ProcedureEdit
A traditional Qatar marriage, during earlier days, was tribal, wherein related families encouraged their offspring to marry cousins or other family relatives, so as to strengthen their tribe. Rarely, they would also be married into another tribe, in order to heal rifts between families. Such marriages were in vogue as families knew the background of the partner.
In a typical Qatari marriage, the groom initially discusses all matters, including dowry with the bride's father. As in some Latin countries, young couples are allowed to meet under the watchful eye of a chaperon. When such issues are agreed upon mutually, the actual marriage is performed by a legal or religious representative. The bride is asked if she agrees to the marriage (in the absence of the prospective groom) and the same question is put to the groom too.
After the agreement, the groom shakes hands with his future father-in-law, and the marriage becomes official, in the presence of two witnesses. The wedding celebrations are divided, with women in one section of the house and men in another. Finally, on the last night of celebrations, the couple meets, accompanied by friends and eventually leave on their honeymoon.
Muslim marriages in Qatar are performed at the Sharia Court, located on Al Rayyan Road, near Mannai Ra in the Musheirib area. The Sharia Court here allows marriages of Muslims only. Although marriages between Muslim men and Christian women are permitted by Sharia Courts in other Muslim nations, they are not allowed in Qatar.
For a Christian marriage in the State of Qatar, you must, first contact either the Catholic, Anglican, Coptic or Orthodox churches in Qatar, and arrange the marriage ceremony. Following the ceremony, a marriage certificate may be issued. Translate a copy of the marriage certificate into Arabic through a translator, recognized by Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI). Register the marriage certificate and Arabic translation at the Office of Land Registration and Legalization at the office of Ministry of Justice in West Bay. The Ministry will stamp the back of marriage certificate with a registration number, and keep the copy and Arabic translation for its records. For more detail, visit the website http://www.moj.gov.qa.
Required DocumentsEdit
- Birth certificates of both parties
- Passports
- Any documentation relating to previous marriages (such as divorce decrees, death certificates)
Office Locations & ContactsEdit
Ministry of Justice - Head Office
Behind City Center, Next To Kahramaa ,
Corniche Road,
Doha , Qatar
P.O.Box: 917 Omar Al Mukhtar St,
Doha , Qatar
Fax: 44832875
Tel: +974 4021 5555
Email: [email protected]
Websitwe:Link
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) - Head Office
Almirqab Tower, West Bay
Doha, Qatar.
Tel: (+974) 4011-11-11
Fax: +974-4432-4131, 44327444, 4432-7333
Email: [email protected]
Website:Link
EligibilityEdit
Marriages between people of the same religion are permitted. Marriages between Qatari men and non-Qatari women may only take place if permission has been received from the Marriages Committee. A marriage between a Qatari/Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man is not allowed. Muslim weddings have to take place in a Sharia Court, while non-Muslim weddings are permitted to take place in a handful of designated churches in Doha (usually provided that one of the parties is a Christian).
Before marrying in Qatar, the couple should check with their embassy whether a Qatari marriage is recognized in their home country.
FeesEdit
Explain the fees structure which is required for obtaining the certificate/document.
ValidityEdit
As per Sharia Law, a Muslim man can have up to four wives, provided, he can look after them materially and treats them equally.
Marriage is pronounced void only by divorce or if death occurs.
Documents to UseEdit
Sample DocumentsEdit
Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.
Processing TimeEdit
Please explain processing time taken in obtaining the document/certificate.
Related VideosEdit
Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. Attach videos using the following tag <&video type="website">video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites. Please remove the "&" inside the tags during implementation. Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver, sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed. e.g In the following url "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M" Video ID is "Y0US7oR_t3M".
InstructionsEdit
Non-Muslim marriages granted official recognition by the State of Qatar, are Christian Marriages, performed in Churches, registered with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by clergy recognized by the Ministry to perform non-Muslim marriages.
All couples who plan to get married in Qatar have to undergo a pre-marital medical screening to test for genetic compatibility. This procedure was introduced by the Supreme Council of Health as part of a drive to combat the genetic risks caused by the inter-marrying of cousins. Couples can register for the health check online on the Qatar government Hukoomi website.
For non-Muslims, a Christian wedding may be the only legal way to wed in Qatar. Certain churches, such as those mentioned below, including the Catholic and Anglican Churches are licensed to carry out such weddings, although each have their own rules, and charge a fee to cover costs.
Required InformationEdit
- Bridegroom's Information (this must be your full name as recorded in your passport)(include international dialing code if not in Qatar)
- Bride's Information (this must be your full name as recorded in your passport) (include international dialing code if not in Qatar)
- Proposed wedding date
- Additional Message
Need for the DocumentEdit
Qatar is a Muslim country, but it is also possible for people of other religions to get married there too. The religion of the parties getting married determines the procedures that need to be followed, and where the ceremony can take place. Marriage in Qatar can only take place between a man and a woman; homosexuality is illegal, so same-sex marriage is not an option.
Information which might helpEdit
As per Sharia Law, a Muslim man can have up to four wives, provided, he can look after them materially and treats them equally. However, this practice is no longer being followed, as very few are able to afford it, and women are getting more independent and assertive, and refuse to accept such rules. Now, a Muslim woman can insert a clause in the marriage contract, restricting her husband from marrying another woman, for as long as the contract is valid. The wife can also retain her own name after marriage.
Other uses of the Document/CertificateEdit
After the ceremony, the Marriage Certificate, together with its Arabic translation, should be registered at the Ministry of Justice, behind the City Centre Mall, then the registration be attested at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the church may carry this out for you for a fee. Newly married couples are also advised to get their marriage documents attested at their own embassies also.
Living together as an unmarried couple is illegal in Qatar, as is being pregnant out of wedlock.
External LinksEdit
http://www.qatarvisitor.com/residents/qatar-marriage
http://www.rosarychurchqatar.com/fulldescription.php?id=11
http://epiphany-qatar.org/life-events/weddings/regulations-procedures/
http://www.copticchurchdoha.com/
OthersEdit
Although a Muslim woman may not marry a non-Muslim man, unless he converts to Islam, the reverse may not be the case. On the other hand, majority of non-Muslim women are often pressurized into converting their religion. Also, it should be noted that in the event of breakdown of a marriage between a non-Muslim woman and a Muslim man, the children are usually kept by the husband in his home country.
Expatriate workers can usually be married in Qatar, provided, they meet the civil and religious requirements here. The Embassy and consulate staffs also sometimes perform civil marriage ceremonies, when certain requirements are met. Religious ceremonies can be arranged, but, only at churches or similar non-Muslim places of worship.