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Every lawyer in our network is licensed with the UAE Ministry of Justice and specialises in family and personal status law.
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How to File for Divorce in Dubai — Step by Step
The divorce process in Dubai is handled by the Personal Status Court. Here is what to expect:
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Step 1 — Consult a Family Lawyer
Before filing, consult a qualified UAE family lawyer to understand your rights, likely outcomes, and whether reconciliation is possible or desired.
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Step 2 — File at the Personal Status Court
Submit your divorce application at the Personal Status Court in the emirate where you reside. Required documents include your marriage certificate, passports, and Emirates ID.
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Step 3 — Mandatory Reconciliation Session
UAE courts require at least one reconciliation attempt before proceeding. A court-appointed counsellor will meet with both parties. If reconciliation fails, the case proceeds.
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Step 4 — Court Hearings
For uncontested divorce, a single hearing is often sufficient. Contested cases involving custody or asset disputes require multiple hearings.
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Step 5 — Final Decree Issued
The court issues the divorce decree. This must be attested and, for expats, legalised for recognition in your home country.
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Get Free ConsultationDivorce in UAE for Expats — What You Need to Know
Expats make up over 88% of the UAE population, and divorce law for non-citizens has changed significantly following the 2022 UAE Personal Status Law reform.
Non-Muslim Expats (2022 Law)
Under Federal Law No. 41 of 2022, non-Muslim expats can now divorce under civil principles — not Islamic law. Key differences include:
- Equal division of marital assets acquired during the marriage
- Joint parental custody as the default (subject to best interests of the child)
- No mandatory waiting period (iddah) for non-Muslims
- Either spouse can initiate divorce proceedings
Muslim Expats
Muslim expats — regardless of nationality — are subject to UAE personal status law based on Islamic principles. This includes rules around talaq (husband-initiated divorce), khul'a (wife-initiated divorce), iddah waiting period, and mahr (dowry) obligations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does divorce take in Dubai?
Mutual (uncontested) divorce typically takes 1–3 months at the Personal Status Court in Dubai. Contested divorce, where one party disputes the terms, can take 6–24 months depending on the complexity of child custody and financial disputes.
Can non-Muslims get divorced in UAE?
Yes. UAE's 2022 Personal Status Law allows non-Muslim expats to divorce under civil law principles. This means equal division of marital assets and shared custody by default — without requiring Islamic law to apply. The process is handled at the Personal Status Court.
What is the cost of divorce in Dubai?
Court filing fees start at AED 600–2,000. Lawyer fees for an uncontested divorce range from AED 5,000–15,000. Contested divorces can cost significantly more depending on the duration. Many lawyers offer a free initial consultation.
What happens to my UAE visa after divorce?
If you were on your spouse's visa, you have 30 days after the divorce is finalised to change your visa status. You can switch to an employment visa, investor visa, or apply for a 1-year divorce/custody visa if you have children in the UAE.
Who gets child custody in UAE?
Under UAE law, mothers typically receive physical custody of young children (boys until age 11, girls until age 13 under personal status law). However, both parents retain guardianship rights. The 2022 law for non-Muslims allows equal custody arrangements.
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