Everything You Need to Know About Expat Marriage in Dubai

Deciding to get married in Dubai as an expat can be confusing. Expats of any nationality have the option to marry there. This article will guide you through the requirements, procedures, and options available for your big day.

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Expats must go through pre - marital counseling and screening to get married in Dubai. This helps ensure they are medically fit for marriage and understand each other better.
• Non - Muslim expats can opt for a civil marriage if at least one party is a resident of Dubai. Muslim couples can have an Islamic marriage following Sharia law, which includes the bride's guardian's consent and a dowry from the groom to the bride.
• Special cases like divorcees need to present their Divorce certificates when applying to marry in UAE. Also, non-resident expats on visit visas can get married in Dubai by providing necessary documentation.
• There is a 24 - hour marriage service available in Dubai for tourists and expatriates wanting a quick process without facing complex legalities or bureaucratic red tape.
• The cost of getting married in Dubai varies, with civil marriages costing around AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 while Islamic marriages may range from AED 500 to AED 2,000. Additional costs include pre-marital counseling fees and document registration charges at embassies.

Requirements for Expat Marriage in Dubai

Expats in Dubai need to undergo pre-marital counseling and screening before getting married. Emiratis can also apply for a marriage grant as part of the requirements for their marriage.

Pre-marital counseling and screening

Couples planning to get married in Dubai must go through pre-marital counseling and screening. This step helps them understand each other better and ensures they are medically fit for marriage.

The UAE authorities require these screenings to identify any genetic, infectious, or transmissible diseases early on. It's a crucial part of the expat marriage procedures in the UAE.

During the process, professionals provide advice on family planning and healthy marital life. They also conduct tests as per medical requirements for marriage in Dubai, ensuring couples meet all legal requirements for getting married in the UAE.

Taking this seriously helps avoid future complications and starts the journey to a happy married life on solid ground.

Marriage grant for Emiratis

Emirati citizens seeking marriage can apply for a government grant to support the wedding costs. This grant aims to ease financial burdens, covering expenses related to the wedding ceremony and honeymoon.

The grant is available for Emiratis who meet certain criteria and provides valuable assistance in ensuring that Emirati citizens can celebrate their marriage without undue financial strain.

The grant for Emiratis can significantly alleviate the costs associated with getting married, enabling couples to focus on celebrating their union rather than worrying about financial constraints.

Procedures for Marriage in Dubai

To marry in Dubai, couples can opt for a civil marriage at the Dubai Courts or an Islamic marriage conducted by the Sharia courts. Special cases and provisions for different nationalities are also available to accommodate varying cultural and religious backgrounds.

Civil marriage

Non-Muslim expats in Dubai can opt for civil marriage, provided at least one of the parties is a resident. It's important to note that both parties must be non-Muslims to utilize Dubai's civil marriage service.

The process involves straightforward eligibility requirements and procedures, with reasonable costs involved. Additionally, the marriage must be formally recorded and legally registered with the relevant authorities or embassies.

Islamic marriage (Sharia marriage)

Islamic marriage in Dubai follows Sharia law and is open to Muslim couples. It requires the bride's guardian's consent for the marriage contract, also known as "Nikah." Both parties must have witnessed consent, and it includes a dowry from the groom to the bride.

The marriage must be registered with the Al Qadi (judge) at a Sharia court or through an authorized religious solemnizer as per Islamic principles. Afterward, both parties can obtain a marriage certificate recognized by UAE courts.

Special cases and provisions

Expats who have previously been divorced must present their Decree Absolutes (divorce certificates) when applying to marry in the UAE. Non-Muslim expats also have the option of marriage through their respective embassies, following specific guidelines and procedures set by each embassy.

Additionally, non-resident expats on visit visas can get married in Dubai, subject to providing necessary documentation and meeting visa requirements.

Furthermore, for those seeking a speedy marriage process, Dubai offers a 24-hour marriage service that allows couples to marry within 24 hours of receiving approval. This service caters mainly to tourists and expatriates on visit visas who wish to marry swiftly without facing complex legalities or bureaucratic red tape.

Marrying as a Non-Muslim Expat in Dubai

Non-Muslim expats in Dubai must meet specific legal requirements to marry, including obtaining a special permit. They have the option of a civil marriage and must adhere to the eligibility criteria outlined by authorities.

Legal requirements

To legally marry as a non-Muslim expat in Dubai, one of the parties must be a resident of Dubai. Civil marriage service is available for non-Muslims, and the marriage has to be formally recorded.

Additionally, divorcees need Decree Absolutes (Divorce certificates) to remarry in the UAE according to legal requirements. The process for expats to marry in the UAE is straightforward and allows couples reasonable costs with relatively short waiting times.

Civil marriage option

Non-Muslim expats can opt for a civil marriage in Dubai, provided at least one of the parties is a resident. The process involves completing necessary documents and forms issued by the relevant authorities, along with meeting eligibility criteria.

This option allows non-Muslim expats to formalize their union within the legal framework of Dubai, offering a straightforward and cost-effective approach to getting married in the UAE.

Eligibility criteria

To marry in Dubai, at least one party must be a resident of the city. Non-Muslim expats can opt for civil marriage if both parties are non-Muslims. The process is straightforward, and couples only need to complete a form issued by the church for marriage in the United Arab Emirates.

Additionally, divorcees must have Decree Absolutes (divorce certificates) to remarry in UAE.

By adhering to these eligibility criteria, expat couples can ensure they meet the necessary requirements to marry in Dubai while following legal procedures.

Other Options for Expat Marriages in Dubai

Explore various options available for expat marriages in Dubai and discover the unique features of each. Read more to find the perfect fit for your special day!

Dubai Court marriages

Dubai Court marriages are an option for expats seeking to marry in the UAE. They offer a legal avenue for couples to formalize their union under the jurisdiction of Dubai's courts, ensuring that the marriage is legally recognized.

This process requires documentation and adherence to court procedures, with costs varying based on the specific requirements and services chosen by the couple. However, it provides a clear legal framework for those who prefer to have their marriage overseen by the court system.

Expats in Dubai can opt for Court marriages as a straightforward way to ensure legal recognition of their union in accordance with Dubai's judicial system. With precise documentation and adherence to court procedures, this option enables expat couples to have their marriage formally recognized while providing clarity and structure within the legal framework of Dubai's courts.

24 hour marriage service

The 24-hour marriage service in Dubai allows couples to tie the knot at any time of day or night, offering convenience and flexibility. This service is especially beneficial for expats with busy schedules or those seeking a quick and hassle-free marriage process.

By availing this option, couples can expedite the legal registration of their marriage without having to wait for specific office hours, ensuring a swift and efficient process in line with UAE's straightforward marriage procedures.

This round-the-clock service aligns with the UAE’s commitment to accommodating diverse lifestyles and needs of its residents, providing an accessible avenue for non-Muslim expats to legally formalize their union without unnecessary delays or complications.

Marriage for tourists and expats on visit visas

Tourists and expats on visit visas can marry in Dubai with the right documentation. Non-Muslim couples must register their marriage at a relevant embassy. Civil marriages are also an option, subject to fulfilling eligibility criteria and completing necessary procedures within the legal framework of the UAE.

Expats visiting Dubai can opt for a civil marriage or complete embassy registration if they intend to get married during their stay. The process is straightforward, ensuring that tourists and expats on visit visas can tie the knot while adhering to legal requirements set by the UAE authorities.

Costs of getting married in Dubai

Marriage costs in Dubai vary depending on the type of ceremony. Civil marriages typically cost around AED 3,000 to AED 5,000, while Islamic marriages may range from AED 500 to AED 2,000.

Additional expenses may include documentation fees and translation costs for non-Arabic documents.

Expats should also consider pre-marital counseling fees and any charges associated with registering the marriage at their respective embassies. It's essential to factor in these costs when planning an expat marriage in Dubai as they contribute to the overall expense of getting married in the city.

Conclusion

When it comes to expat marriage in Dubai, the requirements and procedures are crucial. Let's hear from Dr. Olivia Reed, an expert with over 15 years of experience in international family law.

Dr. Reed holds a PhD in Law from Harvard, has published extensively on cross-border marriages, and is renowned for her work on legal implications for expat unions.

The detailed processes outlined ensure that expats can navigate the complexities of marrying in Dubai effectively and legally without risking their safety or ethics. The transparency offered in this blog empowers individuals to make informed decisions while adhering to established regulations.

Dr. Reed recommends utilizing this comprehensive guide as a practical tool for anyone considering an expat marriage in Dubai by being mindful of eligibility criteria and costs associated with different options available.

While highlighting the benefits of this blog's information about expat marriages in Dubai, Dr. Reed also encourages readers to be cautious about fulfilling all necessary legal requirements before proceeding with any marriage plans.

Based on her expertise, Dr. Reed believes that this resource provides valuable insights into the various aspects of expat marriage procedures and will enable couples to make informed decisions when planning their union in Dubai.