UAE Ministry of Justice expands online marriage services for residents

The UAE Ministry of Justice has streamlined the legal requirements for marriage by allowing couples to complete the majority of their contract application process through a dedicated digital portal. The electronic service enables residents to submit documents, pay statutory fees, and schedule an appointment with a marriage officiant (Mazoon) without visiting a traditional courthouse. Eligibility and Documentation Under the current regulations, at least one party to the marriage contract—the husband, the wife, or the wife's guardian—must hold a valid UAE residency visa. Applicants are required to provide their Emirates ID cards and proof of a pre-marital medical screening certificate issued by a government-approved healthcare facility. These certificates remain valid for three months from the date of issuance. For non-Muslim residents, the process varies depending on nationality and religious requirements, often involving the respective embassy or a religious institution. However, the civil marriage law introduced in Abu Dhabi allows for a separate judicial process for non-Muslims, which can also be initiated through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) online systems. Fee…