muslims and UAE residents, apply for a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi. They upload documents online, attend the scheduled appointment, sign before a judge, and receive their civil marriage certificate the same day.
Specifics for Indian Expats
India has one of the largest expatriate populations in the UAE, and many Indian nationals choose to get married locally.
Documents Required:
- Passports, visa copies, and Emirates IDs.
- Singleness or No Impediment Certificate (from India or an authorized body in the UAE).
- Passport-size photographs.
- Marriage declaration forms (provided by the Indian Consulate).
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
Fees:
- Modest service fees apply for registration through the Indian Consulate.
Important Notes:
- The singleness certificate must be attested if issued in India.
- All non-Arabic documents must be translated and attested before submission.
- Indian marriages solemnized in the UAE should be registered with the Indian Consulate for recognition back home.
Example:
Two Indian nationals on residence visas complete their paperwork and register their marriage through the Indian Consulate in Dubai for legal recognition in both countries.
Nationality and Residency Differences
- Residency Status: Some emirates require at least one partner to hold a UAE residence visa. However, Abu Dhabi allows civil marriage for tourists as well.
- Mixed Nationalities: When partners have different nationalities, both sets of embassy regulations may apply.
- Interfaith Marriages: A Muslim woman cannot legally marry a non-Muslim man under Sharia law unless he converts to Islam.
- Emirati Nationals: Emirati citizens marrying foreigners may need special government approval.
Step-by-Step Marriage Process
- Check Eligibility:
Both must be of legal age and not currently married. - Prepare Documents:
- Passports and Emirates IDs
- Residence visas (if applicable)
- Singleness certificates
- Birth certificates
- Medical screening (for Muslim marriages)
- Choose Your Route:
- Sharia Court (for Muslims)
- Embassy or Religious Venue (for non-Muslim traditional)
- Civil Family Court (for non-Muslim civil marriage)
- Submit Application:
Many emirates allow online applications through judicial department websites. - Pay Fees and Schedule Ceremony:
Regular and express service options are available. - Attend the Ceremony:
Conducted in court, embassy, or place of worship depending on your chosen route. - Obtain Marriage Certificate:
Issued on the same day or within a few days after registration. - Attest the Certificate:
For international use (e.g., in India or the UK), have the document attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and your home country’s embassy.
Practical Tips
- Always confirm requirements with your own embassy or consulate.
- Translate all non-Arabic documents into Arabic using a certified translator.
- If you plan to live in the UAE as a couple, your marriage certificate must be legally recognized for visa sponsorship.
- Civil marriages are the fastest option for non-Muslim couples.
- Interfaith couples should consult both legal and religious authorities before proceeding.
Example Scenarios for Indian Expats
Case 1: Two Indian Non-Muslims
They can marry through the Indian Consulate or in a temple/church. After the ceremony, they register their marriage at the Consulate for Indian legal recognition.
Case 2: Indian Muslim Man and Indian Hindu Woman
If they choose the Sharia route, the woman must convert to Islam for the marriage to be valid in the UAE.
Case 3: Indian Muslim Man and British Non-Muslim Woman
They cannot have a civil marriage unless both are non-Muslims. Therefore, the woman must convert to Islam, or they can marry outside the UAE where interfaith marriage laws are more flexible.
| Route | Religion | Eligible Who | Key Documents | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharia Court Marriage | Muslims | Muslim–Muslim (or Muslim man & “Person of the Book”) | Passports, Emirates IDs, residence visa, medical screening, guardian consent, proof of singleness/divorce | Follows Islamic personal status law; conversion may be required |
| Embassy / Religious Venue Registration | Non-Muslims | Non-Muslim couples / couples following home-country law | Passports, visas, IDs, singleness certificate, birth certificates, embassy forms | Best for religious non-Muslim weddings; requires attestation in some cases |
| Civil Marriage (Non-Muslims) | Non-Muslims | Non-Muslim expats, residents, or even tourists (in Abu Dhabi) | Passports/IDs, online application, no medical screening in most cases | Fast, secular, and modern process; ideal for mixed-nationality expats |
