Types of Marriages in the UAE
The UAE recognises several types of marriages, depending on the couple’s religion and residency status:
Muslim Marriages: Governed by Sharia law and conducted at Sharia courts.
Non-Muslim Marriages: Civil ceremonies are permitted in Abu Dhabi for non-Muslim couples, regardless of their nationality or residency status.
Interfaith Marriages: Permitted under certain conditions, non-Muslim men may need to convert to Islam to marry a Muslim woman under Sharia law.
Note: Civil marriages in Abu Dhabi are open to Afghan nationals, including tourists, as long as both parties are non-Muslim. Muslim Afghans must marry through the Sharia court.
Legal Requirements for Afghan Citizens Marrying in the UAE
To marry in the UAE, Afghan citizens must meet the following requirements:
Minimum Age: Both individuals must be at least 18 years old (Gregorian calendar). If underage, court approval is required.
Mutual Consent: Both parties must consent to the marriage.
Legal Capacity: Neither party should be legally married to someone else at the time of application.
Religious Rules: Muslim marriages must follow Sharia law. Civil marriage is only available for non-Muslim couples in Abu Dhabi.
Residency: Not mandatory for civil marriage in Abu Dhabi. Tourists may apply.
For up-to-date legal details, consult the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department or the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Documents Required to Marry in the UAE
Here’s what Afghan citizens typically need to submit:
Valid Passports (for both parties)
UAE Visa or Entry Stamp (for tourists or residents)
Birth Certificates (translated into Arabic or English)
Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) confirms legal freedom to marry
Civil Status Certificate showing single, divorced, or widowed status
Parental/Guardian Consent, if under age 21
Two witnesses, typically required for Sharia marriages
Certified translations of all non-Arabic documents (available from Translayte)
Note: Civil marriages in Abu Dhabi are often faster and require fewer witnesses than religious ceremonies.
Step-by-Step Marriage Process in the UAE for Afghan Citizens
For Muslim Marriages (via Sharia Court)
Book an appointment with the Sharia court in your emirate.
Prepare Documents, including passport, Emirates ID (if resident), and CNI.
Undergo Pre-Marital Medical Test (mandatory in all emirates).
Attend a Marriage Ceremony at the Sharia court with two Muslim male witnesses.
Receive the Marriage Certificate issued by the court.
Legalise & Translate Certificate for use in Afghanistan.
For Civil Marriages (Abu Dhabi, Non-Muslims)
Apply Online or In Person at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
Submit the required documents, including passports, CNIs, and translations.
Pay Application Fee (~AED 300–500).
Get married in a Courtroom Ceremony, usually within 1–2 weeks.
Receive the Civil Marriage Certificate in English and Arabic.
Legalisation & Recognition in Afghanistan
To have your UAE marriage legally recognised in Afghanistan:
Obtain the original marriage certificate issued by the UAE authorities.
Translate the certificate into Dari or Pashto (if required by Afghan authorities).
Authenticate the translated certificate at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Legalise at the Afghanistan Embassy or Consulate in the UAE.
Register the marriage with local Afghan authorities upon return to obtain an official Nekah Khat or Sharaie Waseqa Khat, depending on local procedure.
Translayte offers certified translations of marriage certificates into Dari, Pashto, Arabic, or English, accepted by both UAE and Afghan authorities.
Recommended Reading
How to Get Married in the UAE as a Foreigner
Cost of Getting Married in the UAE
Service | Estimated Cost (AED) |
Civil Marriage Application (Abu Dhabi) | 300–500 |
Sharia Court Ceremony | 0-300 (depends on emirate) |
Medical Test | 250–350 |
Certified Translations | $31.75 per page via Translayte |
Legalisation (MOFA + Embassy) | 150 – 400+ total |
Total cost varies depending on ceremony type, number of documents, and embassy requirements.
Tips for a Smooth Marriage Process in the UAE
Start early: Begin collecting documents and translations at least 1 month before your desired wedding date.
Choose the right ceremony: Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi is ideal for non-Muslim couples without a UAE residency visa.
Use certified translators: Avoid rejection by ensuring your translations are accurate and officially recognised.
Consult the Afghan Embassy: For up-to-date requirements regarding recognition of foreign marriages.
Legalise your marriage certificate: This is essential for using it in Afghanistan for a visa, residency, or family purposes.
Certified Translations for Afghan-UAE Marriages
Translayte offers fast, reliable, and certified translations for all key documents required in Afghan-UAE marriage processes. This includes birth certificates, CNIs (Certificates of No Impediment), civil status declarations, marriage certificates (for recognition in either Afghanistan or the UAE), and divorce certificates. Our translations are officially accepted by UAE courts, embassies, and the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring a smooth and compliant submission process.
