For residents in the UAE, attesting a marriage certificate is crucial for various formalities, such as obtaining family visas and fulfilling other legal requirements. As well as this attestation is essential for immigrants, as it ensures recognition by the government and legal institutions.
So, if you are looking for a marriage certificate attestation in Dubai, here’s a step-by-step guide to the marriage attestation process and requirements.
- How to Request a Marriage Certificate
- How to Apply for Marriage Contract Attestation
- Civil Marriage Services in the UAE
- FAQs
How to Request a Marriage Certificate
When applying for a family visa in the UAE, you need a marriage certificate. But how do you request it? You must visit the Ministry of Justice website to apply for the marriage certificate online.
Steps and Procedures
- Register with UAE PASS
- Submit Online Application
- Pay Fees
Marriage Process
- For Muslims: Go and communicate to an official to conduct the marriage.
- For Non-Muslims: The contract is registered and issued when the notarial judge meets with the parties.
- Receive the Marriage Contract
Requirements and Documents
For Muslims
- Identification of applicant
- Identification of witnesses
- Any documents related to the case
For Non-Muslims
- Proof of the couple’s identity
- No-objection certificate from the Embassy
- Medical examination certificate
Service Duration
5 Days
Contract Service Fees
AED 50
Terms and Conditions
- If non-muslims, both husband and wife must be 21 years old or more
- The civil marriage must be between a male and a female
- Spouses must have legal capacity
- They should not be combining the two sisters
- Wife should not have an existing marriage
Contact Details
- Department: Judicial Inspection Department and Courts
- Address: Al Qusais 2, behind the Ministry of Education, near Al Twar Center
- Telephone Number: +971 4 2312000
- Toll-Free Number: 800-333-333
How to Apply for Marriage Contract Attestation
An attestation process is necessary to confirm the validity of the seal and signature on documents issued in the UAE or abroad. MoFA provides this service in the UAE through its digital channels, embassies and consulates abroad.
Required Document
- Original document in English or Arabic (or an official translation of it)
- The appropriate government person must attest to the document before submission.
- Don’t cover the document
Service Procedures
- Register your details
- Submit the application
- Pay the required fees (AED 150 for marriage certificate attestation for both applicants outside the UAE or within the UAE)
- Receive an SMS confirming a successful application
- Visit the mission headquarters for document attestation (for applicants outside the UAE)
- Receive the attested document via courier (for applicants within the UAE)
Term and Condition
- The customer confirms all information provided is accurate.
- If any information is invalid, the customer assumes legal responsibility.
- Incorrect applications will not be processed.
- If there is no UAE embassy in your country, contact MOFA’s call center or visit them:
- Call: +97180044444
- Address: King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Fee for Marriage Certificate Attestation
AED 150
Civil Marriage Services in the UAE
In 2021, Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage was introduced by Law No. 14 in the capital. This law allows two individuals or civil marriages based on secular rules without any requirement of religion.
In 2022, as per Federal decree law, the UAE offers all non-Muslim residents only the option to follow the rules of their home country. They are allowed to choose UAE’s personal status laws for their family status such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody.
The law is effective from February 2023 and excludes Muslims as per Islamic laws.
Eligibility
- Both parties must be non-Muslim and non-UAE national Muslims.
- Both parties must consent and their age should be at least 18, even if not closely related, and be single.
Application Process
- The application must be completed via the ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website or typing centre.
- Submission of the following documents is required:
- Passport or Emirates ID copies
- Proof of prior marriage dissolution (if applicable)
- Pre-nuptial agreement (optional)
Service Options
- Regular Service: AED 300 (processed within 10 days).
- Express Service: AED 2,500 (processed within 1 day).
Marriage Ceremony
- Couples are required to attend the ceremony in the ADJD main court with a marriage notary. Pre-recorded vows are available in multiple languages. As well as guests, photographers, and videographers are also allowed in the marriage ceremony.
Post-Ceremony
- Couples are required to attest the marriage certificate through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
FAQs
Yes, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers online services for document attestation. You check the website for registration and application steps.
Documents for marriage certification attestation mainly include the original marriage certificate, valid IDs, and any previously completed attestations from relevant authorities of your home country.
The attestation process duration depends on the country of origin. It takes 10 to 12 working days for personal or educational documents, but 7 to 9 working days for commercial documents. The specific authorities involved may affect the exact timeline.
Obtaining the UAE marriage certificate is crucial. However, once obtained, you can fulfil all the UAE’s legal requirements and secure your family’s future in Dubai.
If you already have a family, you can also learn how to sponsor a family in Dubai. Furthermore, when obtaining a UAE residency visa through property investment, you must provide all the necessary documentation including the marriage certificate.
