Dubai allows foreigners to get married in Dubai legally, but the process varies based on religion, nationality, and residency status. Muslim marriages follow Sharia law, while non-Muslims may marry through civil courts, embassies, or licensed religious institutions.
This guide outlines the valid marriage routes in Dubai, who qualifies for each, and the practical steps involved.
- Marriage options available to foreigners in Dubai
- Eligibility and basic conditions
- Core documents required
- Medical and consent requirements
- Marriage options for Muslim expats in Dubai
- Marriage options for non-Muslim expats in Dubai
- Abu Dhabi civil marriage vs Dubai
- Marrying in Dubai on a visit visa
- Marriage certificate, attestation, and recognition abroad
- Costs and timelines
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Marriage options available to foreigners in Dubai
Foreigners can marry in Dubai through several recognised routes. The option you choose depends mainly on religion and residency status.
- Sharia court marriage (Muslim expats)
Muslim expats marry under Sharia law at Dubai Courts. This applies to Muslim–Muslim couples and certain interfaith marriages, subject to religious rules.
- Civil marriage in Dubai Courts (non-Muslims)
Dubai Courts offer civil marriage for non-Muslim couples. This route does not require a guardian or witnesses and is conducted in English.
- Marriage via embassies or consulates
Some nationalities may marry at their embassy or consulate in Dubai. Procedures and documentation are set by the embassy and follow home-country law.
- Religious ceremonies
Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other religious ceremonies are permitted in licensed places of worship. These usually require separate civil or embassy registration for legal recognition.
- Abu Dhabi civil marriage (alternative)
Some Dubai residents choose Abu Dhabi’s civil marriage system due to broader eligibility, including tourist couples and younger applicants.
Eligibility and basic conditions
Before applying, couples must meet the minimum legal requirements for age, residency, religion, and marital status.
| Marriage type | Minimum age | Exceptions |
| Civil marriage (non-Muslims) | 21 years | None |
| Sharia marriage (Muslims) | 18 years | Judicial approval required if under 18 |
Applies to all marriages:
- Both parties must be of sound mind
- Consent must be freely and voluntarily given
Residency and visa status
Residency status determines whether the Dubai Courts can process the marriage.
- At least one party must hold a valid UAE residence visa and an Emirates ID
- This applies to both civil and Sharia marriages
- Couples where both partners are tourists are generally not eligible
Tourist couples are usually redirected to the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, which allows non-residents to marry.
Religion and nationality considerations
Religion determines which legal framework applies to the marriage.
- Muslims must marry under Sharia law
- Non-Muslims may choose civil, religious, or embassy marriage
Interfaith rules apply:
- A Muslim man may marry a Christian or Jewish woman
- A Muslim woman may marry a non-Muslim man only if he provides a recognised conversion certificate
Marital status
Both parties must be legally free to marry at the time of application. Required proof includes:
- Certificate of No Impediment or Single Status Certificate
If previously married:
- Divorce decree (if divorced)
- Death certificate (if widowed)
All foreign documents must be fully attested before submission.
Core documents required
Document preparation is typically the most time-consuming part of the process.
Identity and civil status documents
| Document | Who needs it | Notes |
| Passport | Both parties | Original and copies |
| Emirates ID | UAE residents | Mandatory |
| UAE visa page | Residents/visitors | Must be valid |
| Proof of single status | Both parties | Often requires translation and attestation |
Marital history documents
Divorce decrees or death certificates are required where applicable, along with certified translation and attestation.
Guardian and NOC documents (Sharia marriages)
For Muslim brides, guardian presence or no-objection documents may be required depending on circumstances.
Medical and consent requirements
Medical clearance and formal consent are mandatory before marriage can be registered in Dubai.
Pre-marital medical test
A pre-marital medical screening must be completed at an approved health centre and submitted with the application. Results are valid for a limited period.
Consent and declarations
- Both parties must provide explicit consent.
- For Sharia marriages, the bride’s approval is confirmed separately.
- For civil marriages, both parties sign a declaration confirming consent and legal capacity.
Marriage options for Muslim expats in Dubai
Muslim marriages follow Sharia procedures and require additional formalities.
Sharia court marriage process
The process includes an online application, document submission, medical testing, attendance by the guardian and a witness, and signing the marriage contract before an authorised officer.
Special Sharia cases
Additional approvals may be required in cases involving age gaps, missing guardians, or interfaith marriages.
Marriage options for non-Muslim expats in Dubai
Non-Muslim couples have several legal routes depending on residency and documentation.
Dubai civil marriage process
Couples submit documents online, attend a civil court appointment, declare consent, and receive an English marriage certificate.
Embassy or consular marriage
Embassy marriages follow home-country law and may require additional UAE registration.
Abu Dhabi civil marriage vs Dubai
Some Dubai residents choose Abu Dhabi due to broader eligibility and fewer residency restrictions.
| Feature | Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage | Dubai Civil Marriage |
| Residency requirement | None | One party must be a Dubai resident |
| Minimum age | 18 years | 21 years |
| Religious scope | Non-Muslims and non-UAE Muslims | Non-Muslims only |
| Processing speed | 1–10 days | 24-hour service available |
Marrying in Dubai on a visit visa
Marriage options for tourists and visa holders are limited.
- Dubai Courts usually require one resident spouse
- Fully tourist couples cannot typically marry in Dubai
- Muslim tourists may marry under Sharia law only with special court approval
- Embassy marriages depend on nationality
- A civil marriage in Abu Dhabi is the most practical option for non-resident couples.
Marriage certificate, attestation, and recognition abroad
After the marriage, the certificate must be issued appropriately and attested for legal use.
- Obtaining the marriage certificate
Certificates are issued digitally, in Arabic and English, by the relevant authority.
- Attestation process
Certificates typically require stamping by the Dubai Courts and attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and additional embassy authentication where needed.
- Use abroad
Attested certificates are used for visas, name changes, and registration in the home country.
Costs and timelines
Marriage costs and timelines vary depending on the route and the readiness of the documents.
Typical costs (indicative):
| Item | Estimated cost (AED) |
| Dubai civil marriage fee | 480–500 |
| Express service | 2,500+ |
| Medical test | 250–900 |
| Legal translation | 150–300 per document |
| MoFA attestation | 150–160 per stamp |
Typical timelines:
- Document preparation: 2–6 weeks
- Court appointment: 1–10 days
- Ceremony: 15–30 minutes
Key takeaways
Foreigners and expatriates can legally marry in Dubai through Sharia, civil, embassy, or religious routes, depending on religion and residency status. Non-Muslims benefit from Dubai’s civil marriage system, while Muslim couples must follow Sharia law through the Dubai Courts.
In practice, document preparation and attestation are the leading causes of delay, not court availability. Couples who prepare paperwork early and choose the correct route for their situation typically complete the process smoothly.
FAQs
No. Dubai Courts generally require at least one partner to hold a UAE residence visa.
Yes, a pre-marital medical screening is mandatory for court marriages in Dubai. The test must be completed at an approved health centre and submitted as part of the application before the marriage can be registered.
Yes, provided the marriage certificate is properly attested by the relevant UAE authorities and, where required, authenticated by the couple’s home-country embassy or consulate.
Once all documents are prepared and attested, non-Muslim civil marriages can be completed quickly, sometimes within a few days. Sharia and embassy marriages usually take longer due to additional requirements and appointment availability.
