UAE announces new law for non-Muslims expatriates

The UAE announced a new law for non-Muslim foreigners residing in the country, covering essential family matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody.

The federal decree-law on personal status will come into effect from February 1, 2023. The provisions of the law regulate the marriage conditions and the procedures of contracting and documenting the marriage before the competent courts.

The legislation also specifies the procedures of divorce that can be initiated jointly or unilaterally. Additionally, it organises the procedures for settling the financial claims after divorce, and the arrangement of joint custody for the children. It also organises the procedures for inheritance and testaments (wills) and proofs of paternity.

“The provisions of the decree-law apply to non-Muslim foreigners residing in the country unless someone adheres to the application of his country’s law,” a statement by state-run agency WAM read.

“Moreover, non-Muslim foreigners may agree to implement other legislation on family or personal status in force in the UAE instead of the provisions of this decree-law,” it added.

The law is in line with the UAE’s efforts to develop its legislative ecosystem and supports its ambitions for the next fifty years. This will be achieved by strengthening the country’s position as a destination for tolerance, family stability and demographic diversity.