Non-Muslim couples can marry in the UAE in a civil ceremony before a court, with no religious ceremony needed. The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court is the most open route: couples do not need UAE residence, both must be at least 18, and as of October 2026 the fee is AED 300 for the standard service or AED 2,500 for the urgent one. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, both spouses must be at least 21; Dubai Courts offers civil marriage where one partner lives in Dubai, and the Ministry of Justice lists a marriage contract service for non-Muslims. Couples can also marry at their embassy or at a church or temple.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for non-Muslim expats, and visitors in the case of Abu Dhabi, who want to marry in the UAE. It compares the official options and explains documents, fees and recognition abroad. It does not cover Muslim marriages, which follow different rules. If you are separating, see non-Muslim divorce in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and for money and children after a divorce, see money and children after a non-Muslim divorce.
Which options are there?
| Option | Who can use it | Minimum age | Fee (as of October 2026) | Points to note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department) | Non-UAE nationals, with non-Muslim UAE nationals also allowed; residents and visitors | 18 | AED 300 standard (up to 10 working days); AED 2,500 urgent (within one working day) | Visitors must come to Abu Dhabi for the ceremony. No witnesses needed. |
| Dubai Courts | Non-Muslims, where at least one partner is a resident of Dubai | 21 | Not listed on the UAE Government portal; confirm with Dubai Courts | Non-Arabic documents need certified Arabic translation. |
| Ministry of Justice (MOJ), federal courts | Non-Muslims meeting the MOJ conditions | 21 | 50 per request (currency not stated on the MOJ page) | MOJ lists a medical examination with genetic testing for non-Muslims. |
| Embassy, consulate, church or temple | Set by your country or religion | Set by your country or religion | Set by the embassy or place of worship | The UAE Government portal says the marriage must also be registered at both partners' embassies. |
Sharjah now has its own Judicial Department (sjd.ae). We did not find a published civil marriage service for Sharjah, so ask the Sharjah Judicial Department. For Ras Al Khaimah, ask RAK Courts.
How does civil marriage in Abu Dhabi work?
Who can marry. Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 (Article 4) and Resolution No. 8 of 2022 (Article 8) require both spouses to be at least 18, to consent freely, not to be close relatives and not to be married to anyone else. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) describes civil marriage as a union "irrespective of religion or nationality", but says the parties must not be UAE nationals unless they are non-Muslim UAE nationals. The law itself is written for non-Muslims, so if either of you is Muslim, confirm eligibility with the court before you apply.
No medical test, no witnesses. The Abu Dhabi law exempts couples from the pre-marriage medical certificate, and the resolution says no witnesses are needed (Law Article 5; Resolution Article 8).
Applying. You fill in the bilingual form online, attach the documents and pay (Resolution Article 9). The ADJD page says you do not need to be a UAE resident: visitors apply online but must travel to Abu Dhabi for the ceremony, while residents may attend by video call.
The ceremony. It takes place at the Civil Family Court in the ADJD main building. The court aims to complete it within 15 minutes. Guests may attend, and rings and vows are optional. You receive the certificate once the ceremony and its digital authentication are complete.
Prenuptial agreement. This is optional and costs AED 950. The spouses may agree terms covering their rights during the marriage and after a divorce (Law Article 5). If you write your own agreement, the ADJD says it must be legally translated into Arabic and English.
How does civil marriage under the federal law work?
Conditions. Under Article 5 of Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, both spouses must be at least 21 and must give their consent before the authentication judge. They must not be close relatives, and both must sign a disclosure form. Cabinet Resolution No. 122 of 2023 (Article 2) adds that the marriage is between a man and a woman, and that the wife must have no existing marriage. The husband must also declare none if his own law does not allow more than one wife.
Documents. Article 4 of the resolution lists proof of identity, a document proving residence in the UAE and an official document from your home country proving your age. The couple may record agreed terms, in particular on joint custody (Federal Decree-Law Article 6).
Dubai Courts. The UAE Government portal (updated 30 September 2026) says Dubai's civil marriage service can issue a civil wedding licence within 24 hours. Both partners must be non-Muslims, at least one must be a resident of Dubai, and both must be at least 21. The couple, or their legally authorised representatives, must appear in person with original IDs and provide proof of being single. Documents are submitted as PDFs, non-Arabic documents need certified Arabic translations stamped by the UAE Ministry of Justice, and documents issued abroad must be certified by the foreign ministry of the country concerned. The portal does not list a fee. When we checked on 10 October 2026, the Dubai Courts website showed a maintenance page, so confirm the fee and the application channel with Dubai Courts.
Ministry of Justice. For non-Muslims, the MOJ "Request for marriage contract" page lists proof of identity, an embassy no-objection letter and a medical examination certificate that includes genetic testing. It shows a one-day service time and an application through UAE Pass.
Registering a will at the same time
Both Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 and Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 (Article 13) let spouses fill in a will registration form when they sign the marriage contract. See registering a will in the UAE before you decide.
Will the marriage be recognised abroad?
The ADJD civil marriage page says the certificate, once issued by the court, must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The UAE Government portal says no further action is needed but most couples choose to attest it. For use abroad, attestation is the safer course. Whether your home country recognises the marriage is for that country to decide; the ADJD advises asking your embassy.
Step by step
- Choose the route. Check ages, residence and religion against the table above.
- Ask your embassy. Some countries require a notice of intention to marry or a marital status certificate.
- Prove you are free to marry. Get a divorce judgment or a former spouse's death certificate if you were married before.
- Attest and translate. Have foreign documents attested and, for Dubai, legally translated into Arabic.
- Apply and pay. Use the official ADJD, Dubai Courts or MOJ channel.
- Attend the ceremony. Bring original IDs, in person or by video where allowed.
- Attest the certificate. Take it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if you will use it abroad.
- Register with your embassies. Follow your home country's rules for registering a marriage abroad.
Documents checklist
- Passports of both partners
- Emirates IDs, if you are residents
- Proof of residence in Dubai, for the Dubai Courts route
- Proof that any earlier marriage ended: divorce judgment or death certificate
- Attested marital status certificate or embassy no-objection letter, where asked
- Medical examination certificate, for the MOJ route
- Prenuptial agreement in Arabic and English, if you want one
- Power of attorney, if a representative appears for you
Common mistakes
- Assuming the age is 18 everywhere. It is 18 in Abu Dhabi but 21 under the federal law.
- Applying in Dubai without a Dubai resident. Dubai Courts requires one partner to live in Dubai.
- Bringing unattested foreign documents. Courts usually reject them.
- Skipping MOFA attestation. Authorities abroad may not accept the certificate without it.
- Not checking home-country rules. Some countries require registration at their embassy.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Most couples can complete a civil marriage without a lawyer. Advice helps if one partner is Muslim or holds a nationality that may affect eligibility, if you want a prenuptial agreement on property or children, or if your home country may not recognise the marriage. The free case check can help you set out the facts first, and CaseDaleel can introduce an independent licensed professional only if you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-Muslim expats get married in the UAE?
Yes, through a civil marriage at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, Dubai Courts or the federal courts, or at an embassy, church or temple.
Can tourists have a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, the ADJD says you do not need UAE residence, but visitors must travel to Abu Dhabi for the ceremony.
How much does a civil marriage cost in Abu Dhabi?
As of October 2026, AED 300 for the standard service or AED 2,500 for the urgent service, plus AED 950 for an optional prenuptial agreement.
What is the minimum age for civil marriage?
18 in Abu Dhabi under Law No. 14 of 2021, and 21 under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, which Dubai Courts and the MOJ apply.
Do we need witnesses?
Not in Abu Dhabi, where the ADJD says there is no requirement to bring a witness.
Is a UAE civil marriage valid in my home country?
Recognition depends on your home country, so attest the certificate with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ask your embassy.
Can we marry at our embassy instead?
Yes, the UAE Government portal says non-Muslims can marry at their embassy or consulate or at a church or temple, and must register the marriage at both partners' embassies.
Official sources
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department — Civil marriage
- UAE Government portal — Personal status affairs for non-Muslims
- UAE Government portal — Ceremonial marriage of non-Muslims
- Ministry of Justice — Request for marriage contract
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status
- UAE Legislation — Cabinet Resolution No. 122 of 2023 on the executive regulation of the Civil Personal Status law
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.