Getting married in the UAE is straightforward once you choose the right legal route for your situation. The fastest path depends on three things:
- Religion (Muslim vs non-Muslim)
- Where you want to marry (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, other emirates)
- Residency status (UAE resident vs tourist/visit visa)
This guide explains how to get married in UAE in plain language, with the real document checks that usually decide whether your application moves fast or gets delayed. It also explains what you receive at the end: your official marriage certificate (and what to do with it if you need it for visa sponsorship or use outside the UAE).
If you want an eligibility check before you start spending on attestations and translations, we can review your situation quickly as a law firm in Dubai with licensed advocates and court experience across personal status procedures.
Start Here: Which Marriage Route Fits You?
1) If both of you are non-Muslims
You can usually choose civil marriage through the courts.
Option A — Dubai civil marriage (non-Muslim residents):
Dubai Courts’ civil marriage route is for non-Muslims, and one of the parties must be a resident of Dubai. Dubai Courts lists key conditions like minimum age 21, in-person appearance (or legal representative with POA), and document rules for legal Arabic translation and attestation for documents issued outside the UAE.
Option B — Abu Dhabi civil marriage (residents + tourists):
Abu Dhabi’s civil marriage service is popular for couples who want a simple process and clear timelines. Abu Dhabi Judicial Department states the standard fee is AED 300 and an express service AED 2,500, and it sets out what documents are needed (passport copies, Emirates ID if resident, proof of divorce/death if previously married).
2) If one or both of you are Muslims
Your case often falls under Sharia marriage procedures (court marriage via Sharia court / authorised marriage officer). Dubai Courts’ “legal marriage” path lists core requirements such as a pre-marriage medical examination certificate, and sets the age threshold as 18 lunar years and above (with the court process and documentary format requirements).
There are also mixed-religion rules that matter in practice (for example, Muslim woman + non-Muslim man scenarios), and those are exactly the cases where couples benefit from a quick legal review before booking dates and submitting paperwork.
3) If you are thinking “civil marriage = easiest,” check eligibility first
At the federal level, the UAE civil personal status framework sets civil marriage conditions such as:
- both spouses at least 21 Gregorian years
- explicit consent before the authentication judge
- signing a disclosure form
These are set out under the civil marriage provisions in Federal Decree-Law No. (41) of 2022.
Courts in each emirate still apply service-specific requirements (residency link, document format, translations, attestation steps). So the “best” route is the one you qualify for without document risk.
Legal Options for Marriage in the UAE
In UAE practice, there are three main routes. The right one depends on religion, residency, and which emirate you choose.
1) Civil marriage (court marriage for non-Muslims)
Civil marriage is a court-registered marriage contract under civil personal status rules, not a religious ceremony.
- At the federal level, the UAE issued Federal Decree-Law No. (41) of 2022 on civil personal status for non-Muslims, covering marriage (and related matters like divorce and custody).
- In Dubai, Dubai Courts treats civil marriage as a service for non-Muslims where one party must be a resident of Dubai, and the age must be 21 (with document submission rules and legal Arabic translation requirements).
- In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court confirms civil marriage is open broadly (other than UAE nationals), and it also confirms tourists can apply online but must attend the ceremony in Abu Dhabi after approval.
Who picks civil marriage most often? Non-Muslim couples who want a court-issued UAE marriage certificate without religious formalities, and couples who want a clear timeline (standard vs express).
2) Sharia marriage (Muslim marriage / “legal marriage” through Sharia process)
For Muslim couples (and certain mixed-religion cases), the marriage is handled through Sharia-based procedures and then registered to issue the official certificate.
Dubai Courts lists “legal marriage” under the same “Marriage Contract” service and sets practical conditions such as:
- one party must be a citizen or resident of Dubai
- minimum age 18 lunar years
- in-person appearance by the parties or a legal representative with POA
- document format rules and legal Arabic translation/attestation steps
It also lists the pre-marriage medical examination certificate as a core document for legal marriage.
This is where “muslim marriage in dubai” questions usually land: the legal recognition depends on the marriage contract being properly completed and registered through the competent court/officer route.
3) Embassy / church / temple marriage (then recognition steps)
Some non-Muslim couples marry through:
- their embassy/consulate (where available), or
- a recognised church/temple ceremony,
Then they deal with recognition steps such as attestation and, in many situations, court-related registration for local use (and for immigration or government transactions).
This route can work well, but it is also where we see the most delays because every embassy has its own document requirements and timelines. If your goal is “fast marriage + UAE certificate usable for visas,” court routes (Dubai civil if eligible, Abu Dhabi civil for tourists, or Sharia route for Muslims) are often more predictable.
A simple way to choose (in one minute)
- Non-Muslim + Dubai residency link → Dubai Courts civil marriage route may fit.
- Non-Muslim + both tourists / no UAE residency → Abu Dhabi civil marriage is often the cleanest court route.
- Muslim couple / Sharia route needed → plan for medical screening + witnesses/guardian rules that apply in your case, then register the marriage contract properly.
When clients ask our advocates and legal consultants which path is “best,” we focus on one thing: the route that gives you a valid certificate without document rework.
Civil marriage in Dubai for foreigners (non-Muslims) — Dubai Courts step-by-step
If both of you are non-Muslims, Dubai Courts offers a civil (non-religious) marriage route. Dubai’s 24-hour civil marriage service is built for residents who can meet the court’s eligibility rules.
Who can apply (Dubai civil marriage eligibility)
Dubai Courts lists these key eligibility points for civil marriage (Dubai Court marriage):
- Both parties must be non-Muslims
- At least one party must be a Dubai resident
- Minimum age: 21 (Gregorian)
- The couple or a legally authorised representative must appear in person with original IDs
- Proof of being single is required
Required documents (what Dubai Courts typically asks for)
For civil marriage, Dubai Courts highlights:
- Attested marital status certificate (proof you are single) issued/attested through your embassy
- Power of Attorney (POA) in PDF if you use a legal representative
- Soft copies in PDF format
- If documents are not Arabic: legal Arabic translation stamped by the UAE Ministry of Justice
- If documents are issued outside the UAE: legalisation chain through MOFA (issuing country) → UAE Embassy (issuing country) → UAE MOFAIC
How to get married in Dubai Courts (civil marriage application flow)
Dubai Courts sets out a simple customer journey for civil marriage:
- Submit the marriage application through an approved channel (often Government Service Centers / Dubai Courts Centers)
- Pay the fees
- Receive the approved e-certificate / marriage certificate (your official marriage certificate Dubai outcome)
Dubai court marriage fees (civil marriage)
Dubai Courts lists: Marriage certificate issuance fees AED 220, excluding the marriage official’s fee.
Fees can change, so we check the current fee schedule on the filing day for clients.
Where you apply (channels)
Dubai Courts shows civil marriage applications can be submitted via Government Service Providing Centers and Dubai Courts service centers (including Al Yalayis and other listed locations).
When legal help saves time (common rejection triggers we see)
Civil marriage in Dubai for foreigners usually gets delayed for paperwork reasons, not “eligibility” reasons. The most common issues are:
- Single-status documents that are not properly attested/legalised
- Arabic translations that are not MoJ-stamped
- Using a representative without a properly attested POA
- Name spellings not matching across passports and certificates
If you want us to review your documents before you submit the marriage application Dubai file, speak with our family lawyers so you avoid a rejection loop.
Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi (residents + tourists) — step-by-step & timeline
If you want a court-issued UAE marriage certificate through a civil (non-religious) contract, Abu Dhabi’s Civil Family Court process is one of the clearest routes — and it works for UAE residents and tourists.
What civil marriage means in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi defines civil marriage as a lawful union solemnised as a civil contract under secular rules, regulated under Law No. 14 of 2021 (Articles 4 and 5).
Who can apply (eligibility conditions)
Your application is approved when these conditions are met:
- Both parties consent
- Both are at least 18 years old
- You are not related by first or second degree
- Neither party is currently married to someone else
- Neither party is a UAE national
Abu Dhabi also states civil marriage is available to anyone (regardless of religion) other than UAE nationals, and confirms tourists can apply through the online portal.
Abu Dhabi further confirms that Muslims can use the civil marriage service as long as they are not UAE citizens.
How to submit the civil marriage application (resident vs tourist)
Abu Dhabi provides two online entry points: one for UAE residents and one for tourists (non-residents). It also recommends using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge for the application.
Key reality for tourists: you can apply from anywhere, but after approval and payment, you must travel to Abu Dhabi for the ceremony.
Required documents (what to prepare before you file)
Abu Dhabi lists these as the core documents for the civil marriage application:
- Copy of both parties’ passports
- Copy of both parties’ Emirates ID (if applicable)
- If previously married: proof the prior marriage is dissolved (divorce judgment or death certificate)
If your documents are issued outside the UAE or in a language that triggers translation/attestation steps, that is where couples lose time. This is one of the moments it helps to speak with family lawyer who handle document checks before filing.
Timeline (how long it usually takes)
Abu Dhabi’s stated timeline is:
- Standard: application approval can take up to 10 working days
- After approval and fee payment: the court contacts you within 5 working days to arrange the ceremony appointment
- Express: processed within 1 working day, with date/time selection
Your marriage certificate is issued at the conclusion of the ceremony.
What happens on ceremony day (location + what to bring)
Abu Dhabi states the ceremony takes place at the Civil Family Court in the ADJD main court building (next to Zayed Sports City).
Bring:
- Your passport
- Your Emirates ID (if you are a UAE resident)
No witness is required (you can still bring guests). Rings, your own vows, and photos are allowed.
Ceremony timings (published):
- Monday–Thursday: 9:00am–1:30pm
- Friday: 9:00am–11:00am
The court aims to complete ceremonies within 15 minutes.
Optional: marriage agreement / pre-nuptial style terms
Abu Dhabi says a marriage agreement is optional, and if you submit one with the application, there is an added AED 950 fee for notarisation.
If you want terms that protect assets or clarify financial arrangements, it’s smart to draft it properly with a Contract Lawyer before submission.
Rescheduling rule (avoid losing your slot)
If you cannot attend, Abu Dhabi requires at least 24 hours’ notice, and refunds are limited; missing notice can mean a new application.
Islamic (Sharia) marriage in the UAE (Muslim marriage in Dubai and other emirates)
If either partner is Muslim, the default route is a legal (Sharia) marriage contract through the competent court / authorised marriage officer (Ma’zoun). In Dubai Courts’ “Legal Marriage” pathway, you’ll see core requirements like minimum age (18 lunar years), in-person appearance, male witnesses, and a pre-marriage medical examination certificate as part of the marriage contract process.
Key legal requirements (what usually decides eligibility)
These are the points that most often delay a file or trigger extra documentation:
- Guardian / wali and consent (for the bride): UAE official guidance for Sharia marriage describes attendance of the bride’s father (or proxy) and guardian consent requirements, with next-of-kin rules if the father has passed away.
- Witnesses: UAE Personal Status law includes a condition for validity based on two male witnesses, with rules on religion of witnesses in specific cases.
- Medical report / premarital screening: UAE Personal Status law links marriage recording to submission of a competent medical report. Dubai Courts also requires uploading the pre-marriage medical examination certificate for legal marriage.
- Where you file: Dubai Courts states that one of the parties must be a citizen or resident of Dubai for legal marriage through its service channel.
Step-by-step: How Dubai court marriage is typically done (legal/Sharia contract)
- Prepare your documents (IDs, status documents if divorced/widowed, and anything court-specific for your nationality).
- Complete the premarital screening and keep the certificate ready for upload/submission.
- Book the marriage contract with the court / authorised marriage officer (Ma’zoun) and ensure the required attendees are available (the couple, witnesses, and — where required — the bride’s guardian or representative).
- Attend and sign the marriage contract in the required form. Dubai Courts’ legal marriage conditions include in-person appearance and male witnesses.
- Receive the marriage contract / marriage certificate (and then move to attestation if you will use it abroad or for immigration/visa steps).
Practice note (where couples get stuck)
In real files, delays usually come from (a) missing/incorrect premarital certificate, (b) witness eligibility, (c) guardian/proxy paperwork, or (d) foreign documents that need legal Arabic translation and proper authentication chain. Dubai Courts flags translation and authentication rules for documents issued outside the UAE.
Documents & Preparation Checklist (so your marriage application doesn’t get rejected)
In practice, most delays happen because one document is missing, expired, not translated properly, or not attested. Use the checklist below based on the route you’re taking.
1) Civil marriage in Dubai (non-Muslims)
Dubai Courts lists civil marriage as available for non-Muslim residents of Dubai (at least one party must be resident in Dubai), with a minimum age of 21.
Common documents
- Passport / Emirates ID copies for both parties (keep originals ready for identity confirmation).
- Attested marital status certificate (proof you are single) for both parties, attested by your embassy/consulate in the UAE.
- If someone is applying on your behalf: private attested Power of Attorney (POA).
Translation + legalisation rule (this is where many couples slip)
- Documents must be submitted in PDF, and where required, in legal Arabic translation stamped by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
- Documents issued outside the UAE must follow the legalisation chain (attested in the home country, UAE Embassy there, then UAE MOFAIC).
Fees (Dubai)
- Dubai Courts states: marriage certificate issuance fee AED 220, excluding the marriage official’s fee.
2) “Legal marriage” (Sharia marriage contract) in Dubai
Dubai Courts lists a separate “Legal Marriage” track (for citizens and residents), and it explicitly requires the pre-marriage medical examination certificate.
Common documents
- Pre-marriage medical examination certificate from an authorised medical centre (submitted as PDF after showing the original).
- Passport/Emirates ID + originals for identity confirmation.
- If an agent attends: private attested POA.
- Dubai Courts notes witnesses must be males for this track (plan for that early).
- Translation/legalisation rules apply the same way as above.
If you’re preparing a POA, a marriage agreement, or a document pack that needs clean legal wording, our Contract Lawyer can review it before you submit.
3) Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi (ADJD) — the “tourist-friendly” option
Abu Dhabi’s civil marriage service (Civil Family Court) is widely used by residents and tourists because the application can be filed online and the ceremony is scheduled through the court.
Key eligibility points (Abu Dhabi)
- Consent of both parties, minimum age 18, not related (first/second degree), and neither party currently married.
- The ADJD page also lists that either party must not be a UAE national (so this route is typically used by expatriates/tourists).
Required documents (common list)
- Passport copies (and Emirates ID if resident).
- If previously married: divorce judgment or death certificate proof.
- Optional: marriage agreement / pre-nup submission (where applicable).
Fees + timing (Abu Dhabi)
- Regular: AED 300, processed within 10 working days.
- Express: AED 2,500, processed within 1 working day.
4) Civil Personal Status law basis (why “civil marriage” has clear conditions)
At federal level, the UAE’s Civil Personal Status law for non-Muslims sets civil marriage conditions such as age 21, explicit consent before the authentication judge, and signing a disclosure form.
It also allows non-Muslims to adhere to the law of their home country in certain personal status matters (depending on the issue and forum).
5) Marriage certificate attestation (when you need it, and what MOFAIC checks)
If you will use your UAE marriage certificate outside the UAE (or you’re bringing a foreign certificate to use inside the UAE), plan the attestation early.
MOFAIC explains that attestation confirms the validity of the seal and signature on documents issued in the UAE or abroad, and it runs through MOFA digital channels and UAE missions abroad.
MOFAIC “pass/fail” basics
- Provide the original document in English or Arabic (or an official translation).
- The document must be attested by the appropriate governing bodies prior to MOFAIC submission.
| Route | Usually required | Usually not required |
| Dubai civil marriage (non-Muslims) | Passports/IDs + embassy-attested single status + (POA if agent) | Medical screening |
| Dubai legal/Sharia marriage | IDs + pre-marriage medical certificate + male witnesses + (POA if agent) | Embassy single-status certificate (not listed as a core doc on Dubai Courts service page for this track) |
| Abu Dhabi civil marriage (ADJD) | Passports/IDs + divorce/death proof if applicable | Medical screening |
After the Wedding: How to use your marriage certificate in the UAE (and abroad)
Once the court issues your marriage certificate / e-marriage contract, your next steps depend on what you need it for: UAE residency (family visa), banking, name changes, embassy registration, or use in another country.
1) Check the certificate details before you leave
Before you walk out of the court (or before you rely on the e-version), confirm the basics match your IDs:
- Full names (spelling exactly as passports/Emirates IDs)
- Passport numbers / Emirates ID numbers
- Nationalities, dates of birth
- Place/date of marriage
Small errors can cause delays when you later apply for visas, attestations, or embassy registrations.
2) If your certificate will be used outside the UAE: plan for attestation
Most countries and many embassies will ask for MOFAIC attestation so they can trust the stamp/signature on the UAE-issued marriage certificate. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms the validity of seals/signatures through its attestation service.
Practical rule:
- Using the certificate only inside the UAE? Often you can proceed without extra steps (case-by-case).
- Using it abroad (immigration, spouse registration, name change, benefits)? Expect MOFAIC + embassy/consulate steps.
3) If your documents are not in Arabic: translation rules matter
For court marriage applications and supporting documents, Dubai Courts notes that documents in a language other than Arabic require certified Arabic translations stamped in the UAE (and foreign-issued documents may need multi-stage certification).
In real cases, this becomes relevant when you submit:
- “Single status” / “no impediment” certificates
- Divorce judgments / decrees
- Death certificates (if widowed)
- Embassy letters
4) If you married outside the UAE and want the UAE to accept it
Dubai Courts also highlights that documents issued outside the UAE often need certification in the issuing country, UAE embassy/consulate steps, and then UAE-side attestation before they’re accepted locally.
In practice, most couples follow this chain:
- Authentication/legalisation in the country of issue
- UAE embassy/consulate legalisation
- UAE MOFAIC attestation
- Arabic legal translation (when required)
5) Using the marriage certificate to sponsor a spouse (UAE family visa)
If your goal is spouse residency, your marriage certificate becomes a core immigration document. The UAE government’s published guidance commonly states a minimum income threshold for sponsoring immediate family members as AED 4,000/month, or AED 3,000/month with employer-provided accommodation (requirements can vary by case and emirate).
Because approvals can turn on small details (employment status, housing proof, document attestation sequence), many couples prefer having a UAE legal consultant review the document pack before submission—especially where one spouse is on a short stay and timing matters.
Can you get married online in the UAE?
n the UAE, “online marriage” usually means you can apply online, but you still complete the marriage through the court or an authorised officer with identity checks and an in-person step.
- Online = filing, not a virtual ceremony: Upload PDFs, pay fees, book an appointment, then attend/sign in person.
- Dubai civil marriage isn’t virtual: The couple (or an authorised representative) must appear in person with original IDs, plus proof of single status.
- Abu Dhabi is online-to-ceremony: You can submit online (resident or tourist route), then travel for the in-person ceremony and certificate issuance.
- MOJ marriage contract is digital, but still official: You apply and pay online, then you meet the official/notarial judge or conduct the contract through the authorised process, then receive the e-marriage contract.
- Be cautious with “24-hour online UAE marriage certificate” claims: Some services arrange foreign marriages; UAE acceptance often depends on attestation and your intended use (visa, banking, sponsorship).
If you want a clean, low-risk route that matches your status and documents, speak with our family lawyer in Dubai, UAE before you file.
How to Get Married in UAE – Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get married in Dubai on a visit visa?
For Dubai civil marriage, official guidance ties eligibility to residency (at least one party must be a Dubai resident) and requires in-person appearance with original IDs.
If both of you are on visit visas, Abu Dhabi civil marriage is often the practical alternative for non-Muslims, because tourists are accepted there (with an in-person ceremony in Abu Dhabi).
Can tourists get legally married in Dubai?
Dubai’s civil marriage conditions include at least one party being a Dubai resident.
Tourists commonly choose Abu Dhabi’s civil marriage route (for non-Muslims), since the ADJD portal allows tourist applications and then you attend the ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
How to get married in Dubai Court?
It depends on the pathway (Islamic/Sharia marriage vs civil marriage for non-Muslims). In all cases, plan for: eligibility check → application/booking → document submission → identity verification → contract issuance. Dubai’s civil marriage guidance also requires proof of single status and in-person appearance (or authorised representative) with original IDs.
How much does it cost to get married in Dubai?
Fees can vary by pathway and can change. For Abu Dhabi civil marriage, the ADJD states AED 300 for regular service and AED 2,500 for express service.
For Dubai civil marriage, follow the current Dubai government guidance and the filing channel used.
How long does it take to get married in Dubai?
Timing depends on the route and your documents (single-status proof, translations, attestations). For Abu Dhabi civil marriage, the ADJD states regular applications can take up to 10 working days for approval, while express processing is 1 working day.
Is civil marriage accepted in Dubai?
Yes—Dubai offers civil marriage for non-Muslim residents under the federal civil personal status framework, with listed conditions (non-Muslims, at least one Dubai resident, age requirement, proof of being single, in-person appearance).
What is the new law for marriage in the UAE (for non-Muslims)?
The key federal framework is Federal Decree-Law No. (41) of 2022 on Civil Personal Status, which applies to non-Muslims and sets conditions for a civil marriage contract, including an age threshold of 21 Gregorian years.
What is civil marriage?
In UAE practice, “civil marriage” means a marriage contract concluded under the civil personal status framework for non-Muslims (and in some situations used by non-nationals), processed through competent courts rather than religious formalities. The federal law sets conditions for establishing a civil marriage contract. UAE Legislation
Can I get married online in UAE?
You can often apply online (upload documents, pay, book). The marriage is typically completed through the court/authorised officer with identity verification. Abu Dhabi expressly says tourists can apply online but must attend the ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
Do you get citizenship if you marry an Emirati?
Marriage does not mean automatic citizenship. The UAE’s official platform explains nationality pathways and that the 2021 amendments allow certain categories of foreigners (and in some cases spouses/children) to acquire Emirati nationality under specific conditions.
If citizenship is part of your planning, get tailored legal advice first.
Can unmarried couples stay together in Dubai?
The legal position has changed from older practice. Federal reforms shifted how consensual relations are treated and when cases proceed; for example, the Crimes & Penalties Law provides that prosecution for certain consensual sexual relations is tied to a complaint by a husband or tutor.
Real-world risk depends on facts (status of either party, complaints, immigration/employment rules, hotel/tenancy policies). If your situation is sensitive, speak with a lawyer before relying on online summaries.
Do you need a visa to get married in the UAE?
For civil marriage routes, residency requirements differ by Emirate. Dubai’s civil marriage conditions include at least one party being a Dubai resident.
Abu Dhabi civil marriage accepts tourist applications (non-Muslims), but you still attend the ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
What is a non-impediment / single-status certificate, and where do I get it?
It’s proof you are legally free to marry (sometimes called a “certificate of no impediment” or “bachelorhood certificate”). It’s usually issued by your home country authority/embassy and may need translation/attestation depending on where it’s issued and where you file.
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a wife in the UAE?
The UAE’s official platform summarises the general sponsor requirement as AED 4,000 salary or AED 3,000 plus accommodation (subject to authority rules and updates). U.AE
Can a non-Emirati marry an Emirati?
Yes, but Emirati marriages can involve extra capacity/guardian/approval and document checks depending on the circumstances. This is a high-stakes route—get case-specific advice from advocates and legal consultants before you file.
FinalChecklist To Avoid Delays
- Choose the fastest route
- Non-Muslim tourists: Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court (AED 300 regular / up to 10 working days, AED 2,500 express / 1 working day).
- Non-Muslim Dubai residents: Dubai civil marriage (one party must be Dubai resident, 21+).
- Muslim marriage in Dubai: Dubai “Legal Marriage” (medical exam certificate + in-person + male witnesses).
- Non-Muslim tourists: Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court (AED 300 regular / up to 10 working days, AED 2,500 express / 1 working day).
- Prepare a “delay-proof” document pack
- Prior marriage: divorce judgment / death certificate (properly attested if issued abroad).
- Non-Arabic docs (Dubai): legal Arabic translation (MoJ-stamped) + required overseas legalisation chain.
- Prior marriage: divorce judgment / death certificate (properly attested if issued abroad).
- After you get the marriage certificate
- For visas, sponsorship, banking, or use abroad: plan MOFAIC attestation (and sometimes embassy steps).
Quick last-minute answers
- Dubai on a visit visa? Not usually for Dubai civil marriage unless one party is a Dubai resident.
- Tourists want a UAE civil marriage certificate? Abu Dhabi is usually the practical route.
- Quickest option overall? Abu Dhabi express (if eligible) or Dubai civil (if eligible + documents ready).
- New law for non-Muslim marriage: Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 (civil personal status framework; sets civil marriage conditions).
When to Speak to a Lawyer first
- Mixed religion (route can change).
- Divorce abroad / heavy attestation needs.
- One spouse is UAE national.
- You need fast recognition abroad (attestation + translation sequence matters).