Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
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A civil marriage is the lawful union of a man and a woman, regardless of faith or nationality. The civil marriage is conducted in accordance with Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 on Civil Marriage and its Effects. The civil marriage is conducted by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). This type of marriage is mainly applicable to couples who are not UAE nationals. This allows couples who are not UAE nationals to get married without any religious requirements.
At HHS Lawyers, our marriage lawyer in Dubai is available to assist you in the following ways:
- Verification and checking of all necessary documents prior to submission to ADJD.
- Eligibility criteria for civil marriage in accordance with Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021.
- Assistance in drafting and submission of prenuptial contracts.
- Full assistance in civil marriage procedures from start to end.
- Attestation coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies for international recognition.
What Is Civil Wedding in Abu Dhabi?
The civil marriage in Abu Dhabi is defined as “a legally binding marriage contract registered before the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. It is entirely secular, which means no religious ceremony, conversion, or involvement is required.”
The civil marriage in Abu Dhabi was introduced through the issuance of Law No. 14 of 2021 regarding Civil Marriage and its Effects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This has enabled the emirate of Abu Dhabi to be at the forefront of the UAE in the introduction of civil marriage.
This has been supplemented at the federal level through the issuance of Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 regarding Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims. However, the law applicable to couples in the emirate of Abu Dhabi is Law No. 14 of 2021.
The Civil Family Court is part of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).
Who Can Register for Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi?
Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi is available to a wider range of individuals. The persons who are eligible to apply for civil marriage in Abu Dhabi are:
- Residents and non-residents – The couple is not required to be residents in Abu Dhabi or in the UAE; tourists and visitors can also apply.
- Persons aged 18 years or above – Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Single, divorced, or widowed – The couple should be single, divorced, or widowed.
- Both parties must provide their consent to marriage
- The parties must not be related by the first or second degree
Regardless of faith or nationality (as long as the above conditions are met) – The process is secular and open to couples of any faith, including foreign Muslims, provided that either party must not be a UAE national
Important Note: UAE national Muslims should apply for marriage through Sharia courts only. Civil marriage under Law No. 14 of 2021 is not available to UAE nationals. Foreign Muslims (non-UAE nationals) generally have access to the civil marriage system subject to certain legal conditions.
Documents Required for Civil/Court Marriage Application in Abu Dhabi
Before submitting your civil marriage application to the ADJD, you must prepare the following:
Mandatory Documents civil marriage requirements
- Civil Marriage Application Form (filled in on the ADJD online portal)
- Passport copies of both partners
- Emirates ID copies (if you live in the UAE)
- E-visa or entry stamp (for visitors who are not UAE residents)
Conditional Documents (if needed) for Abu dhabi court wedding
- Divorce certificate — if either person was married before and is now divorced
- Death certificate of former spouse — if either person is widowed
- Prenuptial agreement — optional, but you can include it if you have one
Note: A pre-marital medical test is NOT required for civil marriage under ADJD. This is different from Sharia marriage, where a medical test is required.
Step-by-Step Civil/Court Marriage Process in Abu Dhabi
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
All documents must be prepared. If any document is not in Arabic or English, it must be translated into Arabic according to the law.
Step 2: Submit the Application
Submit your civil marriage application online through the ADJD portal (via UAE Pass) or through an approved typing center in Abu Dhabi. Both channels are acceptable.
Step 3: Pay the Court Fees
Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email with a payment link. You will then pay the court fee using the ADJD system.
Step 4: Receive Your Ceremony Date
If you opt for the express service, you can select the ceremony date and time subject to the court’s opening hours. If you select the standard service, the court will do its best to accommodate your request but it is subject to availability.
Step 5: Attend the Ceremony at the ADJD
Both parties are required to attend the ceremony in person at the Civil Family Court, ADJD Main Court Building, near Zayed Sports City.
The parties are required to bring original passports or Emirates ID cards.
The Marriage Notary Officer will conduct the ceremony, and this may take around 15 minutes.
No witnesses are required, as the notary will act as a witness.
The couple may bring along their guests, photographers, and videographers.
Step 6: Receive Your Marriage Certificate
The marriage officer shall certify the conclusion of marriage. The certificate will be issued in both Arabic and English. This certificate is recorded and kept in the electronic civil marriage registry.
Fees and Timeline of CIVIL Marriage Abu Dhabi
| Service Type | Fee | Processing Time |
| Standard Civil Marriage | AED 300 | processed within 10 working days |
| Express Civil Marriage | AED 2,500 | processed within 1 working day and you can select your ceremony date |
Note: Additional fees apply when submitting a prenuptial agreement. Translation, attestation, and typing centre fees are separate and vary by provider.
Legal Validity and Recognition of Civil Marriage Abu Dhabi
- Within the UAE: A civil marriage registered at the ADJD is fully legal across the UAE. All UAE authorities, courts, and government offices accept it. The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court is the only court that handles issues related to civil marriages under Law No. 14 of 2021.
- Internationally: The marriage certificate issued by ADJD is usually accepted in other countries after attestation. The normal attestation steps are:
- Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Legalisation by the embassy or consulate of the country where you want to use the certificate
Some countries may ask for extra steps. It is best to check with your home country’s embassy in the UAE before you start or consult a qualified marriage lawyer for complete guidance.
How HHS Lawyers Assist with Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
The legal services provided by HHS Lawyers for civil marriage in Abu Dhabi include:
- Eligibility Check – Our lawyer explains civil marriage eligibility requirements and application procedures for Abu Dhabi according to Law No. 14 of 2021.
- Document Review and Preparation – Our lawyer prepares and makes sure all documents are correct so they can satisfy ADJD requirements.
- Prenuptial Agreement – we create a legally valid prenup which safeguards the rights of both partners.
- Application Submission – assisting you in the submission of your civil marriage application through the ADJD online platform or typing centers
- Marriage Certificate Attestation – assisting you in obtaining an authenticated marriage certificate for use in foreign countries
- Post-Marriage Legal Advice – informing you of your obligations and rights, including those pertaining to divorce, custody, and support, pursuant to Law No. 14 of 2021.
FAQ’s
Can tourists get civil marriage in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. The civil marriage law in Abu Dhabi does not require that the couple be residents of the UAE. The couple, whether tourists or visitors, is eligible for civil marriage provided that both are physically present in Abu Dhabi on the day of the marriage and meet other eligibility criteria.
Are pre-marital medical tests required for civil marriage at ADJD?
No. Pre-marital medical tests are not required for civil marriage at ADJD. They are only required for Sharia marriage.
Can a Muslim couple get married through the civil marriage system in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, it is possible for Muslims to use the civil marriage service as long as they are not a citizen of the UAE. UAE Muslim citizens must marry in the Sharia court. Foreign Muslims (not UAE nationals) can sometimes get married in the Abu Dhabi Civil Court. They can use the civil system if their home country does not follow only Sharia law, or if they have another nationality that allows civil marriage.
How long does the civil marriage ceremony take at the ADJD?
The civil marriage ceremony at the ADJD usually takes about 15 minutes. The couple has to be physically present during the ceremony. The Marriage Notary Officer conducts the ceremony. Witnesses are not required.
Is a prenuptial agreement mandatory for civil marriage in Abu Dhabi?
No. A prenuptial agreement is not compulsory. However, couples who wish to specify their financial rights and obligations prior to marriage may submit it as part of the civil marriage application.
Does the Abu Dhabi civil marriage certificate need attestation for use abroad?
Yes. If the marriage certificate is to be used abroad, it is essential that it be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and then legalised by the embassy or consulate of that particular country.
Can one partner be a resident and the other a visitor for civil marriage in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Abu Dhabi permits civil marriage where one party is a UAE resident and the other party is a visitor, provided that both parties are physically present in the UAE on the date of marriage.
What is civil marriage in Abu Dhabi?
The civil marriage in Abu Dhabi is a marriage registration that is carried out by the court under the UAE civil personal status system. It also grants couples the right to marry legally by the UAE courts without the religious ceremonies, guardians and approvals of religious ceremonies.
Who can qualify to be civilly married in Abu Dhabi?
Generally, civil marriage in Abu Dhabi can be practiced by qualified and consenting non-Muslim couples as stipulated by regulations of the civil personal status of the UAE. Evaluation of eligibility is done by the court during application.
Would a civil marriage that is registered in Abu Dhabi be considered as a legal marriage in the UAE?
Yes. Civil marriage that is registered in the presence of the competent courts of Abu Dhabi is a legal marriage according to the law of the UAE and valid on all legal aspects in the country.
Is Abu Dhabi civil marriage certificate recognized outside the UAE?
Yes. The civil marriage certificate of the Abu Dhabi courts is recognized across the borders except under the condition of attestation and legalization of the embassy of the destination country.
Is civil marriage in Abu Dhabi necessitated by religious ceremonies or guardians?
No. Abu Dhabi does not have any religious ceremonies, guardians and religious authority approvals to civil marriage. The procedure is done in full compliance with the courts in UAE.
What are the documents required to marry in Abu Dhabi civil marriage?
The documents can be different based on the nationality and the personal situation, but as a rule, valid passports, Emirates ID (where necessary), evidence of marriages status, and other documents demanded by the court can be included in them.
What is the civil marriage time duration in Abu Dhabi?
The time schedule is based on the readiness of documents, court schedule and personal situation. It can be facilitated by proper preparation and legal management that can result in a smooth and timely process.
Does Abu Dhabi require attendance in court during civil marriage?
Appearances in the court or procedural approval might be needed based on the case. The court determines this in the process of applying.
Is it possible to use Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi to apply to visa and residency?
Yes. Civil marriage certificate granted in Abu Dhabi can be utilized in resident applications, visa sponsorship and amendment of family status records.
What can HHS Lawyers do in terms of civil marriage in Abu Dhabi?
The HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants help in the assessment of eligibility, verification of documents, filing of courts, handling of procedures and following up until the awarding of the official civil marriage certificate.
Talk to our Civil Marriage Lawyers Today
To obtain a civil marriage certificate in Abu Dhabi is a simple and straightforward process. However, it may be difficult for those who are not well aware of the legal requirements to be followed. Don’t let difficulties pertaining to civil marriage stand in your way. Let Dubai Court Marriage help you with professional services today to make this very special day stress-free and memorable.
