How to Get Married in Abu Dhabi: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Getting married in Abu Dhabi involves a straightforward legal process, but the requirements vary based on nationality, religion, and residency status. Whether you’re a resident, an expat, or a tourist, understanding how to get married in Abu Dhabi ensures a smooth and legally valid marriage.
This guide provides detailed steps, legal requirements, necessary documents, and the different types of marriage options available in Abu Dhabi. By following this comprehensive resource, you can complete the process efficiently.
How to Get Married in Abu Dhabi – Quick Overview
The table below summarizes the key details on how to get married in Abu Dhabi, including legal requirements, fees, and timelines.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Can Get Married? | UAE residents, citizens, and tourists (subject to eligibility) |
| Types of Marriage | Civil, Sharia, Expatriate, and Embassy marriage |
| Marriage Registration Authority | Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) |
| Required Documents | Passports, Emirates ID (for residents), proof of marital status, medical fitness certificate |
| Marriage Fees | AED 300 – AED 5,000 (varies based on type of marriage) |
| Processing Time | 3-10 working days |
| Legalization & Attestation | Required for international recognition |
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Abu Dhabi
Marriage in Abu Dhabi is regulated by local laws and religious guidelines. Below are the general requirements to ensure a legally valid marriage:
1. General Eligibility Criteria
✅ Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
✅ Both must provide valid identification documents.
✅ For expats, a marriage no-objection certificate (NOC) may be required from their home country.
✅ The bride’s guardian must be present for Islamic marriages.
✅ Non-Muslim residents can opt for civil marriages under UAE law.
2. Required Documents
| Document | Who Needs It? |
|---|---|
| Passports (original & copies) | All applicants |
| Emirates ID (if applicable) | UAE residents |
| Medical Fitness Certificate | Both partners |
| Proof of Marital Status (single/divorced/widowed) | Expats & foreigners |
| NOC from Embassy (if required) | Expats based on nationality |
| Pre-marital agreement (if applicable) | Optional |
3. Medical Fitness Test
All couples must undergo a premarital medical screening at a UAE-approved health center to check for infectious diseases and genetic disorders.
| Test Type | Required for Marriage? |
|---|---|
| HIV/AIDS | Yes |
| Hepatitis B & C | Yes |
| Genetic Disorders | Yes |
| STDs & Other Infectious Diseases | Yes |
Types of Marriage in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers multiple marriage options to accommodate different nationalities, religions, and residency statuses. Whether you are a Muslim, non-Muslim, UAE resident, or a tourist, the emirate provides structured legal frameworks to ensure a valid and recognized marriage. The most common types include civil marriage, which is ideal for non-Muslim expats seeking a secular legal process, and Sharia marriage, which follows Islamic law and requires a guardian (Wali) for the bride.
Expatriates can also marry through their respective embassies or religious institutions, such as churches. Additionally, court marriages for tourists allow non-residents to marry legally in Abu Dhabi with minimal requirements. Each type has its own documentation, process, and legal considerations, making it essential to choose the most suitable option based on personal circumstances.
1. Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
A civil marriage is ideal for non-Muslim expats who prefer a secular and government-recognized process.
✅ Who Can Apply?
- Non-Muslim residents & tourists
- Expats of different nationalities & religions
✅ Steps to Apply
- Submit an online marriage application via the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) website.
- Upload all required documents.
- Schedule an appointment at the ADJD court.
- Both partners must sign the marriage contract in front of a judge.
- Receive the official marriage certificate within a few days.
✅ Processing Time & Fees
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing Time | 3-5 working days |
| Fees | AED 300 – AED 5,000 (based on service type) |
Sharia Marriage (Islamic Marriage)
Muslim couples, including Emiratis and Muslim expats, must follow Sharia law when getting married in Abu Dhabi.
✅ Who Can Apply?
- Muslim UAE residents & citizens
- Muslim expatriates
✅ Requirements
- Bride’s Wali (guardian) must be present.
- Two Muslim male witnesses.
- Mahr (dowry) agreement between both parties.
✅ Steps to Apply
- Book an appointment with an authorized marriage officiant (Mazoon).
- Submit documents and medical fitness certificate.
- Attend the Nikah (marriage ceremony).
- Receive the marriage certificate after registration.
✅ Processing Time & Fees
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing Time | 5-7 working days |
| Fees | AED 200 – AED 500 |
3. Expat Marriage in Abu Dhabi (Interfaith & Mixed Nationalities)
For expatriates of different religions, Abu Dhabi offers civil and embassy marriages.
✅ Who Can Apply?
- Non-Muslim expats
- Mixed-religion couples
✅ Options for Expat Marriage
| Marriage Type | Where to Register? |
|---|---|
| Civil Marriage | Abu Dhabi Court |
| Church Wedding | Local Church |
| Embassy Marriage | Respective Embassy |
✅ Steps to Apply
- Check embassy regulations for marriage (if applicable).
- Submit the marriage application to the chosen authority.
- Attend the wedding ceremony and sign the marriage contract.
- Obtain an attested marriage certificate for international use.
✅ Processing Time & Fees
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing Time | 3-10 working days |
| Fees | AED 500 – AED 3,000 |
4. Destination Wedding & Court Marriage for Tourists
Tourists can legally marry in Abu Dhabi under civil marriage law.
✅ Steps to Apply
- Book an appointment at the Abu Dhabi court.
- Provide passports and required documents.
- Attend the civil ceremony and sign the contract.
- Obtain the marriage certificate for international use.
✅ Processing Time & Fees
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing Time | 3-5 working days |
| Fees | AED 1,000 – AED 5,000 |
Marriage Certificate Attestation in Abu Dhabi
For international recognition, marriage certificates must be attested by:
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA UAE)
- Embassy of the Couple’s Nationality
| Step | Authority |
|---|---|
| Issue Certificate | Abu Dhabi Court |
| Attestation | MOFA UAE |
| Embassy Legalization | Respective Embassy |
Conclusion
Marriage in Abu Dhabi is a structured yet flexible process catering to different nationalities, religions, and legal requirements. Whether you are a UAE resident, expat, or tourist, knowing how to get married in Abu Dhabi ensures a hassle-free experience.
To start your marriage process, visit the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) or consult your embassy for specific guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can tourists get married in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, tourists can legally marry in Abu Dhabi under the civil marriage law, which requires valid passports and a simple application process at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).
2. What documents are needed for marriage in Abu Dhabi?
The required documents include passports, Emirates IDs (for residents), proof of marital status, a medical fitness certificate, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the embassy (if required).
3. How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Abu Dhabi?
A marriage certificate is typically issued within 3 to 10 working days, depending on the type of marriage and necessary approvals.
4. Do both partners need to be UAE residents to get married in Abu Dhabi?
No, non-residents and tourists can also get married in Abu Dhabi under civil marriage laws without needing a UAE residency visa.
5. Is a marriage in Abu Dhabi recognized internationally?
Yes, once the marriage certificate is attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the couple’s home country embassy, it is legally recognized worldwide.
