Getting married in Qatar

Expatriates amount to around 88% of the population of Qatar. Qatar is primarily a Muslim country, but foreigners of different nationalities and of certain religions can still get married in Qatar if they wish. However, living together without being married is strictly forbidden in Qatar. Foreign marriages are subject to a number of formalities and conditions, but if the right procedure is known and with the right information, everything is simple and easy.

Procedures for getting married in Qatar

Below are ar of the documents required by foreigners who wish to get married in Qatar:

• Application for a Family Entry Visa (to bring in your family)
• NOC Letter mentioning profession and salary
• Employment labor contract (attested by the Ministry of Labor)
• Educational Certificate (Translated into Arabic- attested by Ministry of Qatar Foreign Affairs)
• House Lease Rental Agreement (Attested by the Ministry of Municipality)
• Passport and QID

The marriage of two people of the same religion is permitted in Qatar. The marriage of Qatari men to non-Qatari women can be conducted with the Marriage Committee's authorization. However, marriage between a Qatari or Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man is prohibited unless the latter converts to Islam.

Read also Visas for Qatar

Christian marriages in Qatar

Christian couples who wish to get married in Qatar can do so through a church ceremony. However, the couple must meet certain requirements and follow a specific process:

1. Obtain a no-objection letter: As with any marriage in Qatar, the couple must obtain a no-objection letter from their respective embassies. The letter should state that there are no legal impediments to the marriage.
2. Get a baptismal certificate: Both the bride and groom must provide a copy of their baptismal certificates to the church. The certificate should include the date and place of the baptism, as well as the names of the godparents.
3. Attend a pre-marriage course: The couple must attend a pre-marriage course offered by the church. The course covers topics such as communication, conflict resolution, and family planning.
4. Obtain a marriage license: The couple must obtain a marriage license from the Ministry of Justice as described in the previous answer.
5. Perform the marriage ceremony: The wedding ceremony can be held in the church or at another approved venue. Two witnesses must be present, and the ceremony must be performed by a registered minister.

After the ceremony, the couple can obtain a marriage certificate from the church. The certificate is recognized by the Qatar government, but it must be translated into Arabic and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It is important to note that Christian marriages in Qatar are subject to Islamic law, and the couple may be required to comply with certain cultural practices and customs. It is recommended that the expat couple consults with their church and embassy in Qatar for more information about getting married in Qatar as a Christian couple.

Here are the contact numbers of some recognized churches in Qatar:

• Anglican Church - 4416 5726
• Catholic Church - 4490 1907
• Greek Orthodox - 4487 2032
• Coptic Church - 5584 0395
• IDDCC - 4431 9190

Hindu marriage in Qatar

Hindu couples who wish to get married in Qatar can do so through a temple ceremony. However, the couple must meet certain requirements and follow a specific process:

1. Obtain a no-objection letter: As with any marriage in Qatar, the couple must obtain a no-objection letter from their respective embassies. The letter should state that there are no legal impediments to the marriage.
2. Perform the marriage ceremony: The wedding ceremony can be held in the temple or at another approved venue. Two witnesses must be present, and the ceremony must be performed by a registered Hindu priest. Apart from the temple, another approved venue for a Hindu marriage ceremony in Qatar could be a banquet hall or a hotel that allows for religious ceremonies. It's important to check with the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Interior or the embassy, for a list of approved venues and any specific requirements for conducting a Hindu marriage ceremony outside of the temple. The venue should be able to accommodate the rituals and traditions associated with a Hindu wedding.

After the ceremony, the couple can obtain a marriage certificate from the temple. The certificate is recognized by the Qatar government, but it must be translated into Arabic and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Muslim marriage in Qatar

Muslim marriage in Qatar follows Islamic law and can be performed in a mosque or at the Ministry of Justice. Here's an overview of the process:

• Obtain a marriage license: The couple must obtain a marriage license from the Ministry of Justice. The couple will need to provide their original passports, residence permits, and a copy of their marriage contract. The fee for the marriage license is QR 200.
• Perform the marriage contract: The marriage contract is a legal agreement between the bride and groom and their families. The contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party and the dowry that will be paid. The contract is usually signed in the presence of two male witnesses.
• Perform the marriage ceremony: The wedding ceremony can be performed at the mosque or at another approved venue. The ceremony is usually conducted by an Imam or a qualified Muslim scholar. The couple and their witnesses must be present at the ceremony.
• Obtain a marriage certificate: After the ceremony, the couple can obtain a marriage certificate from the Ministry of Justice. The certificate will be in Arabic, but you can obtain an English translation if required.

It is important to note that Muslim marriage in Qatar is subject to Islamic law, and the couple must comply with certain Islamic cultural practices and customs. In addition, there are certain requirements for the bride and groom to fulfill, such as providing a marriage guardian (wali) for the bride and two male witnesses for the ceremony. It is recommended that the expat couple consults with their mosque and the Ministry of Justice for more information about getting married in Qatar as a Muslim couple.

Good to know:

In Islamic marriages, the dowry, known as "mahr," is an important component of the marriage contract. It is a gift from the groom to the bride, given as a symbol of his commitment and responsibility towards her. The dowry can be in the form of money, property, or other valuable assets, and it is agreed upon by the bride and groom or their families. The mahr serves multiple purposes in Islamic marriages. Firstly, it demonstrates the groom's financial capability and willingness to support his wife. Secondly, it acts as a form of security for the bride, providing her with financial independence and protection in the event of divorce or the death of her husband. Lastly, it signifies the mutual rights and responsibilities of the spouses within the marriage. The specific amount and nature of the dowry are agreed upon by the couple or their families before the marriage. It is a private matter and can vary based on cultural traditions, the financial means of the groom, and the desires of the bride. The dowry is usually mentioned and documented in the marriage contract, which is signed by the couple, their families, and witnesses. It's important to note that the payment of the dowry is a religious and cultural practice specific to Muslim marriages and may vary in different regions and communities.

Jewish marriage in Qatar

As far as we know, there is no Jewish community in Qatar, and there are no synagogues or Jewish institutions in the country. Therefore, it is not possible to have a Jewish wedding ceremony in Qatar.

If you are a Jewish couple living in Qatar and wish to get married, you may need to consider other options, such as having a civil ceremony in a country that recognizes your marriage or having a Jewish wedding ceremony in a neighboring country.

It is recommended that you consult with your embassy or consulate for more information about your options for getting married as a Jewish couple while living in Qatar.

Good to know:

In Qatar, only Muslim marriages are recognized as legally valid under Qatari law. Non-Muslim expat couples, including those of different religious backgrounds or those who prefer a civil wedding, are generally unable to have a legally recognized marriage ceremony in Qatar.

For non-Muslim expat couples who wish to formalize their relationship, they often choose to have a civil wedding or register their marriage in their home country or at their country's embassy or consulate in Qatar. This allows them to obtain a legally recognized marriage certificate that can be used for various purposes, such as visa applications or legal matters.

Planning a wedding ceremony in Qatar

Planning a wedding ceremony in Qatar involves several steps and considerations. First, decide whether you want a religious wedding ceremony (Islamic, Christian, Hindu, etc.) or a civil wedding ceremony. Make sure you understand the legal requirements for getting married in Qatar based on your chosen type of ceremony. This may include obtaining the necessary documents, fulfilling residency requirements, and meeting any specific criteria imposed by Qatari authorities.

Select a wedding venue that aligns with your preferences and budget. Qatar offers a range of options, including hotels, event halls, beach resorts, and cultural venues. Consider factors such as capacity, ambiance, services, and accessibility. Determine a suitable wedding date and time, taking into account factors like weather, availability of guests, and cultural considerations. It's advisable to avoid major holidays or religious events that may impact the availability of services or guests.

Establish a budget for your wedding and allocate funds for various expenses, including venue rental, decorations, catering, entertainment, photography, and attire.

After the wedding ceremony, ensure that you complete the necessary steps to register your marriage legally, either in Qatar or in your home country or embassy/consulate in Qatar.