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Understanding Civil Marriage Law in Abu Dhabi
This move signifies a progressive step towards embracing secular principles in marital unions, accommodating a diverse range of faiths and nationalities. Here, we answer some frequently asked questions to help you understand the rules and procedures related to civil marriage in Abu Dhabi.
A civil marriage is the lawful union of a man and woman solemnized as a civil contract under secular rules, regardless of their faith or nationality. It is regulated by Articles 4 and 5 of the Civil Marriage Law No. 14 of 2021.
Conditions for Civil Marriage
For a civil marriage to be concluded, several conditions must be fulfilled as stipulated in Article 4 of the law:
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- Age Requirement: Both spouses must be at least 18 years old, verified by an official document from their country of nationality.
- Consent: Both spouses must explicitly give their consent to the marriage before the authenticating judge, proving no legal impediment exists.
- Declaration Form: Both spouses must sign a declaration form.
- No Close Relatives: Marriage cannot occur between close relatives such as siblings, children, grandchildren, or uncles.
- Additional Conditions: Any other condition stipulated by a decision of the Chairman.
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- Application Submission: Those governed by this law may conclude their marriage before the Department Authentication Judge by submitting an application form. A pre-marriage medical examination certificate is not required.
- Ceremony Conduct: The marriage ceremony is conducted after the form is filled before the Authentication Judge, with the spouses agreeing on the terms of marriage.
- Prior Marital Relationships: The form includes a disclosure of any prior marital relationships, the date of divorce, if any, and an acknowledgement that no other marital relationship exists.
- Approval and Registration: The Authentication Judge verifies that all conditions are met, approves the marriage ceremony, and records it in the Register.
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- Guardian Approval: Not required for civil marriage but required under Sharia law.
- Medical Test: Not required for civil marriage but required under Sharia law.
- Interreligious Marriage: Permitted under civil marriage, restricted under Sharia law.
- Non-Residents Marriage: Permitted under civil marriage, restricted under Sharia law.
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- Both parties must provide their consent.
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- The parties must not be related by the first or second degree.
- The parties must not be married to any other person.
- Neither party should be a UAE national.
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- Location: The ceremony takes place in the Civil Family Court at the ADJD main court building.
- Documents Required: Passports and Emirates ID (if applicable).
- Witnesses: Not required, but family and friends are welcome.
- Cost: Standard fee is 300 AED, express service costs 2,500 AED.
- Marriage Agreement: Not mandatory, but can be submitted with an additional fee of 950 AED for notarization.