Overview of Civil Marriage Law in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s progressive Law No. 14 of 2021 revolutionized civil marriage in the emirate, offering a streamlined process for non-Muslim ex-pats and tourists. This law allows couples of different nationalities and faiths to marry without religious restrictions, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Key aspects of the law include:
- Accessibility: Open to non-Muslim expats and tourists, excluding UAE nationals.
- Legal Authority: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Civil Family Court oversees all civil marriage ceremonies.
- Simplified Process: No residency requirement, minimal documentation, and fast processing.
Why Choose Abu Dhabi for Your Civil Marriage?
Abu Dhabi offers one of the most efficient and inclusive civil marriage processes in the GCC. Benefits include:
- No Residency Requirement – Tourists and ex-pats can marry with a valid passport.
- Fast & Simple Process – Standard (2-3 weeks) or express (2-3 days) options available.
- Multinational Acceptance – Couples of different nationalities and religions can marry.
- Optional Ceremony Elements – Customize with vows, rings, and guests.
Comparison with Other GCC States:
| Country | Residency Required? | Processing Time | Religious Restrictions |
| Abu Dhabi | No | 2-3 days | Non-Muslim only |
| Dubai | Yes | 1-2 months | Sharia-based |
| Qatar | Yes | 4-6 weeks | Muslim men only |
Abu Dhabi Court Marriage Requirements
Who Can Marry in Abu Dhabi?
To qualify for a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi, couples must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
- Consent: Voluntary agreement with no existing marriage.
- Nationality & Religion: Open to non-Muslim expats & tourists (UAE nationals must use Sharia courts).
- Exceptions: Muslim couples must marry through Sharia court
Eligibility Checklist
| Criterion | Requirement |
| Age | Minimum 18 years |
| Marital Status | Single, divorced, or widowed |
| Consent | Free and voluntary |
| Nationality | Non-Muslim expats & tourists |
| Religion | Non-Muslim ex-pats & tourists |
Required Documents for Civil Marriage
Core Documents Needed
- Original passports + copies
- Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
- Proof of single status (e.g., bachelorhood certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate if widowed)
- Joint declaration & consent forms
Country-Specific Document Requirements
| Nationality | Additional Requirements |
| India | CENOMAR + Embassy attestation |
| Philippines | NSO-issued CENOMAR |
| UK/USA | Affidavit of single status |
| Pakistan/Egypt | Family registration certificate |
Special Documentation for Divorced, Widowed, and Underage Applicants
- Divorced: Divorce decree (attested)
- Widowed: Death certificate of former spouse
- Under 21: Parental consent affidavit
Step-by-Step Civil Marriage Application Process
Submitting Your Application
- Online: Apply via the ADJD eService portal.
- In-Person: Visit a Civil Family Court typing center.
- Pay Fees: AED 300 (standard) or AED 2,500 (express).
Document Attestation & Translation
- Home country embassy → UAE MOFA attestation → Arabic translation (if required).
Court Appointment & Ceremony Details
- Location: ADJD Civil Family Court
- Duration: 15-30 minutes
- Certificate Issuance: Same day (express) or within a week (standard)
Fees and Processing Times
| Service | Processing Time | Cost (AED) |
| Standard | 2-3 weeks | 300 |
| Express | 2-3 days | 2,500 |
Special Cases and Exceptions
Tourist Marriages in Abu Dhabi
- No residency needed
- Fast-track options available
Muslim & Interfaith Couples
- Muslim couples must use Sharia courts
- Interfaith (non-Muslim) couples can use civil marriage
Frequently Asked Questions
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