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Getting married in the UAE
The following outline is provided to assist New Zealanders who wish to get married in the UAE. Provided the marriage takes place in accordance with the laws of the UAE, it will be recognised by New Zealand law. Please note that the process may differ slightly between each emirate.
1. Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. Apply to the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs for a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage(external link).
2. Contact the church or Sharia Court that you wish to be married in and ensure you meet any requirements set by them to marry.
3. Marriage Certificates - after the ceremony obtain two English language original marriage certificates from the parish office.
4. Translations - have both original certificates translated into Arabic by a court-approved legal translator. See https://www.adjd.gov.ae(external link) (Abu Dhabi) and https://www.dc.gov.ae/(external link) (Dubai) for a full list of approved translators or call:
- Ministry of Justice (Dubai) 800 2353
- Judicial Department (Abu Dhabi) 02-651 2222
5. Notary Public - submit both sets of English certificates with Arabic translations with copies of the bride and groom’s passports to the Notary Public office (in Dubai, at the Dubai Courts and in Abu Dhabi, at the Judicial Department). There the documents will be certified, one set will be kept by the Courts for their records. You will be charged a fee for this service. Keep copies of all documents before submitting them.
- Dubai 04-334 7777
- Abu Dhabi 02-651 2222.
6. Ministry of Justice UAE - take the documents to the Ministry of Justice. Have the signature and seal of the Notary Public authenticated. There is a fee for this service.
- Dubai 800 333 333
- Abu Dhabi 02-692 1000
7. Ministry of Foreign Affairs - UAE - take the documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Have the signature and seal of the Ministry of Justice authenticated. There is a fee for this service.
- Dubai 04 404 0000
- Abu Dhabi 02 222 2000
8. New Zealand Embassy, Abu Dhabi / New Zealand Consulate General, Dubai - finally, take the documents to the New Zealand Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai to have the signature and seal of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs authenticated. Please contact us for current fee information and to arrange an appointment.
- New Zealand Consulate General, Dubai 04 270 0100
- New Zealand Embassy, Abu Dhabi 02 496 3333
Citizenship and passports for children born overseas
Most people born overseas to a New Zealand citizen parent carry the status of citizenship by descent.
Useful information links
- United Arab Emirates Government Portal(external link)
- Legal representatives [PDF, 138 KB] in the emirates.
- Legal representatives [PDF, 153 KB] in Qatar
Disclaimer: While every care has been taken in preparing this advice, neither the New Zealand government nor its agents or employees, including any member of New Zealand’s consular staff, can accept liability for any loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained herein.