How to Get Married in UAE for Pakistani Nationals – A Complete Guide

Getting married in the UAE for Pakistani nationals can be a smooth process if the proper procedure and correct legal steps are followed. Whether you are both Muslims or one of you follows a different faith, the UAE allows various options for a legal marriage.

The article covers everything that one needs to know about how to get married in the UAE for Pakistani couples, including requirements, documents, and procedures. It provides an overview of the process for getting married in the UAE for Pakistani nationals.

Marriage Options in the UAE for Pakistani Nationals

There are essentially four different modes of marriage in the UAE for Pakistani expatriates.

1. Shairah (Islamic) Marriage – This marriage is done in accordance with Islamic laws, which are strictly followed by Muslim couples wishing to marry.
2. Civil Marriage -Tourist and residents of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, can avail of this marriage provided certain conditions must be met as per the law.
3. Church Marriage – Christian couples wishing to get married may do so in licensed churches.

Indeed, the legal requirements and procedures vary for each marriage type.

Islamic Marriage for Pakistani Nationals in the UAE

Muslim Pakistani couples can marry under Sharia law, which is overseen by the UAE courts.

Eligibility for Islamic Marriage

Islamic marriages are conducted according to the Sharia provisions, which apply in the following cases, regardless of nationality:

• where both the groom and the bride are Muslims
• where the groom is Muslim and the bride is from ‘Ahl Al-Kitaab’; such as Christian.

Key legal requirements for Muslim marriages

• A marriage contract needs to be registered in a Sharia court in the UAE.
• The legal age for marriage is 18 Hijri years; otherwise, the judge’s approval is required.
• A spouse’s age should not be twice the other; otherwise, the judge’s approval is sought.
• A premarital screening certificate is needed.
• Attendance of the couple is required.
• Attendance of the bride’s father or his proxy and two male Muslim witnesses are required.
• For a woman to get married, she needs the consent of her guardian.
• In case of father’s death, the presence of the next closest male guardian i.e. closest kin such as elder brother is required.
• Divorced and widowed women must produce a proof of the status.
• If the bride is Muslim and her father is not, she needs a ‘No Objection’ letter from her embassy or consulate.

Documents Required for Islamic Marriage

• Valid Emirates ID and passports of both individuals.
• Pre-marriage medical examination certificate from a UAE-approved medical center.
• Two male Muslim witnesses.
• No objection certificate (NOC) from the guardian (if applicable).

Procedure for Islamic Marriage

1. Submit documents to the UAE Sharia Court.
2. Attend the marriage ceremony conducted by a registered marriage officer.
3. Obtain the official marriage certificate issued by the UAE government.

Civil Marriage in Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi

Civil marriage is available for non-Muslim residents and follows secular laws. The requirements differ between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Civil Marriage in Dubai

Eligibility for Civil Marriage in Dubai

To proceed with a civil marriage application in Dubai, the following conditions must be met:

• Both parties must be non-Muslims
• At least one of the parties must be a resident of Dubai
• The age of the couple must be at least 21 years old
• The couple or their legally authorized representatives must appear in person

Documents Required for Civil Marriage in Dubai

• Emirates ID or passport.
• Attested marital status certificate from the home country’s embassy.
• Power of attorney (if applicable).

Procedure for Civil Marriage in Dubai

1. Submit documents to Dubai Courts.
2. Pay the marriage certificate issuance fee (AED 220).
3. Attend the civil marriage ceremony.

Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi

It is possible for anyone to get married, regardless of nationality or religion. The only exemption is a UAE national who is Muslim. It is also important to note that tourists can get married at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.

Eligibility for Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi

1. both parties must not be a UAE National who is a Muslim
2. both parties must consent to the marriage taking place
3. both parties must be at least 18 years of age
4. the parties must not be related by first or second degree
5. The parties must not be married to anybody else.

Documents Required for Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi

• Copy of both parties’ passport
• Copy of both parties’ Emirates ID (if applicable)
• If previously married, proof that the marriage is now dissolved (eg. divorce judgment or death certificate)

Procedure for Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi

1. Apply online via the ADJD website or through one of the ADJD typing centers’ based in Abu Dhabi.
2. Choose between regular service (10 days) or express service (1 day).
3. Attend the marriage ceremony at the Civil Family Court.

Marriage Registration at the Pakistani Embassy or Consulate in the UAE

Pakistani Embassy Abu Dhabi or Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai, provides attestation services for marriage-related documents, which are essential for legal recognition in both Pakistan and the UAE. These services are crucial for Pakistani nationals who have married in the UAE and wish to have their marriage recognized officially.

Required Documents:

• An Affidavit from parents for son/daughter mentioning that they have no objection to his/her Marriage in UAE.
• If the parents are not alive, a death certificate is required
• Unmarried certificate from the Union Council.
• Original affidavit, death certificate, unmarried certificate and 1 copy
• Passport copy of the applicant.

Note:  All the above documents must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta).

Legalization and Attestation of Marriage Certificate

Once married in the UAE, the marriage certificate must be:

1. Attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
2. Certified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. Attested by the Pakistani Embassy (if required for registration in Pakistan).

This ensures that the marriage is legally recognized in both the UAE and Pakistan.

Note: All documents issued by UAE authorities must first be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they can be attested by the Pakistani Embassy or Consulate.

Other Marriage Options in the UAE

From Islamic and civil marriages, Pakistani nationals may also consider the following:

• Church Weddings – These can be conducted for Christian couples in a duly licensed church.
• Destination Weddings – Some couples choose to marry outside the UAE and register their marriage at a later time.

How HHS Lawyers May Assist You?

Navigating the marriage process in the UAE may be very tedious; therefore, HHS Lawyers in Dubai can assist you with:

• Providing legal consultation on the marriage laws in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Preparing and attesting documents for marriage registration.
• Providing guidance on civil marriages and Sharia marriages for Pakistani nationals.
• Handling embassy marriage registrations and all legal formalities.
• Representing clients legally in issues associated with marriage.

Call HHS Lawyers for assistance with making sure your marriage proceeds smoothly and conforms to legal requirements in the UAE.