Each region follows distinct legal frameworks, resulting in variations in marriage laws. Despite these differences, civil marriage is prohibited across all Palestinian territories. 

This means that formal marriage procedures must adhere to the religious or local laws specific to each governing body. However, Palestinians can still marry civilly by traveling to neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, and Seychelles, where the civil marriage processes are relatively straightforward and affordable. 

Understanding the Marriage Laws in Palestine

In Palestine, the Jordan annexed West Bank is subject to Jordanian marriage laws. Jordan follows Sharia marriage laws and allows only religious marriages, such as Islamic, Christian, and Jewish marriages. There is no room for civil marriages in the West Bank. 

Similarly, in the Egyptian-occupied Gaza Strip, the marriage laws are subject to Egyptian marriage laws. Where marriage laws are mostly subject to Sharia laws and civil marriages are not allowed in the Gaza Strip. 

Since Israel began occupying the West Bank in 1967, all Jewish settlements in the area have followed Israeli marriage laws. Similarly, residents of East Jerusalem, including Arabs, which Israel annexed, also follow Israeli marriage laws.

Alternative Civil Marriage Options For Palestinians 

Despite the complexity of marriage laws in Palestine, the Palestinians can still opt for civil marriages abroad. Once married abroad, they can then register their marriage in Palestine. The three most suitable countries that Palestinians can choose from for their civil marriages are the UAE, Georgia, and Seychelles. 

Below we will talk in detail about the process, fees, document requirements, and the process of civil marriage for Palestinians in the aforementioned countries. 

Civil Marriages in UAE for Palestinains

The availability of Civil marriages in the UAE offers a great opportunity for Palestinians to tie the knot in the UAE. UAE is only 2,000 Kilometers away from Palestine and very accessible. Moreover, the civil marriage laws in the UAE, specifically, Abu Dhabi, are much more relaxed. 

Documents Requirements for Civil Marriage in UAE for Palestinians

For Palestinians seeking to have a civil marriage in the UAE, the process is straightforward, but specific documents are required. Below is a detailed list of the necessary documents and steps for Palestinians to complete a civil marriage in the UAE:

1. Passports

• Original passports of both the bride and groom.
• Copies of the passports (for submission).

2. Valid UAE Visa (if applicable)

• If either party is residing in the UAE, a valid UAE residency visa is required.
• For tourists, a valid tourist visa or entry stamp is sufficient.

3. Proof of Marital Status

Single Status Certificate (Certificate of Singleness):

• This document proves that both individuals are single and eligible to marry.
• For Palestinians, this certificate can be obtained from the Palestinian Authority (PA) or the relevant local authority in the West Bank or Gaza.

The certificate must be:

• Issued by the Palestinian Ministry of Interior or local municipality.
• Attested by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Attested by the UAE Embassy in the region (if available) or through a third country that handles Palestinian documents.
• Translated into Arabic by a certified translator in the UAE.
• Attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

No-Objection Certificate (NOC):

• A letter from the Palestinian Embassy or consulate in the UAE stating that there are no objections to the marriage.

• If there is no Palestinian Embassy in the UAE, the NOC can be obtained from a neighboring country’s embassy that represents Palestinian interests.

Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (if applicable)

• If either party was previously married, proof of divorce (divorce decree) or death of the former spouse (death certificate) is required.
• These documents must also be attested by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Translation and Attestation

• All foreign documents (e.g., Single Status Certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate) must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator in the UAE.
• The translated documents must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

The process might seem a bit difficult and time-consuming, therefore it is best to consult a reputable wedding planner in the UAE for civil marriages. 

How much does it cost to do civil marriage in the UAE? 

The cost of civil marriage in the UAE varies depending on the civil marriage package you opt for. The three civil marriage packages Palestinians can opt for include: 

1. App Support Package 

This package includes: 

• Civil Marriage Application
• Confirmation of Wedding Dates
• Online Wedding Planner Support

The App Support package will only cost you AED 2,500 / $680. 

2. Basic Civil Marriage Package

The basic civil marriage package includes: 

• Full Wedding Support 
• Civil Marriage Ceremony 
• MOFA Attestation 

The basic civil marriage package will cost you only AED 4,250.

3. Express Court Marriage Package 

The express court marriage package includes:

• Priority Processing 
• Express MOFA Attestation
• Bridal Bouquet

The cost of the Express Court marriage package is only AED 7,100. 

Eligibility Criteria For Civil Marriage in the UAE

To get married civilly in the UAE, the eligibility criteria are as follows:

1. Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
2. Consent: Both partners must freely consent to the marriage.
3. Gender: The marriage must be between a man and a woman.
4. Legal Capacity: Both individuals should have the mental capacity to marry.
5. Documents: You need valid passports, residency permits, and possibly a certificate of no impediment to marriage.

Civil Marriage Process in Georgia for Palestinians 

Georgia is one of the most famous destinations for civil marriages. People from around the world prefer civil marriages in Georgia. It is because the civil marriage process in Georgia is quick, simple, and affordable. Georgia also suits Palestinians because of its easy and simple civil marriage laws. 

Documents Requirement For Civil Marriage in Georgia For Palestinians 

In Georgia, the requirements for a civil marriage are generally straightforward, but they can vary slightly depending on the nationality of the individuals involved. For a Palestinian seeking to marry in Georgia, the following documents are typically required:

1. Valid Passport

• Both parties must have a valid passport.

2. Birth Certificate

• A certified copy of the birth certificate is usually required. If the document is not in English or Georgian, it may need to be translated and notarized.

3. Certificate of No Impediment (Single Status Affidavit)

• This document proves that you are legally free to marry. It is often required for foreigners and can be obtained from your home country’s embassy or consulate. For Palestinians, this might involve contacting the Palestinian Authority or the relevant consular office.

Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (if applicable)

• If either party has been previously married, they must provide a divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse to prove that the previous marriage has been legally dissolved.

5. Translation of Documents

• Any documents not in English or Georgian must be translated by a certified translator. The translation should be notarized.

6. Notarization and Apostille

• Some documents may need to be notarized and have an Apostille stamp, depending on the requirements of the Georgian authorities. The Apostille is an international certification comparable to a notarization, and it is used for documents that will be used in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

7. Application Form

• You will need to complete an application form for marriage, which can usually be obtained from the local civil registry office in Georgia. 

Eligibility Criteria For Civil Marriage in Georgia

The eligibility criteria for civil marriage in Georgia include:

1. Legal Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
2. Consent: Both individuals must provide free and voluntary consent to the marriage.
3. Single Marital Status: Both parties must be unmarried, divorced, or widowed (proof required).
4. Non-Relation Clause: The couple must not be closely related by blood or adoption.
5. Legal Capacity: Both parties must be mentally competent to enter into a marriage.
6. Valid Identification: Passports or national ID cards are required for foreign nationals.

Civil Marriage Process in Seychelles for Palestinians

Civil marriage in Seychelles for Palestinians follows a straightforward process, similar to other international couples, but there are a few additional considerations for Palestinians.

1. Documents Required:
   • Valid passports for both parties.
   • Birth certificates (translated into English or French).
   • Proof of single status (affidavit of no impediment to marriage, issued by the Palestinian authorities or the respective embassy).
   • Divorce or death certificates if applicable (for previous marriages).
   • Parental consent if either party is under 18 years old.
2. Application:
   • Both parties must apply in person at the Civil Status Office in Seychelles.
   • The application must be made at least 3 days before the wedding, though a longer notice is recommended.
3. Marriage Ceremony:
   • After the application is processed, a civil ceremony is conducted. It can take place at the Civil Status Office or another agreed-upon location.
4. Translation and Legalization:
   • All documents not in English or French should be translated by a certified translator. Legalization or authentication of documents may be required through the Seychelles embassy or consulate in the respective country.
5. Registration:
   • After the ceremony, the marriage is registered, and a marriage certificate is issued. This certificate can be used internationally.

It’s important to confirm with the Seychelles Civil Status Office for any updates or specific requirements for Palestinians or any changes in the process

What is the Price of Civil Marriage in Seychelles? 

The cost of a civil wedding in Seychelles starts at AED 4,950 ($1,350). This fee includes the Civil Apostille and GCC Legalization services required for the legal recognition of your marriage. 

However, additional expenses may arise for document preparation or translation services if needed. It is essential to check local regulations and any specific requirements related to a Seychelles wedding before finalizing your plans. The Civil Apostille service starts at AED 4,950 ($1,350), and the GCC Legalization also begins at the same rate.

Final Thoughts

Palestinians seeking a civil marriage face challenges due to the absence of civil marriage laws in their territories. However, options like the UAE, Georgia, and Seychelles provide accessible and legally recognized alternatives. Each destination offers a streamlined process with varying costs, document requirements, and legal formalities. Choosing the right country depends on convenience, budget, and legal recognition needs. By understanding the processes and eligibility criteria, Palestinians can successfully navigate civil marriage abroad and ensure a legally valid union.