The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, is generally considered a home to many Filipino expatriates. Getting married in Abu Dhabi if one, or both of you are Filipinos, is an entirely manageable process if you follow the right steps. In this article, we discuss the official requirements on how to get married in Abu Dhabi for Filipinos.
Requirements for Marriage
Before marrying in Abu Dhabi, you would require a number of very important documents. These include:
- Birth Certificate: A birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA that shall establish your identity and age.
- Certificate of No Marriage, also known as CENOMAR: To prove that you are not married at present before the PSA, you need a No Marriage Certificate-CENOMAR. It is very important for establishing your eligibility to marry.
- Photocopy of Passport: The applicants (both parties) would be required to provide copies of their passports, showing the personal information page and visa page that establish the legal status of a person in Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi or Al Ain Visa Page: You must submit photocopies of the Abu Dhabi or Al Ain visa page to prove your UAE residence status.
- Affidavit of Parental Consent or Advice: If either party is less than 25 years old, then there shall be an Affidavit of Parental Consent or Advice with a Certificate of Authority for Notarial Act. This should be notarized and authenticated.
- Passport-Size Pictures: Recent passport-size pictures of both parties.
- Marriage Counseling Certificate: Provide a certificate that shows you have received pre-marriage counseling from any accredited counseling centers such as a church or pastor.
Fees Involved
Some fees are involved in the process of getting married in Abu Dhabi. The following breakdowns give you an estimate of how much to expect:
- Marriage License Fee
The marriage license fee will amount to AED 100. This can cover all the processing and issuance processes for your application. - Solemnization Fee
The Solemnization of Marriage fee is AED 240. Such a fee encompasses the ceremony cost from the consulate or embassy.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Having received all these documents and knowing the fees, let’s get into the step-by-step procedure to get married in Abu Dhabi.
Step 1: Submission of Documents
Submit the required set of documents to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Ensure completeness and proper authentication of the set of documents submitted to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Step 2: Marriage Banns
After you have submitted the required documents, they will post your marriage banns or announcement for ten working days. It is a public notification that says that you are getting married.
Step 3: Obtain a Marriage License
After ten days, you may collect your Marriage License from the embassy. This license is valid for 120 days after the date of issue.
Step 4: Solemnization of Marriage
You can now get married with the presence of the marriage license. The wedding ceremony may take place at the Philippine Embassy or may be performed before any officer authorized to solemnize marriage.
Step 5: Marriage Registration
After the marriage, you will need to register your marriage with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for legal recognition of the marriage in the Philippines.
Helpful Tips on Smooth Marriage Process
Follow these tips for a smooth marriage process.
- Plan Early : You have to collect all the documents beforehand because one of the important papers needed is CENOMAR, which takes time before it can be requested.
- Triple-Check What You Need: Ensure you have all the required documents and they are well authenticated. Wrong or missing documents will delay the whole process.
- Counseling: Counseling is a very important process. It not only serves as a legal requirement but also prepares you for married life.
- Be Patient: The process involves several steps and waiting periods. Patience on your part will make everything come out perfectly.
Conclusion
Indeed, marrying a Filipina in Abu Dhabi becomes easy and smooth and turns into a memorable experience if both of you are properly prepared and understand it perfectly. And so, it is necessary to have all the needed documents ready while being alert about the fees charged and step by step, the whole process for a successful marriage.
How a Marriage Lawyer at Dubai Court Marriage Can Assist
The legal requirements involved in marriage can be quite complex, especially with respect to a foreign country. A marriage lawyer at Dubai Court Marriage can help you in several ways:
- Preparation of Documents: Ensuring that all the documents are correctly prepared and submitted.
- Legal Advice: Obtain expert legal advice that is specifically tailored to your situation.
- Coordination of Ceremony: Coordinating with the Embassy, scheduling, and conducting your marriage ceremony.
Contact Dubai Court Marriage today to make your marriage process in Abu Dhabi smooth and stress-free.
Following the necessary steps and requirements as mentioned in this article would help you facilitate the marriage process in Abu Dhabi with no hassle. In case of further assistance, please feel free to contact our marriage lawyers at Dubai Court Marriage.