Attestation of UAE Marriage Certificate in Dubai Court (U.A.E.)
Attesting a marriage certificate in Dubai is an essential process that validates the legality of your marital status in the United Arab Emirates and abroad. Whether you are a resident or planning to move to another country, having an attested marriage certificate ensures that your marital documentation is recognized. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your marriage certificate attested in Dubai Court and other relevant UAE government entities.
Why Is Attestation of Marriage Certificates Necessary in Dubai?
- Legal Recognition: An attested marriage certificate is recognized by both local and international authorities.
- Immigration and Visa Processing: Attestation is often required for UAE visa applications, including spouse and family visa processing.
- Employment Requirements: Some employers may require an attested marriage certificate to provide spousal benefits.
- Property and Financial Matters: Attested documents are often necessary when dealing with joint financial accounts, buying property, or applying for loans as a married couple.
Key Authorities Involved in the Attestation Process
- Dubai Courts: The first step for attesting a UAE-issued marriage certificate is usually through Dubai Courts if the marriage was registered in Dubai.
- Ministry of Justice (MOJ): The MOJ handles legal verification for documents in the UAE.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MOFAIC): This is the final level of attestation required before submitting the document for use abroad or within governmental processes.
Attestation of UAE Marriage Certificate in Dubai – Legal and Civil Marriages
The process of attesting a marriage certificate in Dubai varies based on the type of marriage: legal or civil. Understanding the correct procedure is essential, especially for expatriates and non-Muslim residents who need to ensure their marriage certificates are recognized by UAE authorities for official purposes like visa applications, residency, or other legal requirements. Dubai now offers a 24-hour civil marriage service specifically for non-Muslims, simplifying the process for eligible couples.
Types of Marriage in Dubai: Legal Marriage vs. Civil Marriage
Legal Marriage in Dubai
Legal marriages are conducted under Sharia law and are applicable to citizens and residents in Dubai. This process requires a pre-marriage medical examination certificate and other attestations, which are validated by Dubai’s Personal Status Court.
Civil Marriage in Dubai
Civil marriage is a newly introduced service in Dubai specifically designed for non-Muslim residents. It is a secular process that allows non-Muslim couples to get married without adhering to religious requirements. One of the parties must be a resident of Dubai, and the process involves unique requirements such as proof of single status.
Document Requirements for Marriage Certificate Attestation
| Marriage Type | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Legal Marriage | Pre-marriage medical examination certificate, Attested Power of Attorney (if applicable), Additional documents as specified |
| Civil Marriage | Attested Power of Attorney (if applicable), Proof of single status attested by the embassy, ID proof for both parties |
All documents must be submitted in PDF format, with Arabic translations certified by the UAE Ministry of Justice. Foreign documents must also be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the issuing country, the UAE embassy in that country, and the UAE’s MOFAIC.
What are the Conditions for Attestation of Marriage Certificates?
Conditions for Legal Marriage Attestation
- One of the parties must be a citizen or resident of Dubai.
- Both parties must be at least 18 lunar years old.
- Male witnesses are required.
- All documents must be in Arabic or legally translated and stamped by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Conditions for Civil Marriage Attestation
- Both parties must be non-Muslims.
- One of the parties must be a resident of Dubai.
- Both parties must be at least 21 years old.
- Original ID proof for both parties and a proof of single status are mandatory.
- All documents must be submitted in PDF format with certified Arabic translations if required.
Step-by-Step Guide to Attestation of Marriage Certificates in Dubai
For Legal Marriage Attestation
- Submit E-Application and Pay Fees: Begin by submitting an e-application to Dubai’s Personal Status Court along with the necessary documents in PDF format.
- Contact Accredited Marriage Officers: Coordinate with accredited marriage officers to finalize the marriage contract. Present original IDs and notarized documents to verify identities.
- Receive Approved E-Certificate: After processing, you’ll receive an approved marriage certificate which can be used for further attestation or legal processes in the UAE.
For Civil Marriage Attestation
- Submit E-Application and Pay Fees: Complete an e-application from an approved center, specifically designed for non-Muslim residents. Pay the fees for processing.
- Receive Approved E-Certificate: Once processed, you’ll receive the certified marriage certificate which is valid for use within the UAE or for further attestation processes.
Fees and Processing Time for Marriage Certificate Issuance and Attestation
| Service | Fees (AED) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate Issuance | AED 220 (excluding fees for Marriage Officer) | Typically processed within a few business days after submission. |
| 24-Hour Civil Marriage Service | Custom Fee | Available within 24 hours for eligible non-Muslim residents. |
Note: Fees may vary slightly based on specific circumstances and service centers.
Special 24-Hour Civil Marriage Service for Non-Muslim Residents
Dubai recently introduced a fast-track 24-hour civil marriage service tailored for non-Muslim residents. This expedited service enables eligible couples to complete their marriage process within a day, simplifying requirements and minimizing delays.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Both parties must be non-Muslims.
- At least one party must be a resident of Dubai.
- Minimum age of 21 years.
- Proof of single status is required.
Important Note: Documents must be in PDF format, and if not in Arabic, a certified translation by the UAE Ministry of Justice is required.
- Translation. The original Marriage Certificate from St Mary’s should be translated into Arabic on the original letterhead of the translation centre and attached together.
Cost: AED 150 – This in in Al Twar Centre.
- Dubai Courts Attestation. The original Marriage Certificate and Original Translation should be taken to the Dubai Courts on the 1st floor of Al Twar Centre in Al Qusais. At the reception take a token. The Marriage Certificate and Translation will be verified against the original passport and Emirates ID and signed by the official. The signed Marriage Certificate and Translation should be shown to the reception again to get another token for stamping. Once the token number is called the official will take the payment and put the sticker of Dubai Courts and stamp it with the date. Dubai Courts is open Sun to Thu from 8AM to 8PM. Cost-AED 310
- E Dirham Card– You have to then obtain an EDirham Card from the first floor of the Labour Office on the ground floor of Al Twar Centre in Al Qusais. Refill the card with AED 220
- Ministry of Justice– You have to then take the Marriage Certificate and Translation to the Ministry of Justice building behind Al Twar Centre and obtain a token. Here the stamping will cost AED 55 which is to be paid by E Dirham Card. MoJ is open Sun to Thu from 8AM to 2PM.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs– You have to then take the Marriage Certificate and
Translation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs counter on the ground floor of Al Twar Centre in Al Qusais (where you obtained the E Dirham Card) and get a token. You will receive a stamp which will cost AED 153. This is also payable by E Dirham Card only. MOFA is open Sun to Thu from 8AM to 2PM.
6. IVS- FOR INDIANS – You have to then take the Marriage Certificate and Translation to
IVS center at Business Atrium building at Oud Metha for stamping of Indian Consulate. Take a photocopy and original passports of both spouses. They will charge AED 60 here. IVS is open Sun to Thu from BAM to 3PM. They give tokens only until 11 AM.
FOR OTHER NATIONALITIES – PLEASE PROCEED TO EACH ONES RESPECTIVE CONSULATE/EMBASSY WITH THE MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE AND TRANSLATION, ALSO PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAKE A PHOTOCOPY AND ORIGINAL PASSPORTS OF BOTH
SPOUSES.
It is advisable to get at least 2 copies attested through this process.