Stage 1 — Portal Submission (Day 0 to Day 3)

ADJD’s bilingual portal accepts the application, declarations of consent, and supporting files. Couples upload passports, proof of age, and relationship declarations that satisfy Article 8 of Law 14/2021. Once submitted, the portal issues a case ID and a provisional timeline within 72 hours.

• Ensure both spouses meet the 18+ and free-consent requirements before uploading.
• Mention former marriages and attach divorce decrees or death certificates; incomplete disclosures are the top cause of delays.

Stage 2 — Case Review & Authentication (Day 4 to Day 10)

Civil Family Court staff review the file, translate any attachments, and forward the case to the authentication judge referenced in the implementing regulations. The judge confirms eligibility, requests clarifications if needed, and schedules either an in-person or remote ceremony slot.

Express slots (often within one week) are reserved for dossiers that are error-free and accompanied by travel evidence. Standard slots range from 7–14 days from submission.

Stage 3 — Ceremony & Certificate Issuance (Day 10 to Day 14)

The judge ratifies the contract, issues the bilingual certificate, and uploads it to the electronic registry. Couples leave the court (or end the video call) with a PDF and a printed certificate. No witnesses or medicals are required, so the ceremony itself rarely exceeds 15 minutes.

Stage 4 — Attestation & Embassy Loop (Day 15 to Day 25)

Within a week of the ceremony, most couples legalise the certificate through MoFAIC and their embassy. Courier partners or in-person visits handle stamping, translations, and mailing back to the couple’s home registry.

• MoFAIC appointments in Abu Dhabi typically issue the security stamp within 48 hours.
• Embassies with backlog queues (e.g., Canada, UK) ask for 5–7 working days; plan your stay accordingly.