Whether you are about to get married in the UAE or you need a replacement copy of an existing certificate, understanding the Marriage Certificate Requirements and Process keeps everything on track. The requirements depend on who is marrying, where the marriage takes place, and which authority registers it — Sharia courts, civil marriage registries, and foreign embassies each have their own rules.
This guide covers both sides of the topic: what you need to obtain a marriage certificate in the first place, and the process for getting certified copies later. It is a practical checklist for couples in the UAE — residents and visitors alike — who want to handle the paperwork correctly and avoid the delays that incomplete files cause.
Quick Answer
To get a marriage certificate in the UAE you must satisfy the legal requirements (age, marital status, medical screening, valid IDs and visas), have the marriage solemnised or registered by a recognised authority (Sharia court, civil marriage registry, or your embassy), and then collect the certificate issued by that authority. Certified copies of that certificate can later be requested from the same authority by either spouse with their Emirates ID or passport, an application form, and payment of the service fee.
Marriage Certificate: What It Is and Who Issues It
A UAE marriage certificate is the official proof that a marriage has been legally registered in the country. Three routes exist:
- Sharia court marriages — for Muslim couples, registered at the Sharia court of the emirate (Dubai Courts, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, or the Northern Emirates courts).
- Civil marriages — for non-Muslims, available through the civil marriage services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
- Embassy marriages — solemnised at a couple’s embassy or consulate in the UAE, then typically registered or attested locally.
The authority that registers the marriage issues the certificate, and it is also the authority you return to when you later need a copy — our guide on how to request a marriage certificate copy explains that route in detail.
Requirements for a Sharia Court Marriage
Muslim couples marrying in the UAE generally need:
- Valid IDs and visas — passports and residence visas (or entry permits) for both parties; Emirates IDs for residents.
- Age requirement — both parties must meet the minimum legal age; exceptions require judicial approval.
- Marital status proof — if previously married, a divorce certificate or death certificate of the former spouse, attested as required.
- Guardian (wali) consent — for the bride, the presence or documented consent of her guardian is required under Sharia procedures.
- Witnesses — two adult Muslim male witnesses are typically required.
- Premarital medical screening — a medical fitness certificate from an approved health facility is mandatory in the UAE before marriage.
- No-objection or status certificates — some courts ask for a single-status certificate from the home country embassy of either party.
Non-Arabic documents must be translated by a legal translator in the UAE and attested where required. Requirements vary slightly between emirates, so confirm the checklist with the specific court before your appointment.
Requirements for a Civil Marriage (Non-Muslims)
Abu Dhabi’s civil marriage service and Dubai’s offering for non-Muslims have simplified requirements:
- Both parties must be non-Muslim.
- Valid passports and, for residents, Emirates IDs and residence visas. Visitors on tourist visas can also marry under some services — check current rules.
- Proof of single status (a declaration or certificate from the home country, depending on the service).
- Premarital medical screening is generally required.
- Completed application form and payment of the service fee.
Civil marriages do not require a wali or religious witnesses, which is why many expatriate couples choose this route. The civil marriage certificate issued is fully valid for visa, insurance, and banking purposes in the UAE.
Marriage Certificate Requirements and Process: Step by Step
- Complete the medical screening. Book premarital screening at an approved clinic or hospital; the certificate is usually valid for a limited period, so time this close to the ceremony.
- Gather and attest documents. Collect IDs, status certificates, and divorce/death certificates if applicable. Foreign documents typically need attestation from the issuing country’s authorities, the UAE embassy there, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation.
- Book the appointment. Reserve a slot with the Sharia court, civil marriage service, or embassy.
- Attend with witnesses and documents. The marriage contract is signed before the authorised official, with witnesses present as required.
- Receive the marriage certificate. The authority issues the official certificate — often on the same day for civil marriages, or within a few days for court registrations.
- Request extra certified copies. Order one or two extra certified copies at the time of issuance; it is far easier than coming back later.
Requirements for Requesting a Copy Later
Once the marriage is registered, the ongoing requirements for certified copies are lighter. Either spouse can apply with:
- Emirates ID or passport.
- The marriage certificate number, or the date and place of marriage.
- A completed application form and the service fee.
A legal representative needs a notarised power of attorney — see the UAE power of attorney guide for what that must contain. If the certificate is lost entirely rather than just needing an extra copy, the issuing court runs a separate reissue process — bring your IDs and as many marriage details as you can. You can also confirm a certificate’s authenticity afterwards using our marriage certificate verification guide.
Attestation: Making the Certificate Usable Abroad
A UAE marriage certificate is valid across the Emirates as issued. If you need it in another country — for immigration, a name change, or property matters — it usually must pass through attestation:
- Issuing authority (court or registry) stamp.
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation.
- Embassy attestation of the destination country, where required.
Translated versions need attestation of both the original and the translation. Start this chain only after you hold the final certified copy, and allow one to two weeks in total if embassy steps are involved.
Fees and Timelines at a Glance
| Step | Typical timeline | Cost note |
|---|---|---|
| Premarital medical screening | Same day to a few days | Clinic fee; check the facility’s current price |
| Document attestation | Several working days per stage | Per-document fees at each attestation stage |
| Court/registry appointment and issuance | Same day to one week | Marriage registration fee set by the authority |
| Certified copy request (later) | 1–3 working days | Modest per-copy administrative fee |
These are indicative ranges — confirm current fees on the official portal of the authority you are dealing with (Dubai Courts via dubai.ae, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department via TAMM) before you budget.
How the Certificate Is Used in the UAE
Once issued, the marriage certificate unlocks a series of practical processes:
- Family visa sponsorship — sponsoring a spouse’s residence visa requires the attested marriage certificate; details in our UAE family visa sponsorship guide.
- Health insurance — adding a spouse to a policy needs the certificate as proof of relationship.
- Banking and tenancy — joint accounts, loans, and tenancy contracts often ask for it.
- Name changes — updating a surname on Emirates ID or passport after marriage starts with the certificate.
Because the certificate is asked for so often, keep the original safe and consider keeping a certified digital copy on your phone alongside the paper original — see how to keep official certificates secure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can tourists get married in the UAE?
Yes, in many cases. Civil marriage services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai cater to non-Muslim visitors as well as residents, and embassies marry their own nationals. Sharia court marriages generally require at least one party to hold a UAE residence visa. Check the specific authority’s current rules before booking travel around a wedding date.
How long is the premarital medical screening certificate valid?
Validity periods are set by the health authorities and are typically measured in months. Schedule the screening close enough to the ceremony that it will still be valid on the wedding date — confirm the current validity period with the clinic when you book.
Do we both need to be present to get the certificate?
For the initial registration, both parties (plus witnesses and the wali where applicable) must attend. For a later copy request, either spouse can apply alone.
What if one of us was married before?
You must provide proof that the previous marriage ended — an attested divorce certificate or the death certificate of the former spouse. Courts will not register a new marriage without it.
Is a UAE marriage certificate recognised internationally?
Generally yes, once attested through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant embassy. Some countries have additional registration requirements on arrival, so check with that country’s authorities if you plan to rely on the certificate abroad.
How do I check the requirements haven’t changed?
Court procedures are updated periodically. Before your appointment, verify the document checklist on the official portal — u.ae links to the relevant court services — or call the court’s customer service line.
The Bottom Line
Getting a UAE marriage certificate comes down to three things: meeting the eligibility and document requirements for your route (Sharia, civil, or embassy), completing the medical screening and any attestations in advance, and registering with the right authority. Do the paperwork preparation properly and the ceremony-day process is usually quick. Afterwards, order extra certified copies, keep the original safe, and attest it early if you will ever need it outside the UAE.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Asandada24, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Asandada24 is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.