📋 Complete Guide | Single Status Certificate — UAE
By the Private Notary Dubai Team — Licensed Notaries in the UAE | Last updated: June 2026
What Is a Single Status Certificate in the UAE?
A single status certificate — referred to variously as a non-marriage certificate, unmarried certificate, singleness certificate, or certificate of no marriage — is an official legal document in which a person formally declares before the competent judicial authority that they are not currently married.
The document is issued by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and carries full legal standing recognised by embassies, courts, government bodies, and other official authorities across the UAE and internationally.
This certificate is not limited to women — men are equally required to confirm that they have ended any previous marriage and are not currently married.
There are three distinct types of this certificate, each corresponding to a different personal status situation — and each requiring different supporting documents.
Three Types — Understanding Which One Applies to You
This is the most commonly misunderstood aspect. The correct type depends on your personal history, not just your current status:
1
Never been married
For a person who has never entered into any marriage contract. Required document: a valid Emirates ID only.
2
Not married since divorce
For a divorced person who has not remarried. Required documents: a valid Emirates ID plus an official divorce or separation document. Note: divorce judgements must be accompanied by a certificate confirming the judgement is final and conclusive.
3
Not married since the death of spouse
For a widowed person who has not remarried. Required documents: a valid Emirates ID plus an official death certificate for the former spouse.
When Do You Need a Single Status Certificate?
A single status certificate is frequently required when a civil marriage is being contracted. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 (the Civil Personal Status Law), both parties must disclose that they have no ongoing marital relationships. For UAE nationals and Muslim expatriates governed by Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 on Personal Status, the marriage contract requires a confirmation from the woman that she has not remarried, while the man must clarify the number of wives he currently has.
A person may have been divorced without the divorce being formally registered, or may technically still be married without the marriage being documented. In such cases, a single status certificate cannot be issued until the divorce is proven and legally registered with the court.
🏛️ Embassies & consulates
As a requirement for marriage procedures abroad or visa applications
💍 Civil marriage
When the relevant authority requires proof that no existing marriage is in force
🏢 Government authorities
Any official body that requires notarised proof of marital status
📋 Legal proceedings
Transactions where personal status must be formally documented
Required Documents — Summary by Type
| Certificate type | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Never been married | Valid Emirates ID only |
| Not married since divorce | Emirates ID + official divorce document + certificate of final judgement |
| Not married since spouse’s death | Emirates ID + official death certificate |
📌 Important notes on documents:
- Documents issued outside the UAE must be attested in accordance with official procedures before submission — we can assist with this.
- Documents not in Arabic must be accompanied by a certified legal translation.
- Divorce court judgements require a certificate confirming the judgement is final and conclusive.
Key Conditions Before Applying
Legal capacity — the applicant must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of issuing the declaration. If they are under guardianship, the request must be submitted on their behalf by their legal guardian with supporting documentation.
Valid Emirates ID — a mandatory requirement across all three types. If your Emirates ID has expired, contact us to discuss the options available for your situation.
Voluntary & informed declaration — the declaration must be made freely, without coercion, and the applicant must understand its legal consequences.
UAE PASS app — the declaration is signed digitally via the UAE PASS digital identity app. A verified and activated account is required to complete the signing process.
Steps to Obtain Your Single Status Certificate
Contact us — via WhatsApp with the type of certificate you need and your personal situation, so we can confirm the exact requirements
Send your documents — Emirates ID and supporting documents depending on your certificate type
We prepare and review the application — drafting the declaration and verifying compliance with Abu Dhabi Judicial Department requirements
Digital signing via UAE PASS — you sign the declaration electronically from anywhere, with no need for an in-person visit
Filing with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department — we manage the submission and follow up until the certificate is issued
Certificate ready — officially certified by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and ready for immediate use
📋 Get Your Single Status Certificate — Fully Remote
All UAE emirates · Digital signature via UAE PASS · No in-person visit
Send us your documents for a free initial review and we will confirm the right type and next step — no obligation.
Sample Single Status Certificate (Declaration of No-Marriage Status)
Our office provides the best single status certificate template for Abu Dhabi cases. Here is an example of a declaration for the “not married since divorce” type:
Declaration of No-Marriage Status
I, the undersigned,
Name: ____________
Nationality: ____________
Emirates ID No.: ____________
Address: ____________
Married to Mr. ____________, nationality ____________, Emirates ID/Passport No.: ____________, residing at ____________, under Marriage Contract No. ____________, dated ____________.
I hereby declare that my husband divorced me once, and the divorce was revocable. I completed my waiting period (idda) in the marital home, and my waiting period ended without reconciliation. The divorce has now become an irrevocable minor divorce, and my husband has paid me all my due rights. I no longer claim anything from him.
Signed,
Name: ____________
Signature: ____________
Date: ____________
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the wrong certificate type — confirm your exact personal situation: never married, divorced, or widowed?
- Submitting an expired Emirates ID — a valid Emirates ID is a non-negotiable requirement
- Not attesting foreign documents — divorce or death certificates issued outside the UAE must be attested before submission
- Missing certified translations — any document not in Arabic requires a legally certified translation
- Submitting a non-final divorce judgement — the judgement must be final and conclusive, with a supporting certificate confirming this
- No verified UAE PASS account — signing is digital; ensure your account is active and verified before starting
How Can Private Notary Dubai Help?
The Private Notary Dubai team has assisted clients from across the UAE in obtaining their single status certificate from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department — fully remotely and with careful attention to document accuracy.
- Identifying the correct certificate type based on your personal situation
- Reviewing your documents before starting to confirm they meet requirements
- Assisting with attestation of documents issued outside the UAE and arranging certified translation when needed
- Preparing and submitting the application to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
- Following up until the certified certificate is ready for use
Important Notes Before You Start
- The information in this article is general and does not constitute legal advice
- Requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s procedures
- Acceptance of the certificate rests with the authority to which it will be submitted
- Additional documents may be required beyond those listed here
- Reviewing documents before submission prevents delays and rejected applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a single status certificate in the UAE?
It is an official document issued by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department in which a person formally declares that they are not currently married. It is available in three types depending on personal circumstances.
Is the service only for Abu Dhabi residents?
No. The certificate is issued by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department but is available to residents of all UAE emirates — Dubai, Sharjah, and others — regardless of where they live.
What is the difference between a single status certificate and a non-marriage certificate?
They refer to the same document. “Single status certificate”, “non-marriage certificate”, “certificate of no marriage”, and “singleness certificate” are all different names used for the same official declaration.
Can the process be completed remotely?
Yes. The entire process is completed remotely via digital signature through the UAE PASS app. No in-person visit to any office is required.
Are witnesses required?
No. This certificate does not require witnesses — it is processed digitally through UAE PASS.
Are divorce documents from outside the UAE accepted?
Yes, provided they are attested through the official channels and accompanied by a certified Arabic translation if they are in another language. Private Notary Dubai can assist with the attestation process.
What does “disclosure of no existing marital relationship” mean in a civil marriage?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, both spouses must disclose that they are not involved in any existing marital relationship as part of the civil marriage procedure. This disclosure is mandatory for contracting a civil marriage and is a separate step from obtaining a single status certificate.
When is a single status certificate required after divorce?
Sharia courts often require a divorced person to submit this certificate before remarrying, particularly if the previous marriage or divorce was not properly registered. This protects the applicant’s rights and helps prevent future disputes.
Which authorities request this certificate?
The most common: embassies and consulates for marriage procedures abroad, courts and judicial authorities for civil marriage, and any government or official body that requires formal proof of marital status.
Licensed notaries in the UAE specialising in personal status documents and official declarations from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. We handle files from clients across all seven emirates — every detail in this guide is drawn from direct daily experience.
Final Word
Obtaining a single status certificate in the UAE is a straightforward process when the correct type is identified and the right documents are in place. The key is confirming your exact personal status, ensuring your Emirates ID is valid, and having a verified UAE PASS account ready before you start.
If you are unsure which type applies to you or would like us to review your documents before submitting, send us the details via WhatsApp and we will advise on the right next step — with no obligation.
💬 Send Your Documents for Review
Sources:
- UAE Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 on Personal Status
- Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 (Civil Personal Status Law)
Read Also:
- How to Issue a Declaration of Parentage in the UAE
- Declaration of Dowry Performance in Abu Dhabi
- Declaration to Embrace Islam UAE
Abdul Hamid is a legal consultant with extensive experience in providing legal advice in the United Arab Emirates. His expertise focuses on legal drafting, resolving commercial disputes, and drafting and reviewing corporate and employment contracts.