Abu Dhabi has introduced a pioneering initiative that allows couples to complete the entire civil marriage process online from application to ceremony and issuance of the marriage certificate without the need for in-person attendance. This development represents a significant advancement in the emirate’s ongoing modernization of civil and family law services, making the process more efficient, transparent, and accessible to residents and non-residents alike.
The service is available through the TAMM digital government platform and is supervised by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). Couples can legally marry through a video-call ceremony officiated by an ADJD-appointed civil marriage officer.
Legal Framework
This initiative is based on Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 (as amended), which regulates civil marriage and related family matters for non-Muslims. The law introduced a modernized legal framework aligned with international standards, allowing for civil marriages that are distinct from religious or Sharia-based procedures.
The online marriage system is designed to ensure full compliance with the existing law, while integrating digital authentication, secure documentation, and virtual officiation processes overseen by the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
Who is Eligible
Under the provisions of Law No. 14 of 2021, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court handles civil marriage applications for the following categories:
- Non-Muslim foreigners residing in or visiting the UAE.
- Non-Muslim UAE citizens who choose to marry under civil law.
Applicants must meet the standard eligibility conditions set by the ADJD, which include:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Mutual consent between the two parties.
- Neither party may be currently married.
- The parties must not be related within prohibited degrees of kinship.
While recent reports indicate that citizens, residents, and even visitors may apply through the TAMM platform, practical eligibility remains subject to verification by the ADJD. Applicants are therefore advised to review the requirements carefully through the official TAMM or ADJD portal before initiating the process.
Step-by-Step Process
- Account Creation and Application
The applicant must log in to the TAMM platform using UAE Pass or create a new account. Under the “Civil Marriage” service, the system will guide applicants through the application steps and identity verification.
- Document Submission
Required documents, including valid passports or Emirates IDs, must be uploaded. If applicable, prior-marriage dissolution documents such as divorce decrees or death certificates should also be provided.
- Service Option Selection
Applicants can select between regular processing (approximately ten working days) or express processing (typically one working day), depending on availability.
- Online Ceremony
Once the application is approved, the couple will receive a scheduled appointment for an online video-call ceremony. The ceremony will be conducted by an ADJD-appointed marriage officer, and both parties must attend virtually.
- Issuance of Marriage Certificate
Following the ceremony, the digital marriage certificate is issued electronically via the TAMM platform. The certificate can be downloaded or printed as required.
Fees and Associated Costs
- Civil Marriage Service Fee: AED 800 (payable through TAMM).
- Additional Costs: Applicants may incur extra charges for translation, notarization, and legalization of foreign documents, depending on the case.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents prior to initiating the process:
- Valid passports and/or Emirates IDs.
- Proof of single status (where applicable).
- Divorce decree or death certificate of a previous spouse (if applicable).
- Official translations of foreign documents into Arabic, completed by a certified legal translator.
- Legalization or attestation of foreign documents as per UAE requirements.
The exact list of required documents is provided during the TAMM application process and may vary depending on nationality and marital history.
Recognition and Attestation of Marriage Certificate
The civil marriage certificate issued by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is recognized within the UAE. For use abroad, couples are required to complete additional attestation and legalization steps as follows:
- Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) – standard fee AED 150.
- Legalization by the destination country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE, as per their procedures.
These steps ensure that the marriage certificate is legally valid and recognized in other jurisdictions.
Significance of the Initiative
The introduction of a fully online civil marriage system marks a transformative step in the evolution of Abu Dhabi’s legal infrastructure. It reflects the emirate’s commitment to providing accessible, efficient, and globally recognized civil services.
This initiative offers several practical advantages:
- It eliminates the need for physical attendance, making the process accessible to residents and visitors globally.
- It reduces administrative burdens, documentation delays, and logistical costs.
- It provides a legally robust framework for civil marriage, aligned with international best practices.
The system particularly benefits expatriates, foreign couples residing in the UAE, and those seeking a legally recognized marriage under civil law without religious formalities.
How Al Fahad Legal Consulting Can Assist
At Al Fahad Legal Consulting, we provide comprehensive legal assistance for individuals and couples seeking to complete their civil marriage process in Abu Dhabi. Our services include:
- Eligibility Verification and Legal Consultation
We assess your eligibility under Abu Dhabi’s civil marriage law and advise on any specific documentation or procedural requirements.
- Document Preparation and Legalization
We prepare, translate, notarize, and, where necessary, legalize all required documents to ensure full compliance with UAE and international regulations.
- Application and Coordination
Our team manages the online application process through TAMM, including scheduling the video-call ceremony and liaising with the ADJD.
- Post-Marriage Legalization
We handle MoFAIC attestation and foreign embassy legalization to ensure your marriage certificate is valid and recognized internationally.
- Cross-Border Legal Support
For clients with dual nationality or foreign residence, we provide legal coordination with foreign counsel to confirm recognition of the marriage in other jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi’s launch of the fully online civil marriage service represents a modern and inclusive approach to family law. It allows couples from around the world to marry in a legally secure, efficient, and fully digital environment an achievement that reinforces the emirate’s reputation as a leader in digital governance and legal innovation.
For individuals seeking professional guidance or representation in completing their civil marriage process, Al Fahad Legal Consulting stands ready to assist with every stage from eligibility assessment to final legalization.
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