Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
Planning to get legally married in Abu Dhabi? HHS Lawyers assists eligible residents, tourists and international couples with the Abu Dhabi civil marriage process, from eligibility and document review to application and ceremony requirements.
Our legal team helps you understand the correct procedure, prepare the required documents and complete the application through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).
At HHS Lawyers, we can assist you with:
- Checking your eligibility before submitting the civil marriage application.
- Reviewing and preparing the required documents.
- Assisting with submission through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
- Supporting the preparation of prenuptial agreements where required.
- Guiding you through the ceremony and marriage certificate formalities.
Who Can Apply for Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi?
The Abu Dhabi civil marriage service is available to UAE residents and tourists. Non-UAE nationals can apply regardless of religion. Non-Muslim UAE nationals are also eligible, while Muslim UAE nationals are excluded from this civil marriage route.
To qualify, the following conditions must be met:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Both parties must freely consent to the marriage.
- Neither party can be married to another person.
- The parties must not be related within the first or second degree of kinship.
Tourists can apply online from outside the UAE and must travel to Abu Dhabi for the ceremony. UAE residents can attend the ceremony in person or, where applicable, remotely by videoconference.
Civil Marriage Fees & Processing Time in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) offers standard and urgent civil marriage services, allowing couples to choose the option that best suits their preferred timeline.
- Standard Civil Marriage: AED 300 court fee, with application processing taking up to 10 working days. The ceremony is then scheduled based on court availability.
- Urgent Civil Marriage: AED 2,500 court fee, with the application processed within one working day. Couples can select a preferred ceremony date and time, subject to court availability and opening hours.
These are ADJD court fees. Legal assistance, translation, attestation or other additional services, where required, are charged separately.
Choose Your ServiceDocuments Required for Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
The documents required for an Abu Dhabi civil marriage application are generally straightforward. Couples should prepare the following before submitting their application:
- Passport copies – A valid passport copy is required for both parties.
- Emirates ID – Required for UAE residents, where applicable.
- Proof of divorce – If either party was previously married and divorced, evidence that the previous marriage has legally ended must be provided.
- Death certificate of a former spouse – Required where either party is widowed.
Additional supporting documents may be requested depending on the circumstances of the application. HHS Lawyers can review your documents before submission to help ensure that the application meets the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department requirements.
Review Your DocumentsStep-by-Step Civil/Court Marriage Process in Abu Dhabi
Why Choose HHS Lawyers for Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi?
HHS Lawyers provides end-to-end legal support for civil marriage applications in Abu Dhabi, helping residents, tourists and international couples understand the ADJD requirements, prepare the correct documents and complete the application process without unnecessary complications.
Our lawyers can also assist with related matters beyond the marriage application, including prenuptial agreements, marriage certificate and other family-law requirements that may arise before or after the ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
Can tourists get married in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. UAE residency is not required. Tourists can apply online from outside the UAE but must travel to Abu Dhabi for the marriage ceremony.
Can Muslims get a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Muslim non-UAE nationals can use the Abu Dhabi civil marriage service. Muslim UAE nationals are excluded from this civil marriage route.
Can one partner be a UAE resident and the other a tourist?
Yes. One partner can be a UAE resident while the other is a tourist, provided the applicable civil marriage requirements are met.
What documents are required for Abu Dhabi civil marriage?
Generally, both parties need valid passports, Emirates IDs where applicable, and proof that any previous marriage has legally ended.
Do I need a single-status certificate or CENOMAR?
ADJD does not list a single-status certificate as a standard document. Applicants declare that they are not currently married, although additional documents may be requested where necessary.
Is a premarital medical test required for civil marriage?
No. Foreign applicants entering into a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi are exempt from submitting a premarital medical certificate.
How quickly can I get married in Abu Dhabi?
The standard service is processed within up to 10 working days. The urgent service is processed within one working day.
Can I choose my civil marriage ceremony date?
With the urgent service, couples can select a preferred date and time subject to court availability. Standard appointments are allocated based on availability.
Do we need witnesses for the civil marriage ceremony?
No. Witnesses are not required. Family and friends may attend, and the court aims to complete the ceremony within about 15 minutes.
Can we attend the civil marriage ceremony online?
Remote ceremonies by videoconference are available where both parties are UAE residents. Tourists and non-residents must attend the ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
